Co-Teacher Ashlyn

Hi! I'm absolutely thrilled to embark on this learning adventure with the Little Hikers crew! I graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in Elementary Education, although my professional journey took a different path, and I spent several years in restaurant management. The heat and pressure of the kitchens forged me into the rugged woman I am today! Most recently, I’ve hosted a nature based nanny share in my backyard and honed my appreciation for the early childhood ages. I’ve now fully delved into the child-led philosophy of learning and believe it's the most organic way to connect with little minds. Watching kids get lost in play and form their own unique relationships with the world is incredibly rewarding, and I love being there to support and encourage them.

In my free time I love exploring creeks and trails along the Eno River with my kids (Elliott and Elijah), playing in the treehouses at the Museum of Life and Science, and going camping for a weekend. I’m creative and enjoy the artistic process, I love to sketch and paint watercolors, and create custom birthday cards for my loved ones! As part of the Little Hikers family my goal is to guide children, with a gentle and sturdy presence, towards connecting with the natural world in a meaningful way. Together we will expand our knowledge and appreciation for the natural world!

Pronouns: She/Her

Assistant Teacher Jenn

Hi! My name is Jennifer, and I am excited to be a part of the Little Hikers’ team! I grew up here, in Durham, playing outside until I was called home at night. I have vivid memories of playing in our neighborhood creek, covered in dirt alongside tons of other kids. I am a mother of a 5 year old little girl, and when the pandemic started, the closing of her preschool exposed me to the world of nature based homeschooling. Seeing little choice but to help prepare her for kindergarten myself, I researched and adapted a nature based curriculum to fit our needs and interests. Nature and the outdoors, along with being able to learn through creativity and play has always been very important to me. We now spend most of our time on nature hikes or creating works of art with what we find on those walks. I absolutely love being able to share my passion for the outdoors with her, and see her learn independently through exploration and experimentation. At Little Hikers I hope to share my flair for creativity, love for the outdoors, and continue developing as an early childhood educator.

Pronouns: She/Her