founding director of Growing Up wild
ismael cruz, M.ed.
Ismael Cruz started Growing Up Wild out of his passionate belief in the transformational power of outdoor environmental education. Ismael grew up in San Jose, California, and spent his summers visiting family in rural Mexico. A credentialed bilingual teacher, Ismael has taught science both in the classroom and in the field. He has worked for Cabrillo College, Pajaro Valley Unified School District, and the Santa Cruz County Outdoor Science School. Currently, he is an alternative education teacher with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education. He lives in the redwoods with his wife and two children.