Kiely worked in the education field for over 10 years, teaching second through fourth grade in public schools. She saw a tremendous need, and felt a strong desire, to step away from a system she no longer resonated with: one where extra recess and playtime were considered privileges to be earned, field trips happened once a year, and families gathered only at the end of the school year. After having her daughter, she became passionate and committed to building new systems that support and honor each child’s authenticity and individual growth. She wanted to create a community where parents feel supported and have opportunities to learn new ways of holding space for their children.

Rachael had the blessing of growing up on the Shiawassee River in central Michigan. Her first classroom was the wild; her first teachers were painted turtles and bullfrogs. Her childhood was spent among the woods and meadows, foraging wild raspberries and autumn olives, mending bug bites with jewelweed, and playing “spa” in the swamp clay. Her love and appreciation for the land and its creatures imprinted on her and influenced every facet of her life, lovingly guiding her around and across the country and then to North Idaho, where she has been fortunate to share this love with the students at Alpine Village School. Rachael is an herbalist and certified yoga instructor, infusing her lived experience with nature and the teachings of our ancestors in hopes of inspiring young minds to see the world for each magnificent bird, bee, and bulb that encompasses it—and us.

Dr. Bonita is here to help change the world through the use of her hands, her heart, and her ability to listen deeply. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in psychology (Kalamazoo College, MI) and a Doctor of Chiropractic (Life University, GA), Bonita has devoted herself to studying the depths of what it means to heal. She now offers a blend of hands-on nervous-system healing, craniosacral therapy, and non-force chiropractic techniques to help everyone—from babies to great-grandparents—release tension and experience more ease. One of her greatest passions is witnessing people awaken on their journey of self-discovery and realizing they are much more powerful and capable than they realized.

Tina has always asked two questions in life: “Can I make that?” and “Can I eat that?” On hikes, she now stuffs her mouth with foraged edibles and her pockets with wild medicines and materials. She has a background in gardening and herbalism, has taught arts and crafts, and has sojourned at the Rabbitstick Primitive Skills Gathering in southern Idaho. In her spare time, she enjoys dancing, singing, drawing, backpacking, and tanning animal hides. Inspired by the stories of our ancestors, Tina seeks to reconnect with our land and community by living the old ways again—and she is delighted to share what she has learned so far with the class.

Bio coming soon.