Team
Jessica Jensen
Lead Guide
A self-described jack of all trades, Jessica Jensen is an experienced Guide who is committed to early childhood and elementary education. She has spent the last 12 years creating rich musical experiences for families and facilitating learning experiences for children.
As a music teacher, Montessori classroom assistant, homeschool mom, and forest school guide, Jessica has developed a unique perspective when it comes to the ways children learn. Influenced by the work of Dr. Maria Montessori, her goal as an educator is to guide children along on their own unique paths and discover their individual cosmic quests.
She has an Early Childhood Diploma from the North American Montessori Center, a 6-12 Orientation Certificate from Association Montessori Internationale, and an Advanced Professional Certificate in General Music Studies from Berklee College of Music. A lifelong learner, Jessica is committed to professional development and attends professional workshops in music and education whenever she gets a chance.
In her spare time, she enjoys singing, watercolor painting, and creating beautiful home spaces.
Kimberly Meloy
Assistant Guide
Kimberly Meloy is a homeschooling mom of two, with 20 years of experience in early childhood education, and a background in Waldorf methodology. She has assisted and worked closely with children in a variety of settings; from outdoors in a forest school location to more traditional classroom learning spaces.
Kimberly holds a BA in English Language and enjoys sharing her love of all things words and writing with her children.
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She is passionate about the importance of imaginative, unstructured play and free time spent in nature. Allowing children autonomy and the ability to explore their passions at their own pace is a core value of Kimberly’s approach to instruction.
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Kimberly and her family love reading, gardening, cooking, practicing bushcraft and primitive skills, hiking, and exploring new destinations.
Nichole Kohler
Assistant Guide
Nichole Kohler is a homeschooling mom of two. She moved to the Philadelphia area for college where she attended Tyler School of Art with a focus in photography and illustration. She has always had a passion for art and working with children.
After college, Nichole worked in a fabrication shop creating props for commercials, movies, and children’s museums. She then went on to teach children at Painting with a Twist and the YMCA. In addition to this Nichole has worked as a freelance illustrator, painter, mural artist and face painter for the last 14 years.
In her spare time she enjoys crocheting, reading, cooking and spending time outdoors with her family. She is excited to bring her wide expanse of art knowledge to children, and looks forward to creating unique artistic learning experiences.
Melissa Wilkes
Director
Melissa has over 20 years of experience planning and executing meetings and events for a wide range of clients. She has owned and operated an event planning business and served on the board of her family's non-profit organization.
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She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ.
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Having experienced the drawbacks and limitations of the traditional education system, both in her own life and with her eldest son, Melissa felt called to create a school that takes more of a child-centered and holistic approach to education.
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She enjoys reading or listening to anything and everything on health and wellness, taking walks in nature, as well as traveling and spending time with the boys (her husband and two sons).
