About Nature Niños New Mexico
Nature Niños' mission is to expand access to the outdoors, share all it has to offer, and invite youth and families who might not readily access the outdoors into a safe, and welcoming community where we build skills and grow the next generation of conservationists, land stewards, and recreationalists.
We are an entry point to the outdoors for all who find themselves with any form of "nature nerves." We provide safe, and welcoming spaces to invite youth and families to make their own connections and memories with nature. Our goal is to introduce and encourage all New Mexicans, of all ages, to explore and enjoy our lands and waters safely and freely. We spend time introducing youth to their eco-identity through the visual arts, music, theater, spoken word and other mediums while encouraging their creativity and personal expression. We expand access to the outdoors, share all it has to offer, and build skills to grow the next generation of conservationists, land stewards, and recreationalists.
The Nature Niños Approach
WE LISTEN we listen deeply to the communities we serve, co-creating place-based outdoor experiences that reflect local culture, needs, and voices
WE PROVIDE we offer inclusive programming that honors community culture and is accessible through free, low-cost, or sliding-scale options to ensure all youth & families can participate
WE PARTNER with schools, teachers, and organizations across New Mexico to expand the horizons of outdoor education and uplift our collective work.
What We Do
Programming
Nature Niños' trusted, professional team offers many free and low-cost opportunities for kids and families including summer camp, day programs, family hikes, and events throughout the year. Together, across generations, we learn to fish, hike, shoot a bow, harvest and eat wild foods, track wild game, nature journal, and so much more. We spend time introducing youth to their eco-identity through the visual arts, music, theater, spoken word and other mediums while encouraging their creativity and personal expression. Whether you're an experienced explorer or new to the outdoors, there is a place that's just right for your family and we're here to help you find it.
School Partnerships
Nature Niños works with New Mexico schools to offer nature and place-based opportunities throughout the school year. These school-time hands-on experiences are expert-guided and age-appropriate. We cover academic standards while also creating memorable adventures, developing social-emotional skills, and connecting students to themselves, each other, and the natural world. Our staff focus on building relationships with the youth to ensure a positive mentorship opportunity in an outdoor setting and guiding youth to start thinking about potential career pathways in conservation. Outdoor education has so many benefits that we'd love to bring to your school!
Teacher Workshops and Professional Development
In response to research, outdoor learning has become a priority for schools, districts, and public education departments across America. In 2021, New Mexico passed legislation in support of outdoor classrooms and professional development. The Nature Niños team has been preparing for this exciting new horizon. As New Mexico's lead for Project Wild, we pair decades of experience in outdoor education focused on public lands with partnerships across the country. We offer workshops, a toolkit, and professional development opportunities for teachers who are interested in developing research-backed skills in a peer-driven community of outdoor educators.
Youth Program Development & Consultation
Although we're headquartered in central New Mexico, our mission is statewide and we are working to provide extension sites throughout the state. We partner with communities and organizations across the state to advance their community-driven visions and plans for youth and family programs that connect the next generation to the outdoors and everything it has to offer.
Visit our Programming page to see all the amazing opportunities that Nature Niños is offering our New Mexico youth, from PreK to High School.
Recognition
Meet the Nature Niños Staff
Nature Niños is a team of staff dedicated to encouraging nature experiences and broadening our youth's knowledge in environmental conservation and preservation.
Sarah Candelaria is an outdoor enthusiast passionate about fishing, camping, hiking, and hunting. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Nature Niños. With a background in conservation work through her previous careers in New Mexico, Sarah merges her love for nature and education in her work.
She holds a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education and has experience as a NM PreK Consultant, early childhood center director, and public school teacher. Sarah is also pursuing a Master's in Social Work, which strengthens the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) focus of Nature Niños.
Her experience in management, program development, and community engagement, combined with her educational expertise, led her to establish Nature Niños in 2019 to connect underserved youth and their families to the natural world through hands-on, experiential learning opportunities.
Isaiah was born and raised in Las Vegas, NM. Growing up exploring the beautiful landscape of northern NM helped Isaiah connect with the natural world and find his passion in working outdoors. He moved to Albuquerque in 2016 to attend UNM and study Biology.
Isaiah is passionate about connecting youth with experiences only found out in nature. With over 4 years of experience in conservation, he brings expertise in environmental stewardship and outdoor recreation to Nature Niños. Having worked with Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, NM State Parks, and the U.S. Forest Service, Isaiah has a strong background in hands-on conservation efforts and youth engagement as a former volunteer with Nature Niños. Dedicated to fostering environmental education and future opportunities in outdoor careers, Isaiah is excited to support the organization's mission of inspiring young explorers to thrive in harmony with nature.
In his free time Isaiah enjoys climbing plastic holds at the climbing gym, boulders out in the foothills, or bird watching in the bosque.
Liv (she/her) is Kickapoo, Pyramid Lake Paiute, and Latina. Born and raised in the South Valley of Albuquerque, NM, she spent her days running around the acequias and beneath the cottonwoods with her siblings and goats. Even in an industrialized community, these moments grounded her and sparked a deep love for nature—one that continues to guide her work today. Many of her core values—community, respect, and reflection—were instilled during her time at the Native American Community Academy, and she carries them with her in everything she does.
Her early experiences with programs like Rocky Mountain Youth Corps and the U.S. Forest Service shaped her love for teaching and connecting young people with the land. After studying at Fort Lewis College and working in early childhood education, Liv joined Nature Niños in 2022 as a Lead Educator. She helped launch the school programming sector, creating space for charter school students to experience the outdoors in meaningful ways.
In 2024, she took on a new challenge with Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps as a Field Supervisor, where she deepened her technical skills—learning to use a chainsaw, earning her Wilderness First Responder certification, and camping throughout the Southwest. During this time, she also served as Board President for Nature Niños.
Now back as Program Manager, Liv leads inclusive outdoor programming for all ages and is especially passionate about community hikes, family adventures, and helping people of all backgrounds connect to public lands.
When she's not on the trail, you'll likely find her beading, painting, lounging in a hammock, or enjoying a paleta under the sun.
Linda Herrera was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico with roots in Zacatecas, Mexico. She holds a strong belief of the importance of connecting children to the outdoors, of the healing capabilities of nature, and the fundamental learning outcomes that develop when emersed in the outdoors.
Journeys of mud exploration, collections of all things natural, observation of birds, and mounting of trees, are experiences from her childhood she holds dear to her heart. Linda credits these experiences as foundational steppingstones that formed characteristics and habits of mind that support her through her academic, personal, and professional life.
Linda is currently working towards a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has experience working as a NM PreK Teacher, curating Reggio Amelia play-based curriculum with outdoor education at the forefront.
On her free time, Linda can be found gardening with wildflowers, exploring ancient historical ruins, walking aimlessly at the Natural History Museum, and/or supporting the local Flamenco Culture in ABQ.
Atieno Ouma is a dedicated leader in outdoor education and community engagement, with extensive experience designing experiential programs that connect young people to education, community, and the natural world. Originally from Kenya and raised in Massachusetts, she has lived in New Mexico for 13 years. As Program Director for Hands on Heritage in Santa Fe, she expanded programs that connected Hispanic and Indigenous youth to the region's history, landscapes, and ecological systems. She built strong partnerships with local organizations and educators to create hands-on, place-based learning that fostered cultural pride, environmental stewardship, and a sense of belonging. Outside of work, Atieno enjoys backpacking, biking, skiing, and spending time with her two cats, friends, and family. She's excited to bring her passion for equity, education, and nature to Nature Niños!
Maddy Genero is a recent high school graduate from Siembra Leadership High. She is attending college in the fall to become a full-time educator in her future. Maddy is a bright and energetic educator with a passion for art, music, volunteer work, and teaching young minds. Maddy will be working with our Community & Homeschool program.
Born and raised in Albuquerque, Isabel Becerra comes from a diverse cultural background. She is fluent in English and Spanish and is currently learning sign language. With a strong dedication to making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people, she believes every student should have a solid foundation in nature - an essential component of developing well-rounded individuals who are both mentally and physically healthy.
With more than four years of experience working in summer and after-school programs, she brings extensive knowledge of first aid and the proven ability to handle medical emergencies effectively. She loves building strong connections with students and becoming a supportive member of their "village". Above all, her passion lies in creating a safe and welcoming space where students can learn about themselves and the world around them.
Adam C. Okoye
Community Programming Educational Assistant
Adam has been working with Nature Niños for two years and has enjoyed sharing his knowledge of wildlife while educating youth about nature and the preservation of endangered species. Adam was born in Ankara, Turkey and spent his formative years living there and in multiple U.S. states. He has traveled to multiple countries and continents, learning much about various cultures and natural life. His education varied from private, public, international, parochial, as well as home schooling. After moving back to Albuquerque, he completed his high school education at Sandia H.S. and obtained an AA degree from Mesalands Community College in Tucumcari, NM. His love of nature, prehistoric life and wildlife influenced his choice of college. While at Mesalands he was able to take paleontology and natural science courses as well as participate on dinosaur digs and volunteer at the Mesalands Dinosaur Museum and Natural Science Laboratory. Adam has volunteered at the Albuquerque Biopark, Botanical Gardens, and Aquarium, and has also volunteered and received training from the Valle De Oro Wildlife Refuge. He is an Eagle Scout, and his interests include the outdoors, nature, conservation, paleontology and Anime.
Beth - a photographer, storyteller, and full-time mom to two wild-hearted, country boys who keep her grounded, inspired, and constantly on her toes. They are Beth’s greatest adventure and are a daily reminder to find beauty in the chaos!
Beth was born and raise in the mountains of central New Mexico, where she grew up as an active member of 4-H, participated in many community events, formed local connections, and attended elementary through High School!
As a photographer, she has a knack for capturing the quiet magic of the natural world and frequently finds her peace among pine trees, rocky trails, and the occasional wildlife surprise.
Beth is a passionate advocate for early childhood education and development, believing that the tiniest minds deserve the biggest love and the brightest beginnings. Her background in veterinary technology and small animal care adds a layer of compassion and curiosity to everything she does.
Communications Coordinator by day, nature-loving chaos coordinator by night. Alicia (she/her) is excited to step into this role with Nature Niños!
Even though moving across country a couple times with the military took her away, New Mexico is home to Alicia, and where she spent her formative years. Even representing her county at the State Fair in 4H and also across Northern New Mexico for Rodeo. Currently she lives in the Jemez mountains with her wonderfully feral little family, where dirt under your nails and spontaneous hikes are part of the daily rhythm.
Alicia believes great communication starts with real connection—and that's something she practices both at work and at home. Whether she's crafting a message or planning the next exciting adventure, family is at the heart of everything she does. Including being a 501(c)3 of her own at one point! Rescuing small farm animals and helping educate central Georgia how to "Grow. Sustain. Educate"… and how to keep farm animals safe, healthy, and happy.
When Alicia is not writing, editing, or strategizing, you'll probably find her farming, hiking with her service dog, reading spooky novels, embroidering something slightly offbeat, or daydreaming about her bucket-list trip to Finland to explore her Sámi roots and hug her grandpa.
Alicia is excited to bring creativity, clarity, and a little bit of magic to this role.
Jenny was born in Los Angeles, California, and grew up having her closest connection to nature being the beach and the zoo. She continued that interest at the University of Arizona with a Bachelor's degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Animals have always been her passion and she started her career in animal care at many zoological facilities across the Southwest. Some species she cared for include giraffes, zebras, macaws, snakes, frogs, and a variety of birds of prey. After discovering her love of education, she moved to Albuquerque in September 2022. She looks forward to connecting children with nature in a way that they can see a future career, like what she experienced.