Hello, my name is Samantha!
I am an educator, illustrator, and classic literature connoisseur in the making. I started Young Wanderers because I believe every child should experience grand adventures through reading good, classic literature — in other words, I believe that all children should be Young Wanderers.
I started working with children while in high school and haven’t let go of my passion for education since then. I taught elementary school after graduating from college, and I have spent many years working for non-profit organizations and out-of-school programs dedicated to improving education for children, teens, and college students. I hold a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s in social work, and a PhD in history, philosophy, and policy in education. My passion is literature and philosophy and any piece of writing that helps young people think deeply and expand their understanding of the world, their fellow humans, and themselves.
The idea for Young Wanderers sprouted when I joined a Great Books of the Western World reading program, at which time I was simultaneously learning digital illustration. I wanted to create a sophisticated great books program for children that was also playful, so I married my passion for classic literature and illustrative art.
I created this program for all children because I want my toddler to be a Young Wanderer some day. I invite you and your child to join us on this grand adventure through classic literature!
Journey of a Young Wanderer
The journey of a Young Wanderer is told through four illustrations. These illustrations describe the children who can proudly call themselves Young Wanderers, and they are the hallmark illustrations of the program. If you see them out in the world, you have encountered a Young Wanderer.
