Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sophia Lewis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sophia, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Discovering my purpose was a gradual process fueled by my love for nature and a strong belief in the importance of early childhood education. It all started with family classes where I brought children and their caregivers outdoors for activities like story time, crafts, and scavenger hunts. Seeing how much joy and learning occurred in these natural settings sparked something within me.
Slowly, these small classes grew into a drop-off preschool program thanks to the support of the amazing community I had built. It wasn’t always easy—there were challenges and setbacks along the way. But with determination and the help of dedicated supporters, we overcame those obstacles for the benefit of the children and families we were serving.
Now, PNWK Forest School serves over 200 families across five cities in the Pacific Northwest. The growth of the program has been incredible, but what truly drives me is the impact we have on the children. Watching them explore, learn, and develop a love for nature fills me with a sense of purpose like nothing else.
Additionally, our outdoor learning approach has shown remarkable benefits for the children’s social and emotional development, confidence, resilience, and cognitive growth. Being immersed in nature provides a rich environment for children to interact with one another and learn valuable social skills such as communication, cooperation, and empathy. They learn to navigate natural challenges together, fostering a sense of teamwork and camaraderie.
Moreover, spending time outdoors allows children to develop a strong sense of confidence as they explore new environments, take risks, and overcome obstacles. Whether it’s climbing a tree, building a fort, or identifying different plant species, each experience builds their self-assurance and belief in their abilities.
In the natural world, children learn resilience by adapting to changing conditions, problem-solving, and learning from their mistakes. They develop a deep connection to the environment and gain a sense of responsibility for its preservation, fostering a lifelong commitment to sustainability.
Cognitively, outdoor learning stimulates curiosity and inquiry as children engage with the natural world through all their senses. They develop critical thinking skills as they observe, hypothesize, and draw conclusions about the world around them. This hands-on, experiential learning fosters a deeper understanding of concepts across various subjects, laying a solid foundation for future academic success.
Overall, the benefits of outdoor learning extend far beyond the classroom, nurturing well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also socially and emotionally resilient, confident, and connected to the world around them. This is our goal at PNWK and what continues to motivate me to connect with educators, families and community organization.
My journey with PNWK Forest School has taught me that passion, hard work, and a supportive community can lead to fulfilling accomplishments. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue sharing the wonders of nature with young children and helping them build a lifelong connection to the natural world around them.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As the founder of PNWK Forest School, my professional focus revolves around providing nature-based early childhood education to children and families in the Pacific Northwest. What excites me the most about our work is the profound impact it has on children’s development and their connection to the natural world. Our programs are designed to immerse children in the beauty of nature while providing enriching educational experiences that promote well rounded growth and development.
What sets us apart is our commitment to creating a supportive community where children can thrive and families can feel a sense of belonging. We prioritize inclusivity, diversity, and equity in everything we do, ensuring that all children have access to high-quality nature-based education regardless of their background or circumstances. To support this cause, we invite others to donate to our Forest For All Fund: www.premiernwkids.com/forestschool-donation
Overall, PNWK Forest School is not just a place of learning—it’s a movement dedicated to nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards, critical thinkers, and compassionate leaders. We welcome you to join us on this journey as we continue to inspire wonder, curiosity, and love for nature in the hearts of children across the PNW!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities that were most impactful in my success were passion, resilience, and community-building.
Passion: My deep love for nature and early childhood education fueled my determination to bring my vision of PNWK Forest School to life. Passion is what kept me motivated during the toughest times and inspired me to keep pushing forward, even when faced with challenges. My advice for those early in their journey is to identify what truly ignites their passion and pursue it wholeheartedly. Take the time to explore your interests, discover what brings you joy, and let that passion be your guiding force.
Resilience: Building PNWK Forest School from the ground up required resilience in the face of adversity. There were setbacks, obstacles, and moments of doubt along the way, but I refused to let them deter me from my goal. Resilience is about bouncing back from setbacks, learning from failures, and persevering in the face of challenges. To develop resilience, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, cultivate a growth mindset, and surround yourself with a support system that uplifts and encourages you.
Community-Building: The support of the community played a pivotal role in the growth and success of PNWK Forest School. Building strong relationships with families, caregivers, and fellow educators created a network of support that propelled our program forward. Community-building is about fostering connections, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. To cultivate a supportive community, prioritize communication, listen to feedback, and actively engage with those you are working to serve. Building genuine relationships based on trust and mutual respect lays the foundation for long-term success.
My advice to those early in their journey is to keep pushing forward, stay true to your vision, and never underestimate the power of passion, resilience and community. When you are unsure or feeling discouraged, reach out to those around you or seek out community resources for support!
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I often find solace in escaping outside, whether it’s through hiking in the nearby trails, gardening in my backyard, or simply taking a leisurely walk in nature. Being surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors helps me clear my mind, gain perspective, and recharge my energy.
Additionally, I reach out to my community for support and guidance. Whether it’s seeking advice from fellow educators, collaborating with local businesses, or connecting with like-minded individuals through networking events, I find strength in the collective wisdom and support of my community.
Furthermore, I utilize the free resources offered by local libraries and community centers to help navigate the administrative aspects of running a business. As someone with a background in early childhood education, these resources have been invaluable in providing guidance on various administrative tasks and streamlining processes to make them more manageable.
Overall, my advice for managing overwhelm is to prioritize self-care, seek support from your community, and utilize available resources to lighten the load. Taking breaks in nature, connecting with others, and accessing free resources can help alleviate stress and empower you to navigate challenges more effectively.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.premiernwkids.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/premiernwkids
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/premiernwkids
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-lewis-5b8685186
