Meet the Founder

Viktoriya Nezhnik is the founder and lead instructor of Little Hikers Long Island, a unique outdoor program dedicated to enhancing children's physical and mental well-being through immersive nature experiences. With over 14 years of nursing experience and a background in child psychology from NYU, Viktoriya combines her professional expertise with a deep passion for child development, mental health, and fostering resilience in young minds.

Certified in CPR/First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, Anaphylaxis & Epinephrine Auto-Injector use, and Outdoor Biological Hazards Training, Viktoriya places the highest priority on safety while guiding children through enriching outdoor adventures. Her experience as a senior camp counselor and after-school program leader has equipped her to create programs that promote creativity, confidence, and teamwork in children.

Drawing inspiration from her childhood in Ukraine, where she spent hours playing outdoors, chasing fireflies, and marveling at snow-covered landscapes, Viktoriya believes the outdoors is a magical place that fosters growth, exploration, and discovery. With the modern-day challenges of excessive screen time and indoor lifestyles, Viktoriya founded Little Hikers Long Island to help children reconnect with nature, encouraging healthier, screen-free habits and sparking their curiosity.

Through Little Hikers, children not only engage in active play but also develop important life skills like problem-solving, empathy, and focus. Viktoriya’s mission is to inspire families to embrace nature, create lasting memories, and nurture both body and mind through outdoor experiences.

When she’s not leading programs, Viktoriya enjoys hiking with her children and their King Shepherd dog. She loves discovering new trails and sharing these adventures, creating cherished memories with her family along the way. Her goal is to continue inspiring future generations to explore the beauty of nature and develop a lifelong love for the outdoors.