Natalie Shikoski
My name is Natalie Shikoski and I have been teaching in Green Bay for 15 years. I studied at Marian University, and I previously taught at St. Bernard Catholic School, Chappell Elementary School, and Altmayer Elementary.
In the 2018-19 school year I started teaching at OAK Learning Center, the nature-based 4K at the Wildlife Sanctuary. My favorite thing about teaching at OAK is being outside with the students; every day is an adventure!
We spend up to 80% of our day outside with a naturalist. As we are exploring, the naturalist educates us on plants and animals we discover. The students are engaged with the natural world and learn to care deeply about and take care of the Earth. Literacy, math, and social/emotional skills are woven into our day with Creative Curriculum in alignment with Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards.
Research shows that nature-based education benefits children in many ways: Children develop great cognitive skills because of the heightened awareness and focus of being in nature. Physical skills grow as well; students can take risks (safely) by climbing and jumping off rocks and trees. Social/emotional skills grow as the students develop empathy for animals, which in turn leads to empathy toward people. The best part is that our students (and teachers) are full of wonder and excitement about learning outside!
Jaime Spychalla
Hello, my name is Jaime Spychalla. I joined the OAK Learning Center team as a 4K nature teacher in January 2023. My connection to the natural world has been a part of my identity throughout my life. Early memories include climbing trees, fishing, catching frogs and making dandelion creations. This passion for science, nature and the outdoors has continued through my education, work and life experiences.
I obtained a bachelor of science degree in zoology from UW-Madison and a Master of science degree from Northern Illinois University in curriculum and instruction. I have 20+ years of work experience as an environmental educator and teacher in public schools. The OAK Learning Center allows me to utilize all these experiences to enrich the learning opportunities for our students.
There is so much to be learned in and from the natural environment. In this nature-based program we allow students to become immersed in nature for 60-80% of each day. This helps them to build relationships and make connections with the natural world.
Students also learn literacy, math and social skills based on Wisconsin State Standards. These skills are interlaced with our outdoor learning as much as possible.
Please reach out to me if you have any specific questions about our program.
Paula Brummel
My name is Paula Katherine Brummel. I am one of the Naturalists at Oak Learning Center. I am originally from Minneapolis (Minnetonka), Minnesota. I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Social Work, Youth Studies and Family Social Science. My husband Marc and I have four wonderful children!
I have worked with children and their families for over 40 years. From children's advocate to school counselor to postpartum doula and many, many facets of teaching: my journey has led me to Oak Learning Center. I embrace Oak and this position with a love of the child, of nature and of life; nothing feels more natural than teaching children outside! Whether we are hiking in the woods, climbing trees, discovering bugs, plants and animals, building stick houses or reading in our outdoor classroom; we are growing and learning about ourselves, about the natural world, and about each other and the relationships between them all. Exploring and playing outside with our students carries over and connects to the math and phonics lessons that are taught each morning.
When I am not teaching or raising children you can find me reading, traveling, camping, backpacking, hiking the Ice Age Trail, kayaking or biking.
Andrew Waterman
I've worked for 37 years as an early childhood teacher in Milwaukee, New York City, and then most of my career with the Green Bay Public Schools. I am blessed with a family of five children and five grandchildren. I retired and missed working with children so much that I came back! It is so much fun to work at a nature-based school. To be outside every day learning about plants and animals with the students is a big joy.
I spent a lot of time in the woods all my life: kayaking, canoeing, hiking and backpacking.
My wife and I enjoy our yurt in the upper peninsula of Michigan. We spend a lot of time there.
It’s wonderful to be part of teaching children of such a young age about nature. This is truly a very important thing to do at this time.
Megan Cihaksi
My name is Megan Cihaski. I have a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and I am a University of Wisconsin Extension Certified Master Naturalist. In 2022, I moved to Green Bay and spent the following year working for the Green Bay Conservation Corps at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. The 2023-2024 academic year was my first as a Naturalist at the Oak Learning Center, where I have greatly enjoyed teaching children about nature in such a wonderful setting.
Beyond my experience at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, I have always had a deep love for the outdoors. I enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, backpacking, camping, cycling, skiing, and kayaking. As a Naturalist at the Oak Learning Center, I enjoy sharing my love of nature with my students and helping them understand the vital importance of the natural world.