Carlos Duque serves as Preschool Director at Nature Forward, where he leads the Nature Preschool program and works closely with staff and families to create meaningful, child-centered learning experiences rooted in exploration, play, and connection to the natural world.

Carlos grew up in Miami, Florida, and has lived in Washington, DC since 2012. He has worked in education for more than a decade as a preschool teacher, kindergarten teacher, lower school librarian, camp counselor, and school leader. Throughout his career, he has been passionate about helping children develop confidence, curiosity, empathy, and a sense of belonging.

Carlos believes that time spent outdoors helps children build resilience, creativity, and a lifelong relationship with nature. He is especially inspired by Nature Forward’s commitment to connecting people of all ages and backgrounds with the natural world and fostering environmental stewardship through education and community engagement.

Outside of work, Carlos enjoys gardening, trail running, biking, reading, and exploring local parks and trails. He also loves visiting museums and botanical gardens, where he finds inspiration in the connections between nature, creativity, history, and culture. These experiences continue to shape his appreciation for observation, wonder, and lifelong learning. Carlos also serves on the board of City Blossoms, a nonprofit dedicated to cultivating healthy communities through creative programming in kid-driven gardens.