True Roots Nature School Program

Angela Yapaola Director of Education and Co-Director of Program 

Angela is originally from New Jersey where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in education and began teaching in elementary school. While teaching she earned her master’s degree in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. She moved to California in 2013 and has enjoyed raising her children in the Santa Cruz Mountains. For the last few years she has been working specifically in Preschools and has found the age group to be her passion. In 2017 she started working and volunteering at Building Blocks Cooperative Preschool where she fostered her love for learning and teaching in the mountain community. In February 2019 she co founded Under the Redwood Trees Forest School which was a school for children ages 2.5-12 years of age, this ignited her enthusiasm for leading a nature education program. In the last ten years her passion for nature education has taken off and she has discovered the importance of a connection to nature for herself and her students. Through researching she has observed that when children are able to explore and discover uninterrupted in nature they are able to find connection to themselves, others and the natural world all around them. She is well connected in the Santa Cruz Mountain and forest school communities and can't wait to share her love for these with others.

Daniel GarciaTeacher/ Outreach Coordinator and Co-Director of Program

Danny is originally from Los Gatos, raised in San Jose, and is fulfilling his dream of living in the Santa Cruz Mountains with his family. Danny's love of nature, teamwork, and teaching the younger generation has led him to places all over the world and local environment. From backpacking trips through Europe to Adventure Camp in Felton, Danny has followed his passion and calling to connect deeply to nature and with those that need it most: Everyone! His experience as an Emergency Medical Technician, volunteer with local fire departments, and educational background in Fire Protection and Administration (Bachelors of Science) has given him a focus on safety and appreciation for precaution in the outdoors. He has a  true appreciation for the  importance of vast spaces that are out there, specifically in this corner of the woods, The Santa Cruz Mountains.