Dina Fichtner, House Leader

Dina Fichtner leads Safari House with a strong focus on relationships, teamwork, and creating an environment where children and educators feel safe, valued, and heard. She holds a B.A. in Early Childhood Education and an additional qualification in child protection as an “Insofern erfahrene Fachkraft.” With eight years of experience in early childhood education and more than four years back with NewLi, she brings both experience and a strong understanding of our community to her role.

Dina believes children are capable, curious individuals who develop at their own pace. She works with her team to create inviting environments where children feel secure enough to explore, learn, and discover what they can do. Her approach is centered around observing, listening, guiding, and encouraging children rather than deciding for them what their learning should look like.

As a leader, Dina puts a strong emphasis on building a team that works together toward the same goal. She wants educators to feel trusted and supported, while working together to create a safe and nurturing environment for the children. She particularly enjoys seeing children’s personalities unfold, building strong relationships with families, and supporting her team in their everyday work.

Her areas of particular experience include language development and multilingualism, mutism and speech delays, forest pedagogy, children’s sexual development and education, and supporting children through grief.