About Us

Welcome to Rooted Outdoor Learning and Education, a non-profit 501 3C! We provide inclusive and accessible outdoor education for ages 3-10. We also have an enrichment and life skills program for special needs adults ages 17-25. Explore our page to find out more about our classes, how to donate or how to volunteer.

How it started

My name is Awny Kingsley and I have worked as an intervention specialist/gen education teacher for 14 years. I am currently certified with a teaching license pre-k - 3rd grade general education and have my intervention license pre-k - 3rd grade as well.

I have worked with students with mild to severe disabilities for 14 years as a special needs teacher where I filled both roles as teacher and intervention specialist. I like integrated programs with typically developing peer models and children with disabilities because it allows for empathy, kindness, understanding and compassion to be authentically taught and fostered.

I recently moved to the Springfield area and wanted something different for my career, as well as for parents, when it came to education. I wanted authentic, active, inquiry based learning with limitless possibilities of covering student led interests. I felt I could not do this in a formal, traditional setting and decided to open a nature school that would be accessible and inclusive for all learners. I want to continue to teach, lead, inspire, advocate, challenge and make learning fun to lay a foundation for a love of learning.

I am excited to offer an early childhood program as well as a program geared toward young adults getting ready to graduate from high school or who have recently graduated to arm them with more skills and open more opportunities for independence and ways of earning an income.

Our WHY

Having grown up with a father who was disabled and relied on a wheelchair to get around for most of his life, I started to look at the world from a different perspective. Accessibility and inclusion are passions of mine. I want everyone to feel like they fit. So many things in life aren't accessible or inclusive, education shouldn't be one of those things.

At Rooted Outdoor Learning and Education, our program is designed to provide a unique outdoor learning experience for children and young adults. We believe in the power of nature to facilitate growth and development. Our team is dedicated to creating an environment where every individual feels included and supported. We aim to foster a love for learning while nurturing important life skills and fostering a sense of belonging within our natural surroundings.