We had the good fortune of connecting with Corinne Matovich and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Corinne, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As a woman working in the Outdoor realm, I began to notice that science-based Environmental Restoration jobs as well as Environmental Education head positions were rather male dominated. As the years went on, I dove into eco-feminism as my deep knowledge and respect for California Native Ecoysystems grew. The mother-daughter bond was so relevant to me in my life and work, so supporting the dynamic growth of said bond, by supporting children in their early years and guardians in the social emotional support of their child, really felt like a calling, a natural next step. I felt called to share my unique and developmentally-honed philosophy with communities of San Diego. I had served Indigenous mothers and children in rural Alaska, and worked with whole-hearted organizations in Santa Barbara. When I came to San Diego, I brought with me the notion that stewardship and deep understanding are vital in Environmental Education. It is not so much as being business minded, as it is community minded. It is about lifting others, as well as yourself. The autonomy from growing your own income based in your own heart, ideas, and direct impact is incredibly empowering. My compass is compassion and serving the San Diego communities with empathy, understanding, and the deep well of knowledge I have collected and harvested over the years as a Naturalist and Environmental Educator.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Rad Roots Nature School is an intentional and caring outdoor education program for preschool and elementary age children! We hold one of the smallest Nature School class environments in San Diego (5-8) students to support each childs’ individual and unique growth. My experience is rooted in respect for Indigenous populations and restoration of California Native plants and ecosystems. Natural education is a form of anti-colonial tendencies to build big buildings on the earth and negate the elements. We are outside, growing with the seasons of the Earth and each students phases and rhythms! We honor the autonomy of students with a learner-led education model. I am incredibly proud of the community Rad Roots has attracted in the form of sensational mothers who consciously parents themselves as well as their children, reflecting and asking, how may I best support my child’s growth? I got to where I am today with the support of the incredible women before me who have been supportive of fellow-female growth and loving with their words and actions. It was definitely not easy to get where I am today, although it did feel like my natural path. The challenges along the way became mole-hills with the support of my loving partner and friends who believed in me at times I did not believe in myself. That was a huge lesson at the end of the day- that backing myself is so so important. Everyone is walking their own path and the intertwining and sometimes temporary crossing of paths hold so many incredible lessons of self-worth and understanding for all kinds of different stories. The stories we all tell ourselves on a daily level shape our understanding of ourselves and the world, so make sure your stories are reflective and rooted in values you believe in.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite places in San Diego are very nature based. Sunset Cliffs is incredibly exspansive and hiking Cowles Mountain is an empowering experience! I love the rootsiness and art of Ocean Beach but really appreciate the quiet and solitude of Mission Trails. I spent a lot of time in New Zealand, so I love the restaurants of Raglan and Dunedin. You cannot beat the burrito at Mike’s Taco Club or Margies at Ortega’s in my opinion! I love the community mindedness of our local farmers markets, with my favorite one being the Leucadia Market. My favorite place to surf is San Onofre and the best thrift store is the Goodwill off of Lake Murray!!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to my mother!! Valerie Matovich is a special needs teacher in the Bay Area who raised me to be kind above all else. She leads with love by being a mother to all. Val helps stray dogs in her free time and holds a healthy work-life balance of genuine care, understanding, and patience for her students as well as a brilliant sense of humor and lightness at home. The Mother bond is such a strong one, which I have based a deeper understanding of the way we treat the Earth. To love your mother unconditionally is a rich, powerful thing, and something we may also apply to our Mother Earth.

Website: www.radrootsnatureschool.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radrootsnatureschool/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rad-roots-nature-school-san-diego?osq=rad+roots+nature+school

Image Credits
Anna Fahrenkrog