Who's who at Wild Sparks
Alice Warren
Wild Sparks Manager / Director * Child Protection Officer * I first set up Wild Sparks in October 2013 and now I am currently the service manager for all Wild Sparks services. Previously, I have worked as a playworker, education officer and community artist before undertaking Forest Schools training in 2009. Forest Schools and outdoor play have enabled me to bring all of my favourite things together in one practice: children, nature, free play, creativity and a sense of adventure! No two days are ever the same! I was lucky enough to grow up amidst woods and farm land, surrounded by space to roam, climb, build, explore and admire - so I know what it feels like to be a nature connected child! The reason I set up Wild Sparks was to support local children to get out into the incredible woodlands on their doorstep and experience the exhilarating freedom of nature-based, adventurous play. |
Michelle Rodley
Nursery Manager I have been a school teacher for the last 12 years and have worn many hats within school settings, including drama teacher, music teacher and PE teacher and especially, lover of taking learning outside! I am thrilled to be part of the Wild Sparks team now so that I can combine all of my previous experience in such a special outdoor setting. As a child, I spent hours and hours outside making dens in the woods, climbing trees, playing on hay bales, making igloos in the snow and playing in imaginary worlds with the dappled sun and green leaves of the trees as a backdrop. The experience of having the freedom to explore, play and learn outdoors has given me a deeper connection with nature and a supportive feeling of being part of the ‘bigger picture’. I feel passionate that all children are offered the opportunity to use their brains in a more active way by exciting their curiosity to learn rather than putting them on a ‘one path fits all’ journey. Before becoming a teacher, I trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland as an actor and had some exciting acting jobs in the theatres in Edinburgh and Glasgow. I was also part of a Cbeebies series and was in a film where I even got to see myself on the big screen! The experiences I have had as an actor have been very conducive to working with small children. I love to encourage imaginary play and singing and most importantly, allowing the children a safe, supportive place where they can feel comfortable to lose their inhibitions and be free to explore their creativity. When I’m not at Wild Sparks, I love to go running, dooking in open water and crocheting pretty items. I especially love singing and writing songs with my band, Tathajam. I also have 3 little boys of my own who like to keep me on my toes! |
Sam Brittain Nursery practitioner Having previously worked at the Wild Sparks playscheme in Alyth and Dunkeld, I was keen to take on a permanent position at the nursery. The opportunity to work in such a positive, child-oriented and supportive environment was too good to miss! I come to Wild Sparks with a variety of experience behind me - from children and teenagers to adults with mental health difficulties and elderly people living with Alzheimer’s. All this has proven to me that spending time outdoors, developing a deeper connection with nature and succeeding in a variety of environments is good for our wellbeing! It doesn’t matter what age you are or what you think your level of ‘ability’ is, given independence and the right support, we can all learn and grow in the outdoors. In addition, my time at Wild Sparks has motivated me to recently complete my SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People). Outside of Wild Sparks, you can find me spending time with my mates and with my girlfriend, Hayley. I also enjoy a lot of outdoor activities - climbing, hill running, hiking, exploring, and adventuring as well as playing football and cricket. |
Nikki Edmondson
Nursery practitioner I am a “local” and grew up here in the Perthshire countryside. My background is in Art & Design but have always enjoyed working with children, while accompanying my husband during his time in the British Army I volunteered in schools and nurseries here in the UK and overseas in Cyprus, Germany and Belize. I previously volunteered with Wee Wild Sparks while my daughter attended the nursery. During our time there I was able to witness first-hand the numerous benefits the outdoor nursery experience gives the children. I was delighted with the transformation in my own daughter after only a few weeks at Wild Sparks. Her confidence, resilience and sense of self had doubled and in addition to this she had developed a deep connection with and empathy towards the natural world around her. I couldn’t feel any more privileged and excited to have a permanent role within the nursery. I also do the nursery admin so you will hear lots from me by email about enrolments and other behind the scenes activity. |
Polly Spencer-Vellacott
Lunch Coordinator I make and serve the lunches in the woods every day. My background is in botany so I feel completely at home out in the woods and enjoy my daily walk into and out of the site. |
Fiona Leslie
Nursery practitioner I first discovered Wild Sparks on my student placement in 2019 and was delighted to join the team in August 2020. |
