Hello! My name is Kati Kaniaru, the owner and lead teacher at Root & Bloom Playgarden, a nature-based preschool held in my home garden in beautiful downtown Benicia. I am a lover of coffee, gardening, thrifting and crafting.

After becoming a mother and discovering Waldorf education, I felt a deep calling to create a space where young children could experience wonder, warmth and connection to nature.

I am a Lifeways Early Childhood graduate (Waldorf Early Childhood Education) with a background in business and hands-on experience working in Waldorf-inspired, outdoor programs such as Song Sparrow Playgarden in Martinez, Ca.

I started Root & Bloom Playgarden in summer of 2023 and am expanding to a large program this fall (‘25) in our new location as an outdoor preschool. We look forward to our R&B family growing and cultivating community. Thank you for being here!