John

For over 16 years, John has owned a design studio in Somerset County. He keeps actively engaged in his community, where he has been a member of the Somerville Environmental Commission since 2024.

John's passion for outdoor learning began during his time as a student at Hillside Intermediate School, where he developed a deep appreciation for their 7-acre backyard classroom. Inspired by the need for more outdoor learning spaces, John founded SeedEd, driven by the belief that all children deserve equal opportunities to connect with the outdoors and benefit from diverse learning methods like hands-on, place-based education. As the chair of the board, his vision is to create multidisciplinary outdoor spaces where students can learn, socialize, and foster a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between humanity and the outdoors.

Will

Mr. William Ferry brings a wealth of experience from his 33 years as a dedicated educator in the public school system. Throughout his career in the Bridgewater-Raritan School District, he taught high school social studies and led the social studies department before retiring as an intermediate school principal. His ongoing commitment to education is evident in his current part-time work teaching adult literacy classes.

Witnessing firsthand the significant motivation and positive outcomes that outdoor classrooms fostered among students deeply resonated with Mr. Ferry. This direct observation transformed him into a passionate advocate for "classrooms without walls" and a strong supporter of SeedEd's mission. His extensive background provides valuable insights into the transformative power of experiential learning.

Kiran

Miss Kiran Masud is a dedicated educator and changemaker with over 18 years of classroom experience. Holding a Master’s in Education from Rutgers University, she currently leads her “Masudians,” inspiring them to actively engage with their learning and environment. Her philosophy emphasizes curiosity, storytelling, and real-world impact through initiatives like Roots & Shoots and global partnerships.

As a Fulbright scholar and peace educator, Miss Masud consistently seeks opportunities to challenge traditional education and envision learning without limits. Currently a NEA Fellow for Global Classrooms, she focuses on building connections between local and global communities. Her work aims to cultivate responsibility, resilience, and belonging within inspiring school environments.