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!
Samantha Fabish
Co-Lead Teacher (AM)
​My name is Samantha Fabish. I was raised in a small rural town on the border of New York and Pennsylvania. My whole life I have spent exploring the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping with my family. I spent several summers leading the arts and crafts department, as well as being a general counselor at a summer camp in Massachusetts. I was fortunate enough through this program to be one of a select few people chosen to work at a different camp designed specifically for children affected by school shootings. This experience, although incredibly challenging, was one of the most impactful periods in my life and career. It solidified that my heart is most full when I am working with children, especially when I can also connect them with nature. I studied fine arts and design at a community college in Upstate New York, and finally moved to Pittsburgh in 2018 to pursue a career in Art Therapy with a concentration in child psychology at Carlow University. I love living in the city so much and all it has to offer, but I missed the woods. I am so lucky to be a part of such a wonderful program that allows me to grow and learn in nature and help the children to do the same!
Annie Fabish
Co-Lead Teacher
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.
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.