About Us

We inspire homeschooled middle schoolers through nature-based learning and outdoor movement. Our class offerings are dynamic, changing each semester to keep the learning experience fresh, vibrant, and exciting for our youth.

Our Story

Our program is not just a drop-off program for homeschoolers aged 9-13, it's a hands-on, experiential journey for these scholars. As a traveling program, our learning space is ever-changing. We'll visit museums, create and observe gardens, go camping, hike, and engage in programming. Scholars will participate in project-based learning each semester, enhancing their practical skills and understanding of the world around them.

Meet the Team

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Co-Founder + Guide

Shelby Stone-Steel

I am Shelby Stone-Steel, a middle school enthusiast. I fell in love with teaching middle school when I was placed in New York City as a Teach For America corps member in 2006. But it wasn't until I was teaching in a charter school in Newark, New Jersey, that I began advocating for recess and got the bug to teach outdoors. Watching my students play on a small slab of concrete pushed me to want to teach all my classes outdoors. I found it so rewarding to see my students engage with literature and writing while enjoying the outdoors. I'm thrilled to be starting this new chapter with GrassRoots Middle. I'm looking forward to exploring ways to integrate art, science, geography, and hands-on projects into our outdoor learning, and I'm committed to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for your child's education.

I am also a co-founder of Gather Forest School and the founder of Shalom Polepole, a blog focused on nature, slow living, environmentalism, and environmental justice. Since falling in love with education, I've been a teacher in public, charter, private, forest, and homeschooling programs for the last 18 years. I hold a B.A. in English Literature/Journalism and International Studies from Miami University and attended Pace University, MST (7th - 12th grade English), and Pastry Arts School at L'Academie de Cuisine. Lastly, I am currently enrolled in the Instructional Leadership Program at Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Co-Founder + Guide

Mike Steel

I am a seasoned corporate executive and business owner passionate about youth. I've led sales organizations for some of the world's largest companies while continuing to serve in community outreach programs as a youth sports coach, mentor, and volunteer guide for outdoor and homeschool programs across the city of Atlanta. I am a proud alumni of INROADS, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, and Upward Bound.

I am the proud father of two sons and am married to my high school sweetheart of over 17 years, while being together for 23 years.

I hold a bachelor's degree from the University of Toledo and a master's degree from Howard University. I also hold a Certificate of Leadership from Harvard University.