About Us
Our Philosophy
The Wild Woods is committed to nurturing children's cognitive, social, emotional, and sensory development, as well as their physical and mental well being by immersing them in nature at an early age. The key component of this approach is unstructured free time in nature, which lays the foundation for a meaningful, life-long relationship to the natural world. This unstructured free time also provides the ideal opportunity to learn how to form healthy collaborative relationships with others.
At The Wild Woods, we use a child-driven flow learning emergent curriculum that evolves with each child's interests as the seasons change. By allowing children unstructured free time to become fully engaged in the world around them, they can develop their observation skills by watching nature's changes take place, while at the same time enriching their imaginations and creativity. Our teachers are committed to using an inquiry based teaching style to foster the innate sense of curiosity, while also laying the foundation for more divergent thinking and better problem solving skills.
It is our belief that in today's fast paced and hyper-stimulating world, children need a chance to slow down and develop at nature's natural pace. Learn, grow, and BE a child in nature at The Wild Woods!
What is a Forest Kindergarten?
You may be asking yourself, “What in the world is a forest kindergarten?” Well, the appropriate way of answering this question is by telling you what The Wild Woods is not. First, The Wild Woods is never inside. Our classroom is located on 4+ acres of woods behind Jewart's Gymnastics. This unique setting allows the children to explore every day and learn while doing so, no matter what the weather. They are able to watch the subtle changes that occur in nature throughout the seasons, from the first buds of spring, to the lush tree top canopy of summer, to the last leaves of fall falling to the ground, to the stillness of winter, and all over again. As adults, we take this natural activity for granted, but to a child these are magical transitions that create a sense of awe and wonder. The children also have the chance to observe those many subtle changes that occur from one day to another. And through the use of leading questions by the teachers, the children are able to hone their understanding of the scientific process. Each day’s exciting adventures begin as we cross the bridge by the retaining pond and descend into our classroom, making observations all along the way.
Secondly, The Wild Woods is not a teacher idea driven program with a set agenda or curriculum for each day. The idea behind this decision is that children are inherently intelligent and curious beings. By allowing them to choose what they want to do, they can participate in activities that pique their interest. This allows the children a chance to learn and grow in a comfortable setting at their own pace. Instead of telling the children what to do, the teacher serves the role of a guide, helping the children dig deeper into their thoughts and imaginations to create their own world and their own knowledge. This also allows each student to become the teacher, sharing their knowledge with the other children, which helps them grow and teaches each child the importance of helping one another.
Lastly, The Wild Woods is not a place with toys and gadgets with fixed parts that predetermine their uses. It is our belief that by removing toys besides the mud kitchen box and a few musical instruments, the children are left with only “toys” with loose parts. They are actually left with just sticks, stones, leaves and mud. These four items can be turned into whatever the child sees fit. With all the media children are exposed to in todays world, the chance to step away from the screen, the children can be creative and begin to create the foundation for higher-level problem solving skills later in life.
Pat Hilko
Director/Co-lead Teacher
My name is Patrick Hilko. I was born and raised in the Pittsburgh area. I have a degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Pittsburgh. During the final year at Pitt, I was fortunate enough to spend a significant amount of time in The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. It was here that I rediscovered my love of the outdoors. I hold a PA Teacher Certification Pre-K-4th grade and have taken a number of Early Childhood Education master’s level courses at Carlow University. During this time I worked as a bicycle messenger, which help fulfill my desire to be outside as much as possible. Around this time I also began working at Shady Lane School with children ages 2-5. As much I loved working with the children, I missed the outdoors! In the spring of 2016 my soon to be father-in-law approached me about starting an all outdoor early childhood program. In November of 2016, I attended the Cedarsong Nature School and completed The Cedarsong Way Forest Kindergarten Teacher Training Program. Nature has played a crucial roll in my life and I want to make sure that in today’s fast paced world children are given the opportunity to slow down and be in nature and learn from all it has to offer!
Meet Our Staff
We believe that all of our students are capable of whatever they desire, our role is to guide them and to help them blossom into the most complete little human they can be.
Samantha Fabish
My name is Samantha Fabish. My whole life I have spent exploring the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping with my family. I spent several summers leading the arts and crafts department, as well as being a general counselor at a summer camp in Massachusetts. I was fortunate enough through this program to be one of a select few people chosen to work at a different camp designed specifically for children affected by school shootings. This experience, although incredibly challenging, was one of the most impactful periods in my life and career. It solidified that my heart is most full when I am working with children, especially when I can also connect them with nature. I studied fine arts and design at a community college in Upstate New York, and finally moved to Pittsburgh in 2018 to pursue a career in Art Therapy with a concentration in child psychology at Carlow University. I am so lucky to be a part of such a wonderful program that allows me to grow and learn in nature and help the children to do the same!
Annie Fabish
My name is Annie Fabish. I traveled the country and ultimately decided to plant my roots and raise my family in the place I first called home. I have 2 children, a dog and a cat. Growing up, my siblings and I were heavily immersed in nature. Camping, fishing, building snow forts and exploring new trails; we were always outside. I home-school my children with the mentality of "your soul needs the wild." This will be my sons third year at The Wild Woods and my daughters first. The Wild Woods allows children to slow down and BE. I witness the changes daily in each child as they grow confidence in themselves. I am thrilled to be a part of this wonderful school and all the unique experiences it has to offer.
Nina Barone
My name is Nina Barone. I was born and raised in the city of Pittsburgh. I spent most of my childhood longing to be in the comfort of the forest or garden of our family friends farm in Evans City. I wished to marvel at the caterpillars, to play with the young ones in the creek, to find the perfect stone. For the last 11 years I have traveled with my dog, Grandpahw, and found myself doing just what I wished for as a child. GrandPahw and I have seen 42 states together, and in each one we have learned so much from the people and places we encountered.
I find myself now back home in Pittsburgh; a hobbyist mushroom forager, a plant medicine collector, potter, weaver, and a biophiliac (a person with a deep emotional connection to nature and a strong affinity for the natural world).
I am so glad to be back in my home town and to be a part of The Wild Woods community. It is a dream and a pleasure to have found like minded individuals, promoting the need of nature rooted education to children, despite the weather.
Homer
Homer is Mr. Pat's family dog. He is an almost 5 year old Vizsla who has tons of energy and loves to explore. He is so happy to be a part of The Wild Woods where he gets to run and play all day long. He also serves as a pillow for the children when he gets tired. He loves to give kisses and cheer the children up when they are feeling down. Although he is a bigger dog, he is very gentle and great at helping the kids learn to be comfortable around dogs.