Born and raised in Central Texas, Chris has dedicated his life to exploring the wild places across America. From fishing along the coast in Corpus Christi to hiking the trails of nearly all of our Texas State Parks, Chris loves to uncover the mysteries of natural world each and every day. After high school, he traveled nationwide, studying modern and traditional survival skills, leadership, homesteading, herbal medicine and permaculture. In 2011, he began his journey in environmental education, teaching outdoor leadership, archery, bow making, wildlife tracking, ethnobotany, and survival skills to both youth and adults.

In 2014, Chris founded Natureversity, a space designed to help students around Austin reconnect with nature through hands-on, passion-led learning. Chris is an active member and guide for the Capital Area Master Naturalists, he is also a Wilderness First Responder with the Wilderness Medicine Institute of North America and an Active Duty Lifeguard with the American Red Cross. Additionally, he holds certification as a Wildlife Track & Sign Specialist with CyberTracker International.

Chelsea’s love for the great outdoors blossomed in the vibrant heart of Houston, Texas. Her journey began at local Girl Scout camps, where the thrill of adventure ignited her passion for nature. From eager camper to Counselor-in-Training, she embraced every moment at the camp that sparked her inner “outdoor nerd,” inspiring countless others along the way. After graduating high school, Chelsea ventured to Texas State University, earning a degree in graphic design. Since 2015, she has called Austin home, where her creative spirit thrives amidst the beauty of the Texas landscape.

As a proud graduate of the Natureversity Teacher Training Program, Chelsea is not only certified in First Aid & CPR but also a Red Cross Lifeguard, ready to ensure safety in every outdoor exploration. Her passion for all things nature drives her to read voraciously about the natural world, and when she’s not immersed in a book, you can find her crafting unique creations, bug hunting, or collecting fascinating rocks in the wild.

Growing up along Texas’ Gulf Coast in Matagorda County, Chris developed a profound connection with nature through childhood explorations of beaches, rivers, and East Texas forests. These early adventures instilled a deep respect for the natural world that has shaped his life’s journey towards becoming a passionate mentor for future generations. Chris honed his wilderness skills at Texas Survival School, Earth Native Wilderness School, and Eye of the Water Survival Camp under expert Bob Hansler. Specializing in primitive skills, kayaking, and natural movement, he finds these practices both grounding and transformative.

His professional background includes farming with a nonprofit and working at a peer treatment center, where he witnessed nature’s healing power firsthand. Now dedicated to outdoor education, Chris blends technical expertise with heartfelt passion, helping others build resilience and reconnect with the wild. Chris is a Lifeguard and certified in Basic CPR and First Aid.

Jordan is not just an herbalist and wildlife rehabilitator; she is a fervent steward of our ecosystems, both seen and unseen! Hailing from the enchanting landscapes of Illinois, her childhood was filled with adventures by shimmering lakes, where she joyfully chased frogs and marveled at the symphony of buzzing insects. Her journey took a vibrant turn when she moved to Texas, where the sweet scent of falling pecans filled her summers. Here, she embraced the art of hunting and fishing, forging a deep bond with the land. Each summer spent in sunny Florida was a treasure hunt, collecting seashells and sharks’ teeth to craft beautiful jewelry, all the while dreaming of encountering the elusive alligator—an encounter that became a thrilling reality more times than she can count!

Through every twist and turn of her journey, Jordan’s love for exploration blossomed into a profound respect for the natural world. She has dedicated herself to developing a conscious and reciprocal relationship with the earth, striving to understand its intricate web of life. With a rich tapestry of experience in permaculture, wildlife rehabilitation, childcare, and education, Jordan brings a wealth of knowledge to her students at Natureversity. Inspired by the teachings of herbalist Juliette de Baïracli Levy, she is on a quest to uncover and share ancestral wisdom, nurturing a love for the natural world in every heart she touches. Join Jordan as she inspires the next generation of eco-warriors to cherish and protect our beautiful planet!

Maddy spent the first ten years of her life growing up in the countryside surrounding Bavaria, Germany, where a love for animals and nature first took root. Raised among livestock and open fields, she especially loved caring for geese and chickens. As part of a military family, her childhood became a journey across America, living in rural Alabama, Upstate New York, the Appalachian Mountains, El Paso, and eventually Austin, Texas—her favorite place to call home.

While living in El Paso, Maddy studied Neuroscience and Religious Studies, focusing on the connection between spirituality, human development, and nature. She also participated in herpetological research in the Van Horn Desert, sparking a fascination with rattlesnakes and whip-tailed lizards. Today, she is pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling while completing phase two of midwifery school, combining her passion for science, holistic care, and supporting others through life’s most transformative experiences. She is honored to teach your littles and help inspire the next generation of eco-warriors, compassionate leaders, and fierce advocates for both people and the planet.

Kyle Matthews fell in love with nature at age ten during a five-day camping trip in Yosemite Valley. Captivated by the beauty around him, he wrote a poem that evoked a profound silence among his classmates, igniting his passion for the natural world and connecting others to its wonders. He has worked as a naturalist at a CYO camp in Occidental, California, taught poetry to middle schoolers, and volunteered with permaculture farms and outdoor educational programs. An artisan sourdough baker for many years in northern New Mexico, he moved to Texas in 2022 for love, where he now farms and teaches at Hamilton Pool Farms.

Kyle has taught sit spots, poetry, storytelling, drumming, and Aikido at various schools, and has undergone wilderness rites of passage in New Mexico, culminating in a solo fast on Wild Mountain, Colorado. This experience deepened his respect for Mother Earth and inspired him to create opportunities for youth to experience their own wilderness rites of passage. He believes that the wisdom and skills we need in our modern world can still be found in the wild places of the earth. Kyle is eager and excited to impart on all of his passions for the natural world with others while at Natureversity.

Jake grew up in a small Connecticut town where every house was surrounded by acres of trees and deep forest. He spent countless hours and endless days playing in the ditch near his house, finding salamanders and following the creek deep into the woods. He spent his childhood constantly outdoors with his brother and friends, playing games and sports, swimming and spending hours in the snow whenever it fell. He spent less time outdoors in his teen years, but he attended outdoor summer camps whenever he could and always found his way to the ocean.

Mandy grew up in a close-knit water ski community in rural southwest Indiana, where her earliest memories are filled with neighbors uniting through outdoor activities on their shared lake. From being coached by friends on the water to riding bikes barefoot on gravel roads and enjoying dinners in her swimsuit, her childhood was rich with connection to nature. Though she lost touch with her adventurous spirit in early adulthood, everything changed when she moved to Texas and impulsively bought a camera. With her background in creative arts and a deep love for the Texan landscape, Mandy developed a passionate landscape photography practice, exploring the far reaches of Texas and the American West to capture the beauty of the natural world.

Now, as a content creator for Natureversity, Mandy is excited to inspire others and foster a deeper connection with nature. Join her on this journey of exploration and discovery!

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Mark proudly considers himself an Austinite, having lived in Central Texas since 1990. Growing up in the pre-Internet era, he spent his youth outdoors, immersed in nature and playing sports with friends. A dedicated musician since his teenage years, Mark’s career began with a decade in record stores, including the legendary Sound Exchange, home to Daniel Johnston’s iconic “Hi, How Are You” mural. He then transitioned to a 15-year role at The Austin Chronicle, serving as Online Editor, Events Editor, and Head Proofreader, among other titles. Seeking a change, he co-founded Micklethwait Craft Meats, a popular barbecue trailer recognized in the Texas Monthly Top 50 barbecue list.

After helping establish the success of that thriving business, Mark sought new adventures at Buzz Mill Coffee, where he managed its Lumber Society, a fun and casual program teaching survival skills for adults. It was here he met Chris Hyde, and after years of collaboration, he was thrilled to join the Natureversity team, eager for the challenges and excitement ahead to help get even more people outside and into the wild spaces around Austin.