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

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.

LEAD TEACHER

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.

SUPPORT 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.

SUPPORT TEACHER

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!