STARCREST NATURESCHOOL
Quality Pre-School Education for Ages 2-5
StarCrest NatureSchool is here to provide our students a place where they can have fun, learn, face challenges, and master new skills. Our mission is to inspire a love of learning informed by play and a connection to nature. We aim to support and nurture thoughtful, caring, and informed individuals who are confident in action and thought, while becoming friends for the earth.
How do we achieve our mission statement?
We center all of our schools and camps on our 5-Star Values: Seek, Support, Spirit, Service, and Skill.
Seek: We give our students the opportunity to explore the world around them and inspiring curiosity.
Support: Our students are encouraged to help friends whenever they need and learn to ask for assistance when needed
Spirit: Whether you're at StarCrest for camp or school, we put an emphasis on fun and play, giving your child the opportunity to be themselves.
Service: All of our programs focus on making the world a better place and participate in a service project.
Skill: Our learners obtain new lessons everyday and strive to get better at things they already know how to do.
Cheyenne (Nature School Co-Director, Head of Education)
My name is Cheyenne Mendiola. I am thrilled to be able to welcome you aboard the StarCrest NatureSchool community. My higher education journey started at East Los Angeles College where I competed in the
About Our Directors
Speech and Debate team. In 2019, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development with an atypical development emphasis from California State University, Los Angeles. I have multiple years of experience working with young children. I have worked as a residential camp counselor, tutor and special ed preschool teacher along with years of volunteer experience in a preschool setting.
As a teacher, I want children to help mold the way they learn. I believe children can learn from peer experiences and should never be limited to knowledge from their teacher.
Education has always been important to me. From an early age, I knew I wanted to be a part of the education system but was not sure how until I reached college. Performing arts has also been an important part of my life. I grew up dancing hula, acting in theatre/musical theatre and singing in the choir.
My outdoor experience includes being a residential camp counselor. I encouraged my campers to find beauty in nature and to understand the environment surrounding us can be our classroom. When not working, I enjoy playing guitar, crafting, watching movies, cooking, and going to museums or theme parks.
Education: Child Development - California State University, Los Angeles (2019)
Outdoor Education Certification - Outdoor Classroom Project
Kirstie (Camp StarCrest Director, Nature School Director of Administration)
My name is Kirstie Rodden, and I am very excited that you're looking to join the StarCrest family! I am originally from central Ohio, but moved to California to teach outdoor education and work in the entertainment industry. I received a Bachelor's Degree in Film and Theatre from the Denison University, and my MFA from National University. I have experience teaching students from 12 months to college-aged. Additionally, I've run summer camps (day and overnight) and coach cheerleading and tumbling.
I have a true passion for working with all ages, especially outdoors!! Helping each child progress in all areas of their development—academic, social, and athletic/ motor —is a challenge that I am honored to accept daily. While my role at StarCrest mostly deals with parent relations and outreach, I strive to create a community of teachers, learners, and campers that nurtures growth in a positive, fun environment.
I also enjoy reading, hiking, writing, and spending time with friends and family.
I look forward to working together with you as partners in your child’s growth and development!
Education: Film/ Theatre/ Communication - Denison University (2016)
Film Production/ Marketing - National University (2021)
Experience: Forest School Lead Teacher & Teaching Assistant (LM Forest School), Overnight Camp Director (Camp StarCrest), Assistant Gymnastics Director (Lake Bryn Mawr Camp), Cheer Team Head Coach (Magnitude Cheer), Outdoor Education Program Instructor (Thousand Pines Outdoor Education), Summer Programs Head Counselor (New York Film Academy)