Our Team
Founders/ Lead Teachers
Charey Jenkins
Charey is a devoted wife and homeschool mom of three who is passionate about letting kids be kids — which means plenty of free time to play, explore, and be outside. Each summer morning begins with breakfast in the fresh air, catching the morning sun before her kids head off to play from sunup to sundown with friends and nature as their playground. And that doesn’t change when the weather does — rain, snow, or sunshine, they’re outside, soaking in all the beauty and lessons each season brings. Rainy days mean saving worms on the sidewalk, and snowy days call for sledding and snowy adventures — because every kind of weather offers something magical.
Charey has a deep love for Jesus, and that love shapes the way she raises her children — with intention, wonder, and a heart rooted in grace. She believes God created a world meant to be explored, and that childhood is a sacred season to be protected and celebrated.
An avid listener of the @1000hoursoutside podcast, Charey first discovered the idea of forest schools through it — and it instantly became a dream. Her vision is to create a forest school in Idaho Falls, where her children and others can grow in friendship, confidence, and freedom — all while experiencing the beauty of creation.
To bring that dream to life, Charey is currently enrolled in training to become a Level 3 Forest School Leader — equipping her with the tools, knowledge, and certification to guide children safely and joyfully through nature-based learning.
Livia Wheeler
Additional Teachers/ Substitutes
Livia is a mother of two little ones under the age of two. Life with young children is full and fast-paced, but with the loving support of her husband, she embraces the beautiful chaos of raising a family. Her little boy has never enjoyed being cooped up at home — and honestly, she feels the same way. Getting out of the house has always been their reset button. It’s during these daily adventures that he discovered his love for the outdoors. Watching him come alive as he explores, gets messy, and learns through play has only deepened Livia’s belief in the power of nature-based, child-led learning.
Livia’s passion for working with children runs deep. She began her career in early childhood education more than eight years ago, and five years ago, stepped into a management role at the daycare where she works. For as long as she can remember, she has dreamed of starting a hands-on preschool — one where children learn through real experiences, exploration, and play. That dream has naturally grown into the vision for this forest school: a place where kids can be curious, build confidence, and feel deeply connected to the world around them. Being a trusted resource for parents — someone they can turn to with questions, concerns, or the everyday challenges of parenting — is something she holds close to her heart. She believes in supporting not just the children, but their families too.
Family is the foundation of everything Livia does. Her siblings have become some of her closest friends, and their support means the world to her. She is especially excited to grow this forest school alongside her sister Charey, sharing this journey and passion together as they create a nurturing space for children and families.
Kali Sagastume
Kali is a wife and homeschooling mom to two adventurous boys. She is passionate about child-led learning and spending time outdoors, believing that sunshine and fresh air are some of the most powerful tools for healing, growth, and education.
With a deep commitment to slowing down and keeping life simple in an often fast-paced world, Kali approaches motherhood as her most important ministry. She sees nature as a sacred space — a place where children not only learn, but also connect deeply with God through His creation.
As an unschooling family, the outdoors has become one of their greatest teachers. Kali is excited to walk alongside other families, offering support, community, and love as they rediscover the wonder of nature together. Her heart is to help children feel safe, seen, and free to be themselves in the natural world.