Hi, I’m Cassandra—mama of three wild and wonderful little ones (all 3 and under), expert in snack-time picnics and spontaneous forest adventures, and lifelong lover of both books and dirt. Growing up, I adored school and the outdoors, and now I’m living the dream (and chaos) of combining both. I created Our Village Forest and Farm School because I wanted to give my kids the kind of childhood I had—one filled with fresh air, freedom, and the deep, earthy lessons only a forest can teach. Turns out, a lot of other families want that too. So here we are—building a village where kids learn by doing, exploring, imagining, and getting gloriously muddy.
We are evolving into a more community-centered, family-inclusive model, where caregivers and children gather together to explore, create, and connect in nature—side by side.
Our Village Forest and Farm School began with a simple but powerful vision: to raise children in community, in nature, and in rhythm with the seasons. What started as one mama’s dream to give her kids the kind of magical, grounded childhood she remembered—full of trees, animals, creativity, and hands-on experiences—quickly grew into something more.
Born in the heart of Columbus and Forest City, NC, Our Village is rooted in years of experience working alongside families, nature-based communities, and leaders who are reimagining how children grow and learn. Our founder, Cassandra, has spent over a decade supporting families and communities across the Pacific Northwest and beyond (even all the way to China!) to create more meaningful, local, and connected ways of living and learning. Now, that work is taking root here—where the soil is rich, the goats are friendly, the horses are charming, and families gather together on the land.
Today, Our Village is a growing community of families, guides, and little explorers who believe that real learning happens through connection, curiosity, and shared experiences—outdoors, in all weather, and with hearts wide open.
Cassandra has spent over a decade reimagining education to be hands-on, nature-based, and rooted in community. With experience launching programs from the Pacific Northwest to China, she brings a global perspective and deep practical wisdom into her work in regenerative, place-based learning. Now rooted in North Carolina, she is raising her three young children while building a living, breathing village where families can grow, learn, and reconnect with the land together. She is the visionary heart behind Our Village, weaving together education, leadership, and community care into spaces where both children and adults are invited to slow down, belong, and come alive in nature.
Cassandra’s husband brings over 15 years of construction experience and a lifelong connection to the land into his role as co-owner of the family farm. A two-time Appalachian Trail thru-hiker who has traveled extensively across the country, he carries a deep respect for resilience, nature, and simplicity. As superintendent on the Linville Parkway project, he blends skilled craftsmanship with practical leadership. At home and on the farm, he is the steady hand caring for the land, maintaining the property, and helping create a grounded, beautiful space for children and families to learn and grow in nature.
Support events, engage families, help lead nature play activities, and learn what it takes to grow a village. Ideal for creative leaders, aspiring teachers, or anyone who loves connecting with people and building community.
Help care for the gardens and support the flow of the land. Great for children who enjoy getting their hands dirty and learning hands-on, nature-based skills.
Get hands-on with nature as you learn to care for trails, identify plants, track wildlife, and study the health of our forest. Perfect for future scientists, naturalists, or anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to protect it.
Support events, engage families, help lead nature play activities, and learn what it takes to grow a village. Ideal for creative leaders, aspiring teachers, or anyone who loves connecting with people and building community.
Imagination rules the day where every rock and branch invites a new story.
A hands-on garden where families explore food from seed to plate.
A nature space where children observe, discover, and connect with the land.
A central gathering space for tools, materials, and hands-on experiences that support life on the land.
Winding forest trails perfect for nature walks, exploration, and quiet moments of connection under the trees.
A 2-acre fenced food forest and farm in development, blending fruit trees, herbs, and native plants into a thriving edible ecosystem.
Access to more trails than young explorers can wander, inviting adventure and discovery.
Nature’s classroom and muddy playground. A serene pond perfect for observing wildlife and taking a walk.
We gather to greet friends, share plans for the day, enjoy some open play and do our first lesson to start our adventure day.
Spend time exploring the land, observing nature, and building a deeper connection with the environment around us.
Dive into hands-on experiences — from gardening and forest walks to art, science experiments, or farm projects. Older youth may also mentor younger participants during this time.
Share a meal, take a refreshing walk in the forest, and gather for closing reflections — building friendships and ending the day with connection.