Meet the Teachers

We have a contagious passion that inspires students! We pride ourselves on being lifelong learners and dabblers in all things, so we can support students in a wide range of activities from ASL poetry to leathercrafting, from board game design to carpentry. 

Alyssum "Spring Sparrowhawk" Smith-Carstens

Founder, Director, & Lead Teacher

  • B.A. in Social Studies Teaching with a focus on Political Science
  • Founder and Director of Frolicking Ferns Farm Preschool & Childcare since 2018
  • Instructor at Whole Earth Nature School (7 years)
  • Co-op Family Center Teacher (2 years)
  • Fluent in ASL

Also, hobby farmer, lover of adventure, and avid book reader!

Alicia "Foxfire" Rose

Teacher & Curriculum Specialist

  • B.A. in English and Anthropology
  • M.A. in Environmental Education
  • M.S. in Game-based Community Learning
  • Creator of Wildkin, a program used coast-to-coast for inspiring student engagement in outdoor programs
  • Lead Teacher at Frolicking Ferns 
  • Programs Director and Instructor at Whole Earth Nature School (2013-2022)
  • Living Earth School Instructor (2013)
  • Adams International Montessori School instructor (2012-2013)
Mallory Glasser

Teacher & Music & Physical Education Specialist

  • Studied music at a jazz conservatory in NYC
  • Has played music professionally for 20 years, both locally and in touring bands
  • Has been teaching music to kids and adults of all ages for 17 years
  • Dedicated to a daily movement practice that has included Yoga, Systema (Russian Martial Arts), MoveNat, Weightlifting, Kettlebell training and West African Dance over the years. Inspired to bring these arts to kids!
  • Passion for Storytelling, especially old tales from Europe and Siberia that have been passed down mostly through oral tradition.

QUESTIONS?

For our parent handbook, to schedule a tour, or ask for more details, reach out!

 

Speak to our director Alyssa “Alyssum” Smith-Carstens at 541-743-1074.

or email frolickingferns@gmail.com