Meet Denessa | Jennifer Appleton | Kloeppel | Co-Founder | Co-Founder and Education Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Denessa | Jennifer Appleton | Kloeppel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Denessa | Jennifer, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Denessa: I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset—it’s been a consistent thread throughout my career, from running a successful media, branding, and advertising agency with my husband in Dubai, to helping multiple startups launch and thrive in various industries.

But the inspiration for starting our forest school came from a deeply personal place: my son’s education. As a mother, I wanted him to have an early learning experience that honored childhood the way I believe it should be—rooted in nature, curiosity, and real-world exploration rather than rigid indoor routines.

I saw firsthand how transformative outdoor, play-based learning could be for his development and well-being. Combining that with my background in building and growing businesses, launching this forest school felt like a way to bring my professional skills and my parenting values together. It’s my way of creating the kind of educational environment I wanted for my own child—and now for other families in our community, too.

Jennifer:

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Denessa: I’ve always been guided by creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to take risks for what I believe in. Early in my career, I spent eight years as a color specialist in the hair industry, working my way up and eventually building a loyal clientele in West Hollywood. It wasn’t glamorous at first—I worked long hours for little pay, but it taught me resilience, relationship-building, and what it takes to stand out in a creative field.

When I moved to Dubai with my husband, I shifted my creative energy into entrepreneurship. Together, we built a media, design, branding, and advertising agency from the ground up. I headed the creative side, often staying up late to master new design skills and handle big projects. There were many sleepless nights and moments of doubt, but over time, our agency grew to serve major clients like Mercedes-Benz and Emirates Airlines on special collaborations.

After having my first child during the 2020 lockdown in Dubai, we made the big decision to move back to Southern California to raise our son closer to family. While focusing on motherhood, I still supported a few personal clients and helped several startups launch, including a publication and a restaurant in Little Italy, San Diego.

The idea for Wild Wander Forest School grew directly from my son’s learning journey. He is endlessly curious and I wanted to preserve that spark—something I felt a traditional classroom couldn’t fully nurture. I met my current business partner through his school, and when we both realized we shared the same vision for a true forest school, we decided to build it together from scratch.

What sets me apart is my commitment to blending creativity and community in every project I touch. It hasn’t been an easy road—I’ve reinvented myself multiple times and faced the unknown more than once—but each step taught me perseverance and the power of surrounding myself with supportive people who believe in the mission.

Wild Wander Forest School is my proudest venture yet. It’s not just a business; it’s my promise to my son and other children to protect their innate love of learning, to give them freedom and wonder, and to reconnect families with nature and each other. If there’s one thing I hope people remember about me and my story, it’s that I build things with heart, and that I truly believe childhood belongs in the wild.

Jennifer:

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Denessa: f my best friend came to visit me in Vista, California, here’s exactly how I’d show them the best week ever:

First, I’d make sure they settled right in with good coffee and good company — so Day 1 would start at Light Bulb Coffee in downtown Vista, catching up over pastries before wandering through the local shops and funky thrift stores. We’d grab lunch at When Pigs Fly BBQ (because everyone needs that brisket sandwich at least once). Later, craft beer hopping at Belching Beaver Tavern and Eppig Brewing, then end the night with live music at The Pour House or Aztec Brewery — both laid-back, local favorites.

Day 2 would be for fresh air and salty hair: we’d hit Guajome Regional Park for an easy nature walk in the morning, then head to Oceanside Pier to watch surfers and maybe even spot dolphins. We’d lunch at Succulent Café, surrounded by plants and hummingbirds, and then stroll through the Oceanside street art and pop into a few vintage shops. We’d catch sunset with our toes in the sand, then dinner at Local Tap House — their fries are legendary.

Day 3, I’d plan an adventure inland: we’d hike Elfin Forest or Daley Ranch, and pack a picnic to eat under the oaks. On the way back, a quick stop for local art at Hill Street Country Club or a cute gallery in Carlsbad. Dinner would be back in Vista at URBN Pizza, with craft cocktails and late-night laughs.

By Day 4, we’d need a full-on beach day — so we’d sprawl out at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. There’d be surfing, people-watching, and lots of snacks. We’d grab fish tacos at Fish 101, then poke around Encinitas’ bookstores and maybe find live music at Le Papagayo or a casual beach bar.

Day 5, we’d go big: drive to Torrey Pines State Reserve, hike the cliffs with insane ocean views, then go seal-spotting at La Jolla Cove. We’d treat ourselves to an oceanfront lunch in Del Mar — Jake’s is always a vibe.

Day 6 would be for pure fun and no plans: slow morning, cinnamon rolls at Cafe Topes in Carlsbad, browsing Carlsbad Village, then maybe a spa afternoon or just lying on the sand with iced coffees. Dinner would be special: Campfire in Carlsbad — because there’s nothing better than eating around a fire pit with your best friend.

On the last day, we’d do the Leucadia Farmers Market, grab fresh flowers and treats, then wine tasting at Buena Vista Vineyards or a lazy afternoon at Beach House Winery with sweeping views. We’d toast to old memories, new adventures, and how lucky we are to live (or visit) in this sun-soaked pocket of Southern California.

Jennifer:

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?
Denessa: First and foremost, my son Hugo deserves the biggest shoutout. He’s bright, endlessly curious, and has a natural love for learning that inspired this entire journey. My deepest motivation has always been to protect and nurture that spirit—to make sure his education happens not inside a box but out in the real world, immersed in nature and true discovery.

I also owe so much to my husband—my partner in life, my best friend, and my sounding board in every business venture. His constant support and encouragement make it possible for me to dream big and follow through.

I’m endlessly grateful for my mom, sister, and grandmother—my lifelong cheerleaders who have always believed in me. And last but not least, my mother-in-law deserves special recognition. She was the first to say, “You have a gift with children—use it!” Her belief in my ability to connect with kids gave me the final push to turn this vision into reality.

Jennifer: Sweet Noah, my 8 year old is always ready for adventure. He is the biggest cheerleader for others and for himself. His joy and zest for life outside is magic that I wish I could capture forever.

Payton and Blake, my other kids were launched into outdoor education in kindergarten, and we never looked back. They have charged up the mountains, slept under the stars, and learned to read and write on endless trails and in the snow ever since. Their curiosity keeps me inspired.

Kellen has helped me ground my ideas and root me into reality as I dreamed of what is next. He has been a champion of my dreams and the person that I can always count on to ask questions.

Lastly, every single student and family that has ever trusted me with their education, their adventure, and their curiosity. I feel so lucky that I get to help cultivate a space of curiosity, adventure, and exploration with young learners.

Website: https://www.wildwanderforestschool.com

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

Linkedin: https://il.linkedin.com/company/wildwanderforestschool

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildwanderforestschool

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/wild-wander-forest-school-carlsbad

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/wildwanderforestschool

Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wildwanderforestschool

Image Credits
Denessa Appleton