Our Team

Sensory Garden & Play is part of a revolution in our education system; the idea that a preschooler is able to learn about weather, trees, and nature beyond a pile of worksheets within four walls. It is meant to cultivate their understanding about nature by actually experiencing it, first-hand, and developing a deeper connection to their natural environment, all while playing!

Chantel Zimmerman
Creator & Founder

Chantel Zimmerman has been teaching since 2007. Her career began in the Newark school system as a 6th grade middle school science teacher and then, in 2014, she had the privilege of working for the Ringwood School District for three years as a third grade teacher. Both experiences gave her the confidence, knowledge and perspective to create a program of her very own.

Sensory Garden and Play evolved deep within her heart as she raised her twin daughters. Her philosophy and foundation for establishing Sensory Garden and Play was not centered around a business model. It 'bloomed' from her own heart's intentions and desires for her children's education as well as the education of the community SGP serves.

Caitlin
Educator

Caitlin is a mom to two girls and wife to Kirill, a watercolor artist @AlwaysWanderingArt and botanist in the making. She spends her weekends and any free time seeking out new outdoor spaces to explore and hiking as many trails as possible throughout the year.

Her and her husband have over 15 years hiking/camping experience; having hiked the Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, Angels Landing in Zion, as well as the Cape Breton Highlands trails in Nova Scotia. They have also backcountry camped in Bryce National Park as well as completed the Rim to Rim in Grand Canyon.

Bringing her love of the outdoors to SGP allows her the ability to share her fascination with all things in nature—from the change that comes from each season to all of the animals, reptiles and plants.

Jennifer Larson
Educator

Jennifer Larson's journey reflects the transformative power of nature and the endless capacity for learning and growth that it offers. Born with a curiosity for the world around her, Jennifer has nurtured her passion for the outdoors into a life dedicated to teaching and connecting with both young minds and the wonders of the natural world.

Hailing from various corners of the United States - New Jersey, Florida, and Connecticut - Jennifer's experiences have been as diverse as the landscapes she's encountered. A devoted wife to Doug and mother to Kody, a spirited 4-year-old, Jennifer has embraced the role of a stay-at-home mom, following a career as a massage therapist. As an educator at Sensory Garden and Play (SGP), Jennifer is a beacon of inspiration for the youngest learners – the Sprouts and Saplings. Her work is defined by a dedication to sharing the magic of nature's wonders with children, allowing them to experience the joy of discovery firsthand.

Jennifer's thirst for knowledge and connection extends to her own journey of learning. As an educator, mother, and explorer, she embodies the spirit of wonder and connection that resides within all of us. Her dedication to creating a brighter, greener future and her unwavering love for the outdoors remind us of the beauty that surrounds us and the potential for growth that lies ahead.

Lauren Coyne
Educator

A dedicated educator and nature enthusiast, Lauren’s journey has been marked by a deep passion for the outdoors and a commitment to fostering curiosity and growth in young minds. From her childhood dreams of athletic prowess, to her current role as an educator at SGP, Lauren's life has been guided by her love for movement, exploration, and the natural world.

Lauren's diverse educational journey extends from teaching Health and Physical Education to K-2 students in Paterson, to nannying for flexibility and family time, and now contributing her expertise to SGP's outdoor education programs and a homeschool co-op.  Married to Tim, a fellow educator, the two share a mutual passion for teaching and the outdoors. Together, they nurture the growth of their two children, Olivia and Jackson, while embracing the joys of parenthood and learning. Within SGP, Lauren's heart resonates with the 4-year-old "Sprouts." She finds joy in guiding their growing independence, channeling their boundless energy, and nurturing their insatiable curiosity about the world around them.

Lauren is driven by her passions, including learning through play, self-directed education, varied teaching philosophies, respectful parenting, and holistic well-being. Her life revolves around exploring these facets in both her personal and professional spheres.