Fiona Wascom

I was born in Minneapolis Minnesota, and moved to Bellevue TN when I was three years old. Since then I have lived in Franklin, Thompson’s Station, Lebanon, and now Donelson. 

My parents named me Fiona in honor of our Irish ancestry.

I began my teaching journey at a school-age child care center, working with children from Kindergarten through fifth grade. What started as a student worker position grew into a leadership role where I led group activities, supported students with their schoolwork, collaborated with parents, and assisted the site director. Those four and a half years gave me a strong foundation in creating meaningful relationships with children and families.

Afterward, I ventured into the music industry, working everywhere from a podcast studio to a rehearsal space and backline company. I ran studio equipment, managed social media accounts, coordinated with clients, and booked gear for tours and rehearsals. It was an exciting chapter, filled with creativity and connection—but over time, I realized I missed the joy of working directly with children.

Wanting to return to teaching, I joined a preschool and spent nearly a year there. While I loved the experience, I found myself longing for a more non-traditional, child-centered approach—one where nature, curiosity, and sustainability were at the heart of learning.

That’s what brought me to A New Leaf. From the moment I arrived, I knew this was where I was meant to be. As a self-proclaimed critter enthusiast, I’ve always believed that every creature plays a vital role in our ecosystem and deserves our care and protection. I wanted to be part of a school that celebrates the natural world, fosters a deep connection to the Earth, and weaves outdoor education into every child’s day. I can’t imagine a better place to grow as an educator and share my passions.

 I am a teacher for the Acacias. I empower my students to approach learning with empathy and kindness for their environment and all living creatures within.

Hayao Miyazaki is a mentor of mine, his artwork and attention to detail are very inspiring to me. 

Over the years, I’ve learned to embrace who I am and proudly share every part of myself—even the so-called “nerdy” passions that make me unique. I no longer shy away from speaking up about the things I care deeply about, like protecting the smallest of creatures and preserving the natural world. Though not everyone may understand the importance of these things, I’ve grown confident in standing up for my beliefs and letting my passions shine.

I write songs and sing, play guitar, draw, paint, play Pokémon or Animal Crossing, hike, swim, garden, and spend quality time with my pets and boyfriend.

Music is my language of choice. It’s through my songs that I express myself most genuinely and connect with others on a deeper level.

I love all types of cuisines! Japanese, Ethiopian, Indian, Thai. It would be easier for me to name the foods I don’t like than the ones I do! Though seafood is probably my favorite. 

 My favorite color is pink. It reminds me of flowers, sunsets, and the summer season. 

 My number one bucket list item is to travel to Alaska to see the Aurora Borealis at its brightest. 

What drew me to A New Leaf, beyond its deep connection to nature, was the school’s unwavering commitment to student well-being and safety. I am also inspired by how social and emotional learning is woven into daily life here. At this age, it’s vital for children to learn how to recognize, process, and manage their emotions. I love being part of a community that prioritizes this essential foundation.