Our Team
Lorra
Founder & Forest Educator
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Forest School Teacher Institute (FSTI): Forest School Teacher Training & Forest School Director Training https://www.forestteacher.org
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University of Pennsylvania: Master of Liberal Arts,
focus on Early Childhood Education & Literature
Oxford University: Summer Programme – Literature
Thomas Edison State College: BA Psychology, Literature
Hi, I'm Lorra, mom of 5-year-old twins! I’m an eternal student, nature-enthusiast, food hippie, and animal-lover.
I love, love, love to read, and I love to learn! But I hated school so much I dropped out (before finding homeschooling). I was anxious in overcrowded classrooms, and I wasn’t actually learning – I was memorizing for tests.
I want more for the children at our school: Genuine learning – eyes lit up doing experiments, sitting on the edge of their seats listening to stories – and happiness – running free, building forts with friends, laughing!
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Children are naturally curious and want to learn -
that spark needs to be kept alive and set ablaze!
Claire
Lead Forest Guide - Summer Program
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Claire grew up in Savannah, GA, where her fondest memories are of long days spent playing outside at parks, the beach, and near the marshes. These experiences continue to inspire her love of nature-based learning today. With over twenty years of experience in early childhood education, she has taught preschool, led Tinkergarten classes since 2018, taught at multiple co-ops, and guided families through her own nature-based programs featuring purposeful outdoor play. Before formally teaching, she spent many years babysitting, tutoring, and nannying, building a lifelong foundation of care and connection with children.
Claire graduated from Emory University with a B.A. in Psychology and has devoted her career to nurturing young children and their natural curiosity. Drawing on her background in psychology and child development, Claire thoughtfully designs her lessons to support each child’s growth and connection to nature. A homeschooling mother of six years, she believes deeply that nature is perfect for everyone, and that everyone can benefit from time outdoors. Her teaching philosophy centers on patience, trust, and the belief that children thrive when they are free to follow their interests in learning and play, given the time and space to explore.
Her favorite quote, and one that guides her approach, is Jean Piaget’s reminder that “play is the work of childhood.”
Claire loves watching the magic unfold when children immerse themselves in the natural world. Known for her gentle spirit and playful sense of humor, she delights in connecting with each child and celebrating their unique spark.
A bit silly and endlessly enchanted by acorns and “just-right” rocks, Claire spends her days adventuring outdoors with her three children. In her free time, she enjoys exploring nature, re-learning French, watching movies, and playing board games with her family.
This summer she is most excited to invite children to engage in open-ended opportunities, filled with age-appropriate, play-based activities, and to watch friendships blossom as children explore, imagine, and grow together.
Forest Guides/Teachers
This section will be updated soon!
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We're very lucky to have incredible guides with years of forest school experience! I will be updating this page soon with their photos and descriptions.
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Joy!
Joy brings joy! Our team mascot embraces the true spirit of forest school - happiness in nature. Our calm girl meanders about, or guides lake tours. She's hiked trails all along the east coast.
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This is Joy on a hike from the forest school.
THe space & Your family
The Space
The 2+ acres space backs into an extensive forest and trail system that includes gently flowing streams and a lake. It’s so peaceful and secluded - you feel you’re on your own private wilderness.
🦌 We see deer, turtles, rabbits, foxes, and birds. The rocks here are brilliant shades of white, pink, and orange… the quartz indicates there’s gold nearby – these creeks are a documented source of gold, though mostly been mined out, some still find flakes!
🌲 The entire forest is a classroom.
We have wooden forts, a tire snake, a sand pit, slides, swings, climbing dome, a beautiful circle space, log benches and seats, and a story-tree, mud kitchens, and a rustic outdoor classroom (large, roofed “lean-in” shelter), and crafts areas...
children’s garden soon to come!
Your Child & Family
💚 We value children and their families.
Harmony for your entire family is important to us. Children need to get their excess energy out for families to run smooth and happy - otherwise evenings are filled with whining, overstimulation, and boredom.
We offer education and harmony.
- A wholesome, outdoor experience where children learn, explore, and grow - all in one place.
- Fostering genuine learning - following the child's interests, protecting their focus, and hands-on, engaging activities.
- Whole child development - confidence, creativity, interests, emotional regulation, socialization, and physical fun.
OUr family
"Fox"
Our Family
"Fox"
Anna is our sweet, happy girl. She's the only extrovert in our family – ever craving a group with whom she can dance and laugh.
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She’s also a little “Fox.” An observant, sneaky fox, stowing tiny objects... and earth worms... in her pockets!
Fionn
Our Family
"Fox"
Fionn is our wildman – roaming barefoot, returning frogs to water, collecting spiders. An explorer at heart, someday I’ll lose him to his adventures - maybe hikes in the Alps & Andes.
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He finds meaningful connections and comedy with all he meets.
Our Family
Our Family
Our Family
This is us in our forest!
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My husband & I've been married 14 years! We love to read, do mystery puzzles, play board games like Catan, and travel.
We're excited about creating this magical space & building a community!