At Shrub Oak International School, our farm is more than just a place to care for animals—it is an integral part of our students’ educational and therapeutic journey. To highlight the heart of this beloved program, we spent time with farm team members Stephanie and Alexis, whose work with students and animals alike reflects the mission and values of Shrub Oak.
Each morning on the farm begins with feeding time, a favorite part of the day for both Stephanie and Alexis. Every animal greets them in their own unique way, from cheerful bleats to curious nudges. Certain animals, like our singing mini-donkey Tater, are especially vocal and excellent at advocating for themselves. Both are known for their sensitivity, occasional jealousy, and very strong opinions about weather—preferring mild, sunny days above all else. Sheldon, the turtle, while less vocal, communicates his preferences through dramatic gestures: hissing, getting purposefully stuck, trying to escape the garden unnoticed, or walking directly through his own mess if dinner is late.
One standout memory for Stephanie was the 2024 Halloween parade, when three of her students led the procession with their favorite animals. Jessie walked mini-horse Tot, Justin guided goat Mike, and Wesley proudly led mini-donkey Tater. Watching these students lead with calmness, confidence, and a sense of responsibility for the animals in their care remains one of Stephanie’s most cherished moments on the farm.
Student involvement on the farm varies based on interest and ability, but their contributions are meaningful and wide-ranging. On any given day, students clean and fill water buckets, help feed the animals, prepare enrichment activities, and take the goats, miniature horse, and miniature donkey on walks around campus. They also provide regular socialization for the animals through grooming and handling.
Among the animals, Daisy the goat holds a special place in the students’ hearts. Always eager to greet visitors at the enclosure, Daisy earned the title “Most Likely to Brighten Your Day” in the 2025 farm superlatives.
Working on the farm provides students with invaluable life skills. They learn patience, emotional regulation, and the importance of respecting boundaries—both human and animal. Students quickly understand that they cannot calm an excited animal unless they themselves are calm, leading to important conversations about emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
Stephanie and Alexis have seen tremendous emotional, social, and physical growth in their students. Confidence builds as students develop their skills and learn that there are many ways to solve a problem. They also practice empathy by learning how to listen and respond to beings who cannot communicate verbally.
A favorite activity to teach, supervise, and assist with is collecting eggs. This requires students to be gentle with both the eggs and the birds in the coop. It is also an opportunity to build respect for animals who are broody or actively laying. The biology of egg-laying fascinates many of the students—and the staff as well.
Both Stephanie and Alexis have been deeply impacted by their work with autistic students. Stephanie shared that students have taught her to be more flexible and willing to change lesson plans last-minute, embracing spontaneity when needed. Alexis reflected on how students have taught her to trust her instincts and remain adaptable in all situations. They both agree: the students have incredible gifts.
The most rewarding part of the job? For Stephanie, it is seeing students’ confidence grow as they learn something new. For Alexis, it is the excitement students have when they discover a new interest. And for both, there is nothing sweeter than being affectionately referred to as “Farmer Stephanie” and “Farmer Alexis.” As they put it—“It turns us into a puddle.”
Our farm staff bring enthusiasm, compassion, and deep insight to every lesson and chore. The farm is not only a space for experiential learning, but also a source of joy, pride, and transformation for our students. Whether walking a goat or collecting eggs, every experience is a chance to build confidence, empathy, and connection—skills that last a lifetime.
