FOUNDER & EDUCATOR

Sara and her husband Kyle live in Factoryville, PA and have two daughters. She has always had a love of animals and has worked in the small animal veterinary world for over 20 years as a veterinary technician, teaching other technicians along the way.

While homeschooling was not the original plan, she was drawn to the idea of being able to give to her children so many more opportunities than a traditional school setting could offer. This included being surrounded in the natural world and the many wonderful lessons it offers. Sara and her husband also wanted more for their daughter; they wanted a consistent social setting where lasting friendships could grow.

Sara and original co-founder Jenny Kern decided to join forces and create a unique hybrid experience that combines lots of nature while learning!

Sara can be found in the vegetable garden pulling weeds, planting something new, pairing fabrics for a sewing project, as well as baking and cooking.

She is a certified Nature-Based Teacher through the Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools.

ORIGINAL CO-FOUNDER & SUBSTITUTE

Jenny and her husband Adam live in Clarks Summit, PA with their three children. She has over 10 years experience as a farmer-florist celebrating life’s big events through flowers.

Jenny has always been drawn to nature, her and her children are regulars at the creek and exploring together is something that brings them closer together.

She and Sara Springer came together in 2022 with the idea to combine their love of nature and science to create Hemlock Hill Academy for the community. Focusing on family life and continuing her education, Jenny pops in from time to time as a substitute and a nature educator.

Jenny holds a Nature Based Teacher Certification from ERAFANS and Forest School Teacher and Director Certification from FSTI. She is currently attending Oregon State University’s Ecampus to pursue a Bachelors in Environmental Science.

SPROUTS EDUCATOR

Bio in progress…

ART SPECIAL GUEST & SUBSTITUTE

A creative powerhouse with a heart as vibrant as her artwork! Armed with a BFA in Fine Arts from Marywood, Sarah's journey has been a masterpiece in itself. When she's not shaping young minds, she's a superhero Mom to two adventurous boys, mastering the art of balancing chaos and creativity.

Hailing from the world of VFX Wraps in NJ as a Graphic Designer, Sarah brings the magic of visual storytelling to the classroom. Her canvas isn't limited to pixels; she's also been a design champion for nonprofits, channeling her talents into worthy causes with Destiny 508.

But there's more to her than pixels and paintbrushes. Sarah finds her rhythm pounding the pavement on a run or cruising along on a bike, forever chasing the wind. While she thrives on artistic expression, her most cherished role is being the CEO of Hugs and High-fives, aka Mom, where every day is a new adventure.