Hello! My name is Joanne Hentnick and I am the owner and lead educator of  my new business, Our Playful Garden. I started this business because I want to collaborate with families and educators to provide children with outstanding, educational opportunities.  My professional background includes a Bachelor's Degree earned in Early Childhood Education from Westfield State University, a Master's Degree in Technology Education from Lesley University and  23 years of working in the public school system in various roles. I am professionally licensed through the state of Massachusetts as an early childhood teacher, Pre K- Grade 3 and also as an elementary principal.

 

My husband Paul and I own a farm in Western Massachusetts where we live with our two dogs and several chickens.  We are parents to two grown children who live in the area and soon to be grand parents!    Throughout the years personally and professionally, I have had many roles, but one thing has ALWAYS remained the same, my love for children.  I enjoy spending time with kids, talking, playing, making discoveries and connections about our world. I've always felt a deep connection to nature and animals.

 

Today's fast-paced, busy, technical world isn't always conducive to helping children learn, but there are alternatives.  Research shows that unstructured “nature play” has a positive impact across a range of health and developmental domains for children, including physical activity, cognitive learning, language and social and emotional development. Our Playful Garden offers quality educational programming to children and adults, provided by  knowledgeable and experienced professional educators in a beautiful farm setting.  Our nature-based lessons and activities are driven by the natural curiosity and interests of children, while supporting the achievement of the individualized, educational goals that parents and caregivers have for their children.  I can't wait to connect with you and your family!