We’re Andrew and Bridgett Nelson, the husband-and-wife team behind Pacific Wildlife Institute (PWI). For the past eight years, we’ve dedicated our lives to helping kids connect with nature—leading hands-on wildlife education programs, guiding outdoor adventures, and working on conservation projects across California, the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, and beyond. Now we are setting deeper roots here in Andrew’s hometown, the magnificent Ojai Valley. 

Whether it’s observing birds, exploring tide pools, or hiking through the forest, we believe that the best learning happens through experience, curiosity, and play.

Our work has required us to lead large groups of students and parents in a variety of outdoor settings and activities including hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, tide-pooling, dissections, and more. Our hands-on experience in dynamic environments has uniquely prepared us to lead groups with a strong emphasis on safety while keeping activities fun and engaging. 

As mentors, we understand how important it is for children to feel safe, supported, and empowered to explore. Our 4-year-old son reminds us daily of the magic that comes from discovering the world with fresh eyes and an open mind. We know firsthand how meaningful it is for kids to have trusted guides who encourage their natural curiosity while creating a nurturing and secure environment in the outdoors.

We believe that outdoor education is about more than just learning interesting facts—it’s about sparking a sense of wonder, building resilience, and fostering a lifelong connection with nature. With Pacific Wildlife Institute, we strive to create experiences that not only teach children about the natural world but also encourage them to actively engage with it through play, observation, and hands-on activities.

Partnering with Ingrained is an exciting opportunity to bring deep nature connection into children’s daily lives, guiding them in animal tracking, plant identification, sensory exploration, and ecological storytelling. Our hope is to help children in the Ojai Valley become more grounded and attentive to their immediate natural environment. Whether it’s following deer trails, listening to bird calls, or creating nature journals filled with their own discoveries, we are dedicated to making each day an adventure that nurtures confidence, curiosity, and a sense of belonging in the wild. In addition to these enriching activities, Bridgett will also bring a bilingual element to our daily programming as a heritage Spanish speaker.

We’re thrilled to be mentoring the Ingrained community and look forward to getting to know your children, fostering their love for the outdoors, and helping them thrive in nature!

Andrew & Bridgett Nelson
Pacific Wildlife Institute

I am the creator of Ingrained, a mama-owned LLC and local Ojai Valley resident who grew up splitting her time in Ojai on her family's east end citrus ranch and in Ventura with her mom who was a Ventura educator for over 28 years. I am a credentialed multiple subject and mathematics educator  with a masters degree in teaching introductory mathematics. 

As a now homeschool mama of two, I use my love of hands-on play based learning along with my foundational educational skill set to craft weekly tutoring lessons and activities for our kiddos in Ingrained.

My goal with our program is to give our young ones freedom in the outdoors with opportunities to target learning goals weekly in a low pressure environment.

Let's explore together!

I am a retired veteran teacher with 28 years of experience in Ventura Unified School District. I am a credentialed multiple subject educator with a minor in English and a masters in education.  I spent over a decade in first grade, focusing on teaching 6 year olds how to read and write. 

I believe that if we instill a love of learning through exploration and child-led activities, we can foster a love of learning and create life-long learners.

I focus on building strong relationships and creating a safe space for all kids to thrive. I am excited to being a partner in learning with you and your little one. 

I am a proud mom to Apple and the nana to her two little ones who teach me so much daily.