Julie Propp’s journey from an elementary educator to the founder of The Curiosity Lab is an inspiring story of a lifelong passion for nature and a commitment to fostering the same in children. As a child, she spent hours playing in creeks and forests where she grew up in Washington D.C. As a teacher, Julie made a priority to connect her students with nature. Recognizing the diverse ecosystems of the Bay Area, she took her class on adventures from Redwood Forests to the Pacific Ocean and all places in-between. Their annual camping trip to Big Basin was always a highlight. Julie’s master’s degree in Critical Global Literacy influenced her belief that children need an understanding of their place in the world and an appreciation for the natural world to become responsible stewards of the environment.
During the pandemic lockdown, as she watched kids try to learn and navigate the world from behind a
computer screen, Julie decided to find a way to recreate that magical connection to nature she
witnessed in her students while out on the trails. And that is how The Curiosity Lab came to be.
Now in it’s 4th year, Julie has taken over 500 children off their screens and out on a trail.
Kim is a dedicated lover of the outdoors, whose passion for nature was ignited during her childhood on the East Coast. Growing up amidst the lush landscapes of Rhode Island, Kim found solace and adventure in the woods near her home, riding the waves while body surfing at the beach, and exploring the trails of Stepstone Falls. However, it was a transformative experience during her sixth-grade year at Alton Jones Camp for Outdoor Education that truly deepened her connection to the environment and set her on a path of environmental advocacy and education.
With a profound commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering a love for nature, Kim embarked on a career in education. For the past 26 years, she has served as an elementary school teacher in the Bay Area. Prior to her teaching career, Kim embarked on an journey as a Peace Corps Volunteer, focusing on Environmental Education in Honduras. Her dedication to environmental stewardship also led her to work as a Naturalist for Outdoor Education programs based in Petaluma and La Honda, where she shared her knowledge and passion for the natural world with students of all ages.
When Kim isn’t inspiring the next generation or immersed in the classroom, she can be found indulging in her love for outdoor adventures. Whether she’s trekking through scenic trails, conquering mountain bike routes, gliding across serene waters on a paddle board, or catching waves while surfing, Kim embraces every opportunity to connect with nature. And when it’s time to unwind, you’ll often find her nestled in her hammock at home, escaping into the pages of a captivating book.
Copyright © 2021-2024 | The Curiosity Lab, LLC | All Rights Reserved
