Jennifer Reinhart

SPANISH, FARM ASSISTANT & FRIDAY ENRICHMENT DAY LEAD

Jennifer was born and raised in the Washington, D.C. Metro area, from a foundation built upon multicultural relationships and close community.  She was exposed to various religions, cultures, and beliefs which expanded her worldview to cherish unique expression and learning in all forms.  Daughter of an artist with farmer roots, she loved spending time on her grandfather’s farms in Appalachia.  Her love of exploration and service to others started at 14 when she traveled to Thailand and China.  She graduated with a degree in Psychology with an Emphasis in Culture (combining Anthropology, Psychology, Asian Studies, Chinese, and study and  volunteer work in Ecuador (Spanish, Cultural studies.)  Her first paid teaching job, age 19, was in Beijing: Conversational English to a 2nd grade evening class.

Over the years, she honed her passion for empowering others to thrive and succeed, especially children. She worked with women and children experiencing domestic violence, starting the first Spanish-speaking programming at a shelter in Phoenix; and worked at a Wilderness Therapy School for troubled youth for 5 years. She also volunteered and traveled in India; taught Elementary Special Education in Leander, TX; and taught World Geography and Civics & Ethics grades 7 & 9 in a bilingual American School in Mexico, where she ran two Eco-clubs for teachers and students, coordinated a school-wide recycling contest, and co-chaperoned a 9th grade class trip abroad to the US East Coast. She has held Texas Teacher Certification EC-12, ESL, and Special Education.  She has also certified in:  Permaculture Design, Clinical Herbal Medicine, Functional Nutritional Therapy, and Coaching.  She owns a small business focused on herbal medicine products and consulting/coaching and has handcrafted organic skincare and herbal products for over ten years. 

Coming full circle, during the past two years, Jennifer has homeschooled her children to afford them the opportunity to live freely: grounded in nature, art, and community.  She has participated in a science homeschool coop; started a 1 day/weekly in-home school utilizing project-based design, self-awareness,  and permaculture principles; and, has taught herbal medicine/wellness to adults and children.  She is continuously expanding her urban permaculture experience with chickens, vermicomposting, herb/veg/fruit gardening, rainwater harvesting techniques, natural beekeeping, etc. 

In 2022, Jennifer joined Living Oaks as the 5th grade teacher for our inaugural year. She is excited to continue to learn, share, and grow with the Living Oaks Community.