CCS is a multiage nature-infused, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which means we are a small, personalized learning community that focuses on experiential learning and close connections between “Guides” (teachers) and “Explorers” (students).
Core Values
Our Mission
Our mission is to create a connected community of explorers who develop a love of self, learning, nature, and service.
Community
One inclusive family working together as a community.
Explorers
Explorers (students) are kind, curious, risk-takers, that are open-minded, empathetic, and observational.
Learning
We implement individualized education to meet the needs of our diverse community of explorers and prioritize social, emotional, and physical wellbeing.
Nature
We engage in nature-based, experiential learning and an abundance of time outdoors.
Service
We inspire each other to show empathy and take-action by caring for our planet and one another.
Meet the Team
We have a Lead Guide and two other Guides lined up to join us at CCS. Check back to see their bio’s once they officially join us!
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Founder and Lead GuideHi! I am Jackie! I have been teaching elementary school for the past 15 years. I have a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education with a 4th/5th Grade Endorsement as well as a K-12 Reading Endorsement. I have my Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. After growing up in Michigan and Ohio, I started my teaching career in Colorado Springs, Colorado. We moved to Columbus in summer of 2016 to be closer to family. I love to travel and we spend many of our weekends camping in Michigan.
My Why: I have known since I was in elementary school that I wanted to be a teacher-everyone around me knew! I am an extreme book lover and cannot read enough books in a year. I started teaching outdoor education to children 18 months-8 years old (Tinkergarten) when my oldest was only two years old and found true joy in seeing what kids could learn from nature itself. During the pandemic, I started to feel a draw toward wanting a nature infused education for my own children. I wanted them to be free from the many hours of state testing and instead have many hours to be outside and explore: digging in mud, catching grasshoppers, and making leaf boats to float down the creek while also watching them grow academically.
