Meet the Team
The Wild Kind Collective is a not for profit organisation with six co founders who share a passion for education, nature and the environment. Our team first worked together as part of the education team for a large animal welfare charity. We have extensive experience and have inspired thousands of children over 10 years to foster a connection to animals and nature whilst building wellbeing, resilience and new skills. We have strong connections to the local community and our community interest company will strive to continue this invaluable work.
Elsa Adams - She/Her - Director
Since a young age I have felt most at home in nature and around animals. I've been lucky enough to be able to combine my passions for the environment and wellbeing throughout my career and find immense joy through inspiring young people to connect to nature, develop compassion for all kinds and build their own resilience, confidence and enjoyment in outdoor settings.
I have been working with children and young people for 6 years in a variety of settings including youth work, education and volunteering.
I began my career volunteering for youth provisions during the Covid 19 pandemic to help young people avoid isolation and improve wellbeing. This led to working as an Youth Education Officer at an animal welfare charity where I got the opportunity to educate and inspire young people on the benefits that slowing down in nature have on our emotions and building compassion for the natural world and creatures that live in it. I am very passionte about the intersection between connecting to nature, compassion to our environment and mental health. I believe community and belonging is something we all need more of and hope that through starting The Wild Kind Collective, we can break down barriers for young people and make real personal and environmental change.
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I am very passionate about sustainable practices, reducing waste and making sessions as eco friendly as possible in order to reduce our impact of the environment.
When I'm not in the woods I enjoy sea swimming, clay crafts and spending time with my beloved cat Millie.
Emily Hedley - She/Her - Director
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Growing up in the countryside, I’ve always felt most at home in nature. The woods have always been my happy place.
With a degree in Contemporary Crafts Practice, I’m continually inspired by the patterns in nature and its ability to regenerate and grow. Its quiet beauty in organised chaos brings me a sense of calm in an extremely busy world. Creating art in any form is a powerful way to express ourselves, communicate what words sometimes cannot, and gently explore difficult emotions. The process of making encourages us to slow down, be present, and find a sense of calm.
For over 13 years, I’ve worked in community education, and it’s where my heart truly lies. I love bringing people together to learn, create, and connect. Over the years, I’ve worked with people of all ages, from babies to adults, but it’s youth work that brings me the greatest joy. Adolescence is often a time when life becomes busier, more pressured, and more serious. Offering young people a space to slow down, notice the world around them, and rediscover their innate sense of curiosity and play helps build resilience, confidence, and a lasting connection with nature.
As a mother of two young children, I see every day the incredible benefits of spending time outdoors, but I also understand how easily busy lives can get in the way. That’s why I co-founded The Wild Kind Collective alongside my previous colleagues and friends, to support not only children and young people, but our whole community. I’m excited to explore new ways we can come together and work towards a shared goal: making nature accessible for everyone.
Stephanie flavin - She/Her - Director
I’ve always had a passion for the outdoors, and finding out about the animals and creature we share it with. As a young child I wanted to be a marine biologist and move to Canada to study orcas (hello 1990s cult classic Free Willy), but discovered whilst at university, volunteering in a school, that I really enjoyed working with and supporting in the Early Years.
I’ve worked in Early Years Education for over a decade, and hold Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) and a Masters in Early Education. Working for a large animal charity for the last four years in the education department gave me the opportunity to combine both of my passions - our world, animal welfare and early years education.
I’m passionate about our youngest citizens developing a respect and wonder for the outdoors, where we live and the animals we share it with from a young age. Since becoming a Mum of two, I’ve realised that sometimes getting out and about in nature is not as easy as it used to be, and this has made me think more about the barriers that prevent children and families from accessing nature. Through our work at the Wild Kind Collective, we hope to change that, and give everyone the chance to see and appreciate our world, and how we can both enjoy the spaces it provides, and respect and care for the animals and creatures that share it with us.
Samatha Cattermole - She/Her - Director
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From an early age, I have been captivated by the natural world and the sense of adventure it inspires. Through my involvement in the Guiding and Scouting movements, I eagerly embraced outdoor activities, expeditions, and challenges; experiences that sparked a lifelong passion for exploration. This passion led me to spend two years backpacking around the world, immersing myself in diverse environments from deserts to rainforests and developing a deep appreciation for the beauty and importance of the natural world.
I went on to complete a Bachelor of Education degree with Honours in Outdoor Education and have enjoyed a career of more than 20 years as a primary school teacher. For a decade, I combined my love of education and the outdoors as a Schools Officer for a large charity, delivering programmes focused on animal welfare and outdoor learning.
I firmly believe that, in today's increasingly busy and technology-driven world, connecting with nature is essential for our wellbeing and mental health. By inspiring children through meaningful experiences in the natural world, we can nurture curiosity, resilience, and a sense of responsibility for the environment. I am passionate about promoting a holistic approach to education that supports both personal wellbeing and a lifelong commitment to caring for our planet.
Sophie Fry - She/Her - Co Founder
I have always been passionate about the natural world and the positive impact it has on our health and wellbeing. Through The Wild Kind Collective I have the pleasure of supporting children and families to access the outdoors through safe, welcoming, and inclusive experiences that encourage a connection with nature, build confidence, and inspire curiosity about the wildlife and green spaces around us.
With over 18 years of experience in Early Years education and family support, I have worked with children and families in a variety of outdoor settings, including woodlands, farms, and beaches. I enjoy creating opportunities for families to explore, play, and learn together while experiencing the many physical, emotional, and developmental benefits that time in nature can bring.
I hold a BA (Hons) in Early Years Childcare and Education, along with further study in Early Childhood Studies. Throughout my career, I have developed extensive knowledge of child development, outdoor learning, and inclusive practice. I am particularly passionate about supporting neurodivergent children and families, using approaches such as Makaton to help create accessible and welcoming experiences for everyone.
Outside of work, you'll usually find me exploring the outdoors with my young family. I feel incredibly lucky to live in Hastings, surrounded by beautiful green spaces and the sea. I love camping, kayaking, discovering new places in nature, and spending time with my hens. Sharing my love of the outdoors with others is at the heart of everything I do, and I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy, connection, and wellbeing that nature can offer.
Rachael Thornby - She/Her - Co Founder
I am a qualified primary school teacher with over 15 years of experience working with children, both in and beyond the classroom.
Throughout my career, I have been passionate about inspiring children to be the very best version of themselves. I believe that developing respect for others, as well as for the natural world around us, is a valuable life skill that helps children grow into kind, confident, and compassionate individuals.
I also believe in the importance of slowing down and appreciating the beauty of our local environment. Some of my happiest childhood memories were made outdoors camping with friends and family, exploring woodlands, and spending time at the beach. Those experiences inspired a lifelong love of nature that I now enjoy sharing with others.
You'll often find me walking my little dog through the woods or along the beach, and whenever I get the chance, paddleboarding on the river.
Helping children build confidence, develop resilience, and discover the joy of the outdoors is something I truly love. I can't wait to share exciting adventures, create lasting memories, and help every child flourish.
All our staff members are trained on safeguarding procedures, hold DBS's and are first aiders. Additional qualifications and certificates include:
Samantha - Forest School Leader
Elsa and Rachael - Mental Health First Aid Champions
Stephanie and Sophie - Pediatric First Aid