Our Story.
July 2023, Tranquil Waters Forest School began as a free, Waldorf-inspired outdoor gathering for families with young children. What started as a simple offering (meeting in nature, finding a shared rhythm, and listening to what the land and community needed) quickly grew into a steady weekly practice.
In 2024, the community came together for its first fundraiser to support the practical needs of gathering outdoors in all seasons. Through shared effort, we were able to add shelter, a wood-burning stove, patio heaters, tarps, and seasonal supplies, strengthening both the physical space and the relationships that hold it.
In 2025, after trying a co-op, a women's group, and some other efforts; we re-strategized to make the forest gatherings more cooperative. Volunteer roles became the normal standard and the community grew more regular and familiar. We added a women's circle to help plan and execute our beautiful festivals. These connections later supported seasonal festivals, shared leadership, and new forms of community participation.
In 2026, our new name, logo, and mission launched as Tranquil Waters Forest & Folk. While we still meet in the forest and we still aim to strengthen efforts to provide a holistic group experience for ages 0-8: we began feeling the call to broaden our offerings to nurture mothers and their closest friends as well. Not only are there programs for children, there are now regular, consistent, and meaningful offerings that tap into the ancestral practices of gathering together as women. Women are encouraged to lower their desires to perform and indulge in the beautiful imperfections that make womanhood and motherhood sacred, terrifying, and worthy of witnessing.
Today
Tranquil Waters now includes forest 'school' gatherings, seasonal celebrations, women’s events, handwork, book discussions, and collaborative workshops with other triad communities.
We continue to grow slowly, responding to the families who gather here and protecting the warmth and familiarity that make the community possible.
Community Support
Forest Fridays remain possible through volunteer participation, shared stewardship, and financial support from families and community members.
Contributions help cover land use, materials, seasonal supplies, infrastructure, and the ongoing costs of creating a welcoming outdoor space.
Meet Our Team
Tesha | Founder and Program Lead
Tesha has been working with children for over twenty years and has spent the last decade deepening her understanding of Waldorf early childhood principles. She holds an Early Years certificate from Lifeways North America and brings a background in biology to her work, nurturing children’s curiosity and connection to the natural world through direct, hands-on experience.
When not tending the forest program or helping to shape seasonal festivals, Tesha can often be found knitting, crocheting, or sewing toys, garments, and costumes. She finds deep meaning in handwork and the quiet gifts it offers and enjoys supporting others as they develop confidence in crafts that call to them.
Kayla | Creative Arts Lead
Kayla leads the creative work at Tranquil Waters, bringing a background in architecture and experience with a process-based arts school in Chicago.
Her creativity is contagious, and she has a gift for designing collaborative projects that immediately draw children in. Rather than focusing on a polished final product, Kayla creates experiences where children can explore materials, make choices, solve problems, and become fully involved in the act of creating.
She brings imagination, curiosity, and a strong respect for the child’s own ideas to every gathering.
Kerstin | Marketing
Kerstin helps with the graphics and logistics planning for Tranquil Waters. She spent 9 years as a public school teacher before transitioning to working remotely for the SC Dep. of Education for the past 3 years. Kerstin holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in education. While working professionally in the public sector, she whole-heartedly believes in the values of Tranquil Waters Forest & Folk for her own boys.
When not brainstorming or tinkering away in Canva, she can be found reading, running, or gathering with friends.
Olivia | Story Keeper
Olivia is a former elementary educator who now spends her days at home with her daughter, embracing the rhythms of family life and the wonder of early childhood.
She leads Tranquil Waters' seasonal puppet storytelling, carefully selecting tales that reflect the festivals, rhythms, and values we explore throughout the year. Her stories create a shared experience that children carry into their play, conversations, and handwork long after the curtain closes.
Olivia believes that stories nourish the imagination and offer children a gentle way to explore courage, kindness, beauty, and the changing seasons. Her puppet plays have become a treasured tradition within our community.
Laurynn | Helper
Laurynn has been a steady and loving presence at the forest school since the fall of 2023. She brings grace, heart, and a genuine willingness to serve at each gathering. Through ongoing Waldorf workshops and hands-on experience, Laurynn continues to deepen her understanding of early childhood work, offering a calm steadiness to our rhythm and a deep reverence for the children and the land.
Find Your Place Here
Whether you are looking for outdoor community for your child, meaningful connection with other women, a seasonal gathering, or a place to share your gifts as a teacher, there is more than one way to join us.
Supports and promotes Waldorf education for young children (pre-birth to age seven) in North America
Oversees independent Waldorf schools by upholding principles, providing accreditation, and holistic curriculum.
Provides EC Certification programs for caregivers, early childhood teachers, parents and grandparents, and parent educators
Comprehensive library of resources for teachers, parents, and homeschoolers in both English and Spanish.