Meet Wilma!
Pawsitivity Coordinator at Hidden Meadow School
Wilma
Pawsitivity Coordinator
Phone :
(360) 259-7196
Email : contact@hidden
meadowschool.org
The Official Greeter & Chief Comfort Officer
Wilma LOVES kids. She’s always ready to snuggle with a friend who needs a little extra comfort or jump into play with the whole group. Her warm and gentle presence makes every child feel welcome from the moment they arrive. Wilma is 4.5 years old and also works as a camp host at Hidden Meadow Retreat in the summer months.
On the trails, Wilma is both a confident leader and a thoughtful guardian. Sometimes she’s at the front, guiding our adventures, and other times she hangs back making sure everyone stays together. She has a way of making each child feel safe and included.
During learning time, you can usually find her on the carpet claiming a front-row seat. She enjoys being part of the action and brings a calming energy that helps kids settle in and focus.
Wilma is more than just a school dog. She offers steady companionship, encouragement, and a soft, comforting place to lean when someone needs reassurance.
We are so grateful to have her in The Meadow Family.
Wilma’s Special Skills
What makes her the perfect addition to our forest school community
Certified Snuggler
Trail
Guide
Safety
Guardian
Calming
Presence
How Wilma Supports Our Students
On The Trails
Sometimes she’s at the front showing the way, and other times she hangs back, making sure no one gets left behind. Children learn from watching her navigate the property with both confidence and care.
In The Classroom
Kids love having her nearby during stories, and her gentle presence makes even the shyest child feel comfortable participating.
Emotional Support
She teaches children about empathy, gentleness, and how to read emotional cues. Her steady presence reassures kids that they’re safe and cared for.
Building Community
Through her, children learn about caring for others, taking turns, and being gentle. She’s a living example of unconditional acceptance.
Why Wilma Is Essential to Hidden Meadow
Animals have a unique way of connecting with children that’s different from human relationships. Wilma doesn’t ask anything of the kids. She simply accepts them exactly as they are, on their hardest days and their best days.
Research shows that interactions with therapy animals can reduce stress, increase feelings of safety, and help children develop empathy and emotional regulation skills. But beyond the research, we see it every day: a child who was anxious about arrival relaxes when Wilma greets them. A student who struggled to focus settles in when she’s nearby. A shy child finds their voice while talking to her.
She guides, comforts, and helps every child feel welcome on the trails and in the classroom. We’re so grateful for her steady presence in our little community.
Wilma also teaches children responsibility and gentleness. They learn to read her body language, respect her boundaries, and understand that all living beings deserve kindness and care.
She’s not just a mascot or a pet who happens to be here. She’s an integral member of our teaching team, offering something we humans simply can’t: the pure, uncomplicated acceptance that only an animal can provide.
While Wilma isn’t a therapy dog and has no official certifications, the comfort, joy and steady presence she brings to the children at Hidden Meadow makes her an invaluable part of our team.
Meet Wilma’s Family
Wilma is part of the O’Rear family and lives right on the Hidden Meadow property with Molly, Jake, Stella, and Quincy. When she’s not at school, you might find her exploring the trails, lounging in the sunshine, or keeping a watchful eye on the chickens.
She loves being part of the daily rhythm of Hidden Meadow, and she considers every child, teacher, and family member part of her pack.
Meet the Heart Behind Our School
Our educators bring passion, experience, and genuine care to every interaction. Led by Ms. Molly, who holds a Master’s in Early Childhood Education, our team creates an environment where every child feels safe, seen, and supported.
Molly O’Rear
Dani T
Jake O’Rear
Wilma
Ready to See Hidden Meadow for Yourself?
Schedule a tour to explore our 16-acre outdoor classroom, see where children learn and play, and discover if Hidden Meadow is the right fit for your family.