Meet the Team

Director, DSL, EYTS, QTS, Level 3 Forest School Leader

Matt champions outdoor learning and the healing power of nature. His warmth, enthusiasm, and ability to connect with children and young people helps them build confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning. He draws on his own school struggles to support children and young people who find mainstream education an overwhelming and often negative experience. The one-to-one and small group work he once received, often in nature, inspires his compassionate, empathetic, child-centred approach today. Through Goes WILD Education, he offers a nurturing alternative path where every child and young person is seen, supported, and celebrated.

Interesting Facts: I sailed from North Wales to the Azores with the OYC when I was 16 years old. I'm quite a good juggler. I run a FB Group called Dorset goes WILD. My favourite UK bird is a Nuthatch.

Activities Coordinator, GWE Mentor and DDSL

Amanda helps ensure the smooth day-to-day running of our provision and plays an important role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for children and young people. Passionate about supporting those who find mainstream education challenging, she understands the importance of creating a space where children feel safe, valued and accepted for who they are. Amanda brings warmth, organisation and creativity to everything she does.

Interesting Facts: I love exploring the outdoors with my children, especially the beach and forest. I’m a keen nature photographer, particularly when it comes to macro photography, and can often be found pausing mid-walk to take yet another photo of a tiny creature or interesting detail! My favourite subject to photograph is the tiny (but fascinating!) zebra jumping spider.

Becky is an outdoor person at heart and loves spending time in nature, whatever the weather. Being outside is where she feels most at home, and enjoys sharing that passion with children by encouraging them to explore, discover, and learn through hands-on experiences. In her free time, she enjoys water sports, hiking, and exploring new places. Becky loves being active and appreciates the sense of adventure that comes with being outside. She is also a creative person and enjoys using her imagination through arts, crafts, and creating new activities. Becky believes creativity and nature go hand in hand, encouraging curiosity, confidence, and problem-solving.

Interesting Facts: I lived in Tasmania, Australia for ten years, I travelled overland from the UK to Malaysia in 2007 and I also work as a Jeweller, which is my creative passion. My favourite UK animal is the native curled octopus.

Mel has over 25 years experience working with children, young people and families. As a qualified youth worker and outdoor education specialist Mel understands the benefits of working with children outdoors and using nature as a teacher. Mel was founder and CEO of an outdoor education centre in East Sussex for 7 years and developed Forest School provision for primary aged children with special educational needs. She brings her passion for all things nature based, bush craft experience and a sense of fun and child led learning to her work at Goes WILD Education.

Interesting fact: I worked in Tanzania for 4 months with young volunteers from across the world on community environmental projects. I love exploring Dorset with my pooch Juno. My favourite UK animal is the Tawny Owl.

Laura is an outdoor person at heart and loves spending time in nature, going on walks, visiting the beach, horse riding and getting creative outdoors. She also has a real love for animals and enjoys exploring the natural world. As a primary school teacher and ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant), she has experience supporting a wide range of children and understand that every child is unique. Laura is caring, patient and understanding, and enjoys building positive relationships that help children feel confident, valued and supported.

Interesting Facts: In my free time, I love creating outdoor adventures with my two-year-old, exploring, discovering and having fun together. I believe the outdoors is a fantastic way to encourage curiosity, creativity, confidence and emotional wellbeing through hands-on experiences. My favourite UK animal is the Orca.

India has a background in ecology and conservation and a strong passion for connecting children and young people with the outdoors. She enjoys creating hands-on, practical experiences that encourage curiosity, confidence and a sense of connection with the natural world. India has experience supporting children and young people with a range of needs, and understands the importance of creating a calm, supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable being themselves. She particularly enjoys using nature and bushcraft skills to build confidence and resilience while allowing young people to learn at their own pace. With experience delivering curriculum-linked outdoor learning to class size, small group and one-to-one sessions, as well as outdoor clubs and activities, India brings an enthusiastic, creative and encouraging approach to her work at Goes WILD Education.

Interesting Facts: I have two dogs and a horse that I enjoy riding and exploring the New Forest. I live in an old railway lodge and am a keen gardener and grower of flowers. I also previously worked as a ranger at Hengistbury Head and Stour Valley, where I was responsible for the cattle. My favourite UK animal is the Tawny Owl.

Hannah has a great love of the outdoors, nature, wellness, sports and crafts. With a drive to helping children and young people find confidence in their abilities and break down barriers so individuals can realise their potential, Hannah believes this can be achieved through learning led by the individual's personal interests, the right support and positive encouragement. During lockdown Hannah revelled in home-educating her own children, taking learning outdoors every day, with practical activities incorporating movement and creativity. She has experience in working with children through coaching sport and is dedicated to her own development and learning journey, in an attempt to live more sustainably, naturally and in connection with nature. Life is a continuous journey of learning and discovery of ourselves and the world around us.

Interesting Facts: Volunteer projects have taken me to Nigeria and Bulgaria, working with children from underprivileged areas. I was a part of a crew on the Prince William Tall Ship, racing round the Isle of Wight. I like trying new things and learning new skills. My favourite UK animal is the dolphin, for it's playful nature, intelligence and willingness to help others.

Kat has 20 years’ experience across education, mental health, and community wellbeing, she supports people and organisations to create environments where individuals can thrive. She also held senior leadership roles in specialist SEMH education and led national and international initiatives to improve outcomes and widen access for disadvantaged young people. Her work is grounded in psychology, trauma-informed practice, and inclusion. She has also lead nature-based initiatives for neurodiverse groups, reflecting her belief in the powerful role of the environment, especially nature, in supporting wellbeing and connection. Kat brings a strategic, relational, and evidence-informed approach to creating inclusive, impactful experiences for those underserved by conventional models.

Interesting Facts: A visit to the Green School in Bali in 2018 reinforced my belief in learning beyond traditional systems, rooted in sustainability and community. I love going for early morning walks by the sea with my dog Ruby. My favourite UK animals are otters.