I have loved horses all my life. 

We bought our first horse when I was nine years old. I have been riding since then and have had the great joy of owning many horses. Several years ago, I took the opportunity to blend my love of horses with my love of children and began teaching students how to read on our farm. Using the most up-to-date research on reading (the Science of Reading), along with my own understandings about children, and my trust in the wisdom of horses, I’ve learned how to create a special teaching and learning space where we could step into each other’s worlds. 

I am an experienced educator who has enjoyed varying roles as an assistant teacher, classroom teacher, special education teacher, adjunct professor and reading specialist since 1986.

I completed my Masters in Education and certification in Elementary Education from Lesley University in 1992 and Special Education certification in 1993. I taught at the Landmark School in Beverly, Massachusetts, a school devoted to teaching students with language-based learning disabilities. I served as a speech language teacher providing 1:1 language support to students, a classroom teacher and conducted speech-language assessments in the Expressive Language Program. My experience at Landmark School solidified my belief that all students can learn with effective instruction in a caring, supportive community. In 2018, I completed certification from Horse Powered Reading, an experiential and equine learning program that “integrates social-emotional learning with academics” with horses and students.

Since 2003, I have lived on a small saltwater farm in Brooksville, Maine with my husband, Rich, a retired University professor, as well as two Golden Retrievers, a Maine Coon cat, two horses and four Nigerian Dwarf goats.  Our daughter, Hannah Rose, is a teacher at Landmark Elementary Middle School in Manchester, MA. Hannah has grown up riding and caring for our horses.

Today, I tutor children at our farm. Our horses, Reno and Queenie, as well as our Nigerian Dwarf goats are an important part of my work.

-Bobbi Ackerman