COMING SOON on 9.27
Fall Artsfest Fundraiser
About Us
Holistic learning for a better tomorrow
Journey Nature School is a child-centered educational experience for families that, through a nature-immersive setting, fosters strength in expression, self-confidence, and lifelong learning.
Join Our Team!
Currently Looking For:
Board of Directors
Substitute Educators
Asst Educator
Our Educator Team
MacKenzie Fitzpatrick
Program Director & School Manager, 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.
Nikki Neumeier
Lead Educator (Pre-K)
Welcome Nikki!
Nikki has a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication from Muskinggum College. She has taught gymnastics at the Union County YMCA for 20 years and has been a substitute teacher for 5 years. She enjoys being outside in nature and around animals. Her favorite thing to do is spend time with her two sons (22 & 15) and her two dogs. She also enjoys working with kids. “They seem to have unlimited energy, excitement, and curiosity.” She also loves exploring the world and nature through a child’s perspective.
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.
Amy Callender
Lead Educator & JNS Parent
Bio Coming Soon.
Maggie Shepherd
Asst Educator & JNS Supporter
Bio Coming Soon.
Elizabeth Pippen
Asst Educator
Bio Coming Soon.
Program Sponsors
Ann & Jason Vogel
Logan County Electric Cooperative - Operation Round Up
United Way of Logan County
Fast Track Signs
Brewfontaine
The Syndicate
CMG
Lake Township Trustees
Dovetail Metal Works
Indian Lake Adventures, Adventure Trails, Speed Zone
Farmers National Bank of Canfield
Briarwood Sporting Club
Volunteers and Donors
The Morning Riot - The Flying Pepper Cantina - Wild Oats GF Bakery & Homestead - Kori & Ryan Watkins -
Michelle & Ryan Lane -Bruce Smith - Janice Kroeger - Alison Iven - Nikki Neumeier - Emily Walls - Jennifer Littick -
Yvette Hunsicker - Chris Harr - Myra Failor - Jerry & Dena Early - Michael Graham & Susan Beaudry - Shana Fisher -
Christine Greenwald - Bill Stanley - Jay Mitchell
Journey Nature Kids
Board Members
President: MacKenzie Myers Fitzpatrick
Secretary: Bruce Smith
Treasurer: Michelle Lane
Members: Alison Iven, Janice Kroeger,
Shana Fisher, Christine Greenwald
History of JNS
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.
Journey Nature School is a tax-deductible 501(c) Non-profit organization: Journey Nature Kids dba JNS.
