Staff

Hi Friends! 

Laura Beth here. Mother, serial hobbyist, flower farmer, dog lover, and terrible singer!

After graduating Mary Baldwin with a degree in fine arts and elementary education I received my teaching licence pre k- 6th grade. I have experience teaching kindergarten and fourth grade in Virginia's public schools as well as directing a private preschool program.

Beyond the classroom, I founded Tiny Fields Farm while a stay at home mom. Tiny Fields was created to share with the community, family and friends, where I cultivate flowers and design whimsical arrangements. 

My love for the natural world and dedication to play-based learning allows me to feel at home in the enchanting forest of Swoope. Each day is an opportunity for discovery and shared wonder. I am thrilled to be a part of Wheatlands Country School. 

Anne Kappers has been working with children for 20 years as an art teacher, a drama teacher, a storyteller, and a classroom teacher. She graduated with a theatre degree and moved to Seattle where she practiced play-based drama with young students. After her return to the Shenandoah Valley, she grew curious about the connection between deep learning, wellness, and the outdoors. She earned her teaching license in PK-6 and a MEd in Outdoor Classroom from Mary Baldwin and has been teaching in early elementary classrooms for the past 8 years. 

During that time, she has been trained in LETRS, Orton Gillingham, WILD, and has begun a Forest School Leader certification process. She is passionate about centering her students' curiosity and agency and sees the forest as the ideal setting for student growth. 

When she is not teaching and reimagining education, she likes to have adventures near and far, swim, dance, read, write, and porch sit with friends.