KIDS CLUB GUIDE

Athena Simmons is the Little Folks Club Leader at The Heritage Farm and brings a background in early childhood education with inspiration drawn from Montessori-style learning. She is passionate about creating meaningful, hands-on experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity, independence, and connection to the natural world. Through storytelling, outdoor exploration, imaginative play, and nature-based learning, Athena helps create a warm and welcoming environment where children can learn, grow, and experience the magic of childhood outdoors.

Kayla combines a deep appreciation for the natural world with years of hands-on experience in wildlife management, agriculture, and traditional skills. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology from Clemson University and has spent much of her career working directly with animals, ecosystems, and land stewardship.

Following graduation, Kayla worked for two years as a professional beaver and coyote trapper, gaining firsthand experience in wildlife management and damage control. She also spent two years working on a dairy farm, where she developed a practical understanding of agriculture, livestock care, and sustainable land practices.

Kayla teaches a variety of engaging classes focused on wildlife, forestry, and homesteading skills. Her offerings include forestry and tree identification, understanding the role of fire in healthy ecosystems, local wildlife identification, track and scat identification, trapping fundamentals, and discussions on the importance of wildlife management. She also teaches practical farm and homestead topics such as gardening and building soldier fly larva traps for feeding chickens.

FOUNDER OF THE HERITAGE FARM & FOLK SCHOOL / ARTIST

ERIKA PARKER ROGERS ART
Erika is the founder of The Heritage Farm and its Folk School, as well as an artist & illustrator specializing in traditional portraiture and illustration. Through the Folk School, she offers welcoming classes for varying skill levels designed to encourage creativity, curiosity, and confidence while helping guests develop practical artistic skills in a relaxed environment where they can create, learn, and enjoy the process.

AGRITOURISM MANAGER

A lifelong lover of nature and creativity, Michelle has an appreciation for the outdoors and the natural world. While she may not spend as much time outside as she would like, whenever she does get the chance to step into nature, she is always amazed by its beauty and detail. She enjoys spending her time learning new skills and embracing the joy of making things by hand, whether she is walking a trail, working in the garden, or trying her hand at a new craft. She believes there is always something new to discover and learn.

ROOTED MANE CO

Abagail Cooper is an artist and creative based in Aiken, South Carolina. As a military child, she grew up around change, new places, and different seasons of life, which helped shape her love for storytelling, handmade details, and creating pieces that feel personal and full of character. She has always been drawn to creativity in many forms, but needle felting has become one of the mediums that feels especially meaningful to her.

Abagail specializes in needle felt embroidery hoops using wool, fabric, texture, and small stitched details to bring each piece to life. She loves the softness and dimension that felting allows, and enjoys creating pieces inspired by animals, nature, home, and simple everyday charm. Each hoop is made with care, giving every piece its own quiet personality.

Alexandra Parero is a true honeybee of hobbies—always buzzing from one creative pursuit to the next and embracing every opportunity to learn something new. With a deep appreciation for handmade arts and traditional crafts, Alexandra finds joy in exploring a wide range of creative outlets, though her primary passions are pottery and cross stitch.

Her love of cross stitch began at an early age and was passed down through generations of her family. Inspired by her grandmother, an exceptionally talented cross stitch artist, Alexandra learned not only the technical skills of the craft but also the patience, attention to detail, and appreciation for handmade artistry that come with it. What started as a family tradition quickly grew into a lifelong creative passion. Today, she enjoys creating both traditional and contemporary cross stitch designs and loves sharing the craft with others.

In addition to fiber arts, Alexandra is an accomplished potter who finds inspiration in the process of transforming simple clay into beautiful and functional pieces. She enjoys experimenting with forms, textures, and glazes, creating pottery that reflects both creativity and practicality. Her work often celebrates the beauty of everyday objects and the joy of making things by hand.

Alexandra is also one of the founding members of the Augusta Craft Club, a community of makers dedicated to fostering creativity, sharing skills, and encouraging others to explore the arts. Through the club, she has helped build connections among local artists and hobbyists while promoting a welcoming environment for creative expression.