About

Mission:

To provide an alternative learning experience that nourishes our children, our families, and our communities.

Philosophy:

  • Outdoor play is essential to health and well being, not just for children, but for all of us. 

  • Diversity enriches our world. We embrace and celebrate diversity within the natural world and within our community.

  • Children were made to learn. We trust them to follow their curiosities, and respect them as capable learners. 

  • The role of the teacher is to inspire children and invite them deeper into learning. 

  • Classes are collaborative. Teachers and children work together to wonder, research, experiment, and create.

Licensing:

We are not a school. Classes are meant to be supplemental to a home education. We are licensed as an Organized Camp with the state of PA. We require teachers and volunteers to have current background checks, clearances, and cpr/first aid certifications.

Meet Our Team

  • Chelsea Wolfe

    OWNER/DIRECTOR

    I grew up tagging along with my mother as she ran her own schools. She began sending me into the classroom to assist teachers when I was just a child myself - probably to get me out from underfoot, but I learned so much!

    I have worked in Early Childhood ever since; in centers, preschools, orphanages, and the foster care system. I am a former Tinkergarten leader and I helped launch Free Forest School in Cumberland County.

    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 completed my Forest School Teacher Certification through the Forest School Teacher Institute and I’m proud to be the Director of Good & Rooted Nature School.

  • April Borg

    TEACHER

    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. My husband is from Papua New Guinea, where both of our children (now 4 years and 1 year old) were born. We love hiking, camping, making music, cooking island food, 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.

  • Leann Firestone

    TEACHER

    Leann is the director of the nonprofit, Neurodiverse Network. She is a neurodivergent adult with a passion for nature and child development, so Good & Rooted is a perfect fit for her! She has experience working with children in outdoor learning environments and a deep understanding of different learning styles. Her Service Dog in training, Suzie, will often join her in class. Suzie is hypo-allergenic and has a knack for consoling and calming kiddos. We are so happy to have Leann (and Suzie!) join our team.