Meet Kyla Maciosek | Nature Play Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kyla Maciosek and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kyla, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I had been working with children at environmental organizations and schools for years when I moved to Tucson to be with my (at the time future husband). When I moved here I couldn’t find a job that both met my criteria for how children should learn and provide a living wage, so I took an unrelated job to be able to pay my bills. After a few years of doing that I was really unhappy and didn’t know how I was going to get back to doing what I loved. A friend of mine asked me, “what would you do with all the time and all the money in the world?” And this was my answer. From there I figured out how to turn it into reality.

What should our readers know about your business?
Nature Created Play wants to honor childhood by bringing back nature as an integral part of learning. We want to radically shift early childhood educational culture back to where it belongs- out of rigorous academia and back to play. We support institutions in transforming their outdoor spaces to nature-immersive learning and play environments while supporting their professional development. Nothing makes us happier than watching teachers lift the veil of traditional academic rigor and start to see how children learn best through play. We also love supporting teachers in creating child-centered environments that support ALL children in ALL areas of development. My business is just getting started in Tucson and it has definitely not been easy. I’ve been able to keep my focus because my business is something I truly love and enjoy.
I want the world to know that just because something has been done a certain way for a while doesn’t mean that it’s the only way or the best way! We want everyone to understand how the academic push on young learners is detrimental to their health and wellbeing and nature is one of the best antidotes.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a homebody that loves deep connection with people, so I would spend a lot of time with them in calm spaces to help invite conversation and connection. Of course, we would go on a hike! Likely at Catalina State Park, Sabino Canyon or Mt. Lemmon. I also really love the Sonoran Desert Museum so we might go there too. I’d have to take them for some good tacos so we might go to Nene’s.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There have been so many people along this journey that have helped make it a reality! Recently, Jeanetta Bodie of Iron Crane Yoga, has taught me how to trust myself again and that has been beyond important in growing my business.

Website: www.naturecreatedplay.com

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