Emily is a Kickapoo Valley local, parent to two Forest Schoolers and partner to her ambitious best friend. Growing up on a hobby farm and continuing her life as a small farmer in rural Crawford County, Emily feels that allowing children to experience a slow life, full of exploration, play, mess, and loving support is essential to protecting childhood for as long as possible. When she isn't chasing children, pigs, or chickens, Emily works with Couleecap helping to further the mission of fighting poverty, enjoys traveling and her morning cup of coffee and contemplation. 

Anne-Marie Fryer attended a forest kindergarten as a child. She is a retired teacher whose career included 14 years teaching in a forest kindergarten. She has witnessed the challenges and tremendous benefits of a forest education and is ready to invest her time and experience to insure the success of KVFS.

Email Anne-Marie at: fryera@lafarge.k12.wi.us

Lauren has lived throughout the Driftless for much of her adult life, finally settling outside of La Farge in July of 2024 with her husband and almost 2 year old son (a hopeful future forest schooler!). She enjoys hiking, reading and cooking but lately has been spending most of her free time on a very long list of ‘to-dos’ around the homestead. She feels so fortunate to have such a wonderful opportunity for local kiddos in the KVFS and is excited to support its continuing success on the governing council. 

Email Lauren at: larsenl@lafarge.k12.wi.us

Laurie Drake is a parent of a 4K student at KVFS and currently serves as a member at large on the governance council. She currently works at Organic Valley as a Marketing Director leading brand and category strategy for the cooperative.  Although native to Wisconsin and a UW-Madison graduate, she worked and lived out of state and abroad for 10+ years before the journey to Organic Valley brought Laurie and her family back to Wisconsin and to the Driftless region 4.5 years ago.  She enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children exploring everything the Driftless has to offer as well as camping around the state in their Scamp!  

Email Laurie at: drakel@lafarge.k12.wi.us

Jen is a native of the Driftless region. She currently resides outside of Cashton with her husband and four sons, two of whom currently attend Kickapoo Valley Forest School (KVFS).  Through homeschooling her oldest son, she has had the opportunity to intentionally expand her understanding of alternate schooling and the benefits of children learning while immersed in nature. Jen is passionate about child development and loves that KVFS offers a holistic learning environment for students and families. In her spare time, Jen enjoys going on adventures in their RV, music festivals, hiking, reading, and frequenting local coffee shops.

Email Jen at: oiumj@lafarge.k12.wi.us

Danielle is a birth and postpartum doula, and mother to three with one more on the way. She and her family recently moved to the Viola area from Illinois. She enjoys hiking, fishing, swimming, and kayaking. She currently has one child in Ms. Julia's 4K class, and looks forward to supporting the mission and growth of KVFS.

Jonel Kiesau is currently the Development Director for KVFS and previously spent 20 years as the Education Director at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve and is a graduate of La Farge High School.  After earning a degree in Conservation Biology from UW-Madison, she traveled to many wild and beautiful places working as a wildlife biologist and an Environmental Educator.  In 2001 she settled back in the magnificent valleys of the Driftless and began work at the KVR while building her home and raising a family.  Growing a Forest School has been a long time dream and she is thrilled to be part of the team designing a school that highlights the natural learning processes of play and exploration.

Email Jonel at: kiesauj@lafarge.k12.wi.us

Robin Hosemann is the 5K teacher at KVFS. She has a Bachelor’s of Science in Education from DePaul University, and she was a public school teacher and library media specialist for 16 years. She holds a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Viterbo University. In addition to her work with KVFS and the KVR, Robin is a psychotherapist at Stonehouse Counseling. Robin's commitment and connection to learning outdoors are rooted in the rich experiences of the hills, creeks, and woods on her family's farm near Ferryville, Wisconsin. Robin is excited to be a part of the team bringing forest schooling to this region.

Email Robin at: hosemannr@lafarge.k12.wi.us

Ximena Puig is a graduate of La Farge High School. She has a master’s degree in early childhood education and has spent the last 13 years of her life dedicated to children as a teacher (grades k-5), teacher mentor and parent. Raised in rural Richland County she has been drawn back home by her love of the Kickapoo Valley. She is passionate about providing children with the opportunity to fall in love with the natural world.

Email Ximena at: puigx@lafarge.k12.wi.us

Julia Buckingham is the 4K Teacher for the Kickapoo Valley Forest School. She has a background in early childhood education and environmental science. Julia has her Primary (children ages 3-6) Montessori certification from the Association Montessori Internationale. Julia has a passion for teaching young children and being in nature. She also enjoys helping families learn more about the social, emotional and academic development of their young children. 

Email Julia at: buckinghamj@lafarge.k12.wi.us