Headwaters Community Farm & Academy
Rooted in nature. Growing for the world.
What happens when four moms plant a dream?
Headwaters began as a seed: a shared vision among four mothers who saw a need for something different. We imagined a place where families can learn from the earth beneath their feet. A school where curiosity matters more than test scores, where compassion and courage grew side by side, and where education was deeply connected to community and the natural world.
In 2024, that seed became Headwaters Community Farm and Academy, a nonprofit and K–8 academy rooted in Kane County, Illinois. We started small, in classrooms, in gardens, in prairies, and in forests, but the vision has always been large: to reimagine what learning can look like when it’s guided by nature, purpose, and heart.
A new model for learning, built from the ground up.
Our Mission
At Headwaters, we prepare learners of all ages for a lifetime of discovery through hands-on, nature-based, and place-based education.
Our Vision
We envision a vibrant learning community where curiosity, empathy, and resilience grow naturally. Guided by Montessori principles, our programs foster environmental stewardship, creative problem-solving, and connection, nurturing lifelong learners who serve their communities and care for the world.
Two branches, one living ecosystem.
The Nonprofit: Headwaters Community Farm & Academy
Our nonprofit serves as the foundation, stewarding land, partnerships, and community programs that extend learning beyond the classroom. From food-systems education to environmental restoration and local collaborations, we’re building a model where education and ecology thrive together.
The School: Headwaters Academy
The Academy is our living classroom, a Montessori- and nature-inspired school where K-8 students explore, inquire, and grow. Our curriculum blends academics with outdoor exploration, creative expression, and real-world stewardship.
Meet the people planting the future.
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Sarah Elliott
Founder, Board President, Director of Land Stewardship
Advocate for child nutrition, farming, and food systems education.
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Dana Merk
Co-founder, Board Vice President
Nurse, educator, and community organizer dedicated to holistic family health.
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Kendra Holton
Co-founder, Director of Growth, Board Treasurer
Climate-focused educator and strategist building systems for sustainable growth.
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Mary Johnston
Board Secretary
Educator, leader, and advocate for inclusive, curiosity-driven learning environments.
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Sarah Mandolia
Board Member
Therapist, educator, and advocate for belonging-centered, trauma-informed care.
From roots to branches, our work grows every day.
Every garden we plant, every student project, and every community partnership adds to the living story of Headwaters. We are not just teaching children, we are helping shape a more sustainable, compassionate world.
In the years ahead, we will continue expanding access to nature-based education for all ages through events, partnerships, scholarships, and digital learning initiatives that connect families to food, land, and community.
Impact of Year One:
Community partnerships secured with OLI Gardens and Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry
Long term land partnership opportunity at Strom Farm
Dozens of volunteers engaged in restoration and stewardship projects
$100,000+ donated to our cause
20 full-time students enrolled in our first term
New digital programs in development to serve families worldwide
Let’s grow this vision together.
Headwaters exists because of people who believe in nature-based education that honors the land we live on. Whether you’re a partner, parent, friend, or supporter, your involvement helps us cultivate community centered change-makers rooted in nature, growing for the world.
