Growing curious minds, kind hearts, and strong roots
Heartwood programs are here to support and enrich alternative education families. Rooted in the philosophies of Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and Montessori, our guides thoughtfully observe and support children’s interests, allowing child-led inquiry to blossom into meaningful, project-based learning.
About Us
At Heartwood, we safeguard childhood by nurturing curiosity, autonomy, and resilience through play and nature-based exploration.
We believe play is not just part of the curriculum—it is the curriculum. Through unstructured time in nature, children discover who they are and what they’re capable of.
Our Programs
Beginning fall 2025 we will offer 3-hour drop-off enrichment programs two days a week with the option to enroll in 1 or 2 days.
We look forward to having a multi-age group of learners ranging from 4–8 years old. This will naturally foster peer learning, leadership, and collaboration by allowing children to learn at their own pace while benefiting from both mentoring and being mentored.
Our Guides
Michelle Sawyer, Founder and Owner of Heartwood, Ridgewood mother of two, has watched her girls grow season-after-season in Kristen’s Tinkergarten programs. It is with much admiration and gratitude that Michelle plans on working with Kristen and this blossoming community. As Michelle’s family embarks on their own journey to begin homeschooling this year they feel privileged to be surrounded by other families that value time spent in nature.
Kristen Unger, After 12 years as a literacy teacher Kristen considers it an absolute privilege to have the beautiful outdoors as her classroom. As the Founder and Owner of Let Wonder Lead she has offered Tinkergarten classes at the 8 Acre Woods in Hawthorne for more than a dozen seasons. Kristen is excited to reach even more families with Heartwood, spreading a lifelong love of nature and learning.