Meet Our Staff
We believe that all of our students are capable of whatever they desire, our role is to guide them and to help them blossom into the most complete little human they can be.
Patrick Hilko
Director/Co-Lead Teacher (AM/PM)
My name is Patrick Hilko. I was born and raised in the Pittsburgh area. I have a degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Pittsburgh. During the final year at Pitt, I was fortunate enough to spend a significant amount of time in The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. It was here that I rediscovered my love of the outdoors. I hold a PA Teacher Certification Pre-K-4th grade and have taken a number of Early Childhood Education master’s level courses at Carlow University. During this time I worked as a bicycle messenger, which help fulfill my desire to be outside as much as possible. Around this time I also began working at Shady Lane School with children ages 2-5. As much I loved working with the children, I missed the outdoors! In the spring of 2016 my soon to be father-in-law approached me about starting an all outdoor early childhood program. In November of 2016, I attended the Cedarsong Nature School and completed The Cedarsong Way Forest Kindergarten Teacher Training Program. Nature has played a crucial roll in my life and I want to make sure that in today’s fast past world children are given the opportunity to slow down and be in nature and learn from all it has to offer!
Annie Fabish
Co-Lead Teacher (AM)
My name is Annie Fabish. I grew up here in Hampton PA. I traveled the country and ultimately decided to plant my roots and raise my family in the place I first called home. My husband and I have 2 children, a dog and ad cat. Growing up, my siblings and I were heavily immersed in nature. Camping, fishing, building snow forts and exploring new trails; we were always outside. I home-school my children with the mentality of "your soul needs the wild." This will be my sons third year at The Wild Woods and my daughters first. The Wild Woods allows children to slow down and BE. I witness the changes daily in each child as they grow confidence in themselves. I am thrilled to be a part of this wonderful school and all the unique experiences it has to offer.
Rachel Anderson
Art Instructor
My name is Rachel Anderson, and I have been a parent at The Wild Woods for the past two years. This year I am excited to be joining my children one day a week teaching art projects to all of the children. I have a BA from Duquesne University in Professional Studies with an emphasis on Multimedia and Psychology, and a Masters from Duquesne in Early Childhood/ Elementary Education. I also have a Certificate of Photography from Pittsburgh Filmmakers. I currently have my teaching certification in PA for pre-k to grade 6.
After an amazing student teaching experience at Shady Lane preschool in the East End, I accepted a position as an educator in the Young 3’s classroom. I worked as the Lead Educator for about nine years before I took time off to have my two children Finn, 5 and Astrid, 3.
I am excited to meet your children and explore all the possibilities of art in nature.
Homer
Everyone's Best Friend
Homer is Mr. Pat's family dog. He is an almost 5 year old Vizsla who has tons of energy and loves to explore. He is so happy to be a part of The Wild Woods where he gets to run and play all day long. He also serves as a pillow for the children when he gets tired. He loves to give kisses and cheer the children up when they are feeling down. Although he is a bigger dog, he is very gentle and great at helping the kids learn to be comfortable around dogs.