Our Team

Christy Zolty — Advisor (she, her)

Christy has a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College, and has been certified by Cedarsong Nature School, based outside Seattle, WA. Christy has taught and learned from some of the best schools throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan, including The Blue School, Community Roots Charter School, The Co-Op School, and Maple Street School.

Christy spent a few years at Brooklyn Nature Days and helped it grow into one of the most successful Forest Schools in the country. At Brooklyn Nature Days, Christy was a head teacher, leading an average class size of 16 students with 3 assistant teachers, and worked closely with the founder to help improve and grow the program. She then started Maplewood Outside School after she and her family relocated to the SOMA area.

She is a New York Master Naturalist (level 2) through Cornell University’s Cooperative Extension and an Environmental Steward through Rutgers University Cooperative Extension. She currently serves as the Co-Chair for the Chapter Initiative, as well as the Co-Chair for the NJ Chapter of the Eastern Regional Association of Forest Schools (ERAFANS). Christy joined the South Mountain Conservancy in 2018 as a trail keeper, is a Coordinator of the Forest Regeneration Corps and oversees the Wildflower Preserve. She gained her Waldorf Early Childhood Teaching Certificate through Sunbridge Institute in 2022.

Natalia Naranjo — Director (she, her)

A born and bred Queens native, Natalia graduated from CUNY Queens College with a B.A. in Psychology and a concentration in Student Services & Counseling.  Upon graduation, Natalia took a leap of faith, and worked in Public Relations and Marketing, at two different entertainment start-ups.  After a few years, she decided to pursue her passion for education, and enrolled in graduate school at New York University, where she received an M.A. in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs. Prior to joining the Maplewood Outside School, Natalia worked at St. John’s University for six years, where she helped manage the Ozanam Scholars program – a scholarship program focused on advancing social justice through scholarship, service and global citizenship. 

The education enthusiast that she is, she fell in love with the outside school philosophy and enrolled her daughters in the fall of 2018.  After seeing how much her daughter thrived and loved being in the forest, it was only a matter of time until she joined the fun!

Veronica Grande — Pre-School Teacher (she, her)

Veronica attended SUNY Buffalo where she received a BA in Environmental Studies. After graduating her life took her to New York City where she worked as an Administrative Assistant for Investment Bankers then as an Account Administrator for a Gallery. Her passion for the outdoors lead her to join the MOS team in 2018. Veronica is Certified in Pediatric First Aid and CPR. When not teaching in the Forest you will find Veronica running the reservation trails, on road trips for her daughters soft ball games or walking one of her four legged friends.

Caitlin Plaveczky — Preschool Teacher (she, her)

Caitlin graduated from Rutgers University with a BA in English and a minor in Art History. After having two children of her own, she began bringing them to play in the forest on a daily basis to enjoy and learn about nature. Caitlin was then hired to watch other children, who she also brought into the woods to learn and play. Through this time, it became clear to her that teaching children in and about nature was her true passion.

When not working at Maplewood Outside School, Caitlin can be found hiking with her sons, reading, going to the beach, and spending time with her family in Lake George. Caitlin is thrilled to continue sharing her love for the outdoors with children as a member of the MOS team.

Lacey Buccellato - Atelier (she, her)

Lacey has been creating joy filled art experiences for children of all ages. In 2017 she set up an art studio for children where they have an opportunity to explore and create some amazing works of art. She resides in Maplewood with her three boys and husband. You can explore her studio at Oh! Canary.