About Us
Science has proven that an increase in "screen time" and decrease in time spent outdoors have an adverse effect on children. Contact with nature awakens our senses. By allowing children to explore and spend time with nature, we can foster and renew this connection with the natural world, which has been lost to classrooms and technology. *Louv (2008) states that
“Natural play strengthens children’s self-confidence and arouses their senses” (p. 186).
Children who learn and play outdoors are healthier and more socially well-adjusted, not to mention, their attention span is superior to children who spend the majority of their time indoors. Our program addresses the whole child, his or her cognitive development, of course; but also social, emotional, communication and self-help areas of development.
*Louv,R. (2008). Last child in the woods: Saving our children from nature-deficit disorder (Updated and expanded). Chapel Hill, NC: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill.
Landis Woods Nature Preschool is owned by Manheim Township and operates under the guidance and support of the Recreation and Park Planning Department.
Meet the Staff
Kathy
Babb
Preschool Aide
I earned my M. Ed in Higher Education from Kutztown University and received Mindfulness Teacher training from UPenn. I have previously worked as a college career counselor and love exploring the beauty and wonder of nature!
Linda
Groff
Preschool Aide
I graduated from PA College of Art & Design and spent many
years as a Kindergarten Aide with the Manheim Township School District. I enjoy camping and exploring with my family. I am looking forward to another year of great nature experiences!
Joanna
Mellinger
Preschool Aide
I earned my B.A. in Social Work from Millersville University and have worked with children of all ages in various settings. I have volunteered at camp retreats for children and youth, and recently spent part of the summer in Montana in a Nature and Yoga program.
Olyvia Eckard
Lead Teacher
I have a B.S. in Early Grades Education with a minor in Autism Education from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. I have worked at different day camps in Manheim Township before becoming the teacher at Landis Woods and love working with children of all ages. I look forward to sharing my love for nature and teaching with my students!
Alex Van Pelt
Program Manager
I earned my M. Ed. in PreK-4 Education from Point Park University and a B.S. from Penn State in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management with a focus in Environmental Interpretation. I love exploring the many wild places of Lancaster and York Counties and enjoy working in my garden.