About

Hi! My name is Daniela - this Rick, Mayla, and Jack. 

From our family to yours - welcome to the hub.

Our Roots 

My journey began the summer I was thirteen with my very first babysitting job. From those early days to working in a large childcare center, and eventually becoming a private nanny for many years, it became clear that I was  in the exact profession I was meant for.

In Tahoe City, I opened my first program, Mountain Munchkins, which I ran for amazing eight years. It was there that I truly discovered the magic of a "no-screen" childhood-days filled with forest hikes, farmers' market visits, art projects, and boundless outdoor play. Both of our children were born into that loving community, and as they grow, our paths naturally evolved along with them.

Our Journey 

During the pandemic, Rick, the kids, headed to the East Coast for about 5 years. I reopened my program there and watched it beautifully transition from a childcare program (for the youngest members of our community) into a homeschool hub (for school age children). Deepening our commitment to mixed-age, community-style learning. As much as we enjoyed out time back East, our hearts pulled us back to where we belong. We returned to the Sierras this past spring, settling on five beautiful acres in Clio. We are fueled by fresh mountain air, the clean water, and the incredible community we are finding, especially within the homeschool world. 

Living the Philosophy 

Barefoot & Bright is an extension of how we live. As a family, we are hands-on and heart-led-whether we are working on our mini-homestead, skiing the local trails, or tending to the garden. I have spent nearly 20 years in Early Childhood Education, and this program feels like I have taken the best of everything I've learned and wrapped it into one beautiful package for the youth of our area.

Our Intent 

We created this space to be a "hub" - a sanctuary for families who value a slower pace. Our workshops aren't just about the projects; they are about reclaiming the simple joy of childhood. We believe in sufficiency, independence, confidence, kindness, and respect. We believe in the power of mixed-age mentorship, and the kind of magic that only happens when you trade screen time for sunshine. 

We are so grateful to be back in these mountains, and we can't wait to grow our community together.