Our Philosophy

The mission of Nature Time is to help children feel connected, and understand that nothing in nature stands alone. People, plants, animals, insects - we all play a role in helping nature work.

Because we are connected, we share a responsibility to take care of nature, wherever we find it. We can teach children to take care by helping them learn more about the living systems they are connected to.

Nature Time is here to help children understand how these systems work, how they change, and how removing one part affects the whole. When we work together with nature, we help nature. When we help nature, we help ourselves. We are all part of a system. 

We hope that we can help you and your family discover that no matter where you are, nature is always within reach.

Who We Are

  • Alan Melling

    EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY, PUPPETEER

    Alan is always trying to figure out how things work. From working on robots as an R&D Engineer to working on movies as a Cinematographer, he enjoys the technical and creative aspects of storytelling and how it can help us better understand our world.

  • Elise Potts

    PRODUCER, DIRECTOR, LEAD WRITER, LEARNING DESIGNER

    Elise loves playing outside and exploring the world around her. She brings this curiosity to her writing. With a professional background in designing social-emotional learning curriculum, she understands the importance of helping children build connections to their community and feel a sense of belonging. Her biggest inspiration will always be Mister Rogers.

  • Michael Martin

    HOST, SCIENCE ADVISOR

    Michael has always enjoyed spending time in nature. From camping as a kid, to guiding rock climbing and outdoor trips in college, to becoming a field biologist and teacher as an adult. He is happiest when he's sharing nature with others, especially kids. Professionally, Michael teaches biology and environmental science to college students. At home, Michael has two young kids who know the definition of invasive species and a partner who lovingly tolerates his obsession with native plants and local pollinators.

  • Torrell Moss

    MUSIC COMPOSER

    Torrell taught himself to play the drums starting around age 11, but it wasn't until he got to college that he realized percussion would be his future. He started in music education before pursuing performance—now his ideal career is a healthy balance of both.

  • Sarah Nairalez

    Sarah is one of those earthy crunchy people who live in Portland OR. Professionally she’s a filmmaker, Audio Producer & Editor, and Media Arts Educator who focuses on storytelling and creating educational content. Personally she’s a collector of hobbies, an organic gardener, and a compost enthusiast.