Meet the Team
Highly Qualified
Wild Things Outdoor Learning is lead and run by our founder and creator, Amanda Griffith. As we grow, we will be looking for other highly qualified staff and faculty with a deep love and passion for the outdoors and teaching. Experience in Early Childhood Education and/or Outdoor Education is a plus. Please reach out if you are interested in joining Wild Things Outdoor Learning.
Amanda Griffith
Founder and Teacher
My passion and life's work has been and always will be teaching. I have worked as an elementary and early childhood teacher for the past 17 years and I have loved every minute of it. Along with working at some of the wonderful private elementary schools in the Los Angeles area, I was privileged enough to be able to teach kindergarten for 3 years in the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, and teach early kindergarten and third grade in Singapore for 6 years. It is through these experiences and the people I met there that I learned of forest schools and got a taste of outdoor learning. My interest in these has only grown and I've been reading and doing research on them for years. I have been wanting to start an outdoor school in the area for some time, but was of course nervous to take that leap. Now I have my own babies, and I want a place for them to be able to connect to the outdoors and be the leader of their own learning. I see their natural inquisitive side. I see their immediate love and respect for nature. I see their independence and her personality grow with each new experience. I've always seen that in children as a teacher, but it is even more evident as I have now lived with it each day in my own house for the last 4+ years. I want a place for them to nurture all of these amazing things and more. I want to build that place for them, and for children all over!
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Lead Teacher
Kristine Phoenix-Artinian
Hello, my name is Kristine. I taught preschool for nine years before taking time off to finish getting my bachelor's degree in Child and Adolescent Development. That time off was extended by the pandemic, but during my time away from the classroom I became a docent at Malibu Creek State Park, where I still volunteer. While at the park I lead Junior Ranger programs, assist with school field trips and work in the visitor center. Additionally, my enthusiasm for nature motivated me to recently complete the California Naturalist Training course.
Outdoor learning is a passion of mine, as it truly encapsulates all the values I hold for early childhood education. I have been interested in forest schools since learning about them when I was getting my degree. I am very excited to join the Wild Things Outdoor Learning team to combine my teaching experience and education with my passion for outdoors.
Lead Teacher
Bethany Erredge
Hi, my name is Bethany Erredge and I have loved being a part of the Wild Things Outdoor Team for the past 2 years. I was raised in Minnesota and moved to California around 15 years ago. I have my master’s degree in education and have worked in special education for over 10 years in the San Diego area before taking a break to raise my two daughters. I have a five-year-old and a two-year-old who both love spending as much time outside as possible.
When I was not in the classroom our family loves hiking, sports, swimming, spending time at the beach and camping. This is what makes this nature preschool program so perfect for me and my family. Between my love for the outdoors and my deep understanding of childhood development and the importance of adapting the curriculum to meet each kid where they are- this program allows children that flexibility to learn and grow while surrounded by nature.
Assistant Teacher
Cat Mortilla
My name is Cat, and I am so proud to be part of the Wild Things team! I joined this amazing outdoor school family in 2025, and it’s been such an incredible experience for both myself and my son. I’m a big kid at heart who thrives in the outdoors, so my role as a teacher at Wild Things comes naturally! I’ve lived most of my life in Ventura County. I received my AA in Early Childhood Education from Ventura College and went on to receive my Bachelors in Child and Adolescent Development, with an emphasis on School Age Children. I’m a strong believer that children learn best through play and exploring their curiosities, taking risks, and that the outdoors is one of the best environments for children to flourish. My goal at school is to keep learning fun, while making each child feel special, safe, and loved!