I've been raising and educating children for over two decades. Along the way, I've also worked closely with children and families in many capacities: as a caregiver, homeschooler, and early childhood educator. One truth has remained constant: children thrive when they are free to explore, grounded in nature, and supported by a loving community.

My passion for child development began early in my professional journey. I was fascinated by how children grow and learn, and I wanted to ensure the time I spent with them was both meaningful and effective. Earning my associate's degree in science with an emphasis in early childhood development gave me a strong foundation in educational theory and helped me apply research-backed practices with confidence.

Over the past decade, education has become my career—but not always in the traditional sense. While I'm grateful for my teaching license and bachelor's degree in education, I've discovered that my heart belongs outside the conventional classroom. The freedom, creativity, and personal connection I've experienced through homeschooling and in-home childcare have shown me that learning doesn't have to follow rigid standards to be powerful. It often flourishes outside of them.

As I observed the children in my care, I noticed a pattern: no matter how carefully I curated our indoor environment or planned engaging lessons, nature brought out their best. Outdoors, their attention sharpened, their spirits lifted, and their play deepened. I built an outdoor classroom to meet the needs our indoor space couldn't—yet I still felt its limitations. I longed for something more immersive: a space that would steep children in the beauty and abundance of God's creation.

We spent countless hours climbing trees at the park, hiking through forest preserves, and exploring natural play spaces at the arboretum. In those moments, I saw the transformation. I saw focus return as children stacked heavy rocks to divert a stream. I saw awe as we watched butterflies emerge from their chrysalises. I saw strength and coordination grow as little bodies rolled joyfully down grassy hills. I saw community form as children worked together, problem-solved, and shared wonder in a world that was alive and sacred.

While my credentials allow me to teach children how to read and count, my time raising and learning alongside them outdoors has taught me the deeper lessons. In nature, we find a rhythm that grounds us. We find freedom and boundaries, stillness and movement, simplicity and mystery. And we are reminded—over and over again—of the Creator who made it all.

Creekside Nature Unschool was born out of a desire to give children more of this. My vision is to create a space where families and home educators come together around a shared belief: that children need time in nature not just occasionally, but consistently. Here, we slow down. We dig deep. We focus on play. And in doing so, we give our children the most incredible gift—a childhood rooted in wonder, community, and a lifelong love for learning. 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​