Resilient Roots:
A Summer Series for Youngers
For 4-7 year olds
(Note: Earth School students who are 3 years old may enroll as well)
This series for children focuses on the cultivation of emotional resilience and connection with self, one another, and the natural world through nurturing ecotherapeutic experiences on the farm. Some of the activities will include: tending farm animals, making beauty with our hands, getting to know the wildlife, tending and harvesting from the summer garden, nature-based songs and storytelling, bug crawls, nature-connected mindfulness and emotional regulation practices, and games to develop awareness of both the inner and outer landscape.
Resilient Roots: A Summer Series
For children ages 4-7
Week 1: June 8-11, 2026
Week 2: June 22-25, 2026
Week 3: July 6-9, 2026
Week 4: July 13-16, 2026
Monday-Thursday 9a-1:45p
TUITION:
$220/week
(Or $775 for all 4 weeks)
🌱 Meet the Instructors 🌱
Jenna Upton, Lead Instructor
Hi! I am Jenna Upton. I am a Florida native, and I hold a bachelors degree from the University of Central Florida in Elementary Education with a minor in ESL education (English as a Second Language).
I have taught in private schools, public schools, and, most recently, forest school. I have seen with my own eyes the difference in outdoor education's ability to foster an unwavering connection to nature.
As an only child, I spent all of my time playing outside under the Florida sun: in the mud, amongst palm trees, lakes, and beaches simply searching for any living thing that could become my pet for a while.
In my own life, holding on to a strong sense of oneness with Mother Nature has nurtured creativity, imagination, peace, and unconditional trust in the human experience.
I have followed Shae's dream for Fauna Forest Farm since the very beginning of fruition. The Earth School is a profound gift to our community's children, and I am honored to be a part of it.
In addition to being a life-long learner and educator, I am the mother of two fairy girls: Emmy and Rosalie. I own Mindful Birth Class Johnson City where I offer birth education classes and doula services and one-on-one prenatal yoga. I independently run Wild + Free Johnson City which is a weekly outdoors gathering for homeschooling mothers and their children.
As a homeschooling mother, I am inspired by both Charlotte Mason Method and Waldorf education models.
In my free time I enjoy reading thrillers, hiking, homesteading, herbalism and baking.
Natalie Snapp
Support Instructor (Weeks 1-3)
My name is Natalie Snapp. I hold an undergraduate degree in Human Services, with studies in Trauma and Resilience. I am currently a Masters student in ETSU’s Counseling program. I am from Church Hill, TN. I love the outdoors, especially our Blue Ridge Mountains. My favorite hobbies are being with my two dogs, reading, thrifting, hiking with my boyfriend, spin classes and jogs outside. My favorites spots to be outdoors are the Creeper Trail, Laurel Run park, and Roan mountain. I consider myself a lifelong learner, and I am so excited to experience this semester with your children.
Anastasia Eames-Lynch
Support Instructor (Week 4)
Hello! My name is Anastasia Eames-Lynch! My proudest title is Mother! I have a beautiful family and am so grateful to raise my daughter here. I was fortunate to grow up all over the United States but knew Johnson City would be my forever home the moment I moved here. I earned my Masters in Clinical Nutrition from the East Tennessee State University in 2019. Early in my college education I met Shae and was introduced to my first food forest and community garden!
My family fuels my soul. One of my life's purposes is to spread kindness and compassion. I am a lover of people and am passionate about providing a space that encourages one to be themselves! As a parent I want to ensure my daughter is raised in an environment where she can thrive! One that encourages her to explore this world and find beauty in all things! Watching my daughter grow up at Fauna Forest Farm, rooted in these ideas and values gives her skills and an appreciation that will last a lifetime. Outside of the farm our favorite time is spent walking our dogs and playing in our garden!
Mother Nature is one of the most influential teachers. I believe following this model makes for an engaging and exciting classroom. Utilizing outdoor education will help our children value the world and others!
I am thrilled to be a part of such an amazing group of individuals dedicated to making the world a better place. Fauna Forest Farm is truly one of the most special places on Earth, where children find adventure, community, and connection. The love and energy that fills these fields can be felt in every moment!
Clover Malan
Junior Guide
Hi! My name is Clover Malan and I am 10 years old. I have been at Fauna Forest for over 3 years. I love coming to earth school and playing in nature all day. I also love all my teachers and friends at earth school. In my free time I like to do arts and crafts and play outside games with my friends.
I am very excited to work with your children this summer!