10/19/2026
🌿🍄☀️Time for a reintroduction!
My name is Hilary, or, as the smaller humans call me, Miss Hilary!
I’ve worked with children my entire adult life in one capacity or another. As soon as I graduated high school, I started nannying. Since then, I’ve worked as a mental health associate in pediatric and adolescent psychology and as an instructor at a residential school for children with special needs.
Over the years, I’ve taken countless classes, courses, and certifications in childhood development, with many more on the docket! One of my most notable certifications is as a Nature-Based Teacher, which is probably why you’re here!
Nature is, and always has been, at the very heart of who I am. I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share its magic with younger generations. The earth is one of our greatest teachers, and I like to think of myself as her aide. She teaches patience, kindness, empathy, resilience, respect, stewardship, and so much more. There’s something truly special about watching children learn these lessons simply by being outside, exploring, and following their curiosity.
So, what is Virgo and Vine all about?
The goal of Virgo and Vine is to foster a connection to the world around us through outdoor play and community. I’m a passionate advocate for free play and independent play, where children get to lead the way. During our meetups, we let their imaginations run wild through loose-parts play, using the tools and treasures the natural world provides. We create space for children to explore, experiment, take risks, and learn at their own pace, all while building connections with nature and one another.
I currently work as a rota nanny, which gives me the incredible opportunity to share my passion for nature-based learning with my own community through Virgo and Vine. Creating a space where children can connect with nature, build friendships, and simply be kids is something I’m so grateful to be able to offer.
Virgo and Vine is, and always will be, a free group. We rely on donations to make additional structured activities possible. Donations allow us to offer nature-based crafts, like painting with botanicals, and special educational experiences, like Birds of Prey sessions with owl pellet dissections. These experiences add another layer of learning and wonder to our time outdoors!
Most importantly, Virgo and Vine is for every child. Whether your little one is a tree-climbing expert who loves the rain and getting dirty or someone who is just beginning to warm up to the idea of playing outside, there is a place for them here. You don’t have to be an outdoor enthusiast to join us. You just have to show up as you are!
My hope is that Virgo and Vine helps children discover the magic right outside their doors, builds a stronger sense of community, and reminds us all that some of life’s greatest lessons happen when we slow down, get outside, and let nature lead the way.
📸 JE 13 Photography
