Communitree Consulting, LLC. is dedicated to partnering with child-focused organizations and child experts that concentrate on health, wellness, and education. Our mission is to break down barriers that hinder the use of outdoor environments as integral spaces for whole child development. By fostering collaboration, partnership, and innovative strategies, we aim to transform perceptions and practices, advocating for the outdoors as a dynamic venue for nurturing every aspect of a child's growth.
It is averaged that U.S. children spend 3-8 hours in front of a screen per day and only 4-7 minutes in unstructured play outdoors. True childhood has been taken away from children and the effects are astounding. More children than ever are dealing with anxiety, depression, obesity, and lack of true connection to the real world.
Natural and authentic, child-led time in nature has been taken away from the majority of children. As child experts, we create beautiful, inspiring environments and programs for today’s children to grow in. Often, we forget that Mother Nature does that too. Taking childhood outside creates a culture of peace and respect, bringing out the natural and practiced skills of the child to be a better steward for the Earth and Humanity. And let’s not forget that it is just plain fun!
Outdoor experiences support emotional, behavioral and intellectual development. Studies have shown that children who play and learn outdoors develop a sense of self, independence, confidence, creativity, decision-making and problem-solving skills, empathy towards others, motor skills, self-discipline and initiative. It is time to reclaim childhood. CommuniTree Consulting can help your organization take your children outdoors to thrive as they grow on the inside while outside.
At Communitree Consulting, we are passionate about creating a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive, explore, and learn in the great outdoors. By partnering with us, businesses can play a vital role in advancing this vision and creating opportunities for children to grow on the inside while outside.
Through our consulting services, we offer tailored solutions to businesses seeking to integrate outdoor experiences into their frameworks for child health, wellness, and education. Our approach emphasizes the following key principles:
We believe in the interconnectedness of physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Our programs and strategies prioritize the holistic development of children, recognizing the profound impact that outdoor experiences can have on each of these dimensions.
We work tirelessly to identify and address barriers that inhibit children's access to outdoor spaces. Whether these barriers are logistical, cultural, or systemic, we collaborate with businesses to devise inclusive approaches that ensure all children have the opportunity to benefit from outdoor exploration and learning.
We are committed to raising awareness about the importance of outdoor play and learning in child development. Through educational initiatives and advocacy campaigns, we strive to influence policies and perceptions, encouraging greater recognition of the outdoors as an invaluable resource for children’s well-being.
We recognize that meaningful change requires collective effort. That's why we prioritize collaboration with businesses, organizations, educators, parents, and communities. By working together, we can leverage our collective expertise and resources to create lasting impact and positive change for children everywhere.
We embrace innovation and creativity as essential drivers of progress. Our consulting services emphasize the development of innovative approaches and solutions that empower organizations to reimagine their practices and unlock new opportunities for promoting child wellness and education through outdoor experiences.
Courtney is a dedicated educator with a rich and diverse background in fostering young minds. With years of experience teaching in the classroom, Courtney transitioned to a prominent role at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, where she managed child, family, and school programs.
Currently, Courtney uses her expertise to support both formal and informal educators through Miami University’s Project Dragonfly Master’s Program, guiding them in the use of nature and inquiry-based learning and leading them to conservation hotspots around the world. She also creates and leads workshops for Xavier University students, the Greater Cincinnati Center for Montessori Education, 4C for Children, and various conferences. In addition, Courtney develops innovative STEM curricula for Discovery Education.
A proud Cincinnati mama, Courtney is deeply invested in the nature experiences of her own children, who attend both Cincinnati Public Schools and nature-based early childhood programs. She is passionate about ensuring that all children have access to the best, outdoor opportunities for growth and learning.