At Asheville Farmstead School, we believe in lifelong learning and the power of nature-based learning to foster deep connections with the natural world. We want to take a moment and reflect on our incredible journey we’ve taken with The Cedarsong Way. From early training to becoming a leader in teacher education, our relationship with Cedarsong Way has been one of growth, inspiration, and evolution. Let’s take a look at where we started and where we’re headed!
The Beginning: Discovering The Cedarsong Way
Back in late 2016, we were just beginning to explore the world of forest schools when we discovered The Cedarsong Way, founded by the legendary Erin Kenny. This discovery sparked a passion that led us to Vashon Island, Washington, in December 2017, where we trained with Erin herself at Cedarsong Nature School. The immersive experience was nothing short of transformative and set the foundation for what would become an incredible partnership, and provided all the reassurance about the hopes and dreams of Asheville Farmstead School and what it could offer to the world of early childhood education.
Becoming an Accredited Cedarsong Way School
Fast forward to Fall 2019—after years of learning and implementing The Cedarsong Way practices, we became an officially accredited Cedarsong Way School! At the time, we were only the fourth school internationally to receive this accreditation, a milestone that solidified our commitment to nature-based education. We are now one of seven schools that hold this distinguished accreditation.
Stepping into Leadership: Hosting and Training Educators
Spring 2019 marked another turning point when we hosted our first Cedarsong Way Teacher Training at the Farmstead with Nicole Corbo. This was more than just a training—it was the beginning of a new chapter. That event introduced us to inspiring educators, including the leader of Wilder Child and the future directors of Little Mountain Forest School, one of Alabama’s first forest schools. It was also my first step in becoming the third person to be certified to deliver the Cedarsong Way Teacher Training.
That same summer, we had the incredible opportunity to train the staff at Children’s Garden School, under the guidance of Robin Rodgers. Children’s Garden was my own preschool and a major source of inspiration for founding Asheville Farmstead School, making this training a particularly meaningful full-circle moment. To be in the old movement room, with the daughter of my preschool teacher and share the learning and joys of Cedarsong Way with their team was a moment I will always remember and cherish deeply.
Joining The Cedarsong Way Board of Directors
In 2019, I took on a new role by joining The Cedarsong Way Board of Directors. This allowed me to contribute on a broader scale, helping shape the future of nature-based education. Over the next few years, I continued running trainings, including:
- Fall 2021: AFS-hosted training for educators from across the country
- Winter 2022: A training for educators at Verner Early Learning Center in Asheville, which marked the final step in my certification process, overseen by Robin Rodgers.
- August 2022: On their site training for educators at Piedmont Forest School
- 2023: Training for some of the staff at Mountain Sprouts School in Washington State
In total, I’ve helped lead six teacher trainings since 2019, with each one deepening our commitment to sharing The Cedarsong Way with educators nationwide.
Looking Ahead: Future Cedarsong Way Trainings
Though I stepped down from the TCW Board of Directors in late spring 2022, my passion for training and mentoring educators remains strong. That’s why we’re beyond excited to announce FOUR upcoming Cedarsong Way Teacher Trainings happening from July 2025 through July 2026 in Asheville, NC, at the Farmstead:
- July 30th – August 1st, 2025
- November 3rd – 7th, 2025
- April 6th – 10th, 2026
- July 20th – 24th, 2026
These trainings will continue our mission of equipping educators with the tools and confidence to bring nature-based learning to children everywhere.
A Journey Rooted in Growth
Reflecting on this journey, it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come—from that first training on Vashon Island to now leading the next generation of Cedarsong educators. Asheville Farmstead School remains committed to fostering a love of nature and learning in both children and educators alike. Here’s to the next chapter of growth, adventure, and deep connection with The Cedarsong Way!
Interested in joining us for an upcoming training? Visit https://ashevillefarmstead.org/cedarsong-way-trainings/ for more details and registration information!