SATORI - Education for a changing world.
Our Faculty
DR SARAH PONESSA - PHD in Curriculum Development & Design, Masters in Special Education & Music Education, BA in Education, Music, Math, Spanish. SATORI'S ONLINE EDUCATOR.
DR SARAH PONESSA - PHD in Curriculum Development & Design, Masters in Special Education & Music Education, BA in Education, Music, Math, Spanish. SATORI'S ONLINE EDUCATOR.
DR SARAH PONESSA - PHD in Curriculum Development & Design, Masters in Special Education & Music Education, BA in Education, Music, Math, Spanish. SATORI'S ONLINE EDUCATOR.
With over eight years of diverse teaching experience, Sarah Ponessa brings a deep passion for personalized, joyful education to the Satori team. Nationally certified across Pre-K through 12th grade in subjects ranging from general and special education to music, Spanish, and math, Sarah is a versatile and dedicated educator who meets stud
With over eight years of diverse teaching experience, Sarah Ponessa brings a deep passion for personalized, joyful education to the Satori team. Nationally certified across Pre-K through 12th grade in subjects ranging from general and special education to music, Spanish, and math, Sarah is a versatile and dedicated educator who meets students where they are. Her recent certification in the Orton-Gillingham approach for reading and phonics reflects her commitment to supporting every learner, especially those with diverse needs.
Sarah is the founder of Bright Hope Homeschool Academy, a thriving one-room microschool that champions student-led, project-based learning. Her innovative approach combines academic rigor with creativity, critical thinking, and social-emotional development in a nurturing, multi-age environment. Whether designing personalized learning plans or leading hands-on projects, Sarah cultivates a love of learning that extends far beyond the classroom.
Outside of teaching, Sarah lives what she teaches—balancing a vibrant life of movement, mindfulness, and creativity. She’s a certified fitness and nutrition coach, daily practitioner of yoga and powerlifting, and a passionate advocate for outdoor learning and wellness. From canoeing and hiking to reading and travel, her holistic approach to education reflects her belief in nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and spirit.
At Satori, Sarah is excited to contribute her experience in inclusive education, whole-child learning, and microschool leadership to a global movement that empowers young people through meaningful, nature-connected education.
JANET BELARMINO - B.S in Sports Science -Outdoor Education Leader & Experiential Learning Specialist. - SATORI'S LEAD OUTDOOR PRACTITIONER.
DR SARAH PONESSA - PHD in Curriculum Development & Design, Masters in Special Education & Music Education, BA in Education, Music, Math, Spanish. SATORI'S ONLINE EDUCATOR.
DR SARAH PONESSA - PHD in Curriculum Development & Design, Masters in Special Education & Music Education, BA in Education, Music, Math, Spanish. SATORI'S ONLINE EDUCATOR.
Janet Belarmino is a globally recognized educator, explorer, and wellness advocate whose lifelong dedication to outdoor education is as inspiring as it is impactful. As one of the first Southeast Asian women—and the youngest mother—to summit Mt. Everest via a record-setting traverse from China to Nepal, Janet brings unparalleled grit, cou
Janet Belarmino is a globally recognized educator, explorer, and wellness advocate whose lifelong dedication to outdoor education is as inspiring as it is impactful. As one of the first Southeast Asian women—and the youngest mother—to summit Mt. Everest via a record-setting traverse from China to Nepal, Janet brings unparalleled grit, courage, and resilience to every learning environment she shapes.
With over 20 years of experience, Janet has led transformative outdoor programs across the globe, blending high-altitude mountaineering, ocean expeditions, and cultural exchange into dynamic learning opportunities for youth. Her work champions environmental stewardship, social-emotional learning, and values-based education, making her a perfect fit for Satori’s mission to nurture curiosity, confidence, and connection with the natural world.
Janet has designed and implemented interdisciplinary programmes that integrate sustainability, wellness, and real-life skills—from sailing and rock climbing to farming, welding, and mindfulness. Her background includes roles as a homeroom teacher at Lighthouse International School in Phuket, outdoor consultant for EcoSphere Discovery and Solutions Group, and leadership coach and keynote speaker across Southeast Asia.
At Satori, Janet inspires students to become resilient global citizens through adventure-based education rooted in empathy, exploration, and empowerment.
LAUREN JARDINE - B.S in Environmental Interpretation & Park management - SATORI'S ASSISTANT OUTDOOR PRACTITIONER.
DR SARAH PONESSA - PHD in Curriculum Development & Design, Masters in Special Education & Music Education, BA in Education, Music, Math, Spanish. SATORI'S ONLINE EDUCATOR.
DEBORAH LEWIS - BA HONS Applied Linguistics (French and Spanish) Boat Captain, First Aid & Dive Instructor. SATORI'S PROGRAMME COORDINATOR
Lauren Jardine grew up in New York, where she developed a deep love for the outdoors through hiking, camping, and spending time in the woods whenever possible. A former Waldorf student, Lauren experienced firsthand the power of hands-on, immersive education that encourages students to connect deeply with their surroundings.
She began teach
Lauren Jardine grew up in New York, where she developed a deep love for the outdoors through hiking, camping, and spending time in the woods whenever possible. A former Waldorf student, Lauren experienced firsthand the power of hands-on, immersive education that encourages students to connect deeply with their surroundings.
She began teaching snowboarding at age fifteen and has worked in outdoor education ever since. Lauren holds a B.S. in Environmental Interpretation and Park Management from Penn State University (Class of 2020), a degree that has taken her across the United States in roles such as naturalist, ropes course instructor, backpacking guide, and travel instructor. Her teaching adventures have included paddling the Suwannee River, leading night hikes in Big Bend, and snorkeling in the reefs of Belize.
As a naturalist, Lauren honed her skills in creating meaningful experiences that help students foster a lasting connection with the natural world. Her passion for history, mythology, and storytelling further enhances her ability to connect people with place, enriching every learning opportunity with depth and narrative.
DEBORAH LEWIS - BA HONS Applied Linguistics (French and Spanish) Boat Captain, First Aid & Dive Instructor. SATORI'S PROGRAMME COORDINATOR
DEBORAH LEWIS - BA HONS Applied Linguistics (French and Spanish) Boat Captain, First Aid & Dive Instructor. SATORI'S PROGRAMME COORDINATOR
DEBORAH LEWIS - BA HONS Applied Linguistics (French and Spanish) Boat Captain, First Aid & Dive Instructor. SATORI'S PROGRAMME COORDINATOR
Deborah arrived on the shores of the BVI 21 years ago as a scuba instructor and never looked back. Now married with a tween daughter, she is originally from Brighton in England but spent many early years in the Far East. This gave her a taste of tropical living that she wasn’t prepared to give up! She loves all that is tech and outdoor, i
Deborah arrived on the shores of the BVI 21 years ago as a scuba instructor and never looked back. Now married with a tween daughter, she is originally from Brighton in England but spent many early years in the Far East. This gave her a taste of tropical living that she wasn’t prepared to give up! She loves all that is tech and outdoor, is always brimming with ideas and enthusiasm and the know how to back it up. Debs will be coordinating the administration, logistics and the background side of the programme.
MARINA ROBB - PGCE, MA, BSC, MSC - SATORI'S OUTDOOR EDUCATION CONSULTANT
DEBORAH LEWIS - BA HONS Applied Linguistics (French and Spanish) Boat Captain, First Aid & Dive Instructor. SATORI'S PROGRAMME COORDINATOR
MARINA ROBB - PGCE, MA, BSC, MSC - SATORI'S OUTDOOR EDUCATION CONSULTANT
Marina is Founder and Managing Director of Circle of Life Rediscovery Community Interest Company and The Outdoor Teacher Ltd, both leading organisations that aim to transform education and health through nature. She hosts the "Wild Minds" Podcast and she is co-author of ‘Learning with Nature’, considered a must-have book for Forest School
Marina is Founder and Managing Director of Circle of Life Rediscovery Community Interest Company and The Outdoor Teacher Ltd, both leading organisations that aim to transform education and health through nature. She hosts the "Wild Minds" Podcast and she is co-author of ‘Learning with Nature’, considered a must-have book for Forest School & Outdoor practitioners and ‘The Essential Guide to Forest School and Nature Pedagogy’.
Marina has been the recipient of funding from Natural England, Mind and The National Lottery, amongst other grant makers for her outdoor work with disadvantaged teenagers, families and young people.
The flagship project ‘ The Woodland Project’ won the UK ITV People’s Project in 2017, supporting families and teenagers with disabilities and mental health issues. Marina is a senior practitioner for residential camps in Sussex woodlands, Forest School & training, nature-based training for adults, nature & health interventions, outdoor learning days and youth training programmes.
Marina has more than 30 years experience in outdoor learning and nature connection. She provides a deep understanding of effective nature education at all levels and for a range of diverse backgrounds.
Marina is a qualified teacher (PGCE) and since 1989 has studied Environmental Education (MA), Environmental Management (BSc) and Social Research (MSc). She is a leading Forest School endorsed trainer and practitioner (UK and International). Her aim is to share her knowledge and experience with teachers and others wishing to work outside the classroom.
She has pioneered nature programmes within the health sector, and has received funding from Natural England, Mind and The National Lottery, amongst other grant makers for her outdoor work with teenagers, families and young people with mental health issues, disabilities, dementia and early psychosis.