Kindle Farm's new Special Education Case Manager

Phoebe Connolly has joined the Kindle Farm community as a Special Education Case Manager and Access Specialist. Her past work in the area planted the seed of curiosity and interest in working with Kindle Farm, whose educational mission and approach align with her passions as an educator.

A bit about Phoebe:

My story began in the hills of Wisconsin. My family, our animals, and nature were my main educators throughout my childhood. My formal education began as a pre-kindergarten student at Mrs. Hill's Montessori school on a rural farm. Using play and farm life as the main tools for learning, these experiences created a foundational curiosity to learn about the world around me, both near and far. This foundation also created internal struggles when I transitioned to a traditional classroom setting. From kindergarten through college, my academic struggles were quiet and much less obvious than my brother's. My brother fit the classic label of a "kid who struggled in school." Our experiences have been incredibly different, influencing me greatly as a human and professional and leading me to Kindle Farm.

I am a lemonade maker. I enjoy finding the silver linings of challenges. I strive to turn my challenges into superpowers and want to support others in finding the same optimism. We need to use our struggles to push through boundaries while improving one's legacy along the way. I am curious and love to share my curiosity with others. I strive to create a safe, curious, supported environment where we can feel comfortable and vulnerable to learn. I most often find this environment to be in nature, often with animals present. I feel lucky to be a part of a work community that also values the influence of nature and animals to increase feelings of safety.

It's a great honor to join this community. Outside of Kindle Farm, I enjoy spending time in the woods with my sidekick, Gemma. I also enjoy teaching mountain biking and skiing at Stratton Mountain.”