Meet Miss Erin

Erin McWilliams is a sixth-generation steward of the McWilliams homestead, the heart of McWilliams Heritage Farm, Folk & Forest School. As a homesteader, educator, and advocate for nature-based learning, Erin has woven her life’s journey into the fabric of forest school education, embracing a model that nurtures child-led learning, outdoor exploration, and resilience-building experiences.

A mother to nine extraordinary children—eight spirited boys and one bold girl—Erin has navigated a diverse career path, each role contributing to her dynamic skill set. From massage therapist and spa owner to nurse, author, blogger, and Epic trainer, her experiences have shaped her into a seasoned and intuitive forest school guide. She believes that both permaculture principles and play-based education thrive on adaptability, creativity, and the ability to follow nature’s lead—qualities she brings to every forest school session.

When she’s not leading Wildlings through muddy adventures, woodland explorations, or farm-to-table experiences, Erin is homeschooling her own children, tending to her gardens, and capturing the magic of childhood through storytelling. At forest school, she is known for her boundless enthusiasm, encouraging children to embrace the elements with all their senses—whether that means climbing trees, foraging, or reveling in the joy of a rain-soaked afternoon. She is the resident storycatcher, the most competitive player at the game table, and the first person the Wildlings rush to with their latest discoveries.

At her core, Erin is a wild-hearted dreamer, deeply committed to fostering a generation of children who are confident, capable, and deeply connected to nature. Through McWilliams Heritage Farm, Folk & Forest School, she holds space for children to learn, grow, and rediscover their innate curiosity in the great outdoors.