Emma “Beaver” Noroian

Growing up in Vancouver, BC, Emma developed a deep love for the ocean, water, and the many creatures that call them home. As a child, she spent her days exploring along the beaches and rescuing snails from her mother’s garden. Her curiosity about the natural world, and interest in exploring alternative teaching and learning models, eventually led her to Wilderness Awareness School, where she participated in The Immersion program and then the Adult Nature Instructor Training. For the past five summers, Emma has continued to work with WAS, deepening her experience in outdoor education, nature connection, and mentoring.

Emma loves working with people of all ages and is passionate about creating spaces where people can build confidence, curiosity, and a sense of belonging in the natural world. She recently co-founded a unique micro elementary program called The Greenwall School, blending academic education and nature-based learning. During her time there she also completed her teacher training at the University of Washington, becoming a WA state certified teacher. She brings this perspective into her mentoring, looking for ways to make learning experiential, meaningful, and connected to the world around us. Emma loves helping people slow down, pay attention, ask good questions, and discover that they are capable of more than they might have imagined. She is especially drawn to the ways that time outside can foster interdependence, resilience, and deeper connection—with ourselves, each other, and the natural world.

Emma is passionate about singing and bringing song to groups of people, cooking delicious food for friends and loved ones, and kindling and tending fires. She finds great joy in creating and caring for beautiful spaces where people can gather, connect, and feel at home.