Helping Young Learners Thrive & Grow in Nature
Promoting Environmental Stewardship
Nurturing Well-Rounded Individuals
Instilling Resilience
Nurturing a Deep Love for Learning
Our Philosophy
Hidden Trails Forest & Farm School follows an educational philosophy rooted in the belief that nature provides an unparalleled learning environment for children. We focus on providing experiential and outdoor education with an emphasis on hands-on learning.
Your students deserve to explore and discover the natural world around them. We provide the structure and support to help them do so safely.
By giving children direct experiences with the environment, we help foster a sense of wonder, curiosity, and a genuine connection to the Earth. Our holistic values recognize the importance of not only academic knowledge — but also the cultivation of essential life skills. Through a blend of forest and farm-based activities, Hidden Trails aims to instill a profound appreciation for nature.
Meet the Teachers
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Sarah Alves
Sunflowers Lead Teacher
Sarah Alves is the Lead Teacher for the Little Dandelions class at Hidden Trails. Originally from the Midwest, she has lived in Western Washington since 1993 and has been caring for children since 2000. Sara joined the school in June of 2024. She has a background as an in-home caregiver for both children and the elderly. Additionally, she holds multiple certifications, including Nursing Assistant Registered, Emergency Medical Technician, and degrees in Criminal Justice and Computer Forensics & Digital Investigation. Sarah loves being silly with the kids, helping shape their outlook on life and nature, and providing a safe space for them to build confidence and independence.
She enjoys immersing herself in nature on Hidden Trails’ beautiful property. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her three sons (ages 13, 5, and 1), reading crime thrillers, camping, being on the water, exploring, traveling, and staying active in her community while always striving for personal growth.
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Brooke Jessen
Nature School Assistant (Little Dandelions)
Brooke Jessen is an Assistant Teacher with the Little Dandelions class at Hidden Trails, joining the team in September 2024. Originally from Southern California, she has six years of caregiving and nannying experience. She is passionate about fostering a love for nature and learning in young minds, enjoying the opportunity to be outdoors, surrounded by animals, and part of a supportive community.
Brooke holds an OSHA 10 certification and is excited to welcome her first child in September. Outside of work, she loves making music and art, dancing, hiking with her two dogs, and spending time with her family.
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Ashlyn Faith Mokrzycki
Nature School Lead (Little Dandelions)
Ashlyn Faith Mokrzycki is an Assistant Teacher with the Little Dandelions class at Hidden Trails Forest and Farm School. Originally from Sumner, WA, Ashlyn brings two years of childcare and caregiving experience and holds certifications in peer counseling, recovery coaching, CPR/First Aid, and food handling.
She loves the positive and creative atmosphere at Hidden Trails, where she helps children grow through nature-based learning, mindfulness, and the development of independence and emotional expression. Although she doesn’t have children of her own, Ashlyn enjoys spending quality time with her two nieces, ages 10 and 11. Outside of work, she loves drawing, painting, writing, exploring nature, attending church, and spending time with her family.
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Brandie Luber
Nature School Assistant (Sunflowers)
Brandie Luber is an Assistant Teacher with the Little Dandelions (babies) class at Hidden Trails, where she began working a few months ago. Hailing from Buckley, WA, she brings about two years of caregiving experience. Brandie loves encouraging creativity in young children, especially during hands-on projects, and particularly enjoys morning nature walks on the farm.
While she doesn’t have children of her own, she has a deep appreciation for nurturing little ones. Outside of work, Brandie is happiest outdoors—whether it’s hiking, fishing, camping, riding horses, or spending summer days watching drag racing.
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Bonni Gessner
Administrative Assistant, Huckleberries lead teacher
Bonni serves as the Administrative Assistant at Hidden Trails, where she brings organization, efficiency, and a warm touch to the day-to-day operations. Passionate about nature and education, Bonni ensures seamless communication between staff, families, and the community while supporting the school's mission of fostering a love for the outdoors in every child.
Bonni thrives on keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. When not coordinating schedules, handling inquiries, or streamlining administrative processes, she enjoys spending time with the goats, and exploring nature.
April Gihring opened Hidden Trails in September 2023, driven by a lifelong passion for nature and over 20 years of experience in teaching and caregiving. A dedicated educator and hands-on leader, April is certified in Nature-Based Teaching, CPR, First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens, and is an OSHA-certified trainer. She also holds an Associate of Arts in Construction Project Management and Safety.
Originally from Covington, WA, April now spends her days jumping into any classroom where she’s needed most, whether leading a nature walk or tending the animals alongside the children. She loves sharing the forest and farm property she and her husband, her high school sweetheart and partner, built together since she was 16 years old. Watching children explore the land, meet the animals, and connect with nature is one of her greatest joys.
April is a proud mom to a 24-year-old son who works in Montana as an Operating Engineer apprentice, a nearly 21-year-old daughter who runs her own Farrier business, and a joyful 6-year-old bonus daughter. When she’s not at school, she enjoys camping, relaxing with her family, and sneaking away to Sunlands whenever there's a break from weekend projects.
