OWNER/DIRECTOR

I have worked in Early Childhood Education for 20+ years, as a teacher in centers and preschools. I was licensed as a foster parent to provide emergency care in CA. I also lived on-site at an orphanage in Mexico where I was responsible for a group of little ones.

After marrying my husband, moving cross-country, and becoming a mother, I started working in Outdoor Education. I am a former Tinkergarten leader and I helped launch Free Forest School in Cumberland County. I completed my Forest School Teacher Certification at the Forest School Teacher Institute.

I now homeschool my two boys. We spend our days at the park, in the creek, on our bikes, roaming the libraries, and cooking together.

I’m passionate about developing play spaces and learning environments that honor and support the uniqueness of each child.

LEAD TEACHER | OAKS CLASS

NATURE SCHOOL

I'm a mama, a linguist, an educator, a traveler, and a committed life-long learner.

I grew up in beautiful Cumberland County, studied Linguistics and TESL in Western Pennsylvania, and then studied Literacy & Education in British Columbia. I have lived and taught on 3 different continents and explored more than 30 countries in the last sixteen years, working with a wide range of age groups, from pre-K through adult. I've settled back in my hometown of Carlisle, where I now homeschool my two children. We love hiking, camping, baking and cooking, reading wonderful literature together, and having new experiences!

I'm forever learning what it means to be part of this extraordinarily diverse world. I believe that beauty can be found everywhere when we open our eyes to seek and appreciate it. Children, especially, have a remarkable capacity to do this, and it's my joy to walk alongside them and encourage this gift of wonder.

SUPPORT TEACHER | OAKS CLASS

I live in Mechanicsburg with my husband and three children. I spend most of my time homeschooling my kids, being outdoors, and reading (audiobooks while doing chores). I love learning about the world around me and the people in it. I am passionate about seeing kids make connections, wonder, and explore. My hope is that I will be able to help the kids at Good and Rooted to follow their curiosities, grow in kindness, and encounter beauty in the world around them.

LEAD TEACHER | SEQUOIAS CLASS

NATURE SCHOOL

I am so excited to be your Sequoias teacher this year. I have a bachelor's degree in natural resources management and a master's degree in early childhood education from Shippensburg University. I love helping children learn through exploration, curiosity, and meaningful experiences in nature.

When I'm not at Good and Rooted, you can usually find me outside with my husband and our two kids, exploring trails, spending time in the garden, or reading a good book. I can't wait to discover, grow, and learn alongside the Sequoias this year. I'm looking forward to a wonderful year of adventure together!

SUPPORT TEACHER | SEQUOIAS CLASS

NATURE SCHOOL

I live in Mechanicsburg with my husband and our 9-year-old daughter. We have two dogs and a bunch of fish. I have previous experience working with kids in the outdoors as a Branch Ambassador with Hike It Baby, a Host with Free Forest School, and a member of a homeschooling co-op, when my daughter was a preschooler. I love hiking, kayaking, camping, travel and food.

I’m looking forward to learning in nature with your kiddos!

LEAD TEACHER | WILDCRAFT CLUB

I am a husband and father of two boys, ages 12 and 14, who have been homeschooled since the beginning. For years, I've taught and led kids at Classical Conversations and at Carlisle Kung Fu Center, so I've spent a lot of time figuring out how to keep kids engaged and learning in hands-on settings.

I was raised in Washington state, and have always been interested in the outdoors, backpacking, and survival skills. I've also been practicing martial arts and self-defense since my teenage years, and I'm looking forward to passing on my knowledge and love for the outdoors to your children.

I spend my free time at Kung Fu class, backpacking, hunting, and spending time in the woods with my family. We spent 2019 traveling the country by RV, and I am currently focused on homeschooling my two sons and training our dog.