MEET AJ & JOHN

Amanda Jo (AJ) Boener
Boeneramandajo@gmail.com
Phone/WhatsApp: 574-341-0229
Linkedin profile

Amanda Jo Boener, founder & lead educator

Profile

Amanda Jo Boener is a National Geographic Certified Educator and Certified Permaculture Designer with over a decade of experience teaching children through hands-on, nature-connected learning.

Her work focuses on helping young people build confidence, curiosity, and meaningful relationships with the natural world through gardening, foraging, herbalism, nature journaling, practical life skills, and more. Her teaching approach is rooted in respectful, relationship-centered guidance that supports children in developing communication, emotional awareness, and a strong sense of belonging within their community.

Amanda has led outdoor education programs for children through Wild School programs, community organizations, libraries, museums, and farms. Her teaching approach is rooted in respect for children, deep listening, and the belief that real learning happens through direct experience.

She is the founder of A Wild Home and designed the permaculture learning space in Downtown Brooksville where Wild School programs are held.

Certifications

National Geographic Certified Educator –  2017
Purdue Master Gardener Certification – 2018
Advanced Purdue Master Gardener Certification – 2019
Transcendental Meditation Practitioner – 2022
Certified Permaculture Designer, Ecoversity – 2024
Currently completing Accredited Mindfulness Certification – 2026

Education

Associates Degree in Applied Sciences of Digital Photography
Harrington College of Design Chicago, IL 2008

Experience

Founder, Facilitator, Curriculum & Site Designer
A Wild Home LLC, Brooksville, FL 2025
Creator & Facilitator
Wildschoolers of Hernando County Group, 2024
Educator
The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, Inverness FL, 2024
Teacher & Curriculum Designer
Luna Hill Wild School; Plymouth, IN 2019โ€“2020
Educator, Speaker, Program Leader, & Site Designer
Luna Hill Farm; Plymouth, IN – 2015-2022
Teacher
Heartland Artists Gallery; Plymouth, IN 2019
Meditation Facilitator
Farmerโ€™s Market; Culver, IN – 2022
Teacher
Plymouth Public Library; Plymouth, IN 2022
Substitute Teacher
Plymouth Community School Corporation; Plymouth, IN 2022
Homeschool/Wildschool Teacher
of 4 children since birth 2012-current


John Boener
Augustboener@gmail.com
Phone/WhatsApp: 352-400-6318

John Boener, educator

Profile

With over 20 years of professional carpentry experience, John is highly skilled in complete home remodels- particularly kitchens and bathrooms -where he specializes in detailed precision work such as cabinetry, custom trim, and tile. His experience also includes plumbing, electrical, welding, and mechanical work, making him a versatile and capable builder.

John has designed and built two fully off-grid skoolies (40-foot school bus conversions) with solar power, integrating sustainable systems and creative space-saving design. He has also brought to life a wide range of eco-friendly farm and classroom projects, including rainwater catchment systems, treehouses, movable chicken coops, and large-scale garden infrastructure.

Alongside his craftsmanship, John co-ran Luna Hill Farm for 10 years, caring for animals and leading hands-on agricultural and carpentry projects while co-facilitating Luna Hill Wild School for children ages 4โ€“13.

Today, John co-teaches through A Wild Home LLC, supporting youth in developing practical skills, confidence, and creativity through hands-on building and real-world projects. His patience, respect for children, and ability to explain complex processes in clear, accessible ways make him a natural teacher.

Whether building, farming, or foraging, John brings both strength and creativity to every project, and a deep belief that young people learn best by doing.

Experience

Teacher
A Wild Home LLC – Brooksville, FL 2025
Teacher
The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum – Inverness, FL 2025
Teacher
The Luna Hill Wild School – Plymouth, IN 2019-2020
Builder
2 Off-Grid Skoolies, A Wild Family; Plymouth, IN 2022 & 2024
Carpenter
The Countertop Shoppe; Plymouth, IN 2006-2021
Farmer & Educator
Luna Hill Farm & Wild School; Plymouth, IN 46563 2012-2022

Certifications

Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
American Red Cross 2026


Their work has been featured in local and national publications and media including:

Scroll down to see photos of us teaching, working, & playing with our family over the years!