Our Team
Sarah Sperry
Founder/Director
Sarah is a mom of two and after her first baby, she became interested in the role that play took in her child’s development. Sarah has been running process art groups, co-ops and hiking clubs locally since 2010. Sarah combined her love of nature education and art as a certified Tinkergaren leader in 2016, where she also worked for the organization training prospective leaders on how to facilitate play. Sarah holds several playwork training certificates from Pop-Up Adventure Play. In 2020 Sarah founded Wonder Tree Community Play School to offer parents a drop off option for nature education and process art. Sarah believes that learning and playing outside is a fundamental right of every child. While not taking kids outside, Sarah enjoys trail running, camping, biking and adventuring! Sarah and her family live in Haddon Heights.
Lisa Caswell
Director
Lisa has been involved in public education since 2002. She has a master’s degree in elementary education and a New Jersey teaching license for grades K-6. While attending Tinkergarten classes with her own child, Lisa saw the immense benefit to teaching outdoors and became a certified Tinkergarten leader in 2019. Lisa is also a local Girl Scout leader and is on the board of the Center for Environmental Transformation in Camden, NJ. Lisa believes that when children are given the opportunity to play in nature, they thrive. She resides in Collingwood with her husband and three children.
Ayesha Brooks
Playschool Leader
Ayesha is a stay-at-home mom on a self-described delightful adventure with her four-year-old son. Her little explorer has opened her eyes to the beauty of every bug, rock, and flower, turning our home into a haven for outdoor exploration. Together, they have embraced the wonders of nature - from scavenger hunts in the backyard to muddy adventures in the park. Amidst their adventures, Ayesha finds joy in sewing, painting, baking, and crocheting - hobbies that bring color and warmth to their lives. With a background in behavioral health, Ayesha helps Wonder Tree create a nurturing environment that fosters emotional well-being and celebrates every milestone.
Chelsea Capron
Toddler Program Director
Chelsea is passionate about getting kids outside and letting them truly explore with all their senses. She has a master's degree in Occupational Therapy and is a certified yoga teacher. Chelsea has practiced OT in various adult and pediatric settings across the US and abroad. After having two sons, she is leaning into maternal/infant health and fostering community in motherhood. Chelsea enjoys hiking, music, and going on adventures with her family.
Evelyn Diaz
Wondertree & Me Leader
As a former nanny and the mom of two she always brings a playful spirit to her time spent with kids. Evelyn believes spending time in nature and engaging in risky play is vital for developing young minds and bodies. Passionate about community building, she is local to Oaklyn and joined Wondertree in 2023. She cant wait to see you in the forest!
Elsa Salazar
Wondertree & Me Leader
Elsa is a former elementary school teacher and current stay-at-home-mom of 2 littles (3 & 4 years old). Early on as a parent, she realized that everyone in her family was happier when they spent time outdoors. Since then, they’ve been spending as much of their days outside as possible! It started out by making their backyard as much of a “yes” space as possible and has grown to exploring new trails, playgrounds, and outdoor spaces whenever they can. Learning through play and providing opportunities for exploring the world around us are incredibly important to Elsa. The joy of engaging kids in play and then taking a step back to let them take over is unmatched!
Christina Bitar
Summer Camp Leader
Christina is mom to a blended family of seven with kids ranging from 3-17 years old. She is local to Collingswood and an active member of her community and her children’s schools, helping to plan and organize fundraising events for both. Christina brings a love of crafting, Philadelphia sports teams, and enjoying the little moments of life to Wonder Tree, encouraging children in their own creative endeavors.
Laura Guzman Sampley
Summer Camp Leader
Laura is a retired nurse, self-taught intuitive artist, and an enthusiastic gardener. Laura joined Wonder Tree after she and her daughter Lilly participated in Tinkergarten classes with Sarah as their leader. She is a teacher with South Jersey HomeSchool Association in Voorhees guiding her students in Gardening, Messy Art, and Kitchen Skills. Laura enjoys being immersed in the magic of childhood wonder and working with children to create a positive and peaceful learning experience.