Meet our Director Sarah Marie Paul.

Her vision was to offer classes where students would be able to spend most of their time outside, running free, learning hands on skills as the seasons change. 

Classes and programs started in the summer of 2021. Sarah, along with her husband Steve, have loved watching the classes grow and develop over the years.

 

Sarah spent 10 years teaching the PA public school system as a Kindergarten teacher, 1st grade teacher, ESL teacher and Reading Specialist/teacher trainer. She was awarded Pottstown SD teacher of the year before she “retired” to start her own business in 2017. You can find her wearing an apron, baking sourdough, tending to her chickens, lathering on oils & homeopathic remedies while reading a pile of books that live on her nightstand.

Meet our teaching assistant Cortney

Hi! I'm a Berks County native, where my family has lived for generations. My partner, Adam, and I share a cozy home with our children, embracing a life of learning and connection—alongside our four cats and a whole lot of plants.

For years, I’ve had the joy of leading and teaching at a nature-based homeschooling co-op, working with children ages 4-17. My lifelong love for photography and obsession with the smallest details led me to create Angora Hill Photography, where I weave together nature, storytelling, and authentic moments.

I'm a proud member of the Baird Ornithological Club of Berks County and support local, sustainable living through my work at Kimberton Whole Foods. A year ago, my passions led me to curate "MACRO in the Forest", a six-week immersive journey for homeschoolers, exploring the hidden rhythms and relationships of our natural world through up-close observation.

I dream of the ocean and reciting Mary Oliver’s poetry while listening to the birds. Give me an early morning, and I’m always ready for an adventure—although I'm also a night owl, where most of my creative moments are found.

I’m honored to be a part of Home Free Acres, where you'll find me laughing and learning alongside the children--and hopefully getting a little muddy, too.

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Meet our Lead Teacher Miss Beth

I am a mother of four and a grandmother to five. I love spending time with my family making beautiful memories. I love traveling, and feel that it gives me a lot of experience to share with the children. I am constantly learning new things from people and through self guided research. I feel this approach makes me well rounded as both  a person and teacher. My degrees are in Early and Elementary Education. I also have a degree in Childcare Management with a focus on Child Development. Although I believe that my education was a foundation for teaching, I feel strongly that experience working directly with children is vital to understanding their needs and interests. My goal is to get to know each child as an individual. I strive to build trust with the group and maintain a healthy safe and environment where they are able to thrive. I also believe that children benefit greatly from learning independence as it helps to build confidence. My reward seeing happy children learning new things, enjoying the outdoors and building relationships that last. I try to see things through the children's eyes which isn't difficult since I'm a big kid at heart.

Meet our teaching assistant Joan Smith

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I grew up in Pottstown and graduated from Pottstown High School. Teaching always

topped my list of career choices. Graduating from Elizabethtown College fulfilled that

dream. I taught my entire career at Rupert Elementary School in Pottstown. I feel

blessed to have taught there. In fact, that is where I met Sarah and had the joy of

teaching first grade with her for a few years before I retired!

I live in Boyertown with two resident furbabies who basically ‘rule the house’!

Retirement has allowed me to experience many new opportunities. Spending time at

HFA is a delight!