THIS IS US

Left to Right: Sandy, Kim, Natasha, Megan, Elizabeth, and Samantha 

Sandy Babbitt comes out of the world of  early intervention, early childhood speech and  autism.  Her love of nature started as a child, with parents who valued nature and convinced her that a Saturday spent working in the yard was family fun.  She's a master gardener and avid reader of all subjects of nature.  She loves teaching children and especially  enjoys creating lessons that are hands on and playful, believing that this is the best way for young children to learn. Sandy is lead teacher and creator of our Nature School curriculums.  Sandy teaches First/Second, Kindergarten/First and our Four and early 5 classes.  She co teaches Rooted Theater and some Rooted Project Classes. Sandy will also be teaching our new geography class in the fall. 

Natasha Grogan's background is in special education, independent tutoring, and behavioral disorders. She is a community builder, mom of three littles, and a lover of  local food.  Natasha has a deep love for children's literature, believing that it offers children connections to history, life, emotions and dreams.  She knows that any subject, even the "hard sciences", can be taught creatively and she proves it with our Rooted Math curriculum which she developed.  Natasha has always loved time spent in nature, but after having children she witnessed, first hand, the benefits of "Vitamin N".  Natasha is creator of our Rooted Math and our Rooted Literature curriculum and the person behind the scenes that does all our registration, communication and so much more!

Kimberly Chu came to Roots and Wings as a mom of a child in Nature School.  Her connection with the team was immediate, and when another team member was needed she was the obvious choice.  Kim brings with her a deep love of nature.  She has immeasurable respect for a young child's value and esteemed place in the world. Before becoming a mom of 3 littles,  she taught children's theater and directed children's shows in DC and Vermont. She also loves being behind the camera as a birth and family photographer.  Kim is lead teacher and creator of our Rooted Theater curriculum. Kim will be teaching a theater project class in the fall, and in 2024 she will teach a 14 week theater class.  

Elizabeth Campbell's  love of nature began when she spent time in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains every summer for Nature Camp.  Her love of nature grew when she earned her degree from James Madison University where she spent lots of time outdoors exploring Shenandoah National Park.  Elizabeth spent 7 years teaching first grade in South Carolina in a traditional classroom.  She believes curious children will develop a lifelong love for learning when they are presented with lessons that are  relevant, engaging and fun.  Elizabeth is the mom of two littles, lover of dogs, traveling, people and kindness.   Elizabeth is co-teaching our First and Second grade,  Kindergarten/First and  4/early 5  classes. She's lead teacher and curriculum developer of our Nature Literature class and will be integral to our new geography class in the fall of 2023.

Samantha Westbrook's experience in teaching began in the world of elementary education and reading intervention. She has taught students of all ages for 7 years and gained experience providing reading and math intervention with her students each year. Going places with her 2 dogs is her favorite way to enjoy the outdoors! She will spent the summer of 2023 visiting national parks with her husband and their two pups. Samantha will be co-teaching 4k-2nd grade and lead teacher for our project based classes. We are excited to have her join our team! 

Megan Nigh joins our team as a co-teacher is our project classes.  She is owner of Wild Orchard Homestead located in Travelers Rest, where she's lived since she was a child. Megan has two littles.  She is a registered nurse, but is currently at home with her children.  She has a passion for regenerative agriculture, flower farming, sourdough making, food preserving and so much more.  Megan loves community building which makes her fit right in with Roots and Wings.  Her spring plant sale is not to be missed!  We love what Megan "brings to the table", both literally (Who doesn't love a good sourdough?) and figuratively, and we are happy she is joining us this fall. 

Welcome to Roots + Wings!  We are a growing small business and proud to be starting our 5th year in 2023.  We are a mighty team of six,  dedicated to outdoor education, positive school experiences, building community and raising children who  engage with nature throughout their lives.  This summer, we moved into a new home that will serve us well in all weather!  We love getting creative, finding ways for young children to learn through play, connecting nature-minded families and being a part of the Greenville community.  

       ~Natasha and Sandy