Introducing Casey “Popcorn” Stachelski as School Programs Manager
We are delighted to announce that we’ve hired Casey Stachelski as our School Programs Manager! During the school year, our School Programs Department provides multi-day environmental and science education in addition to character development programs for students primarily in grades five through eight. Our School Programs mission is to foster the development of character, community, and science literacy in students through experiential outdoor education. Our program serves more than 6,000 students annually from across California, providing many participants new opportunities for growth and discovery. We are proud to employ some of the best youth development professionals and educators in the industry and are thrilled to have them led by Casey.
Casey has served as the School Programs Interim Manager for the past two years. During this time, Casey shepherded the department through a difficult time brought on by the Covid-19 Pandemic. Casey has met each challenge with compassion, thoughtfulness, and care for the program, staff, and schools that we serve. Under Casey's guidance, our School Programs Department has adapted our programming and been able to reopen our forest to students both during the school year and during the Summer with our brand new summer camp, Camp Heartwood. Casey is a phenomenal leader who knows our program inside and out, has a deep respect for our program and its staff, and pours integrity into everything that she does. We are so happy that the School Programs Department is in Casey’s capable hands. Read below to learn more about Casey and her role at The Woods.
CASEY “Popcorn” STACHELSKI (SHE/HER), SCHOOL PROGRAMS MANAGER
A series of happy accidents, well-timed decisions and serendipities have led me to Westminster Woods and my role as the School Programs Manager and I couldn’t be happier here!
As the head of School Programs, my task is to guide the vision and direction of our beloved program. In practice, my work centers on balancing deep care for our staff with careful tending of our program. Every day I work to build authentic relationships as well as to make School Programs accessible, equitable and environmentally –conscious.
I believe in integrity and authenticity. I believe that strong leadership comes through listening and learning. I believe that what our team builds together is so much more beautiful than what one person can do on their own. The strength of School Programs is in our people and Westminster Woods is home to the finest educators and youth development professionals that California has to offer. I feel incredibly blessed to work, play, sing, dance and learn alongside my dearest friends.
To learn more about School Programs and booking a program with us, visit our our School Programs Page.