
Our Story
fáil - te [fall - cha] noun
1. Gaelic word meaning welcome and joy
Jennifer
Director/Founder

Hello! I’m Jennifer, and I'm passionate about creating inclusive, nurturing educational environments where every child can thrive. My journey in education began with a degree in Special Education, and for over a decade, I dedicated myself to teaching students with diverse needs in reading, and English.
I also became trained in FloorTime Therapy, an approach used to promote a child’s development using the power of relationship and connection to support growth in self-regulation, communication, social problem solving, and reflective thinking. Working closely with families, I supported the implementation of FloorTime in their homes, witnessing firsthand the transformative impact it had on children's growth and development.
My experience in schools also expanded beyond the classroom—I served as an instructional coach, guiding and mentoring new teachers while fostering an environment that embraces growth mindset principles. Additionally, I facilitated school-wide training sessions on various educational topics, aiming to empower educators and instill innovative teaching methodologies.
However, my perspective on education evolved when I became a parent. As my son entered kindergarten, I observed a concerning shift—a decline in his joy for learning, which dimmed the spark in his eyes. This experience solidified a realization I had already come to: our current educational system does not cater to every child's unique needs, and oftentimes is actually detrimental to their growth.
Motivated by my son's journey, I made the decision to homeschool him. Witnessing his remarkable growth and renewed enthusiasm for learning was a catalyst for a broader mission. I firmly believe that every child deserves an educational experience tailored to their individual strengths and needs.
Hence, I've embarked on a path to extend this enriching homeschooling experience to more children. Through Fáilte Microschool, I aim to offer an alternative educational approach, fostering a nurturing environment where children can rediscover their love for learning, embrace their uniqueness, and flourish beyond the confines of traditional schooling.
Join me on this exciting journey to redefine education and empower children to thrive in an environment that celebrates their individuality and fosters a genuine love for learning.
Fáilte Microschool is delighted to welcome Suzie to our community!
Suzie brings over 40 years of experience as an educator, working in a variety of settings with children of all ages. She earned her degree in education from Cabrini College and became a certified teacher in Pennsylvania. Throughout her career, she has developed curriculum aligned with the PA Early Learning Standards, collaborated with families and therapists to support students with IEPs, and received specialized training in multiple diagnostic tools to assess and enhance early childhood learning environments.
Suzie’s passion for child-centered education was shaped by her own experience attending what is now Kimberton Waldorf School. There, she saw firsthand the benefits of small class sizes, structured yet holistic lessons, and a philosophy that nurtures the whole child. These values have remained at the core of her teaching, guiding her approach as both an educator and administrator. She believes that when children feel safe, valued, and heard, they are empowered to grow into their best selves.
Although she retired from teaching in 2020, Suzie was inspired by Fáilte Microschool’s mission and felt drawn to join the team. Her warmth, depth of experience, and commitment to fostering a nurturing learning environment make her a wonderful addition to our school.
Beyond the classroom, Suzie is a talented artist and history enthusiast. She enjoys historical reenactment, sewing, and textile arts, particularly researching and creating wearable works of art inspired by different time periods. She also shares her home with two rescue cats—her “house panthers”—who keep life interesting.
We are thrilled to have Suzie as part of the Fáilte family and look forward to the many ways she will enrich our students’ learning and growth!
Suzie
Assistant Teacher
