Meet Joanne: Your Lead Explorer and Nature Mentor.

 

Hello! I’m Joanne Hentnick, and I am the founder and lead educator at Our Playful Garden.

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I started Our Playful Garden because I believe that children are starving for many benefits that only nature can provide. Feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin, picking flowers, watching clouds pass through the sky; these and so many other outside activities provide  physical and mental health benefits to children and adults.  When little people are exposed to other living things such as the tiniest of insects and to massive, towering trees, they begin to understand that we are all part of something greater than ourselves.    Families and educators collaborating to provide children with opportunities to experience nature-based, wonder-filled learning is a gift that cannot be matched.  I invite you to join me in providing this gift to your child!

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My Journey in Education

For more than 25 years, I served in the public school system in various roles, but my heart has always been in the earliest stages of development. My professional background is rooted in deep academic and practical experience:

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• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (Westfield State University)

• Master’s Degree in Technology Education (Lesley University)

• Licensed Educator (Pre-K–Grade 3) & Elementary Principal.

 

Life on the Farm

My connection to nature isn't just professional—it’s how I live. My husband Paul and I own a farm in Western Massachusetts and hold a deep appreciation for the land that we love. We share our home with our dog Max and a flock of chickens. We are proud parents of two grown children who live nearby, and grandparents to two young boys, who keep us very busy!

 

Why "Our Playful Garden"?

In today’s fast-paced, digital world, it can be hard to find space for children to simply be. Research shows that unstructured “nature play” is vital for a child's health—improving physical activity, cognitive learning, language, and social-emotional development.

 

At Our Playful Garden, we offer:

• Professional Expertise: Quality programming led by knowledgeable, experienced educators.

• A Beautiful Setting: Lessons held in a serene, natural farm environment.

• Child-Led Learning: Activities driven by the natural curiosity of children, while supporting the individual educational goals you have for your child.

 

Throughout my life, one thing has always remained constant: my love for children. I enjoy talking, playing, and making discoveries about our world right alongside them and I can't wait to connect with you and your family to start a new adventure together!