Second Nature 2026: Full Schedule

10:45am CDT

Beyond Access: An Adult-Centric Approach to Removing Barriers to Play

Saturday October 24, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT

This session centers the adult role in children’s access to play. Through reflection, dialogue, and shared practice, participants explore how adult beliefs, habits, and systems shape children’s freedom, risk-taking, and belonging.

Speakers

Kisa Marx

Kisa Marx is the founder of The Play Lab Foundation. With over 25 years in early childhood education and 17 years running a family child care program, her work and writing center access, equity, play, and liberation. She is an author and speaker focused on designing environments that... Read More →

Saturday October 24, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
TBD - Indoor

Spaces & Experiences

10:45am CDT

Cultivating Partnerships for Inclusive Learning in Garden Spaces

Saturday October 24, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT

TBD - Indoor

Chicago Botanic Garden Nature Preschool has a partnership TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804, an organization that provides inclusive services for all learners. Participants will learn about this partnership and how to encourage collaboration.

Speakers

Emma Walter

Coordinator, Early Childhood Programs & Assistant Preschool Director, Chicago Botanic Garden Nature Preschool

Ann Halley

Director of Early Childhood Programs & Nature Preschool Director, Chicago Botanic Garden

Ann Halley founded the Chicago Botanic Garden Nature Preschool in 2016, a nature-based, emergent program that connects children to the natural world. Ann is passionate about inclusion and accessibility and helped establish a partnership with TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804... Read More →

Hannah Grant

Lead Teacher, Chicago Botanic Garden

Hannah Grant has been a nature educator for 14 years. She's been at the Chicago Botanic Garden Nature Preschool for the last 8 years, where she cultivates an emergent curriculum that is engaging and accessible to all learners. She believes every child should be able to play outsi... Read More →

Saturday October 24, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
TBD - Indoor

Spaces & Experiences

10:45am CDT

Designing for Play: Environmental Affordances that Support Imaginative and Expressive Play

Saturday October 24, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT

TBD - Indoor

This presentation will explore the dynamic relationship between environmental affordances and play and discuss practical solutions to enhance children's imaginative and expressive play experiences in outdoor spaces.

Speakers

Dr. Divya Sood

Full Professor, Occupational Therapy Program, Midwestern University

Dr. Divya Sood, OTD, OTR/L, is a Professor in the Occupational Therapy Program at Midwestern University in Downers Grove. She is an occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience, conducting research focused on developing intervention models to support the participation of... Read More →

Hailey Shah

Student - Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program, Midwestern University

Haliey Shah has a B.S. In Kinesiology from Indiana University-Bloomington. She is currently a third-year Occupational Therapy student at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL. She is also a part of Pi Theta Epsilon, an honors society for occupational therapy students and alumni... Read More →

Susanna Eskandar

Student - Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program, Midwestern University

Susanna Eskandar holds a B.S. in psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is currently a second-year Occupational Therapy student at Midwestern University. She is also a Tiered Occupational Therapy (TOT) scholar, learning to collaborate with school communities to... Read More →

Chrissy Schoepf

Student - Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program, Midwestern University

Chrissy Schoepf is a first-generation honors student pursuing her Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) at Midwestern University. She also works in a rehabilitation clinic and provides home health care for an individual with cerebral palsy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation... Read More →

Saturday October 24, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
TBD - Indoor

Spaces & Experiences

10:45am CDT

Not a Stick! But was a Stick: making toys and tools from sticks

Saturday October 24, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT

TBD - Outdoor

Empower the youngest students to use sticks and simple tools to make toys and tools. we will make magical musical whammy doodles, Spinning Ron Rons, mallets, fairy furniture and more!

Speakers

Sean Shaffer

Nature Engagement Specialist, Chicago Park District

Sean (he/him) has been doing informal early childhood and environmental education for over 30 years from Kohl Children's Museum, The Chicago Academy of Sciences, the Shedd Aquarium and The Chicago Park District. In his latest role, he helps create Nature Play Spaces in Parks, designed... Read More →

Saturday October 24, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
TBD - Outdoor

Spaces & Experiences

10:45am CDT

Where Learning Breathes: Infant learning outdoors

Saturday October 24, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT

TBD - Hybrid

As a Reggio-inspired and nature-based program, even our youngest learners spend a significant time outdoors. We will share how we achieve this and provide tips and tricks that you can implement the youngest in your program.

Speakers

Jenny Guavara

Teacher, Mill Creek Early Childhood Program

Jenny possesses three years of experience with infants at Mill Creek Early Childhood Program, a Reggio-inspired, nature-focused educational setting. Noting that early learners are frequently underrepresented at conferences, Jenny is dedicated to supporting fellow infant educators... Read More →

Emily Braunsky

Mill Creek Early Childhood Program

Emily has five years of experience working with children, including three years at Mill Creek Early Childhood Program, a Reggio-inspired and nature-based setting. She continually seeks out innovative experiences and opportunities for infants and is eager to share her expertise.

Saturday October 24, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
TBD - Hybrid

Spaces & Experiences

12:45pm CDT

Breaking Barriers: Navigating Policies and Procedures

Saturday October 24, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT

TBD - Indoor

Mill Creek Early Childhood Program is dedicated to outdoor adventures beyond a schools' grounds! They'll showcase policies and procedures stamped by the powers-that-be, plus open a brainstorming session on ideas and strategies for implementation.

Speakers

Ilana Marczak

Owner/Founder, Mill Creek Early Childhood Program

Ilana has over 25 years of experience in ECE. She holds a B.A. in early childhood education, an Illinois Director Credential and is a PDS Specialist. In 2015, her and her husband founded Mill Creek Early Childhood Program, a Reggio-inspired, nature-based program.

Valerie DeMeritt

Pedagogista, Mill Creek Early Childhood Program

Valerie holds a B.A. in Elementary Education. She taught Kindergarten for 10 years, taught at a Montessori school for 10 years and has been at Mill Creek ECP for the past 5 years as the school Pedagogista.

Saturday October 24, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
TBD - Indoor

Spaces & Experiences

12:45pm CDT

Creating Nature Art with Natural, Reusable and Repurposed Materials

Saturday October 24, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT

TBD - Outdoor

Creating nature based art doesn’t have to be just sticks, wood cookies and pine cones. You will discover ways to make art with a limited budget using typical art supplies, natural materials, repurposed materials and more!

Speakers

Jenna Downing

Teacher, Oak Leaf Northwest Nature School

Jenna is a teacher with Oak Leaf Northwest Nature School and owns Adrift & Found Art Studio. She has a Masters in Education from DePaul, a BA in Communication Studies/Minor in Art from the University of Iowa and Level 1 Nature Based Teacher Certification from the Association for... Read More →

Saturday October 24, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
TBD - Outdoor

Spaces & Experiences

12:45pm CDT

Designing for Discovery: Hands-On Nature Play Aligned to Illinois Early Learning Standards

Saturday October 24, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT

TBD - Outdoor

Participants will work in collaborative groups designing standards-aligned nature play activities using natural materials and loose parts. Participants will leave with concrete ideas they can immediately adapt for their own early childhood settings, as well as tools for planning future standards-aligned nature play experiences with intention and confidence.

Speakers

Dr. Lindsay Maldonado

Assistant Professor, Early Childhood Education, Northeastern Illinois University

Lindsay holds a Ph.D. in Child Development. She is Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education at Northeastern Illinois University, and currently serves on the NINPA Board of Directors.

Stacy Niemiec

Founder, Executive Director, & Teacher, River Oak Co-op Outdoor Preschool

Stacy holds a BS in Environmental Science, an MS in Child Development, and a certificate in Ecotherapy. She is a founder and teacher at River Oak Co-op, a fully outdoor preschool program in Chicago. Her focus is providing a play-based, child-led program where children can find joy... Read More →

Saturday October 24, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
TBD - Outdoor

Spaces & Experiences

12:45pm CDT

Oh, Deer! : Exploring Trees & Me and Growing Up WILD Curriculum

Saturday October 24, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT

TBD - Hybrid

Learn more about EEAI and our diverse continuing education opportunities. Explore several Project Learning Tree activities and create and take home solid examples to immediately implement in your lessons.

Speakers

Karly Tumminello

Director/Curator, Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum at Benedictine University

Brekke Bounds

Executive Director, Environmental Education Association of Illinois

Brekke Bounds, the Executive Director of the Environmental Education Association of Illinois, is an experiential educator with over 20 years of experience teaching across multiple subjects and across all ages. She is currently focused on training adult educators to bring environmental... Read More →

Saturday October 24, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
TBD - Hybrid

Spaces & Experiences

12:45pm CDT

The Classroom Prairie: Restoring Early Childhood Education

Saturday October 24, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT

TBD - Outdoor

Children are expected to do more at an earlier age, oftn causing unnecessary issues. This session connects basic land restoration principles to early childhood education and shows how prairies are perfect metaphors for successful classrooms.

Speakers

Peter Dargatz

Nature Kindergarten Teacher, Hamilton School District

While his claim to fame might be as a retired racing sausage for the Milwaukee Brewers, Peter Dargatz is prouder for being a father of three nature-loving children, a national board certified teacher, and the coordinator of a well-respected, public school nature kindergarten program... Read More →

Saturday October 24, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
TBD - Outdoor

Spaces & Experiences

2:00pm CDT

Adopt a Tree: An Accessible, Multidisciplinary Project

Saturday October 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

TBD - Hybrid

Adopting a class tree is a rewarding experience that builds scientific observation and literacy skills, emotional development, and environmental kinship. We will explore ways to get started and maintain student engagement throughout the seasons.

Speakers

Melanie Stewart-Clarke

Nature Preschool Teacher, Chicago Botanic Garden Nature Preschool

Melanie is currently a teacher at the Chicago Botanic Garden Nature Preschool. She has been teaching environmental education for well over a decade in various settings across the Midwest to audiences of all ages. She has a Master's of Environmental Education from the University of... Read More →

Saturday October 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
TBD - Hybrid

Spaces & Experiences

2:00pm CDT

Loose Parts Possibilities : How Natural Materials Spark Young Imaginations

Saturday October 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

TBD - Indoor

Discover the power of nature-based loose parts. Explore how open-ended materials spark curiosity, problem-solving, and sensory-rich language while fostering learning, creativity, and environmental stewardship.

Speakers

Marni Nissen Olmstead

Consultant and PD provider, Reggio Chicago

With 30+ years of experience, Marni is a passionate educator and former Columbia College Chicago professor. She currently provides professional development and instructional coaching aimed at creating dynamic, curiosity-driven learning environments that foster foundational skills... Read More →

Amy Marie Ewaldt

Consultant, Chicago Reggio

Amy Marie Ewaldt is a Reggio Emilia informed consultant for Reggio Chicago. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and has worked in progressive education for over 20 years. Her credentials include Illinois K–8 teaching license, Gateways Director Level III certification, WI Registry... Read More →

Saturday October 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
TBD - Indoor

Spaces & Experiences

2:00pm CDT

Navigating a Changing Climate in Early Childhood Programs

Saturday October 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

TBD - Indoor

This session will focus on ways to support children and families in a changing climate. We will discuss how programs can find support and guidance to navigate these difficulties and inspire hope and action.

Speakers

Dr. Sheila Williams Ridge

Director, University of Minnesota Child Development Lab

Sheila Williams Ridge is the Director of the Shirley G. Moore Lab School at the University of Minnesota. She has a BA in Biology and a MA in Education, as well as experience as a business manager and preschool teacher/naturalist. She is a facilitator for the NAEYC Young Children and... Read More →

Saturday October 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
TBD - Indoor

Spaces & Experiences

2:00pm CDT

Water Coloring with Natural Pigments

Saturday October 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

TBD - Hybrid

Let’s spend some time water coloring with pigments found in our natural landscape and in our kitchens/classrooms. You will spend time painting and we will walk through the process of making a pigment.

Speakers

Renee Costanzo

Program Specialist, Chicago Park District

Renee Costanzo is the program specialist at Kilbourn Park's Greenhouse. She has been working for the Chicago Park District teaching early childhood and nature education for over 12 years. She runs the educational programming at the greenhouse and manages the surrounding gardens both... Read More →

Saturday October 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
TBD - Hybrid

Spaces & Experiences