Annelies Morsink

Forest Play Teacher

Annelies holds a Bachelor of Education in Kindergarten and Elementary Education from McGill University. Her experience working with children includes being a support aide for a child with special needs in a daycare, nannying, and working as an educator in a preschool classroom. These experiences helped her develop a deep appreciation for the individuality, curiosity, and unique strengths of each child.

Annelies grew up with what she considers a true “90s childhood,” spending as much time as possible outside and barefoot! She spent her childhood swimming, skiing, building forts, cartwheeling in the backyard, climbing, and exploring. Her family even nicknamed her Sprinkhaan (“grasshopper” in Dutch) because she was almost always jumping, moving, and off on her next adventure.

Becoming a mom has given Annelies an even deeper understanding of the individuality of each child. Raising her energetic, curious, and adventurous son, whom she affectionately calls her “outdoor cat” because he insists on being outside, has shown her firsthand that not every child thrives in a traditional classroom environment. One of the most meaningful things she has witnessed through Hudson Forest Play is seeing a sense of calm wash over her son when he is in an environment where it is okay to jump, climb, run, get messy, and explore.

This is what draws Annelies to forest play. She believes children deserve spaces where they can move their bodies, follow their curiosity, take appropriate risks, develop independence, and learn in ways that feel natural to them.

Outside of forest play, Annelies loves spending time outdoors with her family, gardening, exploring local trails, and creating little adventures close to home. She looks forward to sharing with the children at Hudson Forest Play the same gift she was given growing up: the freedom to move, explore, and get a little dirty, all while enjoying and learning from the outdoors.