Our team
Jessie Van Roekel
(Owner/Operator) I grew up in rural Iowa with two brothers, quails, bunnies, and wide open spaces to explore—an upbringing that sparked my lifelong love of the outdoors and a desire to share that wonder with others. After college, I worked at Riverside Bible Camp, where I embraced Iowa’s spirit of adventure while leading youth year round. That experience led me out west, where I pursued outdoor education and commercial guiding, taking people of all ages into the backcountry. As a program coordinator at Riverside, I discovered my passion for teaching and cultivating curiosity in children. Now, it's a true joy to combine my love for nature, education, and working with kids. When I’m not teaching, you’ll find me exploring new places with my family, cooking, running, canoeing, or climbing with my husband, Joey, and our kids.
Sara Britten
(Teacher) I am the wife of Chad and mom to four amazing children, ages 16 to 23: Levi, Aubrey, Mary, and Noah. A Wisconsin native, I grew up in a large family and was always surrounded by younger children, which sparked an early love for learning and nurturing young minds. Throughout my life, I have maintained a deep curiosity about God’s creation and a love for discovering how the world works. That curiosity has only grown over the years and has been a driving force behind homeschooling our four children for the past 20 years. It has been a privilege to learn alongside them and, hopefully, to pass on a love of lifelong discovery and growth. Now, I am excited to join the Little Hive—not only as a teacher, but as a learner myself. I continue to be amazed by God’s world and by the many ways He reveals Himself through His creation, and I look forward to sharing that sense of wonder with my students. Outside of teaching, my days are usually filled with lots of music, cooking and trying new recipes, running and enjoying the outdoors, working on our acreage, reading a good book or listening to a podcast, and, most of all, spending as much time as possible with my family.
Joey Van Roekel
(Resident Builder / Problem Solver) With hands-on experience teaching children at Wildwood Hills Ranch, I bring a deep love for connecting young minds to the wonders of the natural world. Whether it’s exploring trails, observing wildlife, or simply playing in the sunshine, I believe that nature is one of the best classrooms a child can have. My time at Wildwood Hills Ranch allowed me to guide kids through engaging outdoor activities that foster curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for creation. I thrive in environments where learning is active, joyful, and rooted in the beauty of the outdoors. When I'm not teaching, you might find me selling homes with Moeckl Realty, riding my electric dirt bike, or mountain biking with my wife—often with a few toddlers in tow.