The Joy of Foraging: Alexis Nikole Nelson on Food, Nature, and Her Montessori Roots

American Montessori Society (AMS)

07 April 2025

How does a childhood spent exploring nature shape a lifelong passion? In this episode, Alexis Nikole Nelson—award-winning forager, chef, and social media star—shares how her Montessori education helped nurture her curiosity and independence, ultimately leading to her unique career. Hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman discuss with Alexis: How her Montessori upbringing encouraged hands-on learning and a love of natureThe history and cultural significance of foraging, especially in Black and Indigenous communitiesThe intersection of food, environmental education, and social media storytellingHer upcoming cookbookWith humor, insight, and infectious enthusiasm, Alexis brings a fresh perspective on learning, history, and the joy of reconnecting with nature—one edible plant at a time. Follow Alexis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackforager/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisnikole YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BlackForager And to learn more about the Montessori perspective on this topic: An Introduction to Sustainability in the Montessori Classroom https://learn.amshq.org/products/an-introduction-to-sustainability-in-the-montessori-classroom#tab-product_tab_about_the_class Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society. For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/ And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach: https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood Contact us: humanpotential@amshq.org