Kinwood Echoes grew from a quiet, long-held calling—to be with nature, with children, and to create spaces for gentle connection.
🌿 About Your Guide
Veena P. Sivan is the founder of Kinwood Echoes, an author, nature educator, Certified Forest Therapy Guide, and former biological researcher based in Mississauga, Ontario.
Her work brings together a lifelong connection with nature, a background in science and education, and a love of storytelling. Through her books and nature-inspired experiences, she invites children and adults to slow down, observe, ask questions, and discover the natural world present in everyday life.
Veena is a Certified Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT), a PaRx Connector, and a member of Nature and Forest Therapy Canada. Her approach is grounded in attentive listening, sensory exploration, and gentle invitations, allowing participants to connect with nature in their own way and at their own pace.
With an academic background in microbiology, environmental science, and plant biotechnology, and experience in biological research and STEM education, Veena brings scientific curiosity and a love of discovery to her work with children.
She is the author of Enter the Forest and On the Way to School — A Rav & Shi Story, two books inspired by everyday encounters with nature, family experiences, and the questions that arise when we pay attention. Her read-aloud and author experiences encourage children to listen, observe, wonder, and make their own connections between stories and the living world.
Veena’s relationship with nature began in childhood, surrounded by the wetlands and living landscapes of Kerala, India. After moving to Canada, forests, changing seasons, neighbourhood parks, and encounters with wildlife continued to deepen that connection. These experiences helped shape Kinwood Echoes, where scientific curiosity, storytelling, and nature connection come together.
Today, her work extends into schools, Montessori programs, childcare centres, libraries, and community settings through nature-inspired read-aloud and author experiences, guided forest therapy walks, children’s and family programs, and community collaborations.
Veena is also trained in First Aid and Wilderness First Aid, supporting her work in outdoor and community settings.
Across these experiences, the intention remains simple:
To slow down.
To notice.
To listen.
And to leave a little more room for wonder.
Features & Contributions
In 2026, Veena contributed a reflection for International Day of Women and Girls in Science through Scientists in School, celebrating women in STEM and the power of curiosity.
Read the full piece here:
Read Veena’s Reflection →
🌿 Professional & Community Connections
Veena is a member of the Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP).
She also participates in environmental, literary, horticultural, and community networks, including Toronto Biosphere Eco-City, Streetsville Horticultural Society, and Credit Valley Horticultural Society, continuing to learn, contribute, and build connections across nature, education, and community.
🌿 Words from Educators & Participants
“The children loved the illustrations and the story particularly how the story continued from page to page. They loved adding their experiences to the story.”
— Sandra, Willow Tree Montessori, Streetsville
“Our Family Fun Day was such a wonderful success, and it was made even more special by having you there. The experience you created for our families was such a thoughtful and meaningful gift, and I know it was appreciated by so many.”
— Karen, BridgeWay Family Centre, Streetsville
“Simply being present in nature, grounding myself, and letting the stress melt away was truly refreshing. I didn’t expect it to be this powerful.”
— Nigel
“What a beautiful experience… a still journey to a quiet and peaceful place. I’m going to try my best to bring this into my daily life.”
— Connie
“One of the things that stayed with me after the walk was having the opportunity to touch the soil again. I realized it had been decades since I had done that. There was a sense of calmness that stayed with me after the experience.”
— Janine
Interested in a nature-inspired read-aloud, author visit, guided nature experience, or community collaboration? I’d be happy to hear from you.
Get in Touch → https://kinwoodechoes.com/contact/
veena@kinwoodechoes.com