Our Team
Adela Martinez Berg
Founding Director/Head Preschool Teacher
Adela Martinez Berg (she/her) is a CA permitted preschool Director and certified CA Mentor Teacher. Adela grew up in Point Arena and attended Arena Elementary and the Pacific Community Charter High School. She received her BA in Child Development and Master’s of Education in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis in Trauma Informed Practices and ECE Policy/Research from Mills College. Over the past decade, Adela has worked in the Bay Area serving children and families through a diverse range of channels and contexts. Adela served as a leading teacher with Buen Dia Family School, a play-based, arts-focused Spanish bilingual program; and Parent Education Specialist at the Epiphany Center, a residential SUD (Substance Use Disorder) recovery program for women and children (0-3). Adela is thrilled to return to her roots in Mendocino County to partner with the community to bring to life a vision of nature-inspired, play-based, Early Childhood Education.
Jessica Mata
Assistant Teacher
Jessica Mata (she/her) grew up locally in Mendocino County, in Manchester CA and attended Point Arena High School. Jessica is trained as a behavioral therapist and completed her certification through the Inclusive Education and Community Partnership’s program, an organization that serves families with children with special needs via Regional Centers throughout the State of California. Jessica is a Spanish-bilingual educator and family advocate, and is in the process of earning her Child Development permit while teaching at The Forager School. When asked what her favorite part about teaching at The Forager School is, she remarked, “… seeing the children’s smiling faces.” She is excited to be on the team and working towards furthering her education!
Julianne Johnston
Teacher
Julianne Johnston (she/her) has always enjoyed working with children and is regularly inspired by what they can teach her. She’s the proud mother of 5-year-old twins and a long-time local/devoted community member. She obtained her BA from Sonoma State University in 2008 with an emphasis in Child Development and Autism. She went on to get her Child Development Site Supervisor Permit in 2015. She has had the opportunity to work with and support families on the coast for 15 years. She loves gardening, reading, cooking, and singing.
Makinna Hardy
Assistant Teacher
As an educated herbalist and musician, Makinna loves to bring her knowledge to support children opening up to their own creative passions and infusing that with their life experience and learning. While originally from California,she has spent the past seven years studying and working with children in various environments and all over the world in countries including Spain, Nepal, Costa Rica, Peru and more. Getting to be a part of an intimate community whilst supporting in early childhood development has been her greatest guide in life. Makinna aims to come in every day with an open-heart centered approach that cultivates love and acceptance for each child's personal development, embracing every moment and emotion with love and gratitude!
Board Members- 2024/2025
Martine Hughey- President
Kasia Wisniewski- Secretary
Catherine Chin- Treasurer
Lindsay Garlock
Christine Kan
Ali Momeni
Aparna Wilder