Team
Jessica Jensen
Guide
A self-described jack of all trades, Jessica Jensen is an experienced Guide who is committed to early childhood and elementary education. She has spent the last 12 years creating rich musical experiences for families and facilitating learning experiences for children.
As a music teacher, Montessori classroom assistant, homeschool mom, and forest school guide, Jessica has developed a unique perspective when it comes to the ways children learn. Influenced by the work of Dr. Maria Montessori, her goal as an educator is to guide children along on their own unique paths and discover their individual cosmic quests.
She has an Early Childhood Diploma from the North American Montessori Center, a 6-12 Orientation Certificate from Association Montessori Internationale, and an Advanced Professional Certificate in General Music Studies from Berklee College of Music. A lifelong learner, Jessica is committed to professional development and attends professional workshops in music and education whenever she gets a chance.
In her spare time, she enjoys singing, watercolor painting, and creating beautiful home spaces.
Kimberly Meloy
Guide
Kimberly Meloy is a homeschooling mom of two, with 20 years of experience in early childhood education, and a background in Waldorf methodology. She has assisted and worked closely with children in a variety of settings; from outdoors in a forest school location to more traditional classroom learning spaces.
Kimberly holds a BA in English Language and enjoys sharing her love of all things words and writing with her children.
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She is passionate about the importance of imaginative, unstructured play and free time spent in nature. Allowing children autonomy and the ability to explore their passions at their own pace is a core value of Kimberly’s approach to instruction.
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Kimberly and her family love reading, gardening, cooking, practicing bushcraft and primitive skills, hiking, and exploring new destinations.
Renee McDade
Guide
You know when you go to a party and that one person is hanging out with the kids (or the dogs)? Well, that’s Renee. Though she does like and value adults too.
Renee studied elementary education in undergrad but realized she wasn’t made for the traditional classroom. The majority of her teaching experience is in museums. Renee went on to get her Masters in Fine Art.
When Renee is not working with children she fills her days with time in the forest, gardening, baking, and playing in her art studio.
Melissa Wilkes
Director
Melissa has over 20 years of experience planning and executing meetings and events for a wide range of clients. She has owned and operated an event planning business and served on the board of her family's non-profit organization.
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She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ.
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Having experienced the drawbacks and limitations of the traditional education system, both in her own life and with her eldest son, Melissa felt called to create a school that takes more of a child-centered and holistic approach to education.
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She enjoys reading or listening to anything and everything on health and wellness, taking walks in nature, as well as traveling and spending time with the boys (her husband and two sons).
