Jill O’Neil

Director of Education

Education & Experience:

Hi! I’m Ms. Jill and I came to WBNS on a very long journey from the Northeast. My Husband Travis (T.J), Daughter Sadie, and I migrated here to WNC and soon settled in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of SE Tennessee . My journey through nature-based education started when I was a child, though I’ve only come to realize the significance of that now. Being fortunate enough to grow up in a time of barefoot, free-spirited, feral, hose-drinking childhoods, provided me with a solid foundation and inspiration to desperately get back what has since been lost. In the days of screen times, overextending schedules, and overworked parenting, a journey back to our roots is what’s needed most now. I come to WBNS with a combined teaching career of over 30 years though that was not path I thought I’d follow. I have an A.A.S in Humanities and Social Sciences and my B.A. in Radio & Television broadcasting. I also have my Lower Elementary Montessori Certification and am a Certified Forest & Nature school educator through ERAFANS (ANBE). I am also a Certified and born and raised Herbalist. I have spent the greater part of 10 years working as both a Lower Elementary Directress and Assistant Director for a Montessori school pre-k through 12th grade located in the heart of Hudson Valley, NY. Several years ago, we were gifted the opportunity to enrich our school curriculum on a larger scale with 30 acres of free-range land to grow and develop. Over the years, we took a barren plot and turned it into a true “Doorway to Imagination”, complete with a yurt, Authentic Tipi from Nomadic Tipi, pavilions, several fire pits, large organic garden, livestock, primitive shelters, and more. The growth and development we saw on such a global scale for the children is what truly made me appreciate and reflect on getting back what we as a society were beginning to lose.

Teaching Philosophy:

While my experience is deeply rooted in the Montessori Pedagogy, engaging in practical skills such as fire building, foraging, risky play, and fort building not only teaches students valuable survival skills, but also instills a sense of independence and resourcefulness. These skills, coupled with the importance of a respect for nature and joy of community through small and large group activities, show that working together for a common goal enhances academic and social development experiences overall for children. The growth in confidence, sense of responsibility, and personal pride is one of my favorite outcomes when it comes to creating fire with my students. From the very first lessons about respect for fire, dangers, and safety measures to the moment they achieve their first flame. Planning, preparation, patience, and practice are challenging skills to teach abstractly, but fire building meets all of those goals intuitively. Most notably, fostering a sense of curiosity and appreciation for the environment in both myself, my students, and our community. Teaching our children a respect and appreciation of nature, the true joys of childhood, and the practical life skills still very much needed today will help set the course for the great childhood reset that is so very important. Raising smart, confident, well-rounded, free thinking humans should be the single most important goal of humanity.

Favorite thing about kids:

My favorite things about children are their intrinsic motivation, sense of hope and wonder, and natural curiosity about the world around them. I consider myself blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of each and every one of their journeys.

Favorite thing about working at MCCLC / WBNS:

Woodson Branch was a divine gift to find. I longed for a school that not only mirrored my values, but fostered an environment in which children could be symbiotic with Nature and all the gifts she has to offer; where each student is lead based on their own merits, strengths and interests. We are a Community of like-minded educators that support and foster the growth and independence of every child. We are not teaching for tests, we’re teaching for life!