Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Vermilyea.
Hi Nancy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I have always enjoyed working with children. Providing fun opportunities to play and adventure has always been a priority for me. I was lucky enough to grow up fairly free on a farm and spent my childhood being imaginative and creative outdoors with lots of healthy risky play and freedom!
Thank you, Mom and Dad. After high school, I nannied until I had children and then I ran an in-home daycare to be able to be with my kids. After that, I was a photographer specializing in children’s portraits for about ten years. When I relocated to Bloomington I got back into nannying.
For the past 6 years or so, I have been educating myself more on the best practices for children. I am passionate about kids having the opportunity to play with freedom and time without adult interference and guidance. This led me to open my nature school.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a school is a slow process requiring a lot of work and patience!
It’s also challenging to trust the process and trust in myself. Reaching families, getting a routine, and the day-to-day as we settle in. It’s worth it, and I’m willing to build slowly to reach the families that need/want what a play-based nature school provides.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Nancy’s Nature Nook?
As director of the school, my job is to provide rich opportunities for children to explore and learn using their interests to help determine what play invitations I provide each day.
Truly, children need very little except a trusted adult to be available and the freedom to play, explore, experiment, and move their bodies. At Nancy’s Nature Nook that is the goal every day. Observing and providing a safe, trusted atmosphere so the children feel free to do this in the richness of our abundant local nature.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Trust the process, trust the science and research, and mostly trust the children!
Being outside for the entire session brings its lessons, such as how best to help the children learn to enjoy playing in different weather situations and getting to know and build relationships with the children.
Contact Info:
- Website: Nancysnaturenook.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/nancysnaturenook?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
