Todd Cooley spent his childhood exploring the Oaks and Coastal Redwoods of Northern California. At age 19 he began his journey into nature connection through a semester at the National Outdoor Leadership School, followed by a growing season with the Permaculture Institute of Northern California. The power of the natural world, and it’s deep importance to human development quickly became central to his path. After being the only Black participant in one too many nature education programs, he set out to gain the knowledge to become an educator and help build the relationships between Black Folks, Folks of Color and the natural world. Beginning his professional work as Program Manager for Bay Area Wilderness Training, Todd led backpacking trips and other educational programs aimed at elevating the wilderness skills of adults working with youth. To further develop his nature connection skills he spent several formative years as a student, apprentice and staff at the Wilderness Awareness School. Since then, Todd has worked in nature with youth and adults through a variety of avenues on the West Coast, from Seattle Parks and Rec, North Cascades Institute, and Exploring New Horizons Outdoor School. Along with being an educator, Todd has been a student as well, obtaining a BA in Environmental Studies from Prescott College, and later earning an MA in International Environmental Policy and an MBA from Middlebury Institute of International Studies. Professionally, Todd’s path has led him out of full-time nature education work. Currently, he works at a federal credit union focusing on special projects aimed at lessening the racial wealth gap in the United States. Todd loves making music with other humans, exploring new ecosystems through the lens of wildlife tracking, most things basketball, and figuring out how to be the best parent he can while enjoying time with his family.
Todd Cooley
