Misha Barker

ProgRam Director

Since joining the team in 2018, Misha has worn a lot of hats at Hearty Roots. Camp photographer, Adventure Mentor, Program Manager, coastal trip stir-fry chef extraordinaire- but all of that has been driven by a overarching goal: bringing the magic of Hearty Roots out of just the summer months and directly into the school year. Now serving as Program Director, she has been so grateful to be involved in making that work come to life on the grounds of Great Salt Bay School, Boothbay Region Elementary, Bristol Consolidated School, the Center for Teaching and Learning, and beyond.

For Misha, this intersection of camp and school is magic place. It’s where she’s witnessed firsthand how year-round access to nature helps students deepen a true sense of belonging. Whether she's designing curriculum, catching up with emails, or guiding a group of cross-country skiiers through the woods, her focus remains on ensuring every kid feels seen, capable, and curious about the possibilities of their next adventure- whatever that adventure may be.

When she isn’t in the field or the office, Misha is usually at home curled up in her hammock with a book and her cats, or traveling the with her camera and her husband on her quest to visit every continent (only 3 left to go!). No matter where she is, she’s always got a little extra gratitude and wonder that she’s hoping to share.