Kirsten Haugen

Kirsten Haugen is an Education Specialist for Dimensions Educational Research Foundation. Through Dimensions’ Nature Explore Program, she develops and facilitates professional development experiences for educators, and collaborates on outdoor classroom designs for early childhood programs, public and private schools, libraries, faith-based communities, nature preserves and more. Kirsten has contributed articles, professional development resources and editorial support to Exchange magazine and Exchange Press since 1995, and has collaborated with early childhood professionals around the world for over 20 years, through her work with the World Forum Foundation and as an independent consultant.

Kirsten holds a BA in Human Biology from Stanford University, and an MA in Early Childhood Special Education from San Francisco State University. She draws on her experiences teaching and learning with children to engage educators on issues related to early intervention, behavior and self-regulation, universal design for learning, and how and why connecting children with nature positively impacts their growth and development.