Corinna Di Luciano

Corinna is a guest on Turtle Island and a first-year Master of Education student in the Developmental Psychology and Education program at OISE. Corinna completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Guelph, majoring in Child, Youth and Family Studies and minoring in Neuroscience. She has experience working with children in various domains and enjoys integrating interaction with the natural world within her work. Corinna is interested in human development and recognizes the significant role nature and the environment play in this process.

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Describe a place in our natural world that you feel connected to.

While visiting my family cottage, I feel most connected to our natural world. I enjoy walking through trails in the forest, swimming in the lake, and waking up early to watch the sunrise. Spending time here and being surrounded by nature is both calming and rejuvenating. I have early memories of exploring nature and observing new sights with each visit!

Naomi Milla-Koch

Naomi (she/her) currently lives on Turtle Island as a guest and is working on the traditional land of the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabeg, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and the Huron-Wendat peoples along with many other Indigenous folks. Naomi is a first year teacher candidate in the MA in Child Study and Education program at OISE. Having come from a background in science (microbiology and immunology) at McGill University, Naomi is passionate about encouraging inquiry based learning and sparking natural curiosity in children.

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Describe a place in our natural world that you feel connected to.

I grew up in a small country town of Wakefield, Qc which is on the territory of the Anishinabewaki and Omàmìwininìwag people along the Tenàgàdino Zìbì (Gatineau River) and this is where I feel most connected to nature. I had the privilege of being surrounded by beautiful forests as I was raised and I appreciate the feeling of deep comfort from the breeze, water and trees around me. I always have a sense of calmness when I am home.

Megan Pham-Quan

Megan (she/her) Pham-Quan lives and works on the territories of the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabeg, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and the Huron-Wendat peoples, among many Indigenous peoples that have traversed and cared for this land. Megan is currently a Year 1 teacher candidate in the MA in Child Study and Education program at OISE. She came to this program from her undergraduate studies in women and gender studies and philosophy at the University of Toronto, and is interested in creating justice-oriented, liberatory spaces in primary/junior classrooms.

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Describe a place in our natural world that you feel connected to.

I grew up a few blocks away from Gabekanaang-ziibi (Anishinaabemowin name for the Humber River). This river has played many roles in my life from teacher to friend. I am grateful for the warm rocks along the shore, the rushing currents, and the minnows that swim among them.

Stephanie Sun

Stephanie is a guest on Turtle Island and is a Teacher Candidate in the Master of Teaching program at OISE. After graduating from U of T with an Honors Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science and Geography, Stephanie worked in the surveying and mapping industry for several years and had the privilege of traveling around Turtle island.  Stephanie has a passion for outdoor and alternative (digital technology) environmental education, and is hoping to support children’s mental health and emotional well-being in her future career.

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Describe a place in our natural world that you feel connected to.

Growing up in Dalian, a coastal city in Northeast China, I feel the happiest when I am close to the sea. The wet and salty sea breeze entering my lungs and passing my fingertips, the sound of ocean waves and squawky seagulls occupying my ears… I feel surrounded by this wonderful memory of me spending hours and days with my parents on a tiny beach at the back of my home.