Hi, I'm Julie! I have a passion for helping kids develop a lifelong love of learning and I believe this is best done through hands on experiences and spending time outdoors. The world is our classroom! I have been teaching in various classroom environments ranging from private school, microschool and homeschool for 20 years now. I have also been the primary educator for my own 4 spicy neurodivergent children. I was formerly licensed as a child and adolescent psychotherapist in private practice in both Massachusetts and Illinois with extensive postgraduate training as a registered play therapist and have worked with neurodivergent individuals for over 25 years. I recently completed a contract at a private, inquiry and project-based school leading a mixed age middle school classroom. I have experience teaching and working with all age ranges from infancy through High School. I hold dual master's degrees in counseling psychology (with a concentration in Child & Adolescent counseling), as well as Public Health (with a concentration in Education). Along with inquiry & project-based learning, I have additional experience in nature-based learning, Charlotte Mason, Reggio Emilia, Montessori and Waldorf education methods as well as experience with social emotional learning and adapting curriculum to fit the needs of neurodivergent learners. I am also a private coach for individuals and parents who need help managing ADHD/Executive Function issues. I currently reside in central Illinois with my husband, three doggos and my youngest child who is a dual credit senior in high school. I am a Christian and have experience with both Christian worldview and secular education. I am willing to work as a private educator (or coach) in person or online and I am open to relocation!