Two sisters. One shared vision.
Courtney and Jameson are co-founders, collaborators, and the beating heart of Wildling & Wonder. We grew up in an international family that traveled widely and stepped intentionally into many different ways of life across Africa, Asia, and Europe. Those experiences taught us early that there is no single right way to live a meaningful life, and that curiosity, resilience, and connection exist in every context. That perspective shapes everything we build.
We both bring extensive backgrounds in education, child development, and working directly with kids and families, and a shared belief that the best learning happens when children are trusted, present, and genuinely engaged with the world around them.
Courtney
Educational Lead · Wednesday Collective
Courtney is an educator with a deep love for child-led learning and the kind of slow, intentional space where real growth unfolds. Over the past decade she has taught across countries, cultures, and communities, from six years living and teaching in Cambodia to public classrooms in the US. At Wildling & Wonder, Courtney shapes the continuity and quality of learning across programs, leads Wednesday's Literature & Creative Expression collective, and designs the learning environments, including the Wild Play Studio and Open Art Atelier spaces.
Jameson
Movement & Monday Collective Lead
Jameson holds a BSc in Sport Science from Stellenbosch University in South Africa and a postgraduate degree in High Performance Sport, with a focus on biomechanics and human movement. A significant chapter of her life was spent living off-grid with her family in a converted school bus for two years, an experience that permanently shaped how she understands learning through doing, problem-solving, and real environments. At Wildling & Wonder, Jameson leads Monday's Human & Earth Studies program, guiding children through science, movement, ecology, and practical outdoor learning.
Where we are: Tucked in at the end of a quiet road.
We're on just under four acres, a property that feels far more like forest and farmland than a typical neighborhood. Open land surrounds us, and we've built a natural playscape that gives children genuine room to roam, explore, climb, and settle into deep, uninterrupted play. Because this is our family property, we share the exact address once your registration is confirmed. For reference: we're less than five minutes from Welborn Elementary in Kansas City, Kansas.
What to pack
Daily essentials
full water bottle · nourishing packed lunch (Forest Free Play days) · sun hat · lightweight sun shirt · layers for cooler mornings
Rain and mud days
waterproof rain jacket and pants · rain boots
Always recommended
full change of clothes (can store onsite) · a small backpack your child carries · wet bag for muddy items
How we do things here
Behavior & Belonging
Behavior is how children show us what they need or how they feel. We guide with kindness and clear expectations, not punishment or shame. We step in when safety is at stake, and we work with families when something keeps coming up. Bullying and exclusion are addressed directly and quickly.
Parent Presence
Being here is more than watching your child. This space invites you to observe, reflect, and expand how you show up, choosing to parent with presence over performance.
Screen-Free Environment
Adults participating in programming leave phones in the car or on our phone stand during sessions. No personal screens for children during programming. Our team keeps phones on hand and shares contact information for any family needs, so you can fully let go while you're here.
Weather
We hold programming in nearly all weather. It's part of the ethos. We cancel only for genuine safety concerns: thunder and lightning, dangerously high winds, or extreme heat. Cancellations are communicated as early as possible, and a makeup session is scheduled for the following Friday.
Family Illness
We trust families to make thoughtful decisions. If your child is unwell or unable to fully participate, we'll ask you to head home to keep the community healthy.
Setting Kids Up for Success
A good night of sleep, a nourishing lunch, and mindful screen use the morning before programming make a real difference. We share this not as a rule but as an honest observation. Children arrive more regulated, more ready, and more able to enjoy their day.