Founder and Program Director

Originally from Canada and formally trained as a teacher, Maurghen has a passion for children and the great outdoors. A self-proclaimed ‘play advocate’ and ‘nature-mom’, Maurghen is passionate about play-based learning and child-led exploration. With over 10 years of experience working with young children and families, she brings an in-depth understanding of child development and her love of slow and wild childhoods to Wild Wattle Nature Play.

On weekends, you’ll find her exploring new bushwalks with her rescue pup “Rumble”, camping with her family, or working on her never-ending backyard renovations!

Favourite Bush Activity: Making nature wands or finding bugs!

Maurghen is a licensed primary school teacher, certified early intervention therapist and dedicated neurodiversity and LGBTQA+ advocate and ally.

Bush Kindy Guide (Tuesdays)

Sarah is a nature enthusiast, accountant, and local toddler-mum.

With a passion for the outdoors and a knack for playful adventures, Sarah is here to guide your children through unforgettable experiences in our beautiful ’classroom’’.

On weekends, you'll often find Sarah and her family heading to the beach, camping, 4-wheel driving, and embarking on all sorts of other adventures.

Favourite Bush Activity: Playing in creeks and rivers and looking for butterflies!

Bush Kindy Guide (Fridays)

Sarah is an early childhood educator and has worked in various settings over the last 9 years.

Sarah has a love for the outdoors and has spent her life living on a farm surrounded by animals.

On summer weekends, Sarah can be found at the beach or hanging out with family and during winter, snowboarding in the NSW Snowy Mountains.

Favourite Bush Activity: Looking and listening out for wildlife or finding the perfect skimming rock!

Bush Kindy Guide (Camps and Casual Fridays)

Originally from South Africa and formally trained as an Early Childhood Teacher, Taryn recently made the move to the Southern Highlands with her husband, toddler, and doggie earlier this year.

Taryn is a strong believer in learning through play and exploration and is passionate about the wildness of free play.

On weekends you'll find Taryn exploring new trails with her family and camping by the beach in the summer.

Favourite Bush activity: Drawing in the dirt and spotting new birds and bugs.