OUR TEAM AND OUR MISSION
Brooklyn Wild, LLC is a mission-driven company in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. We function as a low-profit LLC and measure success through our positive impact on our students, families, employees and community above considerations for our bottom line. Our mission is providing the space, time and permission for outdoor exploration and unstructured play to the young and the young at heart. We operate all outdoor classes using the principles of forest schools and adventure playgrounds, with a staff
trained in playwork--a professional approach out of the UK that supports play without judgment. We believe children have the right to play freely and to access the outdoors and communal spaces, and that adults have the right to play too.
Scroll down to meet our playworkers.
STACY BOYD
Founder, Executive Director, and Playworker
Stacy (she/her) is a Sunset Park resident and mom to two boys, ages nineteen and ten, who thrive when they get outside. When her older son entered school, she knew he needed a program with hands-on projects and lots of movement, but she didn’t realize he needed those things because his brain was wired differently. Through her advocacy for him within the school system, and what she learned from experienced teachers and therapists, Stacy started taking him outside for play. It helped him regulate his emotions and develop better balance and gross motor skills—the essentials for sitting still in class! But during the school year—with long schedules and short recess times—getting outside was harder. Her son was often indoors, in an adult-led environment for the school day plus after school. When her younger son headed to pre-K, she wanted something different. So, in 2018, she founded Brooklyn Wild. Stacy has practiced playwork for seven years, and is certified in Advanced First Aid and Pro CPR. She completed playwork training with Play:Ground NYC and Morgan Leichter-Saxby, a leading international play researcher who has worked in the field for nearly two decades. Stacy has a bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology and is a former member of Community Board 7. In her day job, she edits commercial fiction at Harlequin/HarperCollins.
HANNAH LEWIS
Lead Playworker
Hannah (she/they) is an artist, gardener, bird lover, and writer passionate about nurturing children’s embodied connection with the ecosystems they live in. A childhood spent playing outdoors set her on a lifelong love story with Earth and all more-than-human beings, which she continues to explore in her own play and art practice and is excited to share with children at Brooklyn Wild this year. Few things bring Hannah more fulfillment than nurturing trusting, secure relationships with children and witnessing them grow over time— joys she has experienced over four years of tutoring, a year leading an outdoor preschool program in Park Slope, and almost two decades as a devoted aunt. In her free time she can be found reading, camping and walking in the mountains, gardening, swimming in any available body of water, and volunteering in wildlife rehabilitation in the city.
TARAN KILGOUR
Playworker
Taran (he/him) is a graduate of Millennium Brooklyn High School, and a current college student with an interest in Buddhism and meditation. One of his favorite things to do is play and hang out. He enjoys running and playing tag. He's an experienced babysitter and loves helping kids of all ages grow and learn. He's also recently entered training to facilitate healing circles. Taran has worked with Brooklyn Wild for more than four years as a junior playworker and playworker.
CC CALIFANO
Playworker
CC (they/them) is a compassionate and experienced educator with a deep love of learning and creativity. They are an animal loving artist who enjoys photography, writing, theatre, sign language, and exploring the city. CC has performed in musical theatre since childhood, and is an aspiring playwright/children’s book author. With a Master’s in Education, they are passionate about connecting with all types of learners, as well as connecting people of all ages with nature. They are overjoyed to be a part of Brooklyn Wild.
YASMAN YUDEH
JENNY POOLE
HANNAH BOYSKO
CHARLIE DEWITT
Occasional Substitute Playworkers