Silvia has 22 years of hands-on child development experience at various levels of the field, ranging from professor to program manager. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology and a Master's degree in child development.

 

A few highlights in Silvia's professional career include:

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• Over 14 years teaching infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children.   

• Manager of Sacramento County's  Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS).

• Coach/assessor/evaluator of early learning programs across California, mentor to teachers, administrators, and owners of early learning programs.

• Adjunct professor at Sac City College, an Instructor at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), and UC Davis Extension.

• Founder and director of Nature's Lab School, an all-outdoor early learning program.

 

Personal Background
Silvia is an avid outdoor lover. You can find her spending time with her husband and son while gardening, hiking in the Sierras, and lovingly playing with our pets (2 dogs, 2 cats, chickens, ducks,  rabbits, guinea pigs, fishes, and more, hahaha). Raised in Colombia, she loves to bring communities from various backgrounds together and help others learn about the benefits of outdoor play, the magic of science,  technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). Silvia loves being a wife and mama. She is a wonderful resource for child development and activities to ensure all of Nature's Lab families will flourish. 

 

A few of Silvia's certifications include: 

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• Certified Infant/Toddler/Pre-K CLASS coach and assessor

• Certified "My Teaching Partner" Coach

• Certified MMCI Trainer for Teachers

• Certified Environmental Rating Scales Observer (ITERS-ECERS-FCCERS)- Anchor level

• Trainer for ASQ 3 & ASE-SE 2