Hi! I’m Marissa, and I’m so excited to be part of the Earth School community! I’m a lifelong learner, educator, nature lover, and someone who has always believed that some of the best learning happens when children are given the freedom to explore, get curious, get a little dirty, and discover the world around them.

I have more than 10 years of experience working with children from infancy through age 16. My background includes working as a teaching assistant, gymnastics coach, Camp & Events Director, and birthday party coordinator. Through these experiences, I’ve had the opportunity to work with children of many different ages, personalities, and learning styles. I absolutely love creating experiences that allow kids to learn through movement, creativity, hands-on activities, play, and exploration.

My love for nature and plants has always been a huge part of who I am. I recently earned my degree in Herbal Studies through the American College of Healthcare Sciences, and I’m passionate about herbalism, gardening, plants, wildlife, seasonal living, and learning about the incredible connections between people and the natural world. I love finding ways to turn those passions into meaningful learning experiences for children, whether we’re exploring a plant, observing wildlife, learning about the changing seasons, working in the garden, making something with our hands, or simply spending time outside noticing the little things we might otherwise overlook.

Outside of Earth School, I’m a mom, homeschooler, gymnastics coach, gardener, reader, crafter, herbalist, and enthusiastic coffee drinker. I love baking bread, crocheting, pottery, spending time with my family, and finding any excuse to be outside. I have always been fascinated by the rhythms of the seasons and the incredible natural world around us, especially here in the Appalachian region.

My intention as an Earth School educator is to help children build a genuine relationship with nature and develop a sense of curiosity, confidence, independence, and stewardship. I want them to feel comfortable asking questions, following their interests, trying new things, making mistakes, getting muddy, and figuring things out along the way.

I believe education doesn't always need four walls, a worksheet, or a desk. Sometimes the best classroom is a forest trail, a garden bed, a muddy creek, or a handful of seeds waiting to be planted.

I’m excited to learn with my students, not just teach them, and to help create the kind of experiences that they carry with them long after our school day is over.