Wild Roots Village

Pwofesè nou yo

At Wild Roots Village, learning is guided by Ms. Christa, a dedicated educator whose heart has been intertwined with this path since 2008. Growing up in Ranchos de Taos, she first discovered Waldorf education at Taos Country Day School and instantly fell in love, knowing it was her calling. Her journey led her from substituting and assisting at Country Day School to the East Coast, where she began her Waldorf Teacher Training in the summer of 2009.

Christa’s education and training reflect her commitment to nurturing the whole child. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Prescott College, Waldorf Certification from Antioch University New England with an emphasis on Early Childhood and Elementary Education, and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Teacher Leadership from Concordia University. She holds a New Mexico Level III teaching license and is working towards completing her Administrative License in New Mexico.

Since 2010, Christa has shared her love of learning with children as a grades class teacher in both private and charter schools. She has also led summer kindergarten programs at Denver Waldorf School and Santa Fe Waldorf School, mentored new teachers, guided parent workshops, contributed to teacher training, and helped found Mountain Song Community School. In 2021, she opened The Lilac School in Denver, bringing together a small group of children in her home to explore, imagine, and grow.

Filozofi

Inspired by the insights of Rudolf Steiner and the principles of Waldorf education, Wild Roots Village is a licensed, play-based early childhood program for toddlers and young preschoolers. We nurture the whole child—body, mind, and spirit—through meaningful work, imaginative play, rich sensory experiences, and a deep connection with nature.

We believe the greatest gift we can give our children is a safe and nurturing environment that allows them to freely explore and connect with the world and themselves. Waldorf education, with its century-long legacy, is often described as “an education for the future.” At Wild Roots Village, the future is now!

The foundation of our work in the Early Childhood Program is the integration of imitation (through meaningful work) and imagination (play and storytelling) to nurture the development of independence, responsibility, social competence, community connectedness, and overall well-being in children. We focus on practical, hands-on activities and creative play that not only engage young minds but also encourage children to express themselves freely. Our approach fosters a unique learning atmosphere where children can learn from each other and develop essential life skills in a natural, playful setting.

We offer a warm, homelike environment where each child is known, supported, and valued. Our days unfold with gentle, predictable rhythms that include storytelling, song, movement, painting, baking, nature walks, and open-ended play. In this mixed-age setting, children learn through imitation, friendship, cooperation, and joyful exploration, developing social skills, emotional resilience, and a sense of belonging.

Following the flow of the seasons, we celebrate festivals and traditions that bring beauty, reverence, and meaning into daily life. Our program provides young children with the space and time to engage deeply with their world—laying a strong, healthy foundation for lifelong learning.

Kote

Located in Arroyo Hondo on 0.33 acres of land, Wild Roots Village is an idyllic setting surrounded by the wonders of nature. The property features several large cottonwood trees, a special weeping willow, aspen trees, peach trees, wild plum trees, chokecherry trees, and recently planted apple, apricot, and cherry trees, as well as an acequia (irrigation ditch) that winds through the landscape, offering a beautiful backdrop for exploration and water play. Children find joy and inspiration in the outdoor environment, particularly in the magical woven river willow dome and spiral. This enchanting space invites imagination and adventure, allowing children to immerse themselves fully in their natural surroundings.

Each spring and summer, we cultivate a vegetable garden that children actively participate in tending, instilling a sense of responsibility and respect for nature. Growing and harvesting their own vegetables in the fall provides children with a tangible connection to the earth and teaches the importance of healthy eating and stewardship. Surrounded by beautiful flowers, the garden serves as a vibrant reminder of the beauty that nature offers and the joy it can bring to our daily lives. Within this nurturing and positive atmosphere, we empower children to flourish, discover their passions, and build lifelong memories.

Inside, our space is just as inviting. A cozy woodstove warms the room, creating a comforting and homelike atmosphere. Children gather around a long wooden snack table, where we also bake our weekly bread together and enjoy wet-on-wet watercolor painting sessions. A large wool rug serves as the gathering place for our daily story and circle activities, fostering connection, attention, and a sense of community. Open-ended play is encouraged with a variety of wooden toys, play silks, a dollhouse, and a wooden play kitchen, allowing children to explore, create, and imagine freely. This indoor environment complements our outdoor spaces, providing a safe, nurturing place for quiet play, creative work, and hands-on learning throughout the day.

Konsènan pwogram nou an

Wild Roots Village honors the unfolding of childhood through nature, artistry, and connection. Our program is inspired by Waldorf education and guided by the rhythms of the seasons, offering children space to grow in wonder, joy, and confidence. Through storytelling, song, movement, and time in nature, young children experience the world through their senses and hearts—building the foundation for lifelong learning.