Our Guides

Dr. Amy Hummel

Amy is the Co-Founder of Wild Meadows and comes to the program with a diverse educational background. Her undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech was in Psychology with a minor in Spanish. It was here her passion for helping others flourish began. She went on to obtain a Masters in Theological studies with a focus in counseling from Palmer Seminary, with field work at a Women’s Shelter in Tijuana, Mexico. Work at this shelter guided her once more to further her studies with a deep desire to guide individuals to healing and connection in their relationships and lead a life of purpose. With this desire, she completed her doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from Eastern University. Now as a therapist, she works to help individuals and families lead their lives with more clarity, courage, and creativity.

Amy discovered her interest in alternate school options when she found herself sharing some of the burnout her child and teenage therapy clients experienced while working in the suburbs of Philadelphia. At this time, she was a therapist and also helped at a large competitive volleyball club in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. She started raising questions related to the increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout. It was from this seed that was planted where she dove into an extensive study of how to help children and teens thrive. Pairing this vocational interest with her own daughter’s struggling in traditional school settings, she started exploring alternate school paths that included Waldorf, Forest Schools, and Montessori. While each approach has been a gift in its own way, she’s always had a special passion for the life-giving aspect of time in nature.

Wild Meadows came as an outpouring of passion for healthy childhood development, as well as an immense interest in creating intentional community. Paving a road that looks slightly different is not always easy, but when you have your village to move through life with it makes the journey that much more meaningful! Amy’s heart with the creation of Wild Meadows was not just to be a place of growth for children, but for the whole family. A Mother Theresa quote that sits at the entrance of her home says, “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.”

Wild Meadows is creating little “change makers” not only by investing in healthy development in children, but with its commitment to partnering with families.

When not in her work as a therapist or educational guide, you might find Amy camping, at the beach, or looking up a new recipe to try. She lives in Manheim Township with her husband and two children.

Experience & Education

  • Owner of Rooted to Fly, LLC

  • Doctorate (DA), Marriage and Family Therapy, Eastern University

  • Masters in Theology (MA ) Theology and Counseling, Palmer Seminary

  • Bachelor of Science (BS) Psychology and Spanish, Virginia Tech

  • Creator of "Power Up Whole Athlete", online training and youtube videos

  • Collegiate and Club Volleyball Coach (ages 5-21) for over 10 years

  • HearthMath Clinical Certification for Stress, Anxiety and Emotion Regulation

  • Doctoral Research on how to improve connection to self, God, and others. Tools explored were mindfulness, self-compassion, centering prayer, and the healing arts

  • “13 Reasons Why Not” Suicide Prevention training

  • Parenting through the Lens of IFS Therapy: From Tears to Transformation

  • Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse: Mandated and Permissive Reporting in Pennsylvania

  • 1-2-3 Magic: 3-Step Discipline for Calm, Effective & Happy Parenting (in progress)

  • Mindfulness Certification Course (in progress)

  • Attachment & Attuned Parenting: The Power of Showing Up (in progress)

  • PA Criminal Record Check, Child Abuse History Clearance

Jade du Preez

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Design, a Diploma in Sports Science, Forest School Teacher Certification (July 2025) and Montessori training, co-founder Jade brings a wonderfully diverse educational background to Wild Meadows. Her adventure to America began at 18, when she crossed the Pacific to become a gymnastics coach at summer camps for ages 4-10. This life-changing experience sparked her love for nurturing young minds while embracing new cultures—planting the seeds for her heartfelt approach to education.

Jade's love for learning has carried her to over 35 countries, immersing her in an array of cultures, educational philosophies, and ways of life. These global journeys have enriched her teaching approach, nurturing an open-hearted perspective that celebrates each child's unique way of learning. Her travel experiences allow her to weave diverse traditions into her teaching, helping children see themselves as part of our beautiful, interconnected world.

As a devoted mother of two boys, ages 4 and 8, whom she homeschools, Jade understands the magical journey of guiding young hearts and minds. Originally from the sun-drenched shores of Australia and now happily settled in Manheim Township with her family of four, she infuses her passion for nature, road trips, camping, hiking, and creative arts and crafts into everything she touches. She joyfully champions risk play, seeing firsthand how it builds brave, resilient, and creative children. Currently, she is a guide at a hybrid Montessori school two days a week, inspiring children ages 3.5 to 6.

Jade's heart for teaching comes from a simple truth—every child is unique and learns in their own special way. Children long to be truly seen and understood, and she believes the first step is bringing them into the natural world that awakens their sense of awe and wonder. Jade warmly embraces child-led learning and discussions, where children's natural curiosity guides their educational journey while she provides gentle guidance and rich, inviting spaces for discovery.

In today's hurried world, where childhood often disappears beneath screens, long school days, and endless scheduled activities, Wild Meadows offers something precious—a place where children can breathe, explore, and simply be. Here, they can slow down, sink their hands into the earth, climb trees, follow butterflies, and let their spirits soar.

- PA Criminal Record Check, Child Abuse History Clearance