Core Values

Joyful Learning: We view learning as a joyful, lifelong journey fueled by wonder, curiosity, and meaningful play. Children learn best when they feel engaged, capable, and inspired--free to explore ideas, take risks, and follow their interests.

Connection to Nature: Nature is a powerful teacher. Our days are spent immersed in the seasons weather, elements, and land around us--supporting creativity, resilience, and a strong, grounded sense of self.

Whole-Child Wellbeing: We care for the whole child by supporting physical, emotional, energetic, and creative development. We believe meaningful learning grows from regulated nervous systems, supportive relationships, and a steady rhythm that allows children to feel safe, connected and ready to engage.

Who we serve

Rooted Grove Collective serves children who thrive in a nature-immersed, relationship-centered learning environment rooted in curiosity, creativity, and emotional wellbeing. Our mixed-age community supports collaboration, confidence, and hands-on exploration.

We welcome families seeking a slower, more intentional alternative to conventional schooling--especially mothers who value community, flexibility, and sustainable rhythms.

At Rooted Grove, children spend their mornings outdoors with trusted guides, while mothers are supported with space to work, rest, or create--knowing their child is held in a nurturing, connected community.

As your family's rhythm evolves, Rooted Grove grows alongside you--offering a place to root deeply, grow gently, and build the village you've been craving.

Where we are located

Papillion, Nebraska

Logistics

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday — 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Year-round)
No required facilitation or leading from parents
A caregiver must be onsite at least 1 day per week (free to work, rest, or connect during this time)

Meet our Facilitators

A facilitator at Rooted Grove Collective is a gentle guide who nurtures curiosity, creativity, and connection. They hold space for children to learn through play, nature, and relationship—following their lead rather than directing.

Facilitators model calm, kindness, and respect for the earth while helping each child feel seen, valued, and free to grow at their own pace. They support both children and parents through open communication, collaboration, and a grounded, heart-centered presence.

Lead Facilitator

Nichole Beiermann

Nichole brings a rich background in education and holistic child development to Rooted Grove Collective. She holds a degree in Elementary Special Education and Early Childhood training with an emphasis on the Montessori Method and Positive Discipline. Her approach blends creativity, practicality, and a deep respect for each child’s natural curiosity—encouraging them to take the lead in their own learning.

A lifelong nature lover, Nichole enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog, hiking, and exploring the natural world. Her passion for holistic well-being extends beyond education—she maintains a regular yoga and meditation practice and holds certifications in various forms of energy work.

Fun fact: Nichole once spent a summer as a ranch hand on an organic farm, where she learned plenty about caring for pigs and chickens!

Facilitator

Hailey Stolze

Hailey comes from a background in outdoor recreation and journalism. Most recently, she worked in management for Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park. Before her ropes course career, she was a newspaper reporter in Sarpy County and coached youth poetry slam teams. In her spare time, Hailey enjoys writing, cuddling her cat and playing Sudoku. She loves being active any way she can, whether it’s swimming, yoga or dancing in her living room.

Deeply connected to nature, Hailey is passionate about helping others get off their phones and into the great outdoors. She believes stepping away from constant digital distractions can support a path toward greater fulfillment and inner peace. Hiking through the trees and meditating help her feel grounded, stay balanced and live fully in the present moment.

Assistant Facilitator

Braxton Pyle

Braxton has over six years of experience working in educational recreation programs, including taekwondo, summer camps, after-school enrichment, and community events. Homeschooled from kindergarten through 12th grade, he spent much of his childhood playing outdoors with his brothers, which fostered a lifelong love for nature and exploration. He enjoys being active outside, spending time with friends, and listening to music. He is deeply passionate about creating engaging, fun, and meaningful outdoor experiences for children of all ages.

What makes us unique

At Rooted Grove Collective, learning unfolds through presence, play, and connection and deepens through curiosity, collaboration, and meaningful projects. Our approach honors the whole child and the natural rhythm of the day, allowing learning to emerge organically and grow in complexity as children grow.
We offer invitations, not instructions. Children are trusted to follow their interests, ask questions, and shape their own learning whether through imaginative play, hands on exploration, or long term child led projects.
For older children, curiosity often becomes inquiry. Ideas turn into plans, experiments, building, storytelling, and problem solving. Project based learning naturally emerges as children collaborate, research, design, revise, and reflect guided by their interests and supported by facilitators.
We protect long stretches of open ended time so imagination, focus, resilience, and meaningful work can take root. This unhurried space allows both play and deeper project work to unfold without interruption.
Our facilitators guide from the side, observing, listening, asking thoughtful questions, and offering tools or resources when needed. Rather than directing outcomes, they support the process and help children expand their thinking.
We honor process over product. The learning lives in the exploration, the challenges, the collaboration, and the discoveries along the way, not in a finished result.
We let nature be the teacher. The wind, soil, weather, seasons, and landscape shape our questions, inspire our projects, and ground learning in real world experience.
We gather in circle. Songs, stories, sharing, and reflection strengthen our sense of community, give voice to ideas, and create space for collective learning.
We keep transitions gentle and responsive, honoring both individual needs and the rhythm of the group, allowing space for movement, rest, nourishment, and connection.
Rooted Grove Collective is not a program to complete. It is a way of being and learning rooted in wonder, guided by curiosity, and growing alongside one another.