Meet our Founder
Mariah Battaglia
Mariah Battaglia is an early educator and forest school facilitator, certified yoga instructor, birth doula, and ballet dancer/ instructor.
She has spent her life finding creative ways to connect with children and inspire their growth. Whether through dance, photography, or simply exploring the outdoors, she believes in meeting kids where they are and encouraging their natural curiosity. Her love for movement, art, and nature shines through in everything she does.
Mariah’s experience as a public school substitute teacher showed her the need for outdoor, child-centered spaces where kids can thrive without being measured by test scores. With over a decade of experience working with children and a heart for fostering natural curiosity, Mariah is excited to bring Palmetto + Pine Arts and Learning Community to life in Brooksville, Florida.
Join the team
Join the Palmetto + Pine Team!
As we grow and prepare to expand our programs in Spring/Summer 2025, we’re excited to welcome new team members to Palmetto + Pine Arts and Learning Community! We’re looking for passionate individuals who share our love for nature, creativity, and nurturing children’s natural curiosity.
If you’re inspired by child-led learning, community building, and creating safe, joyful spaces for children to thrive, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can make a difference!
Qualities we value in our team:
A genuine love for working with children.
A passion for nature and being outdoors in all seasons.
A commitment to positive reinforcement and non-violent communication.
The ability to pass a background check.
A collaborative spirit and openness to learning alongside staff, children, and families.
Among other qualifications