About Us

Rae Alberg

Rae Alberg founded Bend Forest School in 2018 with a vision: to create a space where children could connect with nature, themselves, and each other through play—the essential work of childhood. With a background in early childhood special education, Rae was deeply inspired by the transformative impact of unstructured play and time outdoors on social-emotional development and overall well-being.

Over the years, Rae’s love for all things messy and green has woven art into the fabric of the forest school experience, recognizing that creativity and nature are deeply intertwined. This passion led to a natural connection with Wondery Art & Adventure School, a space that brings together the magic of making—both in the wild and indoors—through hands-on artistic exploration.

Now, as Rae steps into leading Wondery, she continues to build on the philosophy that art and nature together create something truly special. Whether painting under the trees, sculpting with found materials, or crafting in a vibrant studio, the creative buzz of kids and adults coming together to make with their hands is nothing short of magic. Through Wondery and Bend Forest School, Rae remains dedicated to fostering wonder, joy, and community, proving that play, art, and nature are some of the most powerful teachers of all.

Owner

  • Rae’s background includes a Masters degree in Early Childhood Special Education, certificate in Infant Toddler Mental Health, Art and Art Therapy courses, Forest School Teacher Training, founding and growing Bend Forest School. Rae has played and experimented with several media over the years, her favorites include messy, tactile and immersive..

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Abbie Rexroad 

Studio Coordinator

Abbie has spent over two decades working with children and families, with a focus on creating inclusive environments where every child can learn and thrive. She earned her Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Life from the University of Kansas with a concentration in Special Education.

Her experience includes working as a teacher, foster parent, parent educator, home visitor, and Inclusion Specialist for NeighborImpact. She also provides Disability Awareness Trainings throughout Oregon with the Central Oregon Disability Support Network (CODSN).

Abbie has been certified in YogaCalm for eight years and incorporates mindfulness, movement, and breathing techniques into her work with children. A lifelong lover of the outdoors, she moved to Oregon in 2010 and enjoys hiking, snowboarding, running, reading, and exploring outside.

Katie Gillam

Preschool Support Preschool Teacher

Katie grew up outside of Seattle, where a childhood spent exploring the woods sparked a lifelong love of the outdoors. She has worked with children in a variety of settings, including summer camps, outdoor recreation programs, nature mentoring, and most recently, teaching outdoor preschool on a farm outside of Seattle.

Katie studied Psychology and Dance at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, where she developed an even deeper appreciation for climbing, hiking, backpacking, and skiing.

Katie believes children are happiest and most themselves when given the freedom to explore, play, and connect with the outdoors. She recently moved to Bend with her partner and is excited to bring that philosophy to Bend Forest School.

Darlene Becker

Resident Therapist

Darlene is a Registered Art Therapist with the Art Therapy Credentials Board (#16-059) and a Licensed Certified Art Therapist in the State of Oregon (#10206267).

Darlene has called Bend home since 2006 and loves spending time outdoors with her family. Whether skiing in the mountains or learning to surf Bend’s river wave, she believes it’s never too late to learn a new skill or discover a new passion.

Julie Wilson

Art Teacher

‍Julie has a background in Art Education/Crafts and Psychology.  She has worked as an Art Educator for 23 years, teaching all ages in many different types of schools, camps and recreation centers in Oregon and on the East coast. Julie’s love of nature comes from growing up near the ocean, along with working as a Naturalist guide here in Central Oregon and guiding all over the USA in National and State parks.  

She is a practicing Multimedia Artist and loves to make art from nature. Nature, color and texture are the main themes of her work, many from photos of nature taken all over the country.  Much of her work in Fiber arts, weaving and feltings are on frames made from driftwood and other found wood.  She was inspired to join Wondery School after her child attended a summer camp and it looked like so much fun, Julie wanted to attend!