FOUNDER & PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Maggie grew up exploring the rivers, forests and prairies of Illinois with her family and friends. Even at a young age, she found solitude and adventure in nature.

For years, Maggie dreamt of having a home with a forest of her very own. They found it in 2018 in the quiet countryside of Concord, North Carolina where Maggie’s love for nature was really ignited.

Along with her two young boys, Maggie spends countless hours outside exploring the land, gardening, foraging, playing and learning.

Maggie is a co-administrator and active member of the Wild & Free - Concord homeschool group since 2022 where she leads nature play, nature studies, nature walks, group events and activities.

In 2023, Maggie completed her forest school training at Asheville Farmstead School, and she holds a Cedarsong Forest School Teacher Certification.

This experience prepared her for the ultimate adventure of opening Wild Hearts Nature School and sharing her knowledge and love for nature with the next generation of nature lovers. Maggie is CPR and First Aid trained.

Maggie firmly believes the best way for kids to learn and grow is by experiencing the beauty and challenges of nature.

PROGRAM ASSISTANT

Jessica’s love of nature began early, growing up on the shores of Connecticut and exploring the woods behind her grandparents’ house. This deep connection to the natural world stayed with her into adulthood and guided her professional path.

Jessica earned a Master’s in Teaching from Sacred Heart University in Connecticut and soon realized that her heart belonged in environmental education rather than the traditional classroom.

Jessica has worked as an environmental educator at a nature center in Connecticut and later as a teacher at a nature-based preschool in North Carolina, experiences that deepened her belief in the powerful connection between children and the natural world.

As a homeschool mom of two, Jessica brings a wealth of hands-on experience and heartfelt passion to her work. She believes that nature and children share a special relationship like no other, one that fosters wonder, growth, and lifelong learning.

We are so grateful to have Jessica as part of the Wild Hearts family!

FACILITY MANAGER

Growing up in the beautiful mountains, forests and fields of South Africa, Tye spent countless hours exploring with his mother, Thea, family members, and friends. This love stayed with him when he moved to the United States in 2006 and was introduced to a whole new world of natural wonders.

Tye and Maggie met in 2007 working together at a local grocery store. Over the years, they traveled around the Midwest camping, hiking, photographing and exploring nature together.

In 2013, Tye began his woodworking career building custom stairs and fell in love with woodwork. Having left Illinois in search of a new home in the woods, Tye began working at MONA Boutique, Making Old New Again in 2017.

Tye is a Master Woodworker who builds all kinds of things, such as custom furniture, farmhouse tables, bedroom suites and custom kitchens. With everything he does, he only does it the right way and never cuts corners.

Tye is dedicated to his family and their beautiful life in North Carolina. He loves working on projects with their two young boys at home and in the woods.

At Wild Hearts Nature School, Tye prepares, builds, and maintains the school spaces to ensure all areas remain safe and ready for adventure and play.