How it started...
After more than a decade studying and working in the field of Early Childhood Education,
founder and lead Ranger, Ragon Ralston, left a public school teaching position to open
We Grow Wildlings.
In hopes of creating an educational program that offered truly developmentally appropriate,
child-led experiences in outdoor environments, she forged a relationship with Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, and in January 2024, Wildlings Forest School classes began twice weekly.
It was a success! Word began to spread, and the twice-weekly classes quickly grew as
kindred spirits were found in the wild families who registered their children to attend.
Things went so well, in fact, that connections were formed with other local parks and
preserves, allowing for Wildlings classes to grow... and grow!
We're now getting ready to start our third year of classes, with even more locations
and opportunities to "GROW WILD" all around Tampa Bay, FL.
Keep reading below to learn more about the original Wildling, Ranger Ragon,
and the team of Rangers who lead Wildlings classes.
Ranger Ragon
Founder & Creative Director
Hi! I'm Ragon, a native St. Petersburger and
longtime lover of all things wild and free.
When I'm not leading the Wildlings, you'll find me
being a mama to my own adventurous wildling, exploring the outdoors, or dreaming up a new business idea.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved being around children. Once I took my first child development course and learned how profoundly the first eight years of life shape who we become,
I knew I had found my calling. I became fascinated by the science of child development and dedicated myself to creating the kinds of experiences that allow children to grow into confident,
capable, compassionate humans.
Over the years, I earned degrees and certifications in early childhood education, including specialized training in exceptional student education (ESE) and ESOL.
I’ve taught in private schools, Montessori-inspired programs, public elementary schools, children’s yoga and art classes,
and even opened a gym-based childcare center inside the former Body Electric Athletic Company.
Every role taught me something valuable, but each one also reinforced the same belief: children learn best through meaningful relationships, play, movement, and time spent outdoors. That belief inspired me to leave the traditional classroom and start We Grow Wildlings.
Ranger Lauren
operations Director
Hi! I’m Ranger Lauren, a lifelong nature explorer,
and I’m thrilled to be joining We Grow Wildlings to offer
forest school classes at Bay Vista Park and War Veterans’ Memorial Park this fall!
I earned my certification as a Forest School Teacher and
Director through the Forest School Teacher Institute in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and have been leading forest school classes at beautiful Bay Vista Park for the past year through my program, Our Wild Learning (OWL). I also bring a background
as a Montessori primary guide and nanny, which also informs
my child-led classes.
I believe nature is our greatest teacher, and that offering children the time and space to explore the natural world supports the development of the whole child, nurturing curiosity, imagination, confidence, resilience, empathy, a connection to the Earth,
and so much more.
I can’t wait to explore in wild wonder with the Wildlings!
Ranger jay
Parent Edu & Resources director
Howdy, I’m Ranger Jay!
I’m a Colorado-raised, Florida explorer.
I love to spend my time exploring nature of all kinds, from mountains to marshes; I’m in the mud. As a born-and-bred latchkey kid, I found safety and magic exploring the woods, rivers, and caves that surrounded me wherever I lived.
I’ve worked with children as a nanny, “big” at a children’s grief camp, playworker with Rooted in Play, and as a program director for nature-based play education at the preschool level.
In 2025, I became an internationally certified Playworker.
I am so very excited to be joining the Rangers at We Grow Wildlings to expand their offerings into the Tampa Bay area!
Happy Trails,
Ranger Jay
Ranger catie
community engagement director
Hello! I’m Ranger Catie, mom to two wildlings.
We have been with Wildlings since fall 2024. I am a licensed K-6 teacher, with research focused on social/emotional learning and restorative justice. I worked as a homeschool teacher in Boston and a nanny for many years before that.
Since I was little, being in nature has been my happy place.
I couldn’t be more thrilled to be able to share my love for Mother Earth with the next generation.
Leading classes at Maximo is a dream come true, and I can’t wait to find wonder in nature with the wildlings this fall.
