Boston Outdoor Preschool Network (BOPN) Co-founder and Executive Director, Sarah Besse, is dedicated to innovating early education that engages the entire child while fostering creativity and joy. With a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College and Montessori Certification, she draws on her diverse experiences to emphasize the importance of nature and its connection to the well-being of individuals, communities, and our planet. Research shows young children who spend extended time in nature reap multiple benefits, including improved agility, balance, coordination, imaginative play, stress reduction, and confidence, socialization, language, and critical thinking skills.

Besse's experiences and expertise uniquely position her to lead BOPN, which places a strong emphasis on spending time outdoors and developing foundational skills in early childhood. Before founding BOPN, Besse studied Montessori certification for Pre-Primary ages 3-6 at the New England Montessori Teacher Education Center. She also studied at the Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building and received a High School Diploma in Music: Classical Flute from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School and a Bachelor of Arts, History Major, from Carleton College. Besse has served as an Assistant Teacher at Cambridge Public Schools and Children's House Montessori, a Boat Building Instructor and Boat Building Apprentice, and a Summer Reads Associate for Americorps VISTA and the Minnesota Literacy Council.