Ms. Chestnut teaches Experiential Education to all grades, but specifically River and Rock and Outdoor Leadership in the 10-12 division. As a new teacher, she has found joy in “introducing kids to the outdoors.” On Ex Ed trips, Academy students often feel the intimidation of being in the wilderness, but can also recall the positive experiences they had. Chestnut says her favorite part of the job is when her students tell her a part of a trip they really enjoyed “even if they are tired and dirty.”
As a teenager, her love for nature was fostered at summer camps and as a Girl Scout. Later on in college, she became more involved with the outdoors by working with the Sierra Club. After college, she moved to Los Angeles for a job developing screenplays for Disney. Reflecting back on this time, she said, “Watching a kernel of an idea get made and watching it in the theater was really awesome.” Naturally, I couldn’t resist asking her what her favorite Disney movie is: “Remember the Titans.” Another favorite of hers is the book “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel. After spending some time in California, she moved to Oregon to explore her options in teaching wilderness therapy. The wilderness therapy program Chestnut was a part of helped young adults with mental health problems and those with difficult circumstances at their homes. Following that, Albuquerque Academy led her to New Mexico where she could continue to spread her knowledge of the outdoors to our students.
Apart from teaching, she enjoys rock climbing, traveling, reading, and watching movies. She said that the best place she has traveled to was Patagonia, where she backpacked across the region.
Chestnut is looking forward to a good year of teaching, full of new faces and fun experiences. She leaves students with a solid piece of advice: “Explore lots of different avenues. You don’t have to totally commit to a career path. Just discover.” This is perfect advice for any teenager.
You can find her in the Experiential Education offices below the dining hall. Welcome to Albuquerque Academy, Ms. Chestnut!
