Education & Experience:
My path as an educator had been a long one, and one that I feel was in many ways divinely guided. I began my educational journey while attending undergrad at Alfred University. Although my major disciplines at that time were Child Psychology and Dance, I received an abundance of experience interacting with a local Montessori preschool as part of my course work. However, it wasn’t until several years later, and the start of my adventure into motherhood, that I formally sought out answering my call as an educator. I decided to go back to school to obtain my Masters in Montessori Elem. Education from Portland State University. It was through this that I discovered my purpose (in its very seedling form).
I was privileged to spend the next 15 years working with a pre-K through 12th Montessori school in NY, joyfully with my daughter Rei in attendance. My roles throughout my time there ranged from Lower El./Upper El./MS leads to school director, and everything in between. Although a lifelong nature lover, it wasn’t until about 5 years ago when myself and Ms. Jill were granted access to a raw 30 acres of land to develop a fully immersive nature school, that a part of education I didn’t know existed was ignited. This program was to serve as an extension to our formal campus and quickly became pivotal in the growth of our school community and our overall personal mission as educators.
Currently, I hold a certification as a Forest & Nature School Educator through ERAFANS (ANBE) in addition to being a trained and certified Herbalist. I come to WBNS with a wealth of knowledge both formal and experiential that I’m excited to share with the community.
Teaching Philosophy:
My teaching philosophy is ultimately dictated by the children I work with. I am an observer, who seeks to unlock the unique potential each child possesses. Although my personal passions for nature, survival, and how’s and why’s inevitably come through, I’m always eager to learn alongside a child though it all. I believe that fostering a sense of independence, accountability and responsibility on the child as an individual, is the true cornerstone of preparation as it relates to transitioning to real-world applications. I find great joy in inspiring both children and adults while sharing my expertise and experiences. Mentoring staff, by offering solution-based guidance and best practices in a kind and cooperative way have always been woven into my personal model.
Favorite thing about kids:
I very much appreciate the deep desire children have for independence and freedom of thought. Facilitating a student’s confidence and true sense of self through practical application and exploration is so seamlessly done in nature education, and personal vision I maintain each day.
Favorite thing about WBNS:
As I began my relocation journey, I immediately fell in love with WBNS, and almost couldn’t believe such a school existed in the very area I was on track to move to.
WBNS emulates all I hold dear when in comes to my values in education, nature, and the guidance of our future thinkers.
Quote to share:
“The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it." - C.C. Scott
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