Our Team
Amy Hettinger Pascucci, program director and caregiver & child class facilitator, explored the woods near Bernheim Forest as a child. She received a degree in Arts Administration from the University of Kentucky and worked in formal and informal education before completing a M.Ed. in Arts in Education at Harvard University, which she followed with a teaching certificate in Waldorf Education. For five years she taught in the vibrant Waldorf community in Anchorage, Alaska. All this experience prepared her for her favorite work yet, raising her two wonderful daughters, who with their friends inspire the Forest Pals program. Amy loves making music and being outside with family and friends, especially in the Kentucky autumn forest or any time at any seashore. In 2025 and 2026, Amy is excited to serve as a KET All Star Educator.
Gracie Nafziger, Buds and Adventurers teacher (M/W), grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and has always enjoyed the discovery that comes with immersing yourself in nature. She received a degree in Biology at Illinois Wesleyan University and a Masters in Teaching at Bellarmine before becoming a high school Biology and Ecology teacher for 6 years. She has been a volunteer in the Naturalist Program at Bernheim since 2020 and has enjoyed every moment of it. Gracie loves sharing her fascination for learning about nature with Forest Pals. She loves hiking, swimming in open water competitions, playing board games with friends, and helping to foster deeper connections with nature. Gracie received her Level 1 Forest School teacher certificate in the Spring of 2024. She is the recipient of the 2025 Champion Environmental Educator award from New Pioneers for a Sustainable Future.
Josh French, Adventurers teacher (W), grew up in Louisville, KY, where he developed a deep love for the outdoors. As a young teen, he spent summers in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, further nurturing his passion for nature. His travels across the western United States and its many natural wonders have only enhanced his appreciation for the world around us. As his profession, Josh owns and operates a photography and videography company with his wife, Amanda. Inspired by Waldorf education, Josh and his wife, Amanda, homeschool their two daughters, embracing an eclectic approach to teaching. In his off time he enjoys fly fishing, reading, photography and filmmaking. Josh completed his Level 1 Forest School teacher certificate and Level I FS Naturalist Certification in the Spring of 2025. He is also a certified Free Play Facilitator.
Shae Galbraith, Buds and Explorers teacher (M/W), is a devoted mama to two boys and a lifelong adaptive learner. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, she holds degrees in zoology, environmental studies, and anthropology from the University of Cincinnati. Her love for the natural world began early—spending countless mornings and evenings resting on a fallen log above the creek behind her childhood home. At just thirteen, Shae began volunteering with the Cincinnati Zoo, setting the foundation for a career rooted in care for the environment. Her passion eventually led her to Bernheim Forest, where she first volunteered with the Bernheim Bee Team. From there, she expanded into visitor services and later joined the education team, building connections with the ever-evolving community of Forest Pals. Shae brings a unique blend of hands-on experience and heartfelt presence to outdoor education. Drawing from her years at the Zoo and her work at Bernheim, she has found a rhythm in teaching with the forest. In 2024, she earned her Professional Learning Leader eeCredential through KAEE, continuing her journey as a guide, mentor, and forest friend.
Emily Edwards, Explorers teacher (W), is the proud mother of two sons. She and her boys joined Forest Pals in 2022 and now consider Bernheim Forest a home away from home. She grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, where she was homeschooled along with her two brothers and two sisters. Homeschooling allowed her the opportunity to spend a lot of time outdoors, camping, road tripping from park to park across the country and volunteering at the Louisville Nature Center. She was very involved in Girl Scouts, where she earned the Gold Award, and also enjoyed taking scouts on backpacking adventures as a Boy Scout leader. Emily spent many years with Panera’s Learning and Development team, opening new restaurants all across the country. Her favorite things are spending time with her family, hiking, camping, gardening, building things, crafting, reading and waterfalls.
"We love the Explorers teachers. They are smart, kind and creative! Couldn't ask for better influences for my child to spend time with."
​
"Mr. James and Ms. Gracie have given my child such a thirst for learning. He loves his teachers and ... hopes to be Mr. James in the future."
Can you imagine your photo here? We are seeking energetic, skilled and dedicated team members to lead nature programming in Clermont, KY. Our homeschool enrichment serves children age 6-12 and offers a rhythmic balance of facilitated nature studies, arts and mindfulness activities, and child-led forest play. Parent child groups offer artful nature exploration and community-building for children and their families. We meet outdoors in all weather. Part-time but robust positions offer 4-8 hours a week, Mondays and/or Wednesdays, September – May.
Forest Pals operates at Bernheim Forest in Clermont, Kentucky.
We serve families from Louisville, Shepherdsville, Bardstown, Cox's Creek, Elizabethtown, Mt. Washington and surrounding areas.