About Firefly Farm

Lisa Dias

Founder and Co-Teacher

Welcome to Firefly Farm! I’m Lisa Dias, and I’m delighted to share my love of nature and outdoor learning with children and their families. My husband and I are grateful to call this beautiful farm home, alongside our beloved animals.

I hold a B.S. from Purdue University and a master’s degree from Bowling Green State University. I also studied permaculture through Oregon State University. As an avid gardener, naturalist, and lifelong learner, I find great joy in exploring the outdoors and helping children deepen their curiosity and connection to the natural world.

Years ago, I owned and operated a preschool, and it has been incredibly rewarding to watch many of my former students grow into thoughtful, successful adults. Along with raising our daughter and receiving encouragement from a dear family I have worked closely with over the years, those experiences inspired me to create this program.

I believe childhood should be filled with wonder, discovery, and beautiful, nurturing spaces in which to learn and grow. At Dragonflies & Daisies, learning is child-led and inspired by curiosity. We honor children’s questions and interests, supporting them as they explore, investigate, imagine, and uncover answers to their big questions through exploration, play, and relationships.

I have been fortunate to experience adventures around the world, including the United Kingdom, Thailand, China, and Central America. Yet despite all those rich experiences, I am happiest right here on this farm, caring for the land and sharing its magic with children.

My heart truly belongs to this place. Firefly Farm is a space for discovery, imagination, joy, and connection to the rhythms of nature. I look forward to welcoming your family and creating meaningful experiences for your children.

Holly Turner

Co-Teacher

Holly loves helping children connect with nature and the outdoors. As an advocate of child-led learning, she finds joy in watching children observe and learn in an environment that nurtures their curiosity. She especially loves the spontaneous moments of joyful exploration, as she believes this is when some of the most meaningful learning occurs.

Originally from Virginia, she has lived in North Carolina for over twenty years. She earned her Bachelor's degree from Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. After having children, she homeschooled for several years and, during that time, led various groups of children, implementing individualized, interest-based instruction for each child based on their strengths and abilities.

She has always loved being outdoors—whether hiking, camping, kayaking, splashing in mud puddles, or searching for four-leaf clovers—and has worked to foster this love in her own children.

For the past three years, Holly has been working as a preschool teacher and is currently a behavior technician, providing in-home, play-based therapy to children on the autism spectrum. Through this work, she helps children develop skills that support their functional goals and everyday needs.

Holly is excited for the opportunity to be a co-teacher at Dragonflies & Daisies and looks forward to guiding and nurturing each child during this remarkable season of growth and discovery.