​Hello, my name is Ariel Johnson! I am the owner and educational consultant for Tell it to the Trees Curriculum, LLC. I also advocate for people who are seeking support while pursuing the journey of finding peace and solace in nature. I enjoy spending time with my family and dogs in the outdoors and I grew up enjoying nature through many outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, gardening, foraging, and photography. Living a simple life by focusing on family and finding healing in nature has been my inspiration for creating curriculum and writing, as well as influencing my goals and purpose in life. It has also led me to supporting others in finding healing and growth through engaging in nature while developing a stronger sense of self and connection to the world around them. I graduated from UW-Superior in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science and an Early Adolescence-Adolescence Teaching License. I double majored in Fisheries and Aquatic Biology and Broad Field Science. I also double minored in Earth Science and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).  In the summer of 2013 and 2014, I assisted with several ongoing projects with the Lake Superior Research Institute. During the summer of 2015, I interned for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Fisheries. The following summer I interned with the MN DNR again, but this time with their MinnAqua Fisheries and Aquatic Habitat Education program. During the academic years from 2014 to 2016, I interned for the Rivers2Lake program through the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve. I am certified to teach middle and high school science in Minnesota. I worked as a substitute teacher for a few local school districts and Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center before accepting a full-time teaching position. As a teacher, I began learning and developing skills in restorative practices. During my time as a teacher, I began the MAEd: Natural Sciences and Environmental Education program with Hamline University. The curriculum I developed for my case study has become the Tell it to the Trees Curriculum. I hope to support educators and their students with the Tell it to the Trees Curriculum. The goal is not only to increase learner awareness of local climate change, but also to provide a positive holistic experience through connecting to place and nature. The curriculum is developed to inspire and motivate learners to be the change they wish to see in the world to make the world a better place and protect the natural environment. I also hope to help advocate for individuals who are experiencing challenges in life but are hoping to find solace in nature while developing skills of empathy, resiliency, and finding hope so that they can feel empowered to be the change they want to be for themselves while overcoming challenges in life.