Kylie Precepa
Co-Founder, RECE (BASc/Dip), Musician, Mom to Teddy
Kylie has been bringing music and play-based learning experiences to children and families for the last 13 years! Throughout her career Kylie has worked as a:
Preschool Teacher, Nanny, Music Together Teacher, RECE in Full-Day Kindergarten, and as a Program Facilitator for the Ontario Early Years Centres facilitating music, math, and literacy programs.
Kylie completed a Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Early Childhood Studies at Guelph Humber University and her ECE diploma at Sault College. Whether at work or at home you can always hear her singing or playing guitar.
You can find her running Wild Child Music & Messy Studios, Mobile Events, behind the scenes on social media, and phone & email correspondance!
Tennyson Miller (she/her)
Co-Founder, Experienced Caregiver, Textile Artist, Jack of all Trades
She loves to get her hands dirty; whether she’s playing outside or experimenting with art materials, she’s likely making a (beautiful) mess. When she isn’t with children, you can find Tennyson riding her bike, sewing, or curled up with a good book.
Tennyson believes deeply in the value of child-led play, loose parts, using reclaimed materials, and teaching emotional regulation skills.
You’ll find Tennyson running Summer Camp, Wild Club Jr & Sr, The Sewing Lab Jr & Sr, and Kids Night Out. She’s also behind the scenes for many of our other programs!
Rachael Walker (she/her)
Manager, Student Art Therapist, BA Studio Art & Child Studies, Artist
Rachael has been working with children for 10 years in diverse settings, helping them foster creativity and connection. She's a big believer in the magic of hands-on learning, where kids can experiment, discover, and express themselves freely. Through art and play, Rachael helps children navigate big feelings and explore their unique worlds.
When she's not in the studio, Rachael enjoys printmaking, baking, and adventuring outdoors - no matter the weather.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art and Child, Youth, and Family Studies from the University of Guelph, Rachael is currently pursuing her Master's in Art Therapy, on her way to becoming a registered art therapist.
You can find Rachael leading our Play Lab, running Camps, hosting Birthday Parties or popping in to support other classes!
izzi nagel
EXPERIENCED CAREGIVER, TEXTILE ARTIST/GENERALLY CRAFTY, AWARD-WINNING STAGE & SCREEN ACTOR, BFA IN PERFORMANCE
Izzi has been working with children of all ages through drama, art, and music for over 10 years. She’s a dedicated nanny and babysitter, and has spent many summers as a drama camp instructor for multiple theatre groups. Through all her work with young folks, from babies all the way to older teens, she intentionally prioritizes fun, exploration, and imagination.
Developing a passion for performing at an early age, she's followed that path and is currently living and working in Toronto as a professional actor! She holds a BFA in Performance Acting from TMU (formerly Ryerson University), and since graduating in 2020 has been acting up a storm. Highlights so far include guest-starring on "Blue's Clues & You!," and performing in an award-winning interactive outdoor scavenger hunt/play hybrid for kids & families with Bad Hats Theatre.
Izzi also looooves to sew, and to help others learn how - kids and adults alike! She can often be found in her overflowing sewing studio, whipping up whatever strikes her fancy.
You can find Izzi in Summer Camp, Sewing Lab JR & SR, Drama Lab, Messy Babies, Messy Studio, and at birthday parties!
toni ashdown
experienced caregiver
Hi Gathering Wild campers! I am so excited to have a creative & fun summer together. I love working with kids, and I bring my experience as a Nanny to work with me every day to make sure everyone is feeling excited, included, and confident for all projects & activities I facilitate! I personally love to draw and paint in my own time, but a little birdy told me that this summer we’ll all get to do even more fun activities! I am confident that this summer will be our best yet at Gathering Wild, and I can’t wait to meet everyone!
You can find Toni at Play Lab, facilitating Birthday Parties & Kids Night Out, and in Camps!
Chad froude
Caregiver • BA in Theatre • Musician & Painter • Jack of all trades and crafty ner
Originally from the East Coast, Chad moved to Toronto in 2010 to pursue his education in the arts. With a BA in Theatre and years of experience in youth-centered theatre and music, he brings a creative, hands-on approach to caregiving—one that celebrates curiosity, exploration, and expression.
Chad believes that learning and play are deeply go hand in and, and that some of the best growth happens when things get a little messy. He values clear communication, fairness, and creating an environment where kids feel safe, supported, and excited.
You’ll often find Chad in our Sunday Messy Studios, covered in paint or playdough, or laughing and "nerding out" with the kids about their latest ideas and interests during our creative camps and labs.
zoey deacon
Caregiver & artist
Zoey is currently studying creative writing at the University of Guelph. She started babysitting when she was twelve, and loves working with kids. Zoey is happiest when working with her hands—whether that’s sewing, knitting, painting, baking, or crafting of any kind.
tabatha stokes
ECE, Mom to 3 playful boys!
When she’s not getting into messy fun at mobile events and birthday parties, Tabatha spends her time running a preschool program, conjuring up epic sensory experiences and specializing in dance parties with her boys. When she has a spare moment to herself you will find her curled up with a good book.
Tabatha obtained her ECE diploma at Durham Collage and has been working with children from infancy to school aged for the past 15 years!