Meet Our Farm School Staff
At Farm School Orange County we believe that children learn best when they have fun and are able to learn in a hands-on learning environment. We believe that teaching children about the basics of where our food comes from and teaching compassion and empathy towards animals and others sets them up to be the amazing humans they are meant to be! Meet our Farm School Orange County staff below!
Ms. Brooke
Founder
Ms. Brooke’s passion for children, education, and hands-on learning inspired the creation of Farm School OC/SD. As the founder of Magic Steps Studios, the parent company of Farm School OC/SD, she has spent more than 17 years teaching children through music, art, and hands-on learning programs.
Her love for the outdoors, healthy living, animals, and sustainable farming sparked the dream of creating a program where children could learn by doing. Ms. Brooke envisioned a place where children could connect with nature, discover where their food comes from, develop empathy and compassion for animals, and build confidence through meaningful hands-on experiences.
That vision became a reality with the launch of Farm School OC Camps, which quickly grew into the award-winning Farm School OC Enrichment Programs enjoyed by hundreds of local families. Today, our program has expanded to Encinitas as well and our team continues to develop innovative curriculum and experiences that inspire curiosity, kindness, and a lifelong love of learning.
When she’s not teaching or creating, you can find Ms. Brooke spending time with her two children, exploring the outdoors, or enjoying a day at the beach with her dog, Duke.
Ms. Lara
Head Teacher
Ms. Lara’s passion for nature, animals, and outdoor education makes her an invaluable part of the Farm School OC/SD team. Growing up in Pennsylvania, she developed a deep appreciation for the natural world that inspired her to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Biology and Conservation from the University of Delaware.
During her studies, Ms. Lara had the unique opportunity to explore some of the world’s most diverse ecosystems, studying abroad in the Pacific Rainforests of Costa Rica and the Amazon Jungle of Peru. These experiences strengthened her belief that some of the most meaningful learning happens through hands-on exploration and real-world experiences.
As Farm School OC/SD’s Lead Teacher, Ms. Lara loves creating engaging lessons that spark curiosity, encourage discovery, and help children build a lifelong connection with nature. She is constantly developing new ideas, activities, and learning experiences that inspire children to explore the outdoors, care for animals, and learn through play. Her creativity, enthusiasm, and dedication help make every Farm School OC/SD day a memorable adventure.
Ms. Lara moved to California in 2003 and now resides in Dana Point with her husband and their three boys, Hendrix, Holden, and Dempsey. When she’s not at Farm School OC/SD, you will find her on the sideline of her boys’ sports! She also enjoys spending time with her family in the great outdoors. .
Jennifer
Operations Manager
Jennifer is the friendly face behind the scenes at Farm School OC/SD and the person families connect with for calls, emails, texts, registrations, and program information. She oversees daily operations, including site coordination, private events, scheduling, website updates, social media, and customer relations, helping ensure every Farm School experience runs smoothly for our families. Jennifer also leads our Farm School OC Caregiver & Me program at Tanaka Farms, where she enjoys creating meaningful experiences that connect young children and their caregivers with nature, animals, and hands-on farm learning.
When she’s not working with the Farm School team, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. A passionate animal lover, she regularly fosters kittens and Boxers, helping them find their forever homes while sharing her love of animals and community with others.