About Earth Path

Nikki spent the summer breaks of her university career exploring the wilds of Alaska, Yukon, and British Columbia. She lived off the grid, had encounters with wild bison, tracked moose, made medicines from wild plants, foraged for food, saw the northern lights for the first time, and fell in love with the Northern Rockies. These experiences forged a profound connection with the natural world and ignited her desire to share that connection with others in engaging, nontraditional ways that seamlessly blend with the joy of discovery. Her remarkable talent lies in connecting all people to nature, irrespective of their age.

Before joining Earth Path, Nikki spent eight years as a Lead Program Instructor and Creative Director at Pine Project in Toronto. During this time, she gathered extensive experience in the nature education field, including training educators, managing staff, leading nature retreats, teaching workshops, running nature school programs for youth, and facilitating at conferences. Over the past decade, she has diligently refined her expertise as a naturalist, wilderness skills practitioner, and educator, with a specialization in wild edible and medicinal plants, friction fire techniques, and wildlife tracking. In addition to her outdoor pursuits, Nikki is an accomplished writer, musician, and clinical herbalist.

• Emergency Management and Preparedness training with ChrisOutdoors
• Cultural Awareness training with Canadian Bushcraft
• Axe and Tool Safety with Canadian Bushcraft
• Wild Deer Wilderness Skills Program Level I & II Advanced with Pine Project
• CyberTracker Certified Wildlife Tracker Level III
• BEd of Environmental Studies spec. Environmental Culture from York University

After many years in the mountains of BC, Corinne transplanted herself to the hills and forests near Wakefield, QC. Her love of the natural world is expressed in her ever-expanding flower and vegetable gardens, her herbal studies, and her wild-crafting endeavours, which she loves to share with her own children and children in Earth Path programs. Her plant friends provide her with the gifts to make teas, medicine, salves, and creams.

With a degree in geography from Queen’s University, she has worked with a number of NGOs in community development and resource management. Combining her love of nature with her love of people, she has implemented environmental stewardship programs in Canada and Mexico, studied and gardened at the Findhorn Foundation in Scotland, and worked with children in Nepal, Mexico, BC, and Quebec.

Growing up in many culturally and environmentally diverse countries has given her a broad worldview and a profound appreciation for the sanctity of our natural world. In addition to her work with Earth Path, Corinne teaches yoga and dance, is a Reiki Master, and facilitates women’s healing work to foster deep and joyful connection to self, others, and Mother Earth. 

Corinne co-teaches in Earth Path’s nature programs and summer camps at Eco Echo in Wakefield.

Training and Certifications:

• B.A. Geography from Queen’s University
• Standard First Aid and CPR ‘C’
• Completion of 2 nature therapy programs at Findhorn, an ecovillage and international centre for holistic learning
• The Science and Art of Herbalism Course with Rosemary Gladstar
• Cultural Awareness Training with Canadian Bushcraft

Aaniin! Waabishki gayaashk nindizhinikaaz, waabizheshi nindoodem

Brent Lamborn, also known by his traditional name White Seagull, is an Anishinaabe man from the Marten clan, traditionally hailing from the Wasauksing First Nation near Parry Sound. His deep connection to the natural world and curiosity about humanity's place within it began in his youth, growing up in Manitoba. There, he spent countless days under the expansive sky, developing a fascination with insects. Later, he observed the deep, rich interconnectedness of the forest while in the presence of Alberta's mountains, followed by the shifting dynamics of tidal pools in British Columbia.

Brent holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Diploma in Early Childhood Education. He has found a passion in blending these two fields, sharing the world's wonders through hands-on exploration and crafts, while drawing on his knowledge of child development to foster meaningful relationships with nature.

As the resident entomology enthusiast at Earth Path, Brent continually finds himself captivated by the natural world. Prior to joining Earth Path nine years ago, he worked in social services, offering his talents to support Ottawa's homeless population through Shepherds of Good Hope, volunteering at the Ottawa Distress Centre, and conducting STEM workshops and camps in Indigenous and Inuit communities. He now finds himself mainly behind the scenes at Earth Path, acting as Program Director, ensuring that the children under Earth Path have all they need to succeed in their quest for connection.

Cole McLaughlin has been a cherished member of the Earth Path community since 2017. Initially, Earth Path operated only three days a week, and during Cole's first year, he started to find his way and identify what he could bring to the program, drawing from his prior experience with the Pine Project in Toronto.

His six-year stint at Pine Project was formative, focusing on fostering deep connections between people and the natural world. This experience became a guiding theme in his life, and it inspired him to pursue a career in this field. Cole's fundamental intention is to explore how individuals can discover their unique gifts, connect with each other, and form a deeper bond with nature. He does this with playfulness and dedication, hoping to ignite a love for the wonders of life in others.

Within Earth Path, Cole has taken on diverse roles, co-developing and delivering programs, leading school-age programs, running our Adult Wilderness Skills Program, and contributing to building projects. His passion for guiding people toward deeper connections with nature has led him to study under various teachers and schools over the years.

In addition to his Earth Path work, Cole has been involved in organizing events to support adolescent rites of passage through Boys' Sacred Fire Initiation since 2014. His dedication to nurturing young minds on their path to adulthood reflects his commitment to holistic growth and learning.

Aisha has dedicated over six years of her life to working with at-risk children and youth, spearheading the development and management of programs and community-based outreach initiatives in underserved communities and schools. Throughout this journey, she fostered a profound passion for establishing secure and nurturing environments that enable children to connect with their inner selves, venture beyond their comfort zones, cultivate wholesome relationships, and truly flourish.

Aisha's professional path took a transformative turn when she embarked on an exploration of the natural world, delving into the concepts of anthropocentrism and nature deficiency. This led her to a new adventure as she joined Earth Path, where her commitment to nurturing both children and the environment found its perfect convergence.

Currently, Aisha is actively pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Developmental Psychology, aiming to deepen her understanding of the developing minds of children. She aspires to employ this knowledge wherever her life's journey may lead her, furthering her mission of empowering and supporting young minds to thrive.

Brett is an organic farmer and nature educator, and is deeply committed to imparting his admiration for the natural world through the captivating facets of food and agriculture. His passion led to the establishment of Cadence Ecological Farm at Just Food Community Farm, where he has been growing food and seedlings for several years. It was through working at the farm that Brett was introduced to Earth Path, where he began participating in many naturalist and wilderness skills workshops, and eventually discovered his passion and excitement for not only learning wilderness skills, but teaching them.

Brett's journey into the world of Earth Path was initiated through his labor on the farm, where he gained an introduction to the program. This connection prompted his active participation in various naturalist and wilderness skills workshops, ultimately igniting his enthusiasm for not only acquiring these skills but also for passing them on to others.

In 2021, Brett officially joined Earth Path, bringing his infectious energy and enthusiasm to the children through vibrant, interactive games. It's noteworthy that some Earth Path adventures even incorporate visits to his beloved farm, forging a meaningful connection between the program's participants and the very essence of his passion.

Born and raised in Ottawa, Laura currently lives in the east end with her husband, four kids, and dog named Betty. She discovered Earth Path while attending the Oaks and Acorns program with her youngest daughter and it quickly became one of her favourite places to be.

When not frolicking in the forest, Laura can be found taking photos (she also works as a photographer), reading, baking, or chauffeuring her kids to their various activities. She loves coffee, arts and crafts, crossword puzzles, and floral dresses.

Charlotte is a Nature Educator with a passion for child development. As a former special education teacher, she appreciates the many benefits that nature offers to all children, but especially those who don’t thrive in conventional settings. Charlotte believes that every child is unique and deserves to grow at their own pace. 

Growing up in rural Germany, Charlotte learned about local flora and fauna from her father, who is a forester. Charlotte has loved being in nature from childhood on, and as a newcomer to Canada still retains that wonder and curiosity as the kids she works alongside with.

Coming Soon

Ariel has been with Earth Path for almost a year and is currently studying Environmental Studies at Carleton University.

Originally from Toronto, she spent much of her childhood in Caledon, where horseback riding sparked her love for the outdoors. Before joining Earth Path, she completed an arborist program, deepening her knowledge of trees. Outside of work and school, she enjoys camping, snowboarding, and hiking… always looking for an excuse to be outside!

At Earth Path, Ariel loves exploring new areas, searching for plants and animals to learn about, and creating or adapting games to enhance learning. She has gained so much from time spent in nature and is excited to share that knowledge with others.

Pierre was raised in the suburbs of Toronto and was blessed to have a little forested ravine to explore, and to have taken summer trips to the great lake and shield country of Muskoka. He has had a life-long fascination with nature, ancestral skills, and ways. He holds a BA in Outdoor and Experiential Education from Queen’s University.

He has studied wild food, foraging, and herbology with masters such as Sam Thayer, Joe Pitawanakwat, and others. He has also studied wilderness and nature mentoring skills with Jon Young, Mors Kochanski, Ricardo Sierra, and many others, along with countless hours of self-study.

Pierre has been teaching wilderness skills through camps, education centers, and his small nature education business, Rivers and Roots, for over 25 years.

Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, and raised by birch and little creeks, Anya is a naturalist, community herbalist and visual artist. Over the past 10 years, facilitating land-based education and connection has been the thread that has guided them through work in community urban agriculture, horticulture, herbalism and nature mentoring.

Outside of Earth Path, Anya can be found playing accordion, tending medicinal gardens, and running a wildlife tracking club in the countryside. Anya is inspired by folklore, decolonization, and interspecies kinship.

• CyberTracker Certified Wildlife Tracker Level II
• B.A. in Environment and Health
• Family Herbalist diploma from the Vermont Center of Integrative Herbalism 
• Wilderness First Responder

Elise brings a wealth of diverse life experiences to Earth Path. Born on a dairy farm in France, she learned how to steward the land as she learned to walk, run, and breathe. Her journey led her to work as a consultant in international trade for small startups in France, and later, she transitioned to a career in communications and social media in Toronto. During a pivotal time as a devoted stay-at-home mom, Elise tirelessly educated and prepared herself to meet the unique needs of her high-needs children, especially during the pandemic. Now, she embarks on her fourth career as a nature mentor with Earth Path.

As a parent, Elise has personally witnessed the positive impact that Earth Path has had on her children, and it's this transformative experience that she is eager to share with others.

Elise is happiest lying in stillness beneath a tree, feeling safe surrounded by bird chatter, the scent of the forest, the dance of sunlight in the leaves. That's her favourite version of a sit spot. This, she declares, is her favorite form of a "sit spot."

Coming Soon

Kate is a Toronto-based Inclusive Designer and Outdoor Educator with over thirteen years of experience in the design field. They hold a Master of Design in Inclusive Design, with a research focus on accessibility in outdoor education - a passion that continues to shape their work at the intersection of nature, learning, and equity.

Kate is best known for their deep love of plants, creative spirit, and ever-growing collection of craft projects in various states of completion. Outside of work, you'll often find them foraging in the forest, tending to their indoor jungle, or carving turns down Ontario’s so-called "steep" black diamonds - always with a sense of curiosity and adventure