Sarah Kalen

I was born in Louisville, KY. Over the years I’ve lived in Kentucky, Florida, Indiana, and now Tennessee.

My name, Sarah, anchors me to my beginnings. It carries the echo of a childhood shaped by love, steadiness, and the village that loved me as I grew. It reminds me of the way I was raised—supported, guided, and surrounded by people who believed in community.

I began my teaching career at five years old in the basement with my younger brother and our “classroom” full of stuffed animals and dolls.  I wanted to share everything I learned each day in Kindergarten!  Even as a young person, I was drawn to helping others learn—whether I was leading games, organizing neighborhood activities, or spending time outdoors exploring and asking questions. That early sense of wonder grew into a calling.

During my college years and early work experiences, I discovered how deeply I valued creating spaces where children feel seen, supported, and inspired. Teaching became the perfect blend of everything I loved: creativity, connection, leadership, and the chance to make a meaningful difference every day. Over time, my work expanded into outdoor education and program leadership, but the heart of it has always remained the same—helping children learn, grow, and thrive.

As the Campus Community Lead at the Arboretum, I help weave together the daily experiences, relationships, and learning that make our campus feel like a connected, joyful community. I support teachers in creating nature‑rich, inquiry‑based learning that follows children’s interests, and I help make that learning visible to families through thoughtful communication and documentation. I’m present during key moments of the day, available to listen and partner with families, and committed to ensuring a safe, nurturing environment where every child feels seen, capable, and supported. My role blends instructional leadership, community building, and day‑to‑day campus coordination—all with the goal of strengthening the relationships between children, families, and the natural world that surrounds their learning. 

• Mom - whose fierce and unconditional love has shaped my life

• Dad - whose musical gifts enriched the world while he was here

• Brothers, Mark and Paul - who each cultivate deep and lasting friendships

• Husband, Kevin - by living with authenticity

• Daughter, Korynne - with her joy for life and the way she expresses it through song

• Son, Kyler - through his service to our country as a Marine, and his commitment to pursuing his dreams now that his service is complete

• Friends  - who help me to be the best version of myself

• Colleagues (past, present, and future) - whose passion for making the world better fuels my own

• Authors Angela Hanscom, Richard Louv, and Linda McGurk - have shaped my understanding of the importance of nature in childhood

• Maria Montessori - through her insights into autonomy and cultivating the love of learning

• Loris Malaguzzi - through his Reggio Emelio philosophy and the belief that children learn and express themselves in a hundred languages

• Elle Harvey - who creates programs that invite children and families to explore the natural world with freedom, love, connection, and creativity.

• The children I’ve worked with for more than three decades - they have been some of my greatest teachers. Their honesty, wonder, resilience, and creativity continually inspire me to grow, adapt, and see the world with fresh eyes.

I’ve always met each day with love, joy, and a deep sense of wonder for the living world. Over time, the people who’ve inspired me (see the list above)—and my experiences as a traveler, educator, and explorer—have shaped me into someone who leads with greater patience, compassion, presence, and purpose. I’ve learned to slow down, listen deeply, and trust the process, whether I’m supporting a child’s discovery or guiding a team through change. These experiences have grounded me, strengthened my voice, and deepened my commitment to creating spaces where people feel safe, valued, and connected. Nature continues to teach me that growth is cyclical and often begins in quiet, unseen moments—reminding me how small sparks of kindness, curiosity, and wonder can transform a day or a life. 

For fun, I love spending time with my family, taking my dog on walks through the woods, reading, native gardening, hiking, birdwatching, and traveling. I’m especially drawn to witnessing remarkable nature events—monarch migrations, sandhill crane gatherings, hummingbird flights, synchronous and blue ghost fireflies, elk calls, and other moments of wild beauty that make the world feel magical. 

I speak the language of nature, culture, movement, observation, and care for the planet.  Also, Je parle un peu français. 

Foods I love to eat are local, homegrown, homemade, purchased from the farmer’s market, cooked by a family member or friend, or picked right off the vine.

My favorite color is teal, and any combination of blues and greens, ocean and trees, sky and leaves.

I would love to write books and songs for children that would spark their wonder and curiosity in the natural world.

I am the brand new Campus Lead at the Arboretum!  I am excited to bring thirty years of experience as a teacher and program director and join families, colleagues, and Mrs. Harvey at A New Leaf Arboretum.  What continues to ignite my passion for my work is the way nature brings people together. Every day, I get to witness children discovering something new—a bird call, a hidden trail, a plant they’ve never seen before—and those moments of wonder remind me why this work matters. Watching students, families, and staff connect with nature and with each other fills me with energy and purpose.