Our story is non-linear.
About The Center for Learn Local
While our mission has remained steadfast, our path has been anything but straight. We stay open to possibilities and respond to community needs with flexibility and innovation. .
Center for Learn Local is an educational nonprofit committed to transforming traditional teaching and moving learners from awareness to action.
We are lifelong learners. We create community. We are passionate about helping learners discover their own path, however winding it may be.
Learn Local Credo
Together, we create a positive learning environment by…
Slowing Down–find wonder and whoa
Trying new things–get messy and make mistakes
Discovering a different view–look beyond the box
Creating community–welcome others in
Having fun learning–embrace the process
Our Team
Molly Ames Baker
Founder / Innovator / Educator
Molly Ames Baker has been connecting people to place and creating community with innovative teaching methods and high-quality field experiences for over thirty years. She has worked with people of all ages across the country through the Colorado Outdoor Education Center, Colgate University, National Outdoor Leadership School, Harbor Springs Public Schools, North Central Michigan College, Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce Industrial Arts Institute, and the National Park Service.
Her work has been published in the Journal of Experiential Education, Theory and Practice of Experiential Education and Traverse magazine. In 2021, Molly founded Center for Learn Local, a nonprofit organization committed to transforming traditional teaching methods and training educators to level up their teaching craft.
Molly is a persistent innovator and lifelong learner. Her roots are in adventure education and her MA degree from University of Minnesota is in outdoor education. Molly’s current work is focused on empowering people of all ages to tap their talents and to become catalysts in their own community. Molly is most passionate about inspiring others to rediscover wonder and find their ‘Whoa’ moments of learning.
Margie Marks
Learning Coordinator / Educator
Margie is enthusiastic about supporting learners of all ages as they find courage and self-confidence in communicating their learning to others.
With an MA in Education, Margie taught public school for 33 years. She developed and implemented the Middle School Communication Arts curriculum for the Walled Lake Consolidated Public Schools and was the director and producer of the Middle School Theatre.
Margie’s Education Specialist degree and Galileo Leadership Academy experience enrich her positive approach to learner-centered, collegial knowledge-gathering. Margie thrives on creating meaningful relationships between people and building community through guidance, sharing, and growing.
Collaborating with TOPOnexus as Learning Coordinator is a dream come true – a dream Margie didn’t even know she had until it aligned with her. Taking the lead from experiential learning, Margie is excited to be designing and moving guided learning outside of buildings and into community spaces.
Meet the Board
Susan Ford–Harbor Springs, MI
Meika Loe–Albany, NY
Anne Clauss–Hamilton, NY
Classrooms Without Walls
The year was 1991, and the place was the Upper Penninsula of Michigan. Think winter camping with glorious snow and temperatures of 20˚ below. But no tent poles! Long story short, I jerry-rigged the tent with a trucker’s hitch and did sit-ups ‘til sunrise. Real experience. Real-world consequences.
Everyday Adventuring
Coddiwompling
We travel purposefully. Yet, our destination is unknown.
We are responsive, nimble and innovative.
And we remain open to all the possibilities.