Creation & Wonder
As a nature immersion study, we believe in the intelligent design of creation & all of its beauty and wonder. As such, many of our guides and curriculum are inherently faith-based. However, we accept nature enthusiasts from any background & belief and our program is not specific to any church or denomination, nor do we dive into theology. Programs may reference our Creator & the creation throughout our study, as we want to be authentic to who we are and Who created the beauty of nature around us. Wildlife 30A has been established to help us reconnect to one of the many ways that the Creator has revealed to us His existence through what He has created.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Psalms 19:1
Our Mission
Wild Life 30A taps into each child's innate curiosity to inspire learning and outdoor adventure to create a deep long term connection to nature and the wonder of creation.
Bethany Murphy / Owner + Admin
Bethany Murphy graduated from Arizona State University with a BS in Business Communications and soon thereafter, landed a desk job in Marketing. She soon realized she didn’t want to 'follow the herd' and decided to follow her passions instead. Blindly moving out to a guest ranch in rural Montana, she got to work outdoors everyday which was incredible, but more importantly, got to share the wonder of nature with people and see the sparks fly between them and this beautiful world.
After getting married, Bethany and her husband Jake, moved to Santa Rosa Beach specifically to be the Wildlife teachers for the 2024-25’ school year. After seeing the love for the program from the kids and parents, Bethany and Jake decided to continue nature school as the new owners! Bethany is thrilled to able to facilitate and share nature and life experiences with the younger generation!
Jacob Murphy / Owner
+ Operations + Parent Contact
Growing up in rural Wisconsin, Jake was homeschooled from 2nd grade on. He spent his time with his family at the local state parks growing up. Catching snakes, fishing, building shelters and going on adventures was a daily occurrence.
Moving to Santa Rosa Beach to be the nature program’s lead guide/teacher for the 2024-25’ school year, Jake loved the opportunity this program gives kids. He is happy to continue a program that will give local children a space to be free, build friendships and confidence in life and their outdoor skills!
Rachel Mendoza / Lead Guide
Rachel Mendoza grew up in Pennsylvania where she developed a deep passion for the outdoors, nature, art, crafting and teaching children.
She spent her childhood playing softball, going on camping trips, walking nature trails, collecting and painting rocks, picking flowers and admiring the beauty of different colored leaves in the fall.
She carried her passions into early adulthood; studing Special Education and providing a variety of personal home-care services to senior citizens, special needs children and adults. She nannied for multiple families throughout the years, studied holistic medicine and created a healthy lifestyle rooted in functional nutrition. Most recently, she has substituted throughout Okaloosa county, primarily at Destin Elementary.
Rachel’s current focus in life is raising her 8-year-old son, whom she now homeschools! Their family loves Jesus and serves in multiple ministries at New Life Church - living with a strong appreciation for God’s creation and looks forward to sharing the beauty of it everyday with all of those around her!
Miguel Mendoza / Lead Guide
Miguel Mendoza was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and his family moved to Florida when he was a baby - raised locally in Destin, Florida.
He began volunteering with children in his own pursuit of becoming a black belt in karate and later instructing for 7 years. He quickly developed a love for teaching alongside learning discipline, respect and useful life principals that he now applies to chasing the Lord.
In 2023, he married his wife, Rachel, and began pursuing ministerial work at New Life Church in youth leadership and evangelism. Miguel’s hobbies are fishing, kayaking, camping and studying survival skills. He is also knowledgeable about the local vegetation due to his time spent working outdoors at The Garden at Peach Creek. He is excited to teach & share nature with the children!