Our Story
We met during the pandemic while seeking an opportunity for our children to socialize while being outdoors. Learning each others' backgrounds and desires as parents, we realized there was something missing in our community that we could create. After getting over the initial "how do we do this while staying at home with our little ones?," we took initiative to bring our many conversations and visions to life. We are so excited to begin the next chapter as we see our dream become a reality for our families and yours!
Founder: Ashley Willis
Ashley began her journey as an educator while growing up in Vermont. She was first a camp counselor, which morphed into naturalist. It was always in her dream to be an educator in the outdoors. Ashley attended undergrad at the University of Vermont and received her B.S. in Environmental Sciences with a focus in Environmental Education. Later attending Boulder Journey School to earn a MEd in Education and Human Development. Before becoming a parent, Ashley spent 10 years teaching in the preschool classroom.
Founder: Anneke Huyghebaert
Anneke began working with young children during high school, in an after-school program. She discovered her passion for child-centered, play-based learning at the University of Vermont, where she earned a B.S. in Early Childhood Special Education and was introduced to the Reggio Emilia Approach at the lab school. After several years teaching preschool and getting an M.Ed., Anneke became a stay-at-home parent, further solidifying her dedication to play advocacy and nature-based education. Anneke has always had a deep personal bond with nature, something that comes from her own childhood in rural Vermont. While she is rooted in the Green Mountains, she has fallen in love with the coastal environment of southern New England.