Our Founder’s Journey

Freckled Fawn Nature School was founded from a deep belief in the power of childhood—rooted in connection, guided by curiosity, and nurtured through meaningful experiences in the natural world.

Melissa Moore began her teaching journey in 2011 while pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon. It was during this time that her attention was drawn not only to how children learn, but to when learning truly begins. Her focus shifted toward the earliest years of development, where relationships, environment, and emotional connection shape a child’s lifelong foundation.

Her work as a Therapeutic Teacher at a local Children’s Relief Nursery further refined this perspective. There, she developed a strong foundation in emergent curriculum, child-led learning, and trauma-informed teaching practices. It was also during these formative years that she began to recognize a growing disconnect between children and the natural world—paired with an increasing emphasis on early academic performance before a child’s social-emotional foundation had fully taken root.

From this awareness, a vision emerged.

In the years that followed, Freckled Fawn was built alongside the growth of Melissa’s own family—shaped in real time by the rhythms of parenthood, the needs of children, and a deep commitment to preserving the integrity of early childhood. What began during the early days of motherhood—with a toddler and a newborn—continued to evolve through the births of two more children between 2021 and 2024, growing their family to six.

Central to this journey has been the steady and devoted partnership of her husband, Benjamin Moore. A graduate of Southern Oregon University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences, Benjamin stepped into the program in 2020 as a teacher, working alongside Melissa in the preschool environment. As the program expanded, he assumed the role of Preschool Director in 2021, providing consistent leadership and operational support while Melissa developed and led the Yearlings program.

During seasons of pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and the ongoing demands of raising a young family, Benjamin carried much of the day-to-day leadership responsibility—helping to ensure that the program remained stable, supported, and aligned with its values. His role was instrumental in sustaining the program during its most formative years and in supporting its continued growth.

Freckled Fawn Nature School was never built in isolation—it was cultivated through partnership, resilience, and a shared vision for something better.

The program itself was created as an intentional alternative to conventional early education. It is a place where children step away from screens and into a world of exploration. Where questions are not rushed, but followed. Where learning is not forced, but discovered. And where the environment itself becomes a teacher.

Over the past six years, Freckled Fawn has grown into a well-established and trusted program within its community. As it approaches its seventh year in August 2026, it stands as a reflection of thoughtful design, steady growth, and an unwavering commitment to honoring childhood as it was meant to be.

At its core, Freckled Fawn is built on the understanding that children learn best when they feel safe, seen, and connected. Through outdoor play, emergent curriculum, and relationship-based teaching, children are supported not only in their academic development, but in cultivating empathy, resilience, confidence, and a lasting relationship with the world around them.

Freckled Fawn Nature School is more than a program—it is a living reflection of values carried forward through time, family, and community.

As Freckled Fawn enters its next season under new leadership, this foundation remains firmly in place—continuing to guide and shape all that lies ahead.

Photography credit: Sharon Westergard Photography

Future School Goals

• Partner with a city park in our area.

  September 2020-Partnered with the City of Jacksonville . FFNS granted use of the Forest Park.

• Continue providing small class sizes to ensure safety and an optimal learning environment.

  Class sizes have grown and continue to grow every year with your help!

• Establish a Farm to Table program for our students and community!

• Become a licensed Outdoor Preschool in Southern Oregon.

• Provide Summer Camps to Ages 3-7

  June 2021- Began the first of many summer camps located at the Jacksonville Forest Park.

• Provide FREE monthly Playgroups to all members of our community.