We Are A Nature-Based Experiential Learning Farm
At Mind-Full Meadows Nature Preschool, exploring the outdoors gives children the opportunity to:
-Develop Ecological Literacy
-Gain Confidence & Creative Development
-Understand the World Around Them
-Step out of their Comfort Zone, Explore a New -Environment, & Take Safe Risks
Work Collaboratively With Peers
Experience & Practice, Hands-On, Meaningful Skills
Actively Participate in and Shape Their Own Learning
Our program is child-centered, with expert teachers weaving together early learning skills and FARM STEAM concepts throughout the day. Children learn holistically through play, as it nurtures the whole child – socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. They gain authentic lessons about themselves and the world around them through experiential, hands-on interactions with nature.
Trish Beattie - Lead Teacher
Trish has worked in the field of Early Childhood Education for more than twenty years. She was a Lead Teacher at at a JCC, working with both preschool and early elementary-aged children, as well as teaching in a Waldorf school. She then shifted into a Forest School environment.
Over the course of a year of Forest School, she observed children learning to identify local plants, animal tracks and animal trails. The children worked more collaboratively in the natural environment, they were more focused and became more confident in trying new skills, such as climbing trees and clambering over rocks. Through these experiences, Trish became enthralled with outdoor education and its many benefits.
Mia Buffalino - Teacher
Mia graduated from Lane Community Colleges Early Childhood Education program, and worked as lead teacher at LCC’s downtown center. She engages thoughtfully with children and shares her love of the arts in many ways.
Tiffany Jeanette Price - Director
In the spring of 2020, Tiffany was a public school lead teacher based in Eugene, Oregon, and purchased the property now known as Mind-Full Meadows Mini-Farm. After leading a few rounds of K-8 summer camps, Tiffany decided to open Mind-Full Meadows STEAM-Powered Learning Farm. Combining her personal interests in native edible and medicinal plants, farm animals, and STEAM education, Tiffany took an idea and developed a multifaceted K-8 program incorporating all of what she believes are the essential elements of a well-rounded child-centered education:
A strong connection with the natural world
Support and challenge at one's level
A robust, relevant, hands-on science program
An expectation of kindness and personal responsibility
A rich Arts program, including music and movement
Meaningful learning around personal topics of interest
Thoughtful, compassionate feedback
Her history in public education spanning almost thirty years, and with classroom teaching experiences ranging from kindergarten through 9th grade, Tiffany's breadth and depth of experience prepared her to take on the adventure of leading a tiny farm school through a pandemic. During her public school career, Tiffany served as an educational leader in many capacities, both at the middle school and elementary school levels, collaborating with experts in academic, behavioral and technical instruction. For over a decade Tiffany has focused her work as lead teacher, Behavior Teacher Leader, PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) Team Leader, IPBS Team facilitator (interventions to support pro-social behaviors), grant writer, STEAM program developer, and occasional guest principal at a small, teacher-lead, multi-age public choice school with a school-wide Title 1 program.
Tiffany completed her interdisciplinary Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education, with a focus on Integrated Sciences and with support areas in Geography and Music. After teaching for ten years, working in regular ed. classrooms, with students considered academically and behaviorally at-risk, and in grades K-9, she completed an Masters in Education program from Lesley University, focused on Integrated Teaching Through the Arts.
Tiffany undertook the Initial Administrative Licensure Program at the University of Oregon, and now has both her Legacy Teaching License and her Principal License. She integrates these varied skill sets and lenses in her work as the director and teacher at Mind-Full Meadows. Her efforts in supporting student's academic and social-emotional development through relationship building and compassionate routines stems from the idea that we were all children, and the best way we can create the world we want is through the thoughtful inspiration and loving guidance of our young humans.
Tiffany is now able to combine her education experiences with her lifelong, heartfelt mission that all humans feel seen, heard, and valued. Her strong faith guides the variety of supports offered and contributions made to those in our community often overlooked and underserved. Tiffany works to create environments and opportunities to include and support all community members, and is grateful to learn from young children every day.
At Mind-Full Meadows, we offer a farm-based Nature Preschool program centered on child-led play, creative problem solving, and learning from and with nature. Located on three acres just outside the city limits of Eugene, children experience the peaceful safety of country living, complete with chickens, goats, and a rabbit, while being ten minutes from the city center.
With multiple outdoor covered areas and play spaces, along with a homey indoor environment, we offer many ways for children to experience naturally-engaged adventures year-round