Makenzie Delmonico
I graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Human Health and Wellness, shortly after I earned a Wellness Coaching Certification from the National Board of Health and Wellness. Throughout my life, I have been passionate about the Whole Person Wellness approach. Because of this, I spent time interning on organic farms, getting my yoga certification, and learning about holistic wellness. This diverse background has provided me with a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Upon graduating college, I worked for the YMCA doing nutritional education and garden-based learning for the Child Development Centers. Through working with children, I became deeply interested in how they experience and relate to the world. When I spent time teaching a group of preschool children, I walked away feeling like I learned just as much from them as they did from me. This reciprocal exchange of knowledge and understanding led me to seek out a career in Progressive Education. At Virginia Chance School, we recognize that each student has different skills, talents, interests, and abilities that add value to the whole group. Progressive education emphasizes experiential learning, critical thinking, and collaboration, ensuring that children are not just passive recipients of information but active participants in their own learning journey. When these differences are valued and utilized, the possibilities for growth are endless.
I have always had a love for the outdoors. Through my experience on organic farms, hiking, and facilitating garden-based learning programs, I have discovered that the outside environment is an excellent setting for sparking curiosity. Nature-based learning, a cornerstone of the curriculum at Virginia Chance School, provides children with hands-on experiences that foster emotional and social well-being and enhance their understanding of the natural world. This being my first year teaching at Virginia Chance, I am eager to witness firsthand the transformative benefits of Nature-Based Learning for our class.
In my free time, I enjoy doing yoga, cooking, hiking/camping, and gardening. I am excited to bring my love for stewarding the earth and fostering human well-being to school every day!