Erin has worked with children for most of the 45 years of her life.  She strives to create spaces where others can flourish and be themselves.  She believes in the essential gift of play for people of all ages and all abilities.  On her journey as a teacher in the Montessori and Waldorf environment, Erin has found kinship in this work with the outdoors.  It is outside where we can find great beauty, challenge, solace, and freedom to not only run, but also connect ourselves to the elements of the Earth, and the gifts they can share.  It is her life’s passion to do this work with families, and continue to see Education with fresh eyes, meeting the needs of children with the needs of the time.  When not outside romping around the woods with the kids or building fires, she continues to find her edge so that she too can be learning and growing.  Working in the realm of children is truly an honor.  She continues to explore how she can be an Elder to our youth and help guide them with wisdom and equip them with skills into a world filled with much challenge and joy.

You can reach Erin at ehoulihan@humbleoak.org.

Within my 48 years on this planet, I have had a multitude of diverse work experiences and teachings that have culminated into my current role as an educator at Violet Glen. My focus is growing the fiber handwork and related component of the program and supporting the humble beginnings of Humble Oak with a group of passionate and dedicated individuals.  I’m mutually passionate about growing food though my concurrent work at theTurtle Creek Gardens biodynamic farm. I find great joy at the farm sowing seeds and tending to the young seedlings and plants in the greenhouse. As for my collective educational background and training, in 1999, I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and an Environmental Resources certificate from Kansas State University. Years passed, and I now find myself with my family of four in Southeastern Wisconsin, an area of natural beauty that I hold dear in my heart. In my time here, I have furthered my education by participating in the Lifeways Early Childhood Training program in 2012, and I was certified by the North American Biodynamic Farming Association within its Apprenticeship program in 2018. Career-wise, I have worked as a fresh-cut flower farmer, and a Waldorf-based childcare provider. In 2019, I launched Alice Hall Fiber Designs, LLC, a business which I oversee to market my unique, handmade, felted wool garments/accessories. My art is inspired by the designs, patterns, and colors of the natural world.  I am merging my passions for and knowledge of art, nature, and, of course, education. Along with my husband, raising two sons has allowed me to further realize the importance of the educational gifts and personal-growth opportunities that the natural world has to offer. It is truly beautiful to see young children learn how to better interact with peers, themselves, and with the world around them through projects, arts, games, and exploration within nature. It is my job as an educator to foster this learning and to teach children that being you is the only thing that you can be. 

You can reach Jodie at jodiejanovec@humbleoak.org.

Noel has worked as a Lead Teacher in a kindergarten classroom for the past five years. She spent this time focusing on social/emotional learning and forming strong bonds with her students. She strived to incorporate nature into her classroom in many forms. Growing up, Noel was always outside with her siblings playing and exploring. Together they tried every idea in their survival guide book making forts, homes for animals, inventing new ways to catch fish and more. Reflecting on this time, Noel remembers the joy and excitement she felt with every new outside adventure. She continues to carry this excitement for nature into her adult life. 

Noel was drawn to outdoor education to blend her love for supporting children and the outdoors. She hopes to guide young learners to find the same excitement in nature that she has found. Noel believes that nature is a critical component to life with many lessons to share. A belief she wishes to share with those around her. 

You can reach Noel at nbattista@humbleoak.org.

Allison grew up chasing salamanders, skipping stones, and building bridges in a ravine behind her childhood home in Upstate New York. As an adult, she still loves to play in the dirt. Allison is currently the Corn Breeding Program Manager at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute (MFAI). Prior to her time at MFAI, she worked in Niger, West Africa as an Agriculture Extension Agent with the Peace Corps on issues of food security, value added agricultural products, and with field crops of sesame, millet, and sorghum. Previously she co-managed approximately 30 acres of organic urban and suburban community gardens at Capital Roots in Upstate New York. She now uses her home vegetable garden as a setting to teach her young children how to grow food, respect nature, watch insects, make mud pies, and play in the dirt.

Chanda has a passion for learning and helping others. As a small-town kid, she played outside daily and has come to appreciate the importance of connecting with the earth as an adult. Today, Chanda is a local farmer, mother, and artist. Her degree in Fine Arts Ceramics and Art Education led her to working with children as an elementary art teacher for several years. She has taught art to people of all ages in public schools and community education classes. Since becoming a mother, her focus has shifted to raising her son, Leon. Her passions include growing organic food with her family, making pottery, and going on adventures with Leon. She and her husband continue to develop a small farm where they offer fresh, homegrown, organic food to their local community.