Meet Colleen
Founder and Lead Educator
With over a decade of experience in early childhood education, Colleen is passionate about creating thoughtfully designed, nature-inspired learning experiences that nurture the whole child. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education with certifications in Early Childhood and Special Education and is completing her second Master’s in School Building Leadership. Colleen believes in fostering curiosity, creativity, and meaningful connections through research-based, developmentally appropriate practices, and she is deeply committed to honoring each child’s unique pace and developmental journey.
She spent more than ten years as a Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT) in New York, supporting young children and their families through individualized learning, preschool evaluations, and collaborative guidance. She later co-created a New York–based SEIT agency, where she now serves as a supervisor, mentoring educators and promoting thoughtful, high-quality early learning practices.
Colleen founded Nestwood Studio to continue her professional growth and remain actively engaged in child-centered learning while working remotely for the agency. Now based in New Jersey, she is dedicated to creating a nurturing, inspiring environment where children can explore, imagine, and grow at their own pace, guided by curiosity and a love of learning.
Rather than relying on rigid classroom structures, Colleen designs educational labs—flexible, child-led learning spaces that evolve with the interests and needs of each group. These dynamic environments support autonomy, collaboration, and sensory exploration, encouraging children to think critically, solve problems, and build strong social-emotional skills. Research—and lived experience—shows that these kinds of environments not only deepen learning but also reduce stress and decrease behavioral challenges by honoring each child’s developmental rhythms and need for movement, connection, and choice.
We believe in nurturing confidence from the inside out.
We believe in strengthening the bond between children and caregivers through shared wonder and exploration.
We believe in helping little ones build friendships that grow alongside them.
We believe in celebrating the pure joy found in every moment of authentic play and discovery.
We believe in the magic of siblings exploring together—learning alongside each other, inspiring one another, and deepening their bond through shared wonder.
Our Why
Nestwood Studio was founded from a deep respect for early childhood and the belief that young children thrive when given the space to imagine, explore, and connect—especially in the natural world. We’ve seen the joy, creativity, and confidence that emerge when children are guided by their own curiosity and supported by engaged, present caregivers. Our work is rooted in the idea that learning should feel like an adventure, not a task—and that childhood is something to be protected, celebrated, and shared.
We also recognize that many behavioral challenges in young children arise when they are placed in overly structured environments that emphasize academic achievement too early. At Nestwood Studio, we believe that when we remove unrealistic expectations and allow children to learn through movement, play, and exploration, we see fewer behavioral struggles—and more authentic growth. What is often viewed as negative behavior is oftentimes developmentally appropriate expression.
At Nestwood Studio, we aim to reimagine early education as something rooted in rhythm, not routine; in relationship, not rigidity. We believe that when children are given the freedom to explore, move, and wonder—especially in nature—they develop not only academic readiness, but also empathy, resilience, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Our Mission
Guided by the Charlotte Mason and Reggio Emilia philosophies, our mission is to provide nature-inspired, child-led learning experiences that nurture the holistic development of young children through meaningful play, creative exploration, and collaboration with families. We create thoughtfully designed environments—both natural and built—where children are encouraged to wonder, discover, and engage deeply with the world around them.
Our Vision
We envision a world where early childhood is honored as a sacred and essential stage of life—where learning is not rushed, but allowed to unfold naturally through play, imagination, and connection with the world around us.
