Description

Welcome back to another inspiring episode of Teach Outdoors! Today, we’re joined by Stephanie Aleksiuk, founder of Thimbleberry Learning, environmental educator, and certified mindfulness instructor based in Calgary. I had the pleasure of meeting Stephanie recently at the National Outdoor Learning Conference in Banff, and the moment we started talking, I knew she needed to be on the show.

In this episode, we dive deep into the power of sit spots, mindfulness, and place-based learning—not just for students, but especially for educators navigating burnout and busy classrooms. Stephanie shares her journey of launching Thimbleberry Learning, her passion for urban biodiversity, and why supporting teacher well-being through nature connection is essential for long-term sustainability in education.

We explore:

• The origins of Thimbleberry Learning and how it supports teachers outdoors
• Why sit spots are powerful tools for adult educators, not just kids
• Simple practices to help teachers begin their own nature connection journey
• How mindfulness and SEL intersect with outdoor learning
• Ways to notice and teach biodiversity even in urban, concrete-heavy spaces
• The role of nature in building motivation, creativity, and resilience

If you're a teacher looking for realistic, grounded strategies to reconnect with nature, support your students more holistically, or simply catch your breath outdoors, this conversation is for you. Stephanie’s perspective is both calming and energizing—just like a sit spot in spring sunshine.

Links Mentioned:

• Learn more about Stephanie and her work: Thimbleberry Learning