About us
Journey Nature School is a child-centered educational experience for families in a nature-immersive setting that fosters strength in expression, self-confidence, and lifelong learning.
Join our Team!
We're always looking for passionate people to grow with us. Whether you're interested in shaping the organization from the board level or getting outside with kids, we'd love to hear from you.
Currently Looking For:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS - Complete our interest survey to get started!
SUBSTITUTE EDUCATORS
ASST EDUCATORS - Spring, Summer, and/or Fall 2026, 2-day half and full day options available.
After years of conversations, the Spring of 2020 forced momentum of the idea of a local nature immersion school to become more of a reality for educator MacKenzie Fitzpatrick (Mac). With meetings and preparations happening over the summer, Journey Nature School started their first fall quarter on September 21, 2020 with one teacher and 13 students, thanks in part to the support of local art education non-profit, LoCo Art.
From the beginning, JNS has been rooted in ensuring nourishment for all families — prioritizing diverse literature, social conflict resolution, and a mindful existence with the natural world. For five years, that work happened on the grounds of the Kirkmont Center near Bellefontaine. In Spring 2026, JNS moved to privately owned land on Ludlow Road in Bellefontaine, continuing the same spirit of discovery with a home of our own.
Journey Nature School is a tax-deductible 501(c) Non-profit : Journey Nature Kids dba JNS with EIN: 99 - 3920023
LOCATION CHANGE:
Starting Spring Quarter of 2026, JNS will be moving Quarterly Programming to Privately Owned land on Ludlow Road in Bellefontaine!
Our Educating Team
MacKenzie Fitzpatrick
Program Director & School Manager, Founder
MacKenzie loves people and the earth. With Journey Nature School, “Mac” can bring what she loves to the lives of Logan County families. MacKenzie has a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Kent State University. She brings experience as a public and private school educator specializing in leadership and literacy. When she is not with the JNS community, she is off adventuring with her partner, child, and their energetic labradoodle. Additionally, MacKenzie offers her time and energy as a full-spectrum doula, yoga instructor, and food system coordinator.
Kori Watkins
Lead Educator (Pre-K)
Kori first embarked on her teaching journey as a teenager, later discovering the unique learning experience at JNS. As an educator, she finds joy in observing a child’s delight when they discover something new through the freedom to learn at their own pace and in ways that feel good to them. With an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and an Appalachian Studies certificate from Sinclair Community College, Kori shares her life with her large family, husband, two dogs, and manages a travel agency, fueling her passion for exploration.
Nikki Neumeier
Asst Educator (Pre-K)
Welcome Nikki!
Nikki has a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication from Muskinggum College. She has taught gymnastics at the Union County YMCA for 20 years and has been a substitute teacher for 5 years. She enjoys being outside in nature and around animals. Her favorite thing to do is spend time with her two sons (22 & 15) and her two dogs. She also enjoys working with kids. “They seem to have unlimited energy, excitement, and curiosity.” She also loves exploring the world and nature through a child’s perspective.
Bob Lucas
Music Educator
Bob Lucas has been playing children’s music since before he had children of his own. A lifelong collector of folk songs of all kinds he also writes interesting and evocative songs for children of all ages. He finds working and playing with children the greatest learning experience of all. Growing up in Michigan he has worked on both east and west coast in the music business. Landing in Logan County 35 years ago he has been music director for the locally known and nationally famous Mad River Theater works where his songs and plays were enjoyed by over two million school aged children aged 8-18.
“JNS has opened our minds, eyes and hearts to a way of educating our children we didn’t know was possible. Because of JNS, we have been able to provide education for our children that aligns with how we want them to learn. Not only does [our child] get to lead his education with his own curiosities, we also as a family get to grow in how we educate at home as well.”
— Kate Z., Alumni Parent
JNS Board Members
President: MacKenzie Myers Fitzpatrick Vice President: Kori Watkins,
Secretary: Hannah Wischmeyer Treasurer: Michelle Lane
Members: Alison Iven, Janice Kroeger, Sara Metzler, Bruce Smith, Tori Zupan
