MISSION: To connect children and their families to nature through nature-based play and experiential learning. 

VISION: A community that supports family health and wellbeing with equitable access to nature for all

CORE VALUES: Family, Environment, Education, Equity

Wild at Heart is a a federally tax exempt 501c3 nonprofit organization founded in 2023. Wild at Heart serves families of all backgrounds with children of all ages in great San Antonio. We aim to close the gap in access to nature- for all. Wild at Heart supports the wellbeing of new parents by providing resources and education during program participation while also inspiring the next generation of conservationists through play and hands-on learning. 

Nicki Apostolow is a nature-based educator with over 20 years of experience teaching in outdoor classrooms. Before founding Wild at Heart in 2023, she developed and managed educational programs for the National Parks Service, City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation, San Antonio River Authority, Alamo Colleges, and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. In her free time, Nicki volunteers at Haven for Hope and manages the Butterfly Learning Center at Hardberger Park. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications and a Bachelor of Arts in Parks Management from the University of Texas at Austin. Additionally, she is a Certified Interpretive Guide, a Texas Master Naturalist, and is certified in Project Wild. Nicki is currently pursuing a Master’s in Education in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of North Texas with a focus on nature education.