Facilitators
“facilitator” (noun): someone who helps to bring about an outcome (such as learning, productivity, or communication) by providing indirect or unobtrusive assistance, guidance, or supervision.
Agile Learning Facilitators are not focused on evaluating, grading, shaping, teaching, praising or criticizing young people. Instead they show up as knowledgeable helpers, guides and supporters who learn from, and alongside, kids.
ALC facilitators uphold safety, facilitate learning in partnership-based way, and develop compassionate, authentic relationships with young people. They work to provide children with “maximum support/ minimal interference” and aim to create helpful structures, practices, and environments without making decisions for children or managing their processes. Support that takes up too much space becomes counterproductive to learning.
ALC Facilitators support young people in clarifying their intentions, getting connected to resources, reflecting on their decisions, and engaging with the community. Facilitators work to keep the space safe and respectful for everyone. They collaborate with young people to develop a powerfully positive culture. They model clear communication, collaboration, and authenticity. They witness, model and reflect.
Ali
They/Them
Ali is a Wildwood Agile Learning Facilitator, Program Director and board member. Ali has worked in a variety of educational settings, and was always inspired by self-directed and democratic education practices. Ali began unschooling in 2016 and became part of the Wildwood community in 2018 as a parent and volunteer. As a facilitator, they aim to empower children to pursue their interests and discover new passions … read more
Alyssa
She/Her
Alyssa Maxon is an Agile Learning Facilitator (ALF) who works with Wildwood ALC to fully support self-directed education, and foster positive learning relationships with kids that are both rooted in trust, and empathy. The ALC Model deeply resonates with Alyssa, and Wildwood has since influenced every facet of her life … read more
Michael
He/Him
Michael August grew up and has lived most of his life in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. His formal studies have included fine art with a focus on photography, as well as library and information science. Informally, he has been studying alternative education practices for more than a decade, with a particular interest in spaces for Self-Directed Education and the nature of educational paradigms… read more
Rebekah
She/Her
Rebekah is a Board member, Facilitator (ALF) and a founder/vision holder at Wildwood. She has been following her passion for learning about how children learn and grow and thrive -- and creating spaces for this process to flourish -- for almost 30 years. She studied psychology at Davidson College, and completed an M.S.… read more
Nicole
She/Her
Nicole is a Wildwood co-founder, board member, Facilitator, and vision holder. She holds Master’s and Specialist degrees in School Psychology and brings 3 decades of experience supporting young people across a wide range of settings. Early in her career, Nicole worked as a rock-climbing guide and instructor with the Outward Bound School… read more