Hi, I’m Cassandra—mama of two wild and wonderful little ones (ages 2 and 3), accidental goat wrangler, 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.
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 learning—quickly grew into something bigger.
Born in the heart of Columbus and Forest City, NC, Our Village is the result of years of experience in educational reform, forest school leadership, and a deep calling to return to the land. Our founder, Cassandra, spent over a decade working alongside students, teachers, and change makers across the Pacific Northwest and beyond (even all the way to China!) to make education more meaningful, local, and empowering. Now, that work is taking root here—where the soil is rich, the goats are friendly, the horses are charming, and children thrive.
Today, Our Village is more than a school. It’s a growing community of families, educators, and little explorers who believe that real learning happens when children are seen, supported, and free to follow their curiosity—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 her passion and purpose home to North Carolina—where she’s raising her kids and building a village for others to grow with, too. She’s the visionary heart behind Our Village, weaving together learning, leadership, and love for the land.
Alexa found healing in the rhythm of farm life and never looked back. Her deep love for animals—especially horses—fuels her passion for creating a safe, joyful space for children to learn and connect. With years of experience managing farms and leading animal programs, Alexa is the heart of our animal care team, ensuring that everyone (two- and four-legged) is happy, safe, and having fun.
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 feed animals, care for gardens, collect eggs, and keep the farm running smoothly. Great for students who love working with animals, don’t mind getting dirty, and want to learn real homesteading 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 living classroom where little hands learn how food grows from seed To plate.
Cuddle with our goats, brush the pony, and meet our gentle farm friends.
Our rustic barn is the gathering place for feeding animals, storing supplies, and learning hands-on farm care.
Our winding forest trails are perfect for nature walks, and quiet moments of reflection under the trees.
Come experience the magic of Dream Haven Farm firsthand! Book a tour to explore our vibrant forest and farm spaces, meet our team, and discover how your child can grow, play, and learn in nature’s classroom.
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 caring for and connecting with our goats, donkeys, chicken, horses, and other friendly farm animals.
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.
Serving Polk, Rutherforton, Henderson, Other Nearby Counties. Our forest and farm programs support each stage of life with hands-on learning, leadership, and connection to community.
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