About Little Bees
In 2024, Little Bees was established as a business by Brianna, Bri, Ramsey, following three years of collaboration with Lacey Hemming at Apple Blossoms Forest School. Recognizing the value of providing more early childhood students access to a unique and enriching forest pre-school environment, the decision was made to open the west side sister school of Little Bees.
Bri's dedication to working and engaging with children has been longstanding. Prior to founding Little Bees, she initiated Ramsey Adventure Development in 2022, aiming to encourage outdoor exploration among children aged 1 to 11 through an after-school adventure program. Initially working as an "adventure nanny" for families in Anchorage following the pandemic-induced closure of many childcare services, Bri's primary objectives were to minimize screen time and maximize outdoor experiences.
Over the course of two years, Bri expanded her services to additional families and broadened the age range to include preschoolers through her involvement at Apple Blossoms Forest School. Ramsey Adventure Development focuses on educating children about safety and appreciation for the outdoors in Alaska, utilizing various activities such as hiking, biking, skiing, and ice skating to foster a deeper connection with nature.
With a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and a minor in Mathematics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Bri brings a solid academic foundation to her childcare endeavors. Her professional experience in childcare dates back to 2015, encompassing diverse roles from residential outdoor education programs in California to after-school programs in Anchorage.
Outside of her childcare responsibilities, Brianna enjoys exploring Alaska's trails and backcountry with her dog, Kai'a, engaging in activities like hiking, biking, skiing, and splitboarding. Her passion for adventure and commitment to nurturing children's appreciation for nature are evident in both her professional and personal pursuits.
Meet our Staff!
We are lucky to have a new amazing co-teacher, Heidi, who gets to play and learn with us starting Fall 2026!
Heidi is a lifelong Alaskan who is happy to now be raising her own family here. With her husband Alex, daughter Riley, and three dogs, Heidi loves all the adventures that Alaska offers-- hiking, camping, fishing, cabin trips, and skiing. Closer to home, Heidi enjoys reading, visiting Anchorage's many parks and playgrounds, watercolor painting, and cooking/baking.
Heidi has worked with children as a babysitter in middle school, volunteering at ASD preschools in high school, and an employee for Camp Fire in college. She earned a BA in Early Childhood Education from University of Alaska Anchorage, and later earned a Masters in Teaching and Learning with a Minor in Teaching English as a Second Language from University of Alaska Anchorage. Heidi was a teacher for the Anchorage School District for 12 years, teaching both Title I preschool and kindergarten.
Heidi is excited to join Little Bee's this year as a co-teacher and parent.
Meet our Class Pets!
At Little Bees Forest School and Ramsey Adventure Development, we love our animals! We have a dog, Kai'a ("K-ai-h-ee-ya"), who will occasionally join us in the school yard and on our nature walks. She is shy and prefers to observe the kids from a distance but is very patient and calm while kids get to walk her on leash if they wish. We also have two cats, Daisy and Lupine who both like to pass through our school yard and get belly rubs from the kids as well as parents! Next up we currently have seven chickens that free-range our school yard. They are the "Spice Girls": Vanilla Bean, Dill, Nutmeg, Parsley, Cilantro, Cinnamon and Coriander. The kids love to look for and collect our daily eggs. Lastly, we have two bee hives that live on the roof of an out building on the school property. It is visible from the yard and we enjoy watching them come and go on the warm, sunny days!
