Kate Eckhardt

Program Manager

Education & Experience:

I have a B.A. in International Relations and an M.A. in Environmental Leadership. I have also studied herbalism, permaculture design, yoga, and sustainable agriculture. I have been lucky to travel extensively and learn about and from other cultures.
My career has focused on the fields of nonprofit management and earth-based early childhood education. I directed a Farmer’s Market in Asheville, led the Afterschool program for a Montessori school, taught environmental education in the mountains of Colorado above 8,000 feet elevation, and ran educational programming for an invertebrate zoo. I taught kindergarten, first grade, and specials at WBNS for 5 years before working for several years as the Administrative Director for a Forest School in Asheville. I am so happy to be back at WBNS!

Teaching Philosophy:

Whenever possible, I allow my students’ curiosity and inspiration to guide our explorations. I seek to instill in them a connection to the natural world, and a desire to protect and steward the earth.

Favorite thing about kids:

I love the joy, excitement, and wonder that children bring to the world around them.

Favorite thing about working at MCCLC / WBNS:

We are so lucky to be surrounded by 30 acres with creeks, woods, and abundant gardens! WBNS has always been a community hub, and since Hurricane Helene has grown into a vital resource for Madison County