About us
Journey Nature School is a child-centered educational experience for families that, through social justice and environmentally conscious actions in a nature-immersive setting, fosters strength in expression, self-confidence, and lifelong learning.
After years of conversations, the Spring of 2020 forced momentum of the idea of a local nature immersion school to become more of a reality for educator, MacKenzie Fitzpatrick (Mac). Like many things that came from the COVID-19 pandemic, the creative juices were forced to flow for Mac and local parents. With meetings and preparations happening over the summer, Journey Nature School started their first fall quarter on September 21, 2020 with one teacher and 13 students, choosing half or full day options for their pre-kindergarten education.
For some, this was the foundation of their learning for their newfound homeschooling journey, thanks to the support of this pilot project from the local art education non-profit, LoCo Art. JNS rooted itself, from the beginning, in the philosophies of ensuring nourishment for all families that seek a learning journey with our educational program. We prioritize diverse literature, experiences that provide practice in resolving social conflict, and a mindful existence with the nature that surrounds us. Journey Nature School has been a grateful set of friends traversing the Kirkmont Center property and looks forward to the years ahead of young brains growing and learning along with the wildlife that surrounds them.
The Kirkmont Center
The Kirkmont Center is located in Logan County near Bellefontaine, Ohio, and consists of 278 acres nestled among gently rolling hills and pine groves. The site boasts a natural fen, two ponds (one for nature study and one for canoeing and fishing), cliffs and natural ravines. Naturalists classify Kirkmont as one of Ohio's most unique parcels of land. It is dedicated to outdoor experiences of discovery, learning, and wonder so that individuals and groups grow in their relationship with one another and the earth.
Our Educators
MacKenzie Fitzpatrick
Lead Co-Educator, Founder
MacKenzie loves people and the earth. With Journey Nature School, “Mac” can bring what she loves to the lives of Logan County families. MacKenzie has a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Kent State University. She brings experience as a public and private school educator specializing in leadership and literacy. When she is not with the JNS community, she is off adventuring with her partner, child, and their energetic labradoodle. Additionally, MacKenzie offers her time and energy as a full-spectrum doula, yoga instructor, and food system coordinator.
Kori Watkins
Lead Co-Educator
Kori first embarked on her teaching journey as a teenager, later discovering the unique learning experience at JNS. As an educator, she finds joy in observing a child’s delight when they discover something new through the freedom to learn at their own pace and in ways that feel good to them. With an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and an Appalachian Studies certificate from Sinclair Community College, Kori shares her life with her large family, husband, two dogs, and manages a travel agency, fueling her passion for exploration.
Tori Zupan
Assistant Educator
Initially drawn to JNS as a parent, Tori found inspiration in the program’s values for nurturing secure learners and well-rounded humans. Transitioning into an educator role, Tori engages with students at their level, exploring alongside them to collectively bridge learning gaps and create a clearer educational picture. She takes joy in witnessing the kids progress on their unique learning journeys.
Bob Lucas
Music Educator
Bob Lucas has been playing children’s music since before he had children of his own. A lifelong collector of folk songs of all kinds he also writes interesting and evocative songs for children of all ages. He finds working and playing with children the greatest learning experience of all. Growing up in Michigan he has worked on both east and west coast in the music business. Landing in Logan County 35 years ago he has been music director for the locally known and nationally famous Mad River Theater works where his songs and plays were enjoyed by over two million school aged children aged 8-18.
“JNS has opened our minds, eyes and hearts to a way of educating our children we didn’t know was possible. Because of JNS, we have been able to provide education for our children that aligns with how we want them to learn. Not only does [our child] get to lead his education with his own curiosities, we also as a family get to grow in how we educate at home as well.”
— Kate Z., Alumni Parent
Advisory Committee
MacKenzie Myers Fitzpatrick, Alison Iven, Janice Kroeger, Michelle Lane, Sara Metzler, Bruce Smith, Kori Watkins, Hannah Wischmeyer, Tom Zupan, Tori Zupan
