Inspiration & Gratitude
Catfish River School wouldn’t exist without the work, wisdom, and courage of so many who came before us.
These teachers, thinkers, innovators, and communities have shaped the values and vision of our school.
We are standing on their shoulders, and we are deeply grateful.
Educators & Thinkers
Dr. Laura Markham — Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids
Dr. Shefali Tsabary — The Conscious Parent
Fred Rogers — The World According to Mister Rogers
Sophie Christophy — Consent-Based Education
Robin Grille — Parenting for a Peaceful World
Noam Chomsky — Manufacturing Consent
Marianne Williamson — A Return to Love
Lewis Carroll — Through the Looking Glass (for the spirit of wonder)
Organizations & Communities
Free Forest School
Let Grow
The Progressive Education Network
Wild Harmony Nature Connection
The Spokane Learning Co-op (Katy Purviance)
Sociocracy and Circle Schools in the Netherlands
The Unitarian Universalist tradition
Sudbury Valley School
Mosaic Agile Learning Center
Wildwood ALC
Wingra School
Madison Waldorf School
Isthmus Montessori Academy
Toad Hill Children’s House (Montessori)
Tenney Nursery & Parent Center
Aldo Leopold Nature Center
Springhouse Community School
Madison Metropolitan Schools
With Love & Gratitude
There are countless others — friends, mentors, and families — who have offered encouragement in crucial moments, especially my two incredible children, Ella and Grace. Thank you for reminding me why this work matters.
Further Reading
“We are all parents to society’s children.”
— Robin Grille