Episode #490: Heidi Reeves

Heidi Reeves – Founder of Mousewood Forest and Nature Early Learning and Family Centre

Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Heidi Reeves has dedicated her life to nurturing children, families, and educators through compassion, curiosity, and innovation. Her journey in early childhood education began in Vancouver, where she completed her Early Childhood Education training and taught preschool in culturally diverse communities. In the 1990s, she opened her first daycare, Kindercastle—a beloved centre known for its enrichment programs and joyful approach to learning.

Heidi often laughs when recalling a story from her own childhood: at five years old, she announced she wanted “ten children and no husband.” By the time she was thirty, running her daycare and surrounded by ten preschoolers, her wish had, in a sense, come true—though not quite in the way she imagined.

In 2005, Heidi moved to Prince George, where her work in early childhood education continued to evolve. Over the years, she has worn many hats—preschool teacher, respite foster parent, postpartum doula, and parent coach—always with the same mission: to meet families where they are and support them through the most formative years of life.

Her innovative spirit has repeatedly pushed the boundaries of early learning in northern British Columbia. She introduced progressive practices like the Reggio Emilia approach, Forest and Nature School philosophy, and Shanker Self-Reg to local classrooms long before they were widely recognized. These methods shaped her deep belief that children thrive when they are connected to nature, guided by curiosity, and surrounded by meaningful relationships.

In 2018, Heidi received a formal diagnosis of autism—a revelation that brought clarity to a lifetime of experiences and reaffirmed her purpose. She often describes her neurodivergence as a “superpower,” one that fuels her focus, empathy, and creativity. Rather than seeing challenges as obstacles, she has turned them into strengths that allow her to connect deeply with children and families, especially those navigating neurodiversity themselves.

That same clarity led to her greatest professional achievement: the creation of Mousewood Forest and Nature Early Learning and Family Centre, Prince George’s first licensed forest and nature school. What began as an assignment for a college course soon became a movement—a vision for a new kind of childcare community where every child, regardless of background or ability, feels seen, supported, and inspired.

Established as a nonprofit in 2020, Mousewood operates on a five-acre property of meadows, trails, wetlands, and gardens. It offers inclusive, research-based early learning rooted in nature connection, child-led inquiry, and strong relationships between educators, children, and families. Today, Mousewood stands as a first-of-its-kind educational model in northern BC, blending outdoor exploration with emotional development, self-regulation, and belonging.

Despite the regulatory and financial hurdles of running a nature-based school under a Temporary Use Permit, Heidi and her team—supported by passionate parents, volunteers, and community members—continue to pour their energy and resources into creating a safe, inclusive space for young learners.

Heidi’s work represents the best of what education can be: heart-driven, evidence-based, and deeply human. Her story is one of resilience, purpose, and vision—a reminder that when we follow our intuition and stay connected to what truly matters, we can change not only the way children learn, but the way communities grow.

Website: www.mousewood.ca