About Us
Our vision is focused on nurturing a holistic development process for young people. This involves fostering a profound connection with nature and self, promoting a respectful and inclusive community and celebrating creativity and imagination.
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We provide a nature-inspired educational journey, one that recognises and respects the uniqueness of each child.
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Our approach involves nurturing individual strengths and cultivating a genuine love for learning.
Rooted in nature-based experiences, and hands on learning, we endeavour to cultivate well-rounded individuals characterised by curiosity, empathy, resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility towards both local and global communities.
Our Story
Silky Oak Community began as a dedicated group of parents who were passionate about finding alternative education options for their children on the Mid North Coast NSW. Their commitment to fostering a nurturing and innovative learning environment has grown into a vibrant community that values creativity and individuality.
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Silky Oak Community is a not for profit organisation dedicated to providing nature-based, child-centred learning programs for primary school aged childrem. Nurturing through nature is at the crux of what we do, seeing children learning by doing, in nature and real world experiences.
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Outdoor exploration where children connect with the environment, grow in confidence, and ignite their love and respect for the community. Silky Oak Community endeavours to inspire and empower young people to reach their full potential through unique outdoor learning experiences.
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Embrace nature together for a healthier, happier childhood.
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Join us in our journey towards a brighter future for our children!
Meet The Team
Casey Thompson
President & Monday Oaks Educator
Back in 2007, Casey volunteered with an NGO in Namibia and this experience planted the seed that a career dedicated to education was the path she wanted to take. Over 15 years, she has experienced a range of educational settings: in WA, NSW (here on Worimi country) and Tasmania. As an English, Drama, and special education teacher, with a Graduate Certificate in Educational Wellbeing, Casey understands the importance of nurturing and inspiring creativity. She is a mother of two wildflowers, and together they enjoy camping, experiences in nature, growing fruit and vegetables, crafting and cooking. Casey believes that all children should experience autonomy, and learn best through play.
Hannah Smith
Secretary & Tuesday Oaks Volunteer
Hannah is a passionate educator who has been working in primary education for the past 15 years. She strives to nurture children’s imaginations through play and real world experiences and believes that children learn best when they feel safe and secure. Hannah is committed to facilitating a caring and holistic environment where children are met at their level of development and are supported to develop a strong sense of self, without pressure to perform. As a parent herself, she strongly believes that parents are their child’s first teacher. Hannah is looking forward to working in partnership with the community to continue to build strong connections and foundations for learning.
Fern Champion
Vice President
Fern grew up on beautiful Worimi country before leaving to study and travel the world for many years. She was called back to the area to grow her own family. Fern is a Registered Psychologist with over 10 years of experience working as a School Counsellor in the public education setting. Fern is also a qualified Yoga teacher, and children & teen Yoga teacher, with 15 years of experience. Her other passion is facilitating respectful parenting programs to teach skills to support families in building more peaceful and loving relationships. It is clear to Fern that children thrive most wonderfully when given space for play and connection in nature. She is a mother, surfer, Yogi, nature lover and a strong advocate for the wellbeing of children and their families.
Em Pennell
Treasurer & Seedings Playgroup Facilitator
Em is qualified in holistic nutrition and passionate about supporting families from preconception through to baby’s first foods and beyond. As a mum of boys, she is deeply committed to fostering a childhood where children can truly be kids, free to learn, explore, and grow through play-based learning without the pressures of societal expectations. With a background in business, Human Resources, and psychology, Em is also dedicated to empowering women and building strong, connected communities. Her mission is to help give children the very best start in life, supporting both their nutritional and emotional well-being along the way.
Belinda Little
Committee Member
Before making the transition to full time home-schooling mum, Belinda worked in a number of international schools throughout Asia teaching first grade and ESL. She is passionate about exploring alternative approaches to mainstream schooling and Belinda is currently undertaking a graduate certificate in Steiner education.
Kristina Chan
Committee Member
Movement, dance and yoga has been at the core of Kristina’s life. With an extraordinary career traveling the world in contemporary dance and choreography for over 25 years, Kristina is committed to sharing her passion and knowledge in creative practice, and movement for physical, mental and emotional health.
She is passionate about allowing children to express themselves through creativity and movement, encouraging a strong sense of self identity and being able to speak their truth in their own individual way. Kristina has many years of experience facilitating workshops for children and adults alike in dance, performance, yoga and creative play.
Timothy Ohl
Committee Member
A 90’s graduate of QUT, Timothy established a 25 year career in the performing arts travelling the globe. Since moving to Red Head in 2018 Timothy has been a surf life saver, radio host, disability support worker, movement and sound educator, clothing, jewellery & instrument creator, meditation facilitator but most importantly a father. He questions alternative theories to the mainstream education system, encourages strengthening the human body and mind by taking calculated risks and continues to develop his own spiritual practice. Timothy aims to pose questions rather than give discernible answers on all subjects. He continues to learn and encourages people to follow their own path of self discovery honing in on where one’s interests lay.
Vanessa Lima
Tuesday Facilitator
Vanessa is a passionate movement educator with over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. She teaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, aerial yoga, surfing, stand up paddle and swimming. Originally from Brazil and now based on the Mid North Coast, she brings an energetic, nature-inspired approach to everything she shares. Vanessa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Sport from Brazil and a Diploma in Sport Coaching from Australia. Surfing was her first love, and she’s a pioneer of Stand-Up Paddle Surfing in Brazil. When her son was born three years ago, she started the Hallidays Point Surfing Mums group to stay connected to the ocean and continue surfing alongside a supportive community of local mums. She’s also the founder and lead instructor at Legacy BJJ in Diamond Beach, where she creates an inclusive, empowering space for students of all ages. A dedicated mum, Vanessa is driven by a belief in experiential learning, the healing power of the ocean, and a deep connection to nature.