Wild at Heart is a federally tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2023. The mission of Wild at Heart is to connect children and their families to nature through nature-based play and experiential learning. Wild at Heart serves families from all backgrounds and children of all ages. We aim to bridge the gap in high-quality early childhood programming in San Antonio through our program, which caters to young children and their families in underserved communities. Additionally, Wild at Heart supports the well-being of new parents by providing them with resources and education during their program participation.

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.