“Children cannot bounce off the walls if we take away the walls.”  - Erin Kenny

Yes. Nature workshops and individual tutoring sessions offered by Sanctuary are conducted outside at local parks, as they are designed to embrace the outdoors as much as possible. Nature itself is a central part of the learning experience.

Being outside offers children far more than fresh air- it supports healthy development, deepens learning and nurtures a genuine sense of wonder. Time in natural environments has been shown to enhance focus, creativity, problem solving skills, and emotional well-being. When children learn outdoors, their senses are fully engaged. They observe, explore, ask questions, and interact with the world in a way that naturally stimulates curiousity and meaningful discovery.

We embrace the Norwegian saying, “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.” Most of our offerings continue in light rain, warmer or cooler temperatures, so we encourage children to come prepared with appropriate clothing. In cases of severe or unsafe weather, we will adjust plans as needed. Your child’s safety and comfort is always my priority.

There is a great value in experiencing a variety of weather conditions. Gentle shifts in temperature, wind, clouds or light rain help children build resilience, adaptability and an appreciation for rhythms of the natural world. Rather than seeing weather as a barrier, we view it as part of the learning - an opportunity for obversation, conversation and connection.

My work is shaped by a uniquely broad educational background — from teaching in public schools, home education cooperatives and a tutoring academy, to over twelve years of home educating my own children, along with immersive experience teaching in a forest school setting in Europe.

This diverse foundation gives me a deep understanding of how children learn across different environments, learning styles, and developmental stages. I blend structure with flexibility, academic support with whole-child development, and intentionally create learning experiences that are both effective and deeply engaging.

Rather than following a single method, I draw from real-world experience to support each child in a way that feels natural, supportive, and aligned with how they truly thrive.

For families participating in Florida Step Up For Students, I provide all necessary documentation required for reimbursement. My goal is to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible for parents.

I am also currently in the process of becoming an approved Direct Provider, which will allow eligible families to use funds more seamlessly in the future.

If you have questions about reimbursement or eligibility, I am happy to help guide you through the steps.

Endless possibilities with God’s creation as our playground! What does that look like practically speaking?

Literacy: Storytelling, Circle Time, Songs, Literacy focused games

Science: Hands on activities using nature as our guide, seasonal activities, weather, herbalism, botany, wildcrafting, foraging, nature walks and gardening activities

Math Skills through play, patterns, nature, manipulatives, estimation, music and movement

Art & Music: using music and movement, instruments, nature crafts, multiple mediums such as clay, paint, nature journaling, handcrafts and projects

Social Skills: Practicing empathy, emotional intelligence, manners, kindness, respecting others, playing cooperatively

Gross Motor Skills: Outdoor play, climbing, swinging, jumping, balancing

Fine Motor Skills: modeling clay & beeswax, painting, weaving, puzzles, legos, blocks, coloring/writing

Skills Taught through: Nature, Wildcrafting, Gardening, Art, Music, Movement, and Play

The name Sanctuary reflects something deeply foundational to this work. In the beauty of God’s creation, children experience a sense of peace, safety, and wonder that is increasingly rare in modern life. Nature offers a setting where hurried rhythms soften, attention deepens, and the heart has space to breathe.

Time spent outdoors does more than support learning — it nourishes the inner life of a child.

Sanctuary is both a place and a posture: a space where children are free to explore, to rest, to wonder, and to grow into wholehearted, attentive, and resilient learners.

Your child’s safety is my top priority. All Sanctuary helpers undergo a background check and basic first aid certification.