The Nature Bus Microschool
A small, family-centered team rooted in care, experience, and connection!
The Nature Bus Microschool is intentionally small and deeply personal. At the heart of our program is a mother–daughter team who work closely together each day to create a calm, nurturing environment where children feel known, safe, and supported.
Our school grew from a shared love of teaching, learning, and spending time outdoors. As a microschool, we are able to truly know each child and respond to them as individuals – supporting their growth with the same care and intentionality we would bring to our own children. We lead as a close-knit team, building strong relationships with families and guiding each day with consistency, warmth, and purpose.
Meet Our Team
Suzanne Moss
Founder & Lead Educator
Suzanne is the founder and lead educator of The Nature Bus Microschool and the heart behind The Nature Bus program.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and is a:
- Licensed Virginia Elementary Teacher (PreK–6) with Gifted Endorsement
- Virginia Certified Environmental Educator (accredited by the Virginia Association for Environmental Education and the North American Association for Environmental Education)
- Certified Master Naturalist
- Tinkergarten Teacher
- Certified Yoga Instructor
- Water Safety Instructor (15 years of experience; not current)
- CPR & First Aid Certified (Adults & Pediatrics)
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holder
Suzanne has spent decades designing and leading nature-based programs for children. The Nature Bus was founded by Suzanne, following the success of a 12-year children’s nature club, and has since grown into a thoughtfully designed educational program grounded in outdoor learning and emotional wellbeing.
Nature-based education is Suzanne’s life’s work. She brings a steady, calm presence to each day and is deeply committed to helping children grow into confident, curious learners with a strong connection to the natural world.
Alaurah Moss
Program Administrator & Educator
Alaurah serves as Program Administrator and Educator, bringing both professional expertise and personal investment to The Nature Bus Microschool.
She holds:
- A B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Maryland
- A Master’s Degree in Environmental Management from Duke University
- CPR & First Aid Certified (Adults & Pediatrics)
Alaurah has more than eight years of experience working in environmental science and project management, implementing nature-based solutions and supporting community resilience initiatives. She also serves as Secretary of Nature Matters, the nonprofit organization that supports environmental education and environmental stewardship.
As a mother of two young children who will attend the program, Alaurah understands the hopes and questions families bring when choosing a school. She is passionate about creating learning environments that support children’s whole development – academic, emotional, and environmental.
How We Work as a Team
Suzanne and Alaurah lead The Nature Bus Microschool with a shared commitment to:
- Calm, child-centered learning
- Emotional safety and respectful relationships
- Strong academic foundations without pressure
- Meaningful time outdoors in all seasons
We intentionally keep our program small so children are deeply known and supported. If enrollment exceeds six children, an additional team member is added to maintain low ratios, close supervision, and the peaceful environment families value.
Our small, responsive team structure allows for consistency, open communication, and strong relationships with every child and family we serve.
Sequoia
Certified Therapy Dog (Samoyed)
Sequoia, Suzanne’s Samoyed, often joins us at school as part of our calm, nurturing environment.
A therapy dog is trained to provide comfort, emotional support, and affection in settings such as schools, hospitals, and community spaces. Sequoia is not a service dog. She is a certified therapy dog through Therapy Dogs International (TDI) and has extensive experience working with children, including serving as a daily classroom companion when Suzanne taught first grade.
Sequoia is gentle, friendly, and especially attuned to children. Her presence is always supervised, her vaccinations are kept fully up to date, and interactions are guided with care and respect.
Why We Include a Therapy Dog
Research and decades of classroom experience show that therapy dogs can:
- Reduce anxiety and stress in children
- Support emotional regulation and calm transitions
- Increase feelings of safety and belonging
- Encourage empathy, responsibility, and gentle social interaction
- Support focus and engagement, especially during reading and quiet work
For many children, simply sitting near a calm dog can lower heart rate and promote a sense of ease. Sequoia’s role is never instructional or mandatory—she is a quiet, comforting presence woven naturally into the rhythm of the day.
Important note: If you or your child have allergies, fears, or discomfort around dogs, this program may not be the right fit. Families may also request clear physical boundaries from Sequoia at any time, and we will respect those needs fully.