Saul Simpson
Founder and Forest school Leader
Hailing from Manchester, England, Saul has built a career specialising in outdoor learning and sport across the North West of England and Poland. He has worked extensively with children and young people, both with and without special educational needs, fostering inclusive and engaging learning experiences.
Saul is a Level 3 OCN-certified Forest School Leader, a qualification he achieved through the renowned Earthcraft UK. His passion for outdoor education was further enriched during his travels in North America, where he worked closely with National Park rangers in southern and central Canada.
Since moving to Poland, Saul has continued to share his expertise by working with bilingual children, establishing and running a thriving Forest School, and delivering a wide range of training programmes for educators and organisations.
info@pinesforestschool.pl
Julia Czajkowska
Pines Co-founder & Manager
An outdoors enthusiast and keen sailer. Julia was born in Warsaw, spending her early years living in Piemonte before returning to Warsaw at the age of six. She completed her degrees in international relations and humanitarian aid in 2015 and has since worked with various charities and foundations in Warsaw. Since joining the Pines team Julia has supported sessions, projects and workshops as well as helping grow Pines online presence.
Julia loves to cook and will be regularly prepare Italian favourites directly from the fire.
office@pinesforestschool.pl
Marek Suchodolski - Lasokracja
Bushcraft and Forest Education expert
A devoted father and Forester, Marek was born in Warsaw and has since travelled all over the country to study and work. He is recognised around Poland for his unique understanding and connection with the great outdoors.
His knowledge and understanding of the Forest, bushcraft and all things wild make him the perfect addition to our teaching team. From birds to the structure of a Birch, Marek knows all there is to know about the great outdoors.
Dave Blakemore
Pines Primary teacher
Dave was born and raised in the North of England, UK. He has worked in education for the best part of 20 years, initially in U.K. primary schools. Dave has taught internationally in New Zealand and also in China, where he spent 5 years enjoying the benefits of teaching, learning, and leadership in a small-scale learning environment. In 2020, he moved to Poland with his wife and two children. After working for 3 years in a British school, he had the good fortune to discover Pines Primary and join the team. Dave sees learning as an organic process, inseparable from life itself. He feels greatly inspired when working as part of a living, breathing learning environment, in which he can serve as a responsive guide and facilitator. In his free time, Dave likes to create music using a variety of electronic and acoustic instruments. He also keeps up regular Mandarin Chinese practice and is an avid reader.
Piotr Paruszkiewicz
Pines Primary teacher
Teacher and educator, graduate of the School of Human Rights of the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, Bachelor of sociology with a re-socialisation profile. Completed postgraduate studies in pre-school and early childhood pedagogy with elements of pedagogical therapy and pedagogical preparation. First degree tutor, certified implementer of the "Spójrz Inaczej" educational and preventive programme, completed CLIL (Content & Language Integrated Learning) training accredited by the British Council, certified trainer of SZTAMA anti-violence Trainers.
He believes that communication and, above all, openness and attention to the other person are the key to better relations between people and – consequently - better functioning in a dynamically changing reality.
Steve Roberts
Forest School Leader
Father of two energetic children, Steve has worked all around the world as an ESL teacher, most recently in Italy, Poland and South Africa. He then trained as a level 3 OCN Forest School leader. He has also spent time in the British Army. Before joining the Pines team he has worked at a nature based kindergarten and as a freelance Forest School leader in Warsaw. He has also contributed to an EU funded project training future Forest School leaders in Poland.
Ania Jabłońska
Pines Primary Polish Teacher
Ania is a general and special educator by profession, as well as a psychological and pedagogical therapist. In the Pines team, she is an educator implementing the Polish core curriculum and a therapist for children with developmental difficulties. She loves to introduce new and innovative teaching methods in her work with children in order to stimulate children's curiosity about the world, creativity and stimulate their self-development. She strongly agrees with the saying that "Every child is different, but every child is equally important," so she applies the principle of individual approach when working with students. She has a passion for traveling, which she enjoys indulging in every spare moment.
Urszula Oreszczuk
Pines Primary teacher
Graduate of Early and Lower Primary School Education at Warsaw University, with EFL specialization. Completed “The Playground Classroom” course for teachers in the Executive Training Institute in Malta. Experienced in work with the youngest students in kindergarten and preschool; Ula derives the greatest joy from accompanying the youngest in their free development during play and in-hands activities. She is interested in handicrafts such as knitting and sewing and sharing these activities with students. She finds being attentive to children's needs and abilities is the best source on how to support their individual development best. Ula also believes in education that is based on cooperation, peer learning and sharing experiences.
In love with hiking, Ula spends every spare moment in the mountains.
Sylwia Orybkiewicz
All-Around Support Coordinator,
Upper Primary Maths Educator
An engineer by education but a humanist at heart, Sylwia thrives in working with people. At Pines, she focuses on developing the foundation, organizing events, and ensuring the smooth operation of the school. She also leads animations and workshops for children, always finding ways to incorporate elements of mathematics into daily activities, believing that the best learning happens through experience and play.
Outside of work, Sylwia is a fan of navigational car rallies, traveling, and exploring world cuisines. Photography is another of her many passions, often capturing important moments and events in the life of the school through her lens.
sylwia@pinesforestschool.pl
Paulina Tomaszewska
Pines Primary teacher
Paulina has been teaching English for over 10 years and loves helping children grow in confidence. She holds a CELTA certificate and a Montessori Teacher Diploma, and has taught in language schools, tutoring, and workshops. She has taught General English, specialised English, and supported students preparing for Cambridge exams.
She uses immersion, the communicative method, and Montessori-inspired strategies to make learning natural and fun. Passionate about bilingualism, Paulina introduced intentional multilingualism at home with her 6-year-old son, who speaks English, Spanish, and Polish.
Outside the classroom, she loves learning languages, exploring alternative teaching methods, skiing, dancing, horse riding, tennis, and water sports.
Karolina Chrzanowska
Pines Primary Polish Teacher and speech therapist
Karolina is a Polish language teacher and speech therapist with many years of experience working with children and young people — from preschool to high school graduation. Her rich pedagogical background allows her to skillfully support students at every stage of their educational journey.
In her work, she places great emphasis on building strong relationships, helping students connect with others, strengthening their sense of self-worth, and developing effective learning strategies.She is deeply inspired by the principles of the Self-Reg approach and Nonviolent Communication (NVC), which help her create an atmosphere of trust, empathy, and mutual respect in the classroom.
Privately, Karolina is a mother of three. She loves spending time in nature, taking care of her plants, reading books, and sewing or upcycling clothes.
Marta Kosiciarz
Pines Primary Teacher and Therapy Specialist
Marta is a dedicated specialist in psychoeducation and early childhood development, passionate about supporting children and families through education, emotional growth, and healthy social relationships. With an academic background that combines psychology and pedagogical preparation, she integrates knowledge from Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) and Social Skills Training (SST) into her teaching practice.
She has hands-on experience delivering psychoeducational programs and facilitating group sessions that nurture communication, empathy, and self-expression. Authenticity and understanding are at the heart of her approach—whether working directly with young children or guiding parents through new developmental challenges.
She believes in empowering students to build self-confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging, using interactive learning methods that inspire curiosity and cooperation.
Valeriia Zhembrovska
Support Teacher and Caregiver for Children with Special Needs
Valeriia began her teaching journey in Ukraine, where she taught English language and literature to young learners. Her experience in Stockholm, Sweden, deepened her understanding of outdoor learning and holistic approaches to childhood development.
After moving to Poland, Valeriia started a new chapter as a support teacher for children with special needs at an integrative educational center. There, she learned to recognize each child’s unique needs, discover their strengths and “superpowers,” and help them build confidence and meaningful relationships. She sees her role as a bridge connecting children to the beauty of human connection and belonging.
Valeriia’s passion for art is also a central part of her work. Through art therapy sessions using fairy tales, colors, and creative expression, she creates a safe and nurturing space where children can flourish and grow.
She firmly believes that learning to build relationships and fostering a supportive community are key to helping children succeed not only in school but in life.
Patrycja Chrulska
Support Teacher and Caregiver for Children with Special Needs
As a support teacher, Patrycja helps children on the autism spectrum develop independence and a sense of safety. Her professional background is in therapeutic massage for both children and adults, where she combines natural bodywork methods with deep attentiveness to each person’s emotions and individual needs.
Patrycja believes that the body and mind are deeply interconnected, and that mindful touch can bring both comfort and self-awareness. In her daily work, she creates a calm and trusting environment where children can feel grounded and supported.
She is currently studying naturopathy, expanding her understanding of health, harmony, and natural ways to support overall well-being.
Mateusz Rusiński
Upper Primary Maths Teacher
Mateusz was born in the “North Pole of Poland” – Suwałki.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and served for four years in a chemical reconnaissance unit. After completing postgraduate studies in pedagogy, he discovered his true calling in education and has been teaching and tutoring for the past four years.
At Pines Forest School, Mateusz teaches maths to upper grades. His mission is to show students that math is not something to fear – it’s a world full of patterns, logic, and creativity. For him, math problems are like puzzles with more than one solution waiting to be discovered. He encourages students to explore different methods and discover the joy of learning in their own unique way. His curiosity doesn’t end with numbers – he has a deep interest in chemistry, toxins, and viruses, and is always happy to share fun facts from the world of science. Outside the classroom, he enjoys playing and watching football, as well as all kinds of games – from board games to video games and quizzes.
He believes that learning works best when accompanied by curiosity, good communication, and a smile.
Our growing community
From Manchester to the Great Lakes of Canada. The Black Forests of Germany to the snowy mountains of Poland. The Polish sea side to the gardens of the UK. From the busy centre of Warsaw to our quiet sites in Zabia Wola (Pines Learning HUBs) and Powsin. Our community continues to thrive and grow, and with that growth our Forest School develops and enhances. Our community of Forest leaders, Park rangers, parents, enthusiast, specialists, acclaimed practitioners and of course our pupils make up the backbone of Pines. Our community is everything.
We want everyone that is associated with Pines to feel welcome at the Pines Learning HUBs and at our site in Powsin Forest, enjoy a coffee and talk through ideas. Our expat community is fantastic at doing exactly that, making friends, networking and supporting one another. Our parental workshops offer an insight to what your children will be learning, and how you can best support their development.
At Pines we love to further our own education to ensure each Pines child receives the very best. Workshops, trainings and courses delivered by Pines practitioners as well as experts from around the globe will teach you everything you need to know, ready for our wild camps, weekend hikes and family days.
Pines Foundation
Our foundation works tirelessly to support young adults and children with disabilities around Warsaw.
LAB - Learning and being
Our wonderful partner preschool. LAB is a Montessori school located in a beautiful old villa in Mokotów. LAB is a place where each child is able to learn using their own unique style. An inspiring space, where children can peacefully learn and feel free to be themselves.
Laplander
Polands number 1 bushcraft and survival shop. Laplander not only supplies our Forest School leaders and learners with professional equipment but also supports our Projects and Foundation. We are proud to partner with such a prestigious brand, with support from Laplander, Pines will continue to deliver Educational Projects right across Poland.
Powsin Park
The Culture Park in Powsin together with the Kabacki Forest has for years been the perfect location for family weekend trips and everyday rest. Located on the upper terrace of the Warsaw, Powsin had been the home to Pines Forest School from the very beginning. We are proud of our partnership with Powsin and look forward to the many year of cooperation.
Łukasz Tulej
An outdoors, bushcraft survival expert with an unbelievable knowledge on all things nature. Łukasz has traveled the world seeking out his next adventure, boasting an array of inspiring tales. As well as leading survival weekends and trails across some of the most beautiful landscapes the world has to offer, Łukasz also works with children and adults of all ages. His passion to help others and support development makes him a true inspirational figure in our community.
www.tooley.pl
Earthcraftuk Community Interest Company
Clair and Scott of Earthcraftuk are two of the UK`s leading Forest School trainers. Scott is an Advanced Bushcraft Instructor and both Clair & Scott Level 3 Forest School Practitioners and Trainers. They have trained over 370 Forest School Leaders from the UK and overseas (including Saul Simpson – co-founder of Pines). They understand how to run Forest School programmes, offer transformational benefits to participants. Pines is delighted to continue their relationship with Earthcraftuk who will be our official training base for new Pines Forest School staff.
www.earthcraftuk.com
Nature workshops - Lasokracja
The talented and skilled Forest and Bushcraft specialist Marek Suchodolski provides expert training in all things wild and green. A member of the Pines community, Marek will guide you through courses in identification, flora and fauna and many more. His work as a national park ranger in Poland gives him the perfect experience to pass on his expertise. Pines is lucky enough to have him as an expert consultant and looks forward to working with him in the future.
