Tree CPR was born from Kayla Stuart’s passion for teaching and her journey from nursing into forestry in 2021. After years of workforce development experience, she envisioned a program that would open doors for people traditionally excluded from careers in natural resources. In 2023, Tree CPR launched as a pilot workforce development program in Memphis, funded by a Tree Equity Workforce Network (TEWN) grant through American Forests and The Works, Inc. Building on the TEWN framework, Kayla designed a unique curriculum blending technical forestry skills with interpersonal growth. This full-time, 9-week program supported 12 local participants and proved transformative for both the cohort and Kayla, laying the foundation for Tree CPR’s future impact.