Our Team

Our Team

 
 

While our backgrounds are unique, we are grounded in our shared belief in the awesome power of nature to enrich child development and grow the next generation of environmental stewards.

John El-Raheb - CEO

John El-Raheb

Position: CEO

John has been with the firm for 15 years and has served a number of roles through his ascent to CEO, most recently as the Vice-President of Global Sales & Marketing. Other roles over the past decade have included Web Developer, Project Manager, IT Manager and Mentorship Program Lead. John has an over-arching holistic understanding of BNP and lives our paradigm.

As the CEO, John focuses on leading the team in the delivery of the myriad of projects, services, and goods already in place, increasing efficiencies, and establishing systems that will allow the companies to continue to expand across Canada and the US.  “The people who I work with every day are remarkable, talented and relentlessly positive. I am excited to be in a position to advocate for their growth, the growth of the company, and the growth of the movement to connect children to nature through play.”

John El-Raheb

CEO

John has been with the firm for 15 years and...

Adam Bienenstock

Adam Bienenstock

Position: Founder
Adam Bienenstock: Founder & Principal Designer

Adam is an internationally acclaimed designer, builder, and researcher of nature-based play spaces, and the founder of Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds. Adam has traveled globally to advocate for children’s rights to nature play, and to collaborate on the creation of spectacular natural parks and playgrounds.

His resume in the natural playground industry is unparalleled; highlights include creating campuses, training, working on projects for the US Army, Parks Canada, and Australia, and City projects for Toronto, San Francisco, Vancouver, Calgary, New York, Austin, Denver, Chicago, and Miami.

Adam lives and works at the forefront of the movement to connect children to nature. His bold, charismatic personality sets the tone for the entire company, and he’s at his happiest when he’s pushing executives, municipal managers, and educators out of their comfort zones.

He sits on numerous advisory committees, including the International Association of Nature Pedagogy, Parliamentary Commission on Urban Conservation, The Candadian Wildlife Federation and the Systematic Literature Review on Risky Outdoor Play. His work is accessible, natural and fun.

Known for his wit and humour as a public speaker, Adam invites us to shed our inhibitions and play in the mud. He is the proud husband of Jill Bienenstock, and father of two sons, Sam and Leo. He sneaks off to northern Ontario when he needs to immerse himself in nature; he believes it’s one of the most beautiful places on earth.

As the co-author of The Systematic Literature Review on Outdoor Risky Play, Adam warns us not to be fooled by the serious nature of his experience, after all, at its core this is about inspiring play for our kids… so you can expect some playfulness and irreverence when working with him!

Adam Bienenstock

Founder

Adam is an internationally acclaimed designer, builder, and researcher of...

Jill Bienenstock, RECE

Jill Bienenstock

Position: Director of Education
Jill Bienenstock: RECE

Jill is an early childhood educator with over 20 years experience in various settings. She currently works as the Director of Education, alongside her husband, Adam, at their company Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds. Jill is part of an exciting team that designs and creates natural playgrounds, which connect children to nature. She focuses on finding ways to extend curriculum outdoors, making it simple and fun for both children and educators. Jill is inspired by the children she works with and enjoys finding creative ways to transform outdoor ‘roadblocks’ into learning opportunities for all.

Jill Bienenstock

Director of Education

Jill is an early childhood educator with over 20 years...

Lasse Larving

‍Lasse Larving

Position: VP of Finance

A critical piece of the Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds puzzle, Lasse is responsible for the day-to-day operation and administration of our company to ensure we meet our goal of connecting children to nature – where, and when, they play.

‍Lasse Larving

VP of Finance

A critical piece of the Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds puzzle, Lasse...

Dave Rexworthy

Dave Rexworthy

Position: Design Studio Manager & Principal Designer

As one of the longest-standing employees on our team, Dave is a master of all things Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds. He is also responsible for project estimates and design, quality control, and training the team in our design studio.

Dave Rexworthy

Design Studio Manager & Principal Designer

As one of the longest-standing employees on our team, Dave...

Natasha Sembay

Natasha Sembay

Position: Head of Global Sales

I want to feel like I am part of something that has a purpose, a mission and aligns with my values. I am beyond grateful to have found all of this at Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds. It is extremely gratifying to know I am part of a team that brings joy, play and the opportunity to connect children to nature. Every person at BNP plays an important role in making this happen and it just feels so good! I am excited for what lies ahead and thrilled to be part of this amazing team.

Natasha Sembay

Head of Global Sales

I want to feel like I am part of something...

Jon Wright

Jon Wright

Position: Head of Production

Jon joined our team as an installer, a role that taught him the ins and outs of the natural playground industry. Today, Jon ensures our team has everything it needs to produce the best natural playgrounds in the world.

Jon Wright

Head of Production

Jon joined our team as an installer, a role that taught...

Christine Solomon

Christine Solomon

Position: Construction Coordinator

The ultimate right hand, Christine helps run our construction department by providing managerial and logistical support to our crews to enable them to transform the way children play.

Christine Solomon

Construction Coordinator

The ultimate right hand, Christine helps run our construction department...

Stephanie Hansen

Stephanie Hansen

Position: Landscape Architect, Senior Designer

Stephanie Hansen

Landscape Architect, Senior Designer

Andrea Settimi

Andrea Settimi

Position: Nature Play Advisor

Andrea Settimi

Nature Play Advisor