Christie McKelvie often says education is in her blood — and it’s true. Raised in central Pennsylvania by two elementary teachers, she grew up surrounded by a love of learning and belief in every child’s potential. She earned her B.S. in Elementary and Kindergarten Education from Penn State, returned home to teach 3rd grade, and became known for her creativity and commitment to students. While teaching 3rd and 4th grade, she completed an M.Ed. in Science Education from Lebanon Valley College, bringing hands-on, nature-based learning and community partnerships into her classroom.
After stepping away from the classroom setting to raise her four children, Christie discovered the power of individualized learning and unstructured time in nature. Inspired, she studied nature-based education and its impact on children’s growth. She founded Rooted & Free Nature School in 2019 with the mission to nurture confident learners who are rooted in nature and free to learn.
Follow Christie on Instagram @Rootedandfreenatureschool and on Facebook as Rootedandfreenatureschool
