The Samara Team
Rachel Larimore, Ph.D.
Chief Visionary* of Samara Early Learning
Rachel (she/her) is an educator, speaker, consultant, and author of multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, and Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade. Her passion and expertise is intentional integration of nature into early childhood education for young children’s whole development.
Prior to establishing Samara Early Learning, Rachel founded one of the nation’s earliest nature-based preschools at Chippewa Nature Center (CNC) in Midland, MI. The creation of the preschool in 2007 was part of her 15-year tenure as the Director of Education. She continued as the director of the program until 2016 when, at her departure, the program served 140 children each year through public and private funding sources. In her tenure at CNC she also co-chaired the Nature Center’s $6 million capital expansion project, which was completed in 2010. The expansion included an approximately 5,000 square foot LEED Gold Certified preschool building. During her time at CNC, Rachel led the creation of a partnership with Bullock Creek Schools to create a nature-based kindergarten and first grade within the public school system.
Rachel earned her Ph.D. from Michigan State University’s Department of Teacher Education; a M.A. in Park and Recreation Administration from Central Michigan University; and a B.S. in Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism, with an emphasis in interpretation, from Colorado State University. Rachel has been recognized for her work by various organizations including the National Association for Interpretation Region 4’s in 2012 with the “Master Interpretive Manager” recognition; First State Bank’s “RUBY Award” in 2013 for professionals under the age of 40; and Exchange Magazine in 2015 with the “Promising Early Care and Education Leader” award. For even more about Rachel, visit www.rachel-larimore.com.
Click here if you’re interested in having Rachel speak at your conference or with your professional learning workshop.
Learn more about Rachel’s current research here.
* Chief Visionary because someone in the organization must stay focused on the overall purpose, or the WHY, of the work being done. This was inspired by the work of Simon Sinek.
Hank
In Memoriam
Our original Director of Joy*, Hank was a German Shorthaired Pointer (“GSP”) who loved to spend time outdoors and napping on the couch. He particularly enjoyed pointing birds, keeping squirrels in line, and chasing shadows. In fact, he was a shadow connoisseur who could easily distinguish between a butterfly or bird flying overhead rather than a human trying to trick him.
Hank lived 12 strong years and for the last six years played an important role at Samara Early Learning. Like the other SEL team members, he had a passion for nature-based play. His primary responsibility on the team aas reminding everyone that life is too important to be taken seriously and we should find moments of joy as often as possible. In fact, he had an incredible knack for calculating 60 minutes and reminding his mom (our Chief Visionary, Rachel Larimore) it is time for the meeting to end and go have some fun. Maybe a frisbee throwing break?! Or a squeak toy?!
* Director of Joy because someone needs to remind us life is too important to be taken seriously
