Many Hands Make Light Work
Together, our educators and board members nurture Mile Away School’s roots, steward our vision, and help cultivate a community where wonder is protected, curiosity is fostered, and every child is supported in their journey.
Our Team
The Hands Nurturing Our Day-to-Day
Dr. Traci Korhonen, Ed.D.
Founder & Executive Director
Dr. Traci Korhonen is the founder and Executive Director of MAPS, bringing more than 25 years of experience in education, leadership, and community-based learning. With a background in early childhood education, reading education, special education, and K–12 leadership, Traci has dedicated her career to creating learning environments where children are known, supported, and inspired to grow. Throughout her career as an educator, leader, college instructor, and educational innovator, she has worked across public, private, and nonprofit settings.
Traci holds a B.S. in Special Education (Early Childhood), an M.A. in Reading Education, and an Ed.D. in K–12 Leadership. Her work is rooted in the belief that meaningful learning grows from wonder, strong relationships, wellness, and connection to the world around us.
Inspired by Reggio Emilia, nature-based learning, and holistic approaches to education, Traci founded MAPS to create a community where children and their parents collaborate with educators for a flexible and meaningful learning experience. She believes schools thrive when families, educators, and communities come together as partners in nurturing each child’s unique journey.
Traci continues to study and evolve alongside the field of education, integrating research and best practices to create learning experiences that are responsive, personalized, and purposeful. Her hope is to cultivate a school where children develop confidence, resilience, wellness, and a lifelong love of learning.
Traci enjoys an active lifestyle filled with family adventures, gardening, hiking, camping, beach days, and exploring the outdoors with her three sons. She also enjoys raising chickens and caring for baby chicks each year, deepening her appreciation for nurturing life, nature’s rhythms, and hands-on learning.
Jasmine Stradford
Associate Director
Jasmine Stradford brings extensive experience in school operations, enrollment, family engagement, and the systems that help schools thrive. Known for her warm, outgoing personality and ability to build meaningful relationships, Jasmine brings energy, organization, and a strong commitment to creating welcoming environments where students, families, and staff feel supported.
With a background in educational administration and student support, Jasmine has developed a deep understanding of the many details that allow schools to run smoothly. As a School Operations Manager, she has led enrollment and recruitment efforts, managed student records and attendance systems, supported compliance requirements, coached administrative teams, and coordinated the daily logistics that keep a school community connected and successful. She believes strong systems create the foundation for meaningful learning experiences and allow educators to focus on what matters most: supporting children.
Jasmine is passionate about building relationships with families and communities and is excited to help bring the MAPS vision to life. She values collaboration, lifelong learning, and creating spaces where people feel a true sense of belonging.
A longtime visitor and admirer of Milford, Jasmine has dreamed of making the community her home and has returned each year for the past decade, including visits to local traditions such as the Milford Pumpkin Festival. Outside of school, Jasmine enjoys spending time with her 10-year-old son, caring for her two cats, staying active, and embracing new challenges. Her years of training in mixed martial arts reflect the discipline, focus, and perseverance she brings to her work and the MAPS community.
Mike Ellis
Facilities Manager
Mike Ellis sees the places we create as more than structures; he believes they shape how we experience life. Through his work designing, building, and caring for spaces, Mike is passionate about creating environments that reflect the people who inhabit them and invite them to become their best selves.
Rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach, Mike believes spaces should have character, purpose, and a story to tell. He enjoys finding creative solutions that honor the unique qualities of a place while making it functional, welcoming, and meaningful for the people who use it.
At MAPS, Mike helps bring the campus vision to life through thoughtful planning, problem-solving, and craftsmanship. From creating a 3D model of the property to exploring solutions that preserve the character of the space while meeting building requirements, Mike approaches each challenge with curiosity and care. He believes the environment is an important part of the learning experience and that the spaces children spend time in should inspire connection, creativity, and wonder.
Outside of MAPS, Mike enjoys woodworking, caring for chickens, making maple syrup each year, and spending time with his four children. His connection to craftsmanship, nature, and hands-on learning continues to shape the way he approaches the spaces and experiences he helps create.
Our Board of Trustees
The Partners Championing Our Vision
Jonathan Meister
Chair
Rebecca Maas
Treasurer
Melissa Best
Vice Chair
Alison Fisher
Secretary
