Maaike Medina – new staff at Sego Lily School - after raising her three children on the philosophy of self-directed learning, Maaike took a chance to come to Utah to become a part of the dynamic community here at Sego Lily. Having participated as a parent volunteer years ago at The Clearwater School in Seattle, she is enjoying being a part of the magic that happens daily here at the school. Being staff is a continual journey and a pleasure beyond words. Each day is unique and filled with insight, good conversation, spontaneous play and contemplation on the meaning of life! Born in Holland and raised in Houston, TX, she has lived around the world and across the country. Former work experiences include having been a flight attendant for American Airlines, having been the proprietor of a small metaphysical bookstore in Chicago, IL, as well as being a homeschooling stay at home mom. She has studied with African Shamans and Western Herbalists and Modern Yogis. Mother to three girls, she had an eye-opening life changing experience in 1994 upon reading the book Free at Last by Daniel Greenberg, one of the founders of The Sudbury Valley School in Framingham, MA. The Sudbury Valley School is the model of education upon which Sego Lily School is based. The philosophy of self-directed learning and the model of a true democratic society in which there is no age discrimination and no coercion described in the book touched her deeply and altered the course of her life! Understanding that personal freedom goes hand in hand with personal responsibility culminates here daily at Sego Lily School where we not only state that we believe in these principles, we do our best to live them and uphold ourselves and each other to this great gift of freedom, trust and responsibility! We invite you to join us in this grand adventure of co-creation where each unique individual adds to who we are and who we will become!

Rebecca Cobb with her daughter Hannah

Rebecca believes life should be meaningful. She has spent the past 13 years joyfully homeschooling her three children. Seven years ago she encountered John Holt, who revolutionized not only her homeschooling methodologies but her life; she loosened her authoritarian hold and created space for the wonder and mysteries of life to blossom. Rebecca is continuously involved in various projects and setting goals only to arrive in destinations she never anticipated. She studied art, sociology, gerontology, and marriage and family therapy at Utah State University. She has worked with grieving groups and has a great respect for the fragile balance of life. Her passions include coffee, baking bread, cooking, knitting, writing, gardening, reading, painting, and traveling. She is currently learning to play the guitar, roller skate, experimenting with vegetarian and vegan cookery, and is fascinated with the art and history of storytelling. Her next endeavors may include trail running, writing her own music, xerascaping her entire yard, Victorian studies, and learning to moonwalk.

Contact: rebecca@segolilyschool.org

Jen Schwartz

Jen, one of the Sego Lily School founders, is a native Texan who has lived in Utah for over 16 years. After obtaining a degree in education and early childhood development, as well as a teaching certificate in music, Jen taught public school for five years. Leaving the public school system for the business world gave her experience in starting, running, and managing businesses. Her dream was to open Sego Lily School for her own boys, and every child she has met since embarking on this adventure.  Jen obtained a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership in 2006, and is currently working on a Doctoral degree studying spirituality in childbirth.  Her other interests include music (she has played the French horn for over 20 years), scrapbooking, puzzles of any kind, and mathematics. Jen is involved with many humanitarian agencies and organizations, including The Hunger Project. She is excited to be at Sego Lily School, making self-initiated learning accessible to all children. Jen also teaches occasional parenting workshops at Sego Lily School.

Contact: jen@segolilyschool.org