Elena Noseda

I am a Forest School leader, self-directed education facilitator and consultant with a BA in Communication and a postgraduate qualification in Neurodevelopmental Conditions and Neurodiversity.
I am a neurodivergent person.
Driven by my belief in the richness and wonder of childhood, and by a passion for education, inclusion and rights-respecting practices, I founded the Biophilia Project.

My work explores the relationship between nature, learning, wellbeing and neurodiversity. I am particularly interested in how the environments around us can either create barriers or enable people to participate, connect and thrive. Nature is at the heart of my work because I have experienced first-hand how meaningful access to natural environments can support regulation, wellbeing, curiosity and a sense of belonging.

My academic background, together with my own lived experience, informs my commitment to creating environments that recognise and value different ways of thinking, learning, communicating, sensing and experiencing the world.

As a consultant, I work with organisations, educational settings and communities to explore how these principles can inform their environments, practices and approaches.

Previously, I worked directly with nurseries, primary schools and self-directed education projects, designing and facilitating nature-based and rights-respecting learning experiences. This practical experience continues to inform my consultancy work, giving me a grounded understanding of the realities, opportunities and challenges involved in creating more inclusive environments.

Across my work, I aim to challenge assumptions, raise awareness of neurodiversity and empower different ways of thinking, learning and being. Ultimately, I am interested in creating environments where people do not have to change who they are in order to belong.