Sunflower Collaborative 2026 - 2027

At our learning collaborative, we believe education is meant to feel alive and rooted in curiosity, connection, creativity, and wonder.

We offer heart-centered workshops, seasonal camps, and semester classes designed to nurture the whole child. Inspired by holistic education philosophies, our programs blend art, nature, storytelling, movement, life skills, creative exploration, and project-based learning within an intentional daily rhythm.

Rather than focusing solely on academic outcomes, we aim to cultivate confident, capable, compassionate humans who feel connected to themselves, one another, and the world around them. You’ll often find us creating with natural materials, exploring outdoors, sharing nourishing conversations, diving into passion-led projects, celebrating seasonal rhythms, and making space for both imagination and individuality.

Our collaborative is designed for families seeking something a little softer, more connected, and deeply human. A place where learning feels joyful, relationships matter, and community grows naturally over time.

Whether joining us for a single workshop, a seasonal camp, or a full semester of classes, we hope families feel they’ve found a gentle landing place to learn, create, and belong.

What we offer:

  • Early Childhood

  • Foraging & Herbalism

  • Art & Handwork

  • Yoga & Mindful Movement

  • Workshops, Camps & Seasonal Celebrations

I'm Lorelei, the nature loving homeschool mama behind the creation of Sunflower Collaborative

For nearly 14 years, I’ve been working (and playing!) alongside families, children, and educators in spaces that value wonder, rhythm, creativity and connection.

With a background in Early Childhood Education and close to a decade of Waldorf inspired and holistic education trainings, retreats and immersive learning experiences, I specialize in creating gatherings, workshops, camps, and classes that feel grounded, meaningful, and alive.

Our Early Childhood Program

Outdoor Kindergarten

Created for children turning 5 by January 1st through age 7

Our outdoor kindergarten offers a gentle, nature-based learning experience where children can grow through play, exploration, and meaningful connection.

Each month brings a new seasonal theme, while our days follow a comforting rhythm of stories, movement, creative play, nature exploration, handcrafts, and circle time. These familiar rhythms help children feel grounded and confident, creating space for joyful learning and lasting friendships.

Together, we’ll wander woodland trails, observe the changing seasons, ask big questions, create with natural materials, and celebrate the wonder found in everyday moments. Along the way, children will build early academic skills, social confidence, creativity, and a deep connection with themselves, each other, and the natural world.

Offered weekly on Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1p.m., beginning 09/03/26.

Tuition per student - $360 per semester or 3 payments of $120

Kayla Dunn

Ms. Kayla is a homeschooling mama with a master’s degree in teaching and nearly a decade of experience guiding young learners. She has taught children of all ages, but her heart is especially drawn to the early years, where wonder and curiosity bloom so naturally.

She loves creating meaningful experiences rooted in nature, creativity, movement, and hands-on discovery. At home in the country, you’ll usually find her spending time with her family, caring for her animals, and finding joy in the simple rhythms of everyday life.

Her hope is to nurture the whole child—mind, body, and spirit—while helping children discover the beauty, confidence, and quiet magic that can be found in the world around them.

Our Grades Program

Created for children in grades 1–12.

Our grades program offers a welcoming space where students can explore their interests, build meaningful skills, and learn alongside a supportive community.

Through engaging classes, hands-on workshops, creative projects, and seasonal experiences, students are encouraged to think deeply, create boldly, and connect with the world around them. Whatever the subject, learning is rooted in curiosity, creativity, and real-life experiences.

Our heart-centered approach nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—while honoring each student’s unique gifts and learning journey.

Our goal is for every class to inspire confidence, nurture meaningful friendships, and a create a lifelong love of learning.

Offered weekly on Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., beginning 09/03/26.

Tuition per student - $360 per semester or 3 payments of $120

Herbology

Ms. Cassie fosters curiosity and cultivates a deeper understanding of the natural world. Through lessons in botany, botanical art, and hands-on plant dissections, students will develop careful observation skills and build confidence in identifying the plants that grow all around them.

Cassandra Miller

With over 20 years of teaching experience and clinical herbal training through respected programs including Herbal Academy, Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine, and School of Evolutionary Herbalism, Ms. Cassie brings a holistic and heart-centered approach to education.

Her classes blend botany, foraging, herbal studies, storytelling, creativity, and practical life skills into meaningful experiences that inspire curiosity and confidence. Aside from being a long time Sunflower teacher, she also owns Bramble Bird Meadow, where she strives to create welcoming spaces for children and families to build a deeper relationship with the natural world while learning skills that feel both empowering and attainable.

Art Exploration

In this class, students will discover the fundamental elements and principles of art through hands-on, creative projects. We’ll explore a variety of art techniques and mediums, with a primary focus on two-dimensional art. Along the way, students will build artistic skills, experiment with self-expression, and develop confidence in their own unique creative style.

Des Leavitt

Des has been creating art for as long as she can remember and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Painting. She has a deep love for all things creative and currently paints professionally, displaying and selling her work while also sharing her passion through teaching. When she’s not in the studio, she’s busy raising and inspiring her own budding artists at home.

Yoga & Mindful Movement

In this gentle class, students will explore movement, breath, and
mindfulness through games, stories, and playful yoga poses. Together, we’ll
build body awareness, confidence, focus, and simple tools for
self-regulation in a calm, encouraging environment.

Rooted in a holistic approach to learning, this class nurtures the whole
child—body, mind, and heart. No previous yoga experience is needed; just
curiosity and a willingness to explore.

April Eisenmann

Ms. April discovered yoga while reconnecting with herself after motherhood, and what began as a fitness journey grew into a lifelong practice of healing, mindfulness, and wholeness.

After earning her 200-hour RYT in 2020, she went on to complete her E-RYT 200 and Trauma-Sensitive Yoga certification. Her classes are gentle,
welcoming, and designed to help students slow down, breathe deeply, and
feel safe, supported, and seen—just as they are.

When she’s not on the mat, you’ll find her spending time with her family,
tending her garden, baking something sweet, exploring thrift shops, or
enjoying the simple joys of everyday life. She believes that healing
happens in small moments and that life is meant to be lived with presence,
curiosity, and gratitude.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What ages do you serve?

    Our offerings vary by season and program, but most workshops, camps, and semester classes are designed for mixed-age learning. Specific age recommendations will always be listed in individual program descriptions.

  • Are you a school?

    No; we are a supplemental learning collaborative offering enrichment-style educational experiences, community gatherings, and creative learning opportunities for homeschooling and alternative education families.

  • Do children need to be homeschooled to participate?

    Not always. While most of our families homeschool or follow alternative education paths, some workshops and camps may also be open to traditionally schooled children depending on scheduling and availability.

  • What does a typical class or camp day look like?

    Our rhythm is intentionally balanced and relaxed. Depending on the program, days may include creative projects, outdoor exploration, hands-on learning, collaborative activities, storytelling, movement, journaling, practical skills, and community connection.

    We value presence over pressure and strive to create spaces where children feel safe to explore and engage at their own pace.

  • What educational philosophies inspire your programs?

    Our approach is influenced by holistic and child-centered philosophies including Waldorf education, nature-based learning, project-based learning, mindfulness practices, creative arts education, and community-centered homeschooling.

    That said, we are not strictly aligned with any one method and instead draw inspiration from many beautiful approaches to meaningful learning.

  • Are parents required to stay?

    This depends on the program. Some workshops and gatherings are family-centered, while others offer drop-off options. Details will always be clearly communicated at registration.

  • Do you offer academic classes?

    Some semester offerings may include academic enrichment woven into hands-on projects and experiential learning, but our programs are not intended to replicate traditional classroom environments.

  • What should families expect from the community culture?

    We aim to cultivate a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment rooted in kindness, collaboration, creativity, and mutual care. We deeply value open communication, gentle guidance, and honoring each child as a whole person.

  • How do enrollment and registration work? Do you offer refunds?

    Families may register individually for workshops, camps, or semester classes as space allows. Because we intentionally keep group sizes smaller to preserve connection and community, spots may be limited.

    Refund and cancellation policies vary slightly by program and will be shared during registration. In general, we appreciate early communication whenever plans change, as many of our programs have waitlists and supply planning involved.

  • What makes your collaborative different?

    We’re less interested in rushing children through checklists and more interested in creating meaningful experiences that nourish curiosity, creativity, confidence, and connection.

    Our hope is to offer a space that feels calm, inspiring, welcoming, and deeply rooted in community — where learning feels less like performance and more like living.

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