Jamaal Ali
​Lead Teacher 

Jamaal Ali, also known as Fungi, has been a part of Barnacles and Bees for about 6 years.  In that time he has been a parent mentor, led the Family Nature Play Class and a lead teacher.  He is a certified Nature-Based Educator through the Eastern Regional Association of Forest and Nature Schools and is always looking for more opportunities to learn from and about the natural world around him.  He enjoys hiking, building shelters, and mushroom hunting with his kids, Mazzy and Lando, dog, Ziggy Starfluff, and wife Beth, as well as tabletop RPGS and Archery.  Fungi is a strong believer in child-led learning and the benefits of risky play, although he is always there to help his students if they need him.  If your child isn't covered in mud and sand I haven't done my job correctly.