Beate Borstelmann

Nature Specialist

Youth & Family

Beate Borstelmann is the Nature Specialist in the Family Life Department, where she brings children into meaningful, hands-on connection with the natural world. An Ambassador for Jewish and Israeli Early Childhood Education and a longtime San Franciscan originally from Hamburg, Germany, Beate brings a rich blend of global perspective, Jewish values, and early childhood expertise to her work.

After transitioning from a career in business, Beate found her calling in early childhood education and environmental learning. Her work centers on fostering curiosity, confidence, and respect for all living things while supporting the development of the whole child through outdoor exploration. Each week, she welcomes children into the “Secret Garden,” a thoughtfully designed outdoor learning space where small-group experiences allow for cooperation, discovery, and individualized attention.

Beate is passionate about nurturing the next generation of Shomrei Adamah, Guardians of the Earth, and supports the broader preschool community in incorporating sustainable practices and natural play. She finds daily joy in witnessing children’s growing confidence, sense of wonder, and deepening connection to the world around them.