Our
Mission
Our Mission
At Apple Hart Farm, we provide hands-on, farm-based learning experiences for children and families that foster lifelong connections with the living world, promote curiosity and compassion, and cultivate joyous, healthy eating.
We believe
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We believe that when young people gleefully get their hands dirty in planting, harvesting, cooking, and consuming home-grown fruits and vegetables, they lay the foundation for healthy eating habits and stewardship of the land.
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We believe in the wisdom of children and the power of play to promote curiosity, confidence, and community.
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We believe that when children meet and care for animals face-to-face, they develop a basis for compassion for all living things.
Meet Farmer Ashley
I'm Ashley - mother of 3, educator, agribusiness owner. My dream is to create a nurturing and safe environment that sparks children's curiosity for the living world. Since earning a BS in Animal Bioscience and MS in Science Education (and a brief stint in veterinary school), I have been honored to share my love of the living world with children in urban classrooms, zoos, and community gardens for the past 16 years. In my past life as a classroom teacher, I was a proud recipient of the Math for America Master Teacher Fellowship. My experience and knowledge in both veterinary medicine and education are interwoven into the learning environments and activities I design here at the farm.
Meet our Teachers
Farm-to-Forest Preschool Lead Teacher
Ashlee Gaber
Miss Ashlee is a highly motivated and experienced teacher with a proven ability to connect with students. With a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, and a Bachelor’s degree in History, Miss Ashlee taught in traditional classrooms for 9 years before she found her truest passion in engaging young learners and sparking their curiosity about the world around them. After becoming a Mother, Miss Ashlee found Apple Hart Farm and became deeply inspired by the limitless learning opportunities that the space organically offers. Rooted in the power of play, Miss Ashlee fosters a nurturing classroom environment that holds community, animal care, and the natural environment at its core.
Art Teacher
Kirsten Sanford Miller
Kirsten Sanford Miller is a local Pennington, Nj based artist and educator, who holds a degree in Art Education from Rosemont College and has been teaching art classes to children and adults for 10 years. Kirsten was the Education Manager for West Windsor Arts for five and a half years, creating and managing performing and visual arts classes and camp programs for youth and adults. In her free time, she enjoys knitting, reading, walks at Washington Crossing park, and spending time with family on Lake Wallenpaupack. She currently enjoys her role as a new mother and looks forward to sharing her love of art and nature at Apple Hart farm!