About Us

Rae Alberg

Rae Alberg founded Bend Forest School in 2018 with a vision: to create a space where children could connect with nature, themselves, and each other through play—the essential work of childhood. With a background in early childhood special education, Rae was deeply inspired by the transformative impact of unstructured play and time outdoors on social-emotional development and overall well-being.

Over the years, Rae’s love for all things messy and green has woven art into the fabric of the forest school experience, recognizing that creativity and nature are deeply intertwined. This passion led to a natural connection with Wondery Art & Adventure School, a space that brings together the magic of making—both in the wild and indoors—through hands-on artistic exploration.

Now, as Rae steps into leading Wondery, she continues to build on the philosophy that art and nature together create something truly special. Whether painting under the trees, sculpting with found materials, or crafting in a vibrant studio, the creative buzz of kids and adults coming together to make with their hands is nothing short of magic. Through Wondery and Bend Forest School, Rae remains dedicated to fostering wonder, joy, and community, proving that play, art, and nature are some of the most powerful teachers of all.

Owner

  • Rae’s background includes a Masters degree in Early Childhood Special Education, certificate in Infant Toddler Mental Health, Art and Art Therapy courses, Forest School Teacher Training, founding and growing Bend Forest School. Rae has played and experimented with several media over the years, her favorites include messy, tactile and immersive..

Julie Wilson

Julie has a background in Art Education/Crafts and Psychology.  She has worked as an Art Educator for 23 years, teaching all ages in many different types of schools, camps and recreation centers in Oregon and on the East coast. Julie’s love of nature comes from growing up near the ocean, along with working as a Naturalist guide here in Central Oregon and guiding all over the USA in National and State parks.  

She is a practicing Multimedia Artist and loves to make art from nature. Nature, color and texture are the main themes of her work, many from photos of nature taken all over the country.  Much of her work in Fiber arts, weaving and feltings are on frames made from driftwood and other found wood.  She was inspired to join Wondery School after her child attended a summer camp and it looked like so much fun, Julie wanted to attend!