The Story of Us...
The Forest School got its roots nearly 10 years ago when the Williamsburg Farm Camp first launched. Designed to provide summer farm and forest experiences to children, it has become a Williamsburg tradition at Hideaway Farm. Campers return year after year and often carry on that tradition as counselors.
As stewards of our beautiful fields and forest, and the animals and wildlife who live here, our family has seen the vitality of nature to the joy and well-being of children, and adults alike. We have also seen how important the children are to the well-being of the farm with their infectious curiosity and eagerness to problem-solve. The connections we make to nature and to each other here stand out among the many lessons we learn.
Out of our summer farm camps grew year round educational programs, including one-and two-day weekly programs for homeschoolers, a full-time Montessori middle and high school, teacher training, and outreach programs that have served hundreds of children both on and off the farm. Caring for animals, exploring and creating nature-based hands-on projects, discovering friendships, learning handcrafting skills, taking time to celebrate curiosity and awe – these are just some of what happens on the farm!
Responding to the need for more progressive education – and certainly education that prioritizes the connection of children to nature – we launched the Williamsburg Forest School for elementary children. It came about quite . . . naturally!
Meet the Team
Jocelyn Swanson
Jocelyn specializes in Montessori-inspired and nature-based education for children and adults. With an M.Ed in Education, she has founded and directed several full-time Montessori middle and high schools, developed and run a Montessori training and certification program for secondary level teachers, and currently consults Montessori schools worldwide. Co-director of the Williamsburg Farm Camp and related programs on and off of her Williamsburg, Virginia farm, Jocelyn co-founded and co-directs the Williamsburg Forest School for elementary children.
Winn Swanson
Winn began her Montessori journey at age two, and continued it throughout elementary, middle, and high school. While earning her degree in business and certificates in early childhood education and special needs education, she co-directed the Williamsburg Farm Camp on her family’s farm in Williamsburg, Virginia. Her role in the camps evolved to her co-directing and teaching math and science at the Williamsburg Field School, a full-time school for middle and high school students. In addition to tutoring in math, Winnie now co-directs and teaches at the Williamsburg Forest School. She is an accomplished equestrian who, in addition to creating art and crafting educational programming, enjoys life in nature.
Alison Pariso
Alison is an art educator who develops nature-integrated art curriculum rooted in hands-on exploration. A graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art and Design with a BFA in Printmaking, she brings expertise in drawing, painting, printmaking, paper making, sculpture, fiber arts, and photography. After six years teaching grades 6-12 in Virginia public schools, she transitioned in 2022 to community-based art education, where she has continued nurturing young artists through experiential, outdoor learning. Her professional background also includes work as a gallery director and art handler in Boston and New York. Now living in Virginia with her husband, Frank, and their three children, Alison brings her passion for creativity, family, and the natural world to her work at Williamsburg Forest School.
Carolynn Johnson
Carolynn is a forest educator with an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education, who believes some of the best classrooms have skies for ceilings. Recently retired after 22 years of combined active and reserve Air Force service, she pursues the early childhood philosophy that kids learn best when they are outside, engaged, and a little bit dirty. Her passion took root in Denmark, watching her own children thrive in a Forest School and sparked a new mission: bring that same outdoor learning to students along the way and eventually here in Williamsburg. In her free time, Carolynn is often outdoors with her husband, Scott, and their three children exploring all the best “ings”—traveling, hiking, biking, birding, camping, foraging, and mushroom-hunting.
Kelly Kadra
Kelly started following her passion for nature in high school, where she focused on equine science before getting a degree in veterinary technology. She worked in wildlife rehabilitation before joining the army and later going to school for and working as a medical coder. Her most recent post in the medical field was in health information management. Mother of 3, she is again full speed with her passion for nature - and kids in nature - at the Williamsburg Forest School. There she manages the equine program as well as helps make connections for children with domestic animals and the abundant wildlife on the farm. Kelly is also behind the scenes organizing the many materials and supplies inherent in running a program based on nature, art, and handcrafting.
Tyler Tysz
Tyler first joined us as a camper at one of our summer Farm Camp teen leadership weeks. Expecting to shovel stalls and repair fences, he was surprised to discover our programs are about nature education, handcrafting, exploring the forest, and building relationships. He was hooked and has returned ever since as a valuable counselor and now a regular staff member at the Williamsburg Forest School. A rising junior in college, Tyler has discovered the joy of working with children - enough to change his major from engineering to education. Tyler's love for nature has been instilled by his family and their regular nature explorations together.