Meet Our Guides
The Heart of Our St. Thomas Nature School
At Good Leaf, we believe that nature is the best classroom, but it takes passionate mentors to truly spark a child’s curiosity. Our dedicated team of Guides facilitates hands-on, place-based learning for children across the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Drawing on Waldorf-inspired practices, our Guides do more than teach — they immerse students in the outdoors to foster holistic growth, scientific thinking, and a lifelong love of learning.
Get to know the inspiring individuals nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards at our St. Thomas outdoor education center!
Sarah
Good Leaf Pod Coordinator
Sarah Haynes-Brin serves as the Good Leaf Pod Coordinator, bringing her degree in Environmental Science and her passion for hands-on education to the heart of the program. She believes students learn best through real-world, experiential opportunities that connect them to nature and their community. Sarah integrates outdoor exploration, garden-based learning, and collaborative projects to foster curiosity, confidence, and environmental stewardship. Her goal is to cultivate not only strong academic foundations, but resilient, engaged learners who thrive through doing.
Ella
Forest Pod Leader
Hi! I’m Ms Ella, and I’m honored to be the lead educator for the Good Leaf Forest Pod. Born and raised here on St Thomas, the time I spent outdoors as a child immersed in nature shaped my growth and love of learning. With a background in Biology and Sustainable Development I have worked in various roles in education and science , but my heart has always been in helping children connect deeply with nature. I believe learning should be rooted in place and play—in the land beneath our feet, the culture that surrounds us, and the wonders waiting outside each day. My goal is to nurture curious, confident learners who feel at home in nature, love these islands we call home, and carry that sense of gratitude and connection wherever they go.
Ella
Forest Pod Leader
Hi! I’m Ms Ella, and I’m honored to be the lead educator for the Good Leaf Forest Pod. Born and raised here on St Thomas, the time I spent outdoors as a child immersed in nature shaped my growth and love of learning. With a background in Biology and Sustainable Development I have worked in various roles in education and science , but my heart has always been in helping children connect deeply with nature. I believe learning should be rooted in place and play—in the land beneath our feet, the culture that surrounds us, and the wonders waiting outside each day. My goal is to nurture curious, confident learners who feel at home in nature, love these islands we call home, and carry that sense of gratitude and connection wherever they go.
Trecia
Middle School Pod Guide
Hi! I’m Mrs. Trecia, and I have the joy of teaching Math and ELA in our nature-based homeschool pod. As someone who experienced both public and private schooling on St. Thomas, I returned home after earning my teaching degree from Western Maryland College and have spent over thirty years helping students grow on the island. During that time, I pursued a Master’s in Education from the University of the Virgin Islands and continued to expand my skills through professional development- experiences that gave me the unique perspective of being a student again after years in the classroom as a teacher.
Trecia
Middle School Pod Guide
Hi! I’m Mrs. Trecia, and I have the joy of teaching Math and ELA in our nature-based homeschool pod. As someone who experienced both public and private schooling on St. Thomas, I returned home after earning my teaching degree from Western Maryland College and have spent over thirty years helping students grow on the island. During that time, I pursued a Master’s in Education from the University of the Virgin Islands and continued to expand my skills through professional development- experiences that gave me the unique perspective of being a student again after years in the classroom as a teacher.
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Throughout my career, I’ve envisioned a more holistic approach to learning—one that combines academic rigor with real-world relevance, reflection, movement, and a deep connection to nature. Discovering Good Leaf’s mission reignited my passion for teaching and inspired me to come out of retirement to join this community of hands-on, outdoor learners. My goal is to spark curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving while helping students build a lifelong love of learning and the natural world.
Adam
Middle School Pod Guide
I'm Adam, and I'm so grateful to be a part of the Good Leaf Education Association. I have been an educator, wellness practitioner, and lifelong ocean enthusiast with more than 20 years of experience helping young people connect with themselves and the natural world. With a B.S. in Marine Biology from the University of the Virgin Islands and certifications in breath work healing, yoga, mindfulness, and CPR/First Aid, I blend science education with holistic wellbeing practices to support growth and balance in my community.
Adam
Middle School Pod Guide
I'm Adam, and I'm so grateful to be a part of the Good Leaf Education Association. I have been an educator, wellness practitioner, and lifelong ocean enthusiast with more than 20 years of experience helping young people connect with themselves and the natural world. With a B.S. in Marine Biology from the University of the Virgin Islands and certifications in breath work healing, yoga, mindfulness, and CPR/First Aid, I blend science education with holistic wellbeing practices to support growth and balance in my community.
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I’ve taught a wide range of science, math, and character-development courses at Antilles School and have led youth programs through the University of the Virgin Islands, Rotary International, and my own wellness and adventure business, Upful Life LLC. As a dedicated waterman and international paddleboard competitor, I draw inspiration from the ocean and bring that sense of connection into everything I do.
Through movement, mindfulness, and environmental awareness, my mission is to help others cultivate resilience, presence, and a deeper connection to the world around them.