Mary Jean Moles

Some people call me MJ, but most call me Mary Jean! I was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. I lived in Bowling Green, Kentucky, for 4 years when I was studying at Western Kentucky University, then moved back to Nashville, where I currently reside. 

I’ve always known I wanted to work with children, but not in the traditional classroom setting. I was drawn to creating experiences where children could learn through exploration and play, especially in nature! I believe that the outdoors offers the richest learning environment, where children can develop emotional awareness, critical thinking, and a deep connection to the world around them.

While in college, I led outdoor learning classes for children of all ages, discovering just how powerful nature-based education can be.

I’m excited to be part of the Forest Team at A New Leaf, where I’ll help guide our young explorers through meaningful, playful, and nature-immersed experiences. My goal is to help children feel safe, curious, and confident as they discover their unique place in the forest and the world!

I am developing experiences for visitors of all ages, such as families, groups of school and homeschool students.

I’ve been lucky to have many incredible mentors, but my first and most important one is my mom. She’s been a constant source of encouragement, kindness, and wisdom. She taught me the value of listening deeply, being patient, and following my own path, even when it looks a little different.

Over time, I’ve learned to slow down, let go of perfection, and find joy in small moments. I’ve become more curious, more open-hearted, and more comfortable with not having all the answers. 

I love to read, and I like to hike. I’ve recently gotten into birding, though I’m still learning, and I find a lot of joy in noticing the small things around me. I also love to sing, and I believe that singing is something everyone should feel free to do just for the joy of it.

While I may not be fluent, I love practicing dance, theater, and creative movement. I believe that engaging with the arts, no matter your skill level, is an important way to express yourself, take risks, and have fun! Modeling that joy and vulnerability is something I strive to bring into my work with children.

I have a bit of a sweet tooth, and I especially love fruit. Strawberries in the summertime are one of my simple pleasures! Oh, and chocolate chip cookies! 

My favorite color is green! All shades of it! It reminds me of trees, moss, leaves, and the growth that comes with them. 

I would love to travel more and immerse myself in different places, landscapes, and cultures! My dream is to visit Ireland and explore Glenveagh National Park. 

At the heart of everything I do is my love for children. I believe deeply in the power of play. Real, messy, imaginative play shapes how children learn, build relationships, and understand themselves and the world around them.

Being at A New Leaf, surrounded by thoughtful educators and a community that truly values the whole child, fills me with a deep sense of gratitude. I feel incredibly lucky to support our young explorers in such a beautiful, intentional environment. Their questions, their joy, and their bravery remind me why I chose this path.