FIRST YEAR EDUCATOR

Jenny and her husband Adam have 3 children and live in Lackawanna County, PA. Jenny is a farmer-florist during the Summer months and loves to uplift others with flowers.

Jenny and her children have always felt at home in nature, they spend hours at the creek observing all the critters, plants, and rocks. She loves to stop and discover the small things that our fast-paced world often overlooks.

She feels that being among the babbling creeks, rolling hills, and lush forests is where learning about our world can truly take place.

Jenny felt called to share her knowledge of the outdoors with our future generations by creating Hemlock Hill Academy in 2022.

She is a certified Nature-Based Teacher through the Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools, and holds Certification as a Forest School Teacher and Director with FSTI sponsored by Southern Adventist University.

“Let’s show our children how to get back to our roots” - Jenny

LOWER ELEMENTARY EDUCATOR

Sara and her husband Kyle have lived in Factoryville, PA for the past three years raising 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.

After visiting a hybrid academy, Sara knew that this was what she wanted for her children. She paired up with a like minded mother to create an academy where children could observe and learn from the world around them with friends by their sides.

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.

“I love working with children of my own and others, seeing the awesome moments when they discover something new or master a new ability or simply reading a book for all to enjoy” - Sara

FIRST YEAR EDUCATOR

From as early as Kerri can remember she has wanted to work with children in some shape or form. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration in 2014 and began working at a pediatricians office as the front office coordinator for almost 5 years.

When her son was diagnosed with ADHD she struggled to find ways to help him. Kerri was already practicing yoga and felt a strong connection with its stress relieving and calming properties. She knew that this was the best way for her to help her son and many other children.

Kerri obtained her Children’s Yoga Certification in 2018 and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200) in 2021 in order to share her love of Yoga in the community. She created Kerri Berri Kids Yoga and is passionate about teaching children the benefits of movement, breath work, and being mindful.

“Jenny and Sara invited me to teach a special end of the year yoga session for the Hemlock Hill Academy students last year. It was such divine intervention to join the team and bring the gift of yoga for the whole year!” - Kerri

LOWER ELEMENTARY EDUCATOR

Laura lives in Jenkins Township with her husband, their awesome 9 year old son and their old hound dog, Liam. Laura became a homeschool mom in 2020 at the start COVID and fell in love with the child led education process.

Laura has previous experience in reentry services, assisting people on probation. The work of guiding people through steps of healing to gain confidence to re-enter society had given Laura great purpose.

She is a passionate Herbalist and has always held a deep appreciation for nature and the natural world. She has studied herbal medicine for 20 years and can often be found collecting plants, playing in her garden, and practicing yoga.

Her other hobbies & interests include DIY projects & crafts, dance, cooking, and anything vintage!

She is honored to share her love and knowledge of the wilderness with the children at Hemlock Hill Academy. Laura is looking forward to an inspiring and educational year!

UPPER ELEMENTARY EDUCATOR

Fran and her husband Alan, along with their two children, can often be found spending their Summer months camping, fishing, and kayaking/boating. In the Winter they enjoy ice fishing and hunting. Soaking in everything that nature has to offer brings them together as a Family.

Fran has felt drawn to teach since she was a child. When she was old enough she spent her Summers babysitting and then teaching Sunday school at church. She knew even before her first child was born that she was going to homeschool!

She believes learning happens all around us all the time and that children should be met where they are, not expected to fit into a one size fits all standard.

"Finding Hemlock Hill Academy last year was exactly what our family needed. We often hear that it takes a village and that is definitely what we've found here and I'm so excited to be a part of it." - Fran

UPPER ELEMENTARY EDUCATOR

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 this dynamo 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.

Get ready to embark on a colorful journey of learning, laughter, and limitless imagination with Sarah Singer. With her, education isn't just a subject—it's an “art form."

COOKING COORDINATOR | EDUCATOR ASSISTANT

From a young age, Marisa has always set out to help others and have a positive impact on their lives. She previously held a career as a Nurse, and while she thoroughly enjoyed taking care of others, she ultimately decided to stay at home after her 2nd child was born.

Marisa’s passion for baking started when she decided she didn’t want to wait to visit her favorite bakery in NJ. Inspired by her favorite pastries, Marisa set out to find the right recipe and make them herself. It wasn’t long after that Marisa perfected her first eclair and has gone on to recreate some of her (and her family’s) favorite Italian pastries from scratch.

Marisa was given a sourdough starter in 2020 and was able to expand her knowledge and love of baking. From breads and pasta, to pastries and more! The love of baking and sharing with friends and family has become her favorite hobby.

Marisa and her husband Chris moved to Tunkhannock with their 3 kids and two dogs in 2022 from upstate NY. Their children joined Hemlock Hill Academy shortly after. While homeschooling wasn’t part of the original plan, she and her husband found themselves drawn to the unique experiences, opportunities and freedom it provides.

Beginning this new role of Cooking Coordinator for Hemlock Hill is a wonderful opportunity for her to share her cooking experiences with the students and teach them useful skills they can use for the rest of their lives!

SUMMER CAMP EDUCATOR

Brooke lives in the Lenape territory of Lechanwitauk, ‘the Place at the Forks,’ known as Easton, PA with her husband and 2 cats. She grew up in what is now Spring Brook Township and has fond memories of spending her time outdoors with her grandparents.

Brooke spent most of her undergraduate studies traveling in Vermont, California, Guatemala, and India. Her experiences beyond home amplified what she knew to be true; The interdependence of humans and the natural world lay in our responsibility to sustain healthy and balanced ecosystems.

After returning home Brooke attained a B.A in Environmental Science and went on to work in preschools, manage non profit summer camps, and homeschool for children ages 2-14. Brooke is currently a middle school science teacher and is attending Antioch University for a M.Ed in Nature-Based Early Childhood Education.

Brooke holds a certification for Wilderness First Responder as well as Reiki Level 1 and Vinyasa Yoga.

“The most important qualities any human can have is a love for your place, joy in your heart, and curiosity of the unknown.” -Brooke