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Meet the facilitators
Wild Arts was founded by a two artist educators and nature lovers who share a common passion for children's learning and well-being. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to explore their creativity and connect with nature. We bring together our diverse backgrounds and expertise to create a unique and enriching experience for your child.
Mariana Peron
Atelierista & Forest School Leader
Hi there, my name is Mariana, I am a mother of a 5-year old and I have worked with children on different creative approaches for over 10 years. I was born and raised in Brazil, and this multicultural aspect is part of my practice and personality. My educational background is composed of a mix of different areas, I like to weave them together and make them all part of my holistic approach. I studied Architecture and graduated in Fine Art and, as well as a visual artist, I am a yoga practitioner and ayurvedic therapist. I’m passionate about the outdoors, and children learning from nature and the environment. I have worked in Forest Schools, beach schools and Reggio Emilia inspired Ateliers. After working in a Technology Atelier, tool use has become part of my identity and strengthened the project work I do with children.
Samantha Sheldrake
Atelierista & Forest School Leader
Hi I'm Sam, I am originally from London where I used to work as a production designer for film and television, creating props and dressing sets on various freelance jobs. Since moving to Worthing in 2019 I have been working as an Atelierista, creating in depth project work with children, exploring various art forms as well as nourishing an interest in sustainability and the natural world. I graduated from UCA with a degree in Arts & Media where I specialised in fine art, I am also a qualified Level 3 early years educator. I absolutely love to travel, some of my most treasured memories are from my time away, helping set up a school in Laos for example or spending time living in communities exploring meditation, mindfulness, yoga and permaculture.
Testimonials
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We are both qualified artists, forest school leaders and up to date with essential training such as paediatric first aid, health and safety, fire lighting and safeguarding with current DBS checks 2025.
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“So much to love at Wild Art. Nature, art and play.
I'm so grateful to have found this extraordinary setting for my daughter.
I didn't know about flexi schooling, but felt that I would like her to have some outdoor learning time in her schedule. She now goes to Wild Arts regularly and is always building and making things, which is what she loves the most. And they have a tree house! What a dream. Thank you Mari and Sam for your brilliant work”.
-Tamar
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“Gaia has thoroughly enjoyed camp, the girls were telling us all about it and were all sparkly. Thank you for filling their boots with joy and thank you for all of your efforts with the children”
- Marisha
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"Finding you guys and what you have set up at Wild heart Hill was the highlight of our half term. We all loved it and Oakley had so much to tell me when I picked him up on the Friday, he had the best time! Luckiest kids in the world”
-Terri
"My husband and I built a great relationship with Mariana over the years she was at reflections with our daughter. What can I say but what a fantastic, wonderfully arty, creative and kind practitioner she was. Our daughter would very regularly come home with new projects attached with a beaming smile of excitement when she spent the day with her. Mariana would always take the time to go into specific details about Sydney's development and growth throughout the time she spent there. I can't recommend Mariana enough for any child's positive onward learning".
-Cythia
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"Ethan my now 4 year old son has been going to Nursery for almost 2 years. All carers have been very nice to him and help him develop to become a confident child, however Sam has always been his very favourite. Sam would always come up with amazing ideas in her atelier classes and she would treat every children with pure love. Ethan went through a rough time when he didn't want to go to nursery but when we told him Sam would be there he went happily. I could not recommend Sam enough. If you would like your child to be surrounded by professional people who treat your child with love 'Wild Arts' is your place!"
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-Viktoria Davies
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"Our son has really loved his time spent with Mariana, he has really enjoyed the creative activities they do outside and notices things in nature much more - even telling us how important it is to keep the beach clean and look after the sealife. She is brilliant with the kids! We are really excited for the Wild Arts space to provide more opportunities for the children to be outside"
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-Robin
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