About Wild Nook
Wild Nook began with a simple belief: children thrive when they are given the time, space, and understanding they need to grow naturally. Founded by an educator passionate about child development, emotional wellbeing, and nature-based learning, Wild Nook offers families a calm, thoughtful alternative to traditional early childhood programs.
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Our approach blends outdoor exploration, play-based learning, and social-emotional support to nurture the whole child — socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Days are spent largely outdoors, where children engage their senses, build resilience, and develop connection — to nature, to one another, and to the values that guide our community.
Faith-informed values such as gratitude, care for creation, kindness, and respect are woven naturally into daily life, while programs remain child-led, developmentally appropriate, and focused on whole-child learning.
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Learn more about how faith is gently integrated into daily life at Wild Nook.
Vision
To create a calm, thoughtful environment where children can explore, play, and grow - socially, emotionally, and cognitively - while families feel supported and confident in their child’s development.
Mission
Wild Nook provides a nature-based, play-driven learning environment where children are seen, understood, and nurtured. Through outdoor exploration, meaningful relationships, and child-led experiences, we help children develop confidence, curiosity, and resilience.
Who Wild Nook Is For
Families who:
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Value outdoor, play-based learning
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Appreciate a gentle faith-informed foundation
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Seek a calm, relationship-centered environment
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Believe childhood should be honored, not rushed
Wild Nook may not be the best fit for families who are seeking:
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A strictly academic, worksheet-based program
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A fully secular preschool environment
Why the Name “Wild Nook”
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The name Wild Nook reflects the heart of our program.
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Wild represents our commitment to immersing children in the natural world, where curiosity, movement, and discovery thrive.
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Nook represents a safe, cozy space where children feel known, supported, and free to be themselves.
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Together, Wild Nook is a place where adventure and comfort meet. Where children can explore the wild outdoors while feeling grounded and cared for.
Meet Amy
Hi, I’m Amy, the founder and educator behind Wild Nook. My deep love for education began in high school, where I completed Child Development I & II and spent my senior year assisting in kindergarten classrooms. That early experience sparked a lifelong passion for understanding how children learn and grow.
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As a young mom, I worked in early childhood programs at Copper Hills High School and later homeschooled my five children. Learning alongside them through nature walks, curiosity-driven projects, and everyday moments of wonder deepened my love for childhood and hands-on learning.
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My professional journey has taken me beyond the traditional classroom — from teaching preschool and directing an education program at a working farm, to teaching ESL with VIPKID, leading outdoor classes with Tinkergarten, and now working in Learning and Engagement at Thanksgiving Point while running Wild Nook. Along the way, I earned my bachelor’s degree in elementary education, which allows me to blend practical teaching strategies with a deep understanding of child development.
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I created Wild Nook to offer children a childhood rooted in play, connection, and exploration — and to help families feel confident and supported in understanding their child’s growth and development.
