Where Montessori-Inspired Education, Yoga, and Nature Connection come together

Jacalyn lives in the Adirondacks with her husband and two sons, where together they are building their dream homestead in reciprocal relationship with the surrounding forest. What began as a vision has grown into Wild Type Acres - 50 acres of forest and evolving ecosystems that serve as both a home and a living classroom. With a love for permaculture, soil science, and whole-systems living, their homesteading journey is grounded in curiosity, care, and continuous learning. Alongside their dogs, chickens, ducks, goats, and many more projects in the works, the family is cultivating a lifestyle rooted in connection - to land, to each other, and to the wild.

With over 20 years of experience working with young children in diverse environments - from small towns in upstate New York to New York City, San Francisco, and the mountains of Costa Rica - Jacalyn brings a deep respect for the innate wisdom, light, and curiosity every child carries. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education, a Montessori Certification, a Children’s Yoga Certification, and a 200-hour Adult Yoga Certification. Her roles have included Montessori teacher, preschool and kindergarten educator, yoga and creative movement guide, music and ESL teacher, and social-emotional learning facilitator.

Inspired by the gift of raising her two sons, all of her teaching experience, her passion for empowering children and families to trust their intuition, and her reverence for the natural world, Jacalyn founded Wild Type Learning. Rooted in a holistic approach that honors the mind, body, and heart, Wild Type Learning weaves together nature-based education, yoga, sensory integration, and play to create transformative learning experiences for young children.

Jacalyn believes that adults have much to learn - and remember - by building a meaningful relationships with nature and viewing the world through the eyes of a child. In a world that moves fast and often disconnects and distracts us from what matters most, she sees Wild Type Learning as a path back to presence, joy, and connection. Through her work, Jacalyn is committed to serving children, families, and fellow educators by offering tools, inspiration, and experiences that nurture deep-rooted learning and belonging from within.