Meet Pema and Jolie from Running River School in Sedona

September 28, 2026

We would like to introduce you to this month’s sister spotlight, Pema (first grade) and Jolie (fifth grade), at Running River School in Sedona, AZ. Their mom, Alexis, shared the family’s story of strength and resilience with us, showcasing how scholarship funding and the right school environment have positively impacted their family journey.

From Alexis:

Jolie and Pema’s earliest years of life were spent helping to run their family’s small organic vegetable, flower and livestock production farm. In 2021 I accepted a position as Equestrian Program Director at a small therapeutic boarding school for teenage girls and together with my daughters we relocated to the Verde Valley. 

Animal husbandry and rural living continue to provide a steady, consistent and strong foundation for Pema and Jolie’s growth. The positive effects of nature based and animal assisted activities on the development of responsibility, accountability, empathy, emotional regulation, positive self-regard, attention span and reduction of anxiety have a strong evidence base, not just in published research, but in Pema and Jolie’s growth.

The most consistent feedback I continue to receive from parents and teachers is Pema and Jolie’s kindness and genuine consideration for others. Ensuring that everyone is included and cared for and attending to those who may not be, are natural inclinations present in both girls; this, more than any physical or academic achievement, brings me the most hope and pride as a parent. The volleyball championship won, math problem navigated, winning soccer goal scored, piano piece learned, dance beautifully executed, fear surmounted and challenge tackled all pale in comparison to the reassurance that above all, Pema and Jolie are kind, caring, and true leaders at their cores.

As a full-time single mother to these young girls, I work hard to maintain a balance between robust career development and ample time to be present and engaged in the girls’ growth and well-being. I take very seriously the responsibility of raising young women that will be strong assets to their communities throughout their lives.  At times this has meant living on a very tight budget in order to afford the time and attention they need to thrive, at other times I must embrace the limitations of solo parenthood and dedicate more time to work, hoping that in doing so I model resiliency, self-sufficiency and financial independence for them.  I am currently in graduate school, working towards a degree in Mental Health Counseling. While this increases opportunity long term it has increased financial strain significantly; our Arizona Leadership Foundation scholarship has lifted so much financial burden and lent a big vote of confidence.

Academics and higher education hold strong precedence generationally in our family, and these qualities are naturally evident in Pema and Jolie. Avid readers, both girls have tested many grade levels ahead in their reading abilities across the board. They a hungry for learning, and both also show an aptitude and genuine love for math and the sciences as well.  However, educational pursuits in our family history have come at the cost of atrophied development in other vital aspects of personal growth.

We chose Running River school because they support academic excellence while also nurturing creativity, social-emotional maturity, and mind-body connection. The genuine whole child approach has brought a tangible sense of calm, grounded, joyful self-confidence, love of learning, balance and awareness to both girls. They are intellectually challenged and creatively inspired. A predictable and rhythmic schedule in harmony with their developmental stages and customized to challenge where needed and support when called for, allows for deep acclimation of all they are learning. Running River is an invaluable gift to our family. 

From Jolie’s teacher, Ms. Angela: Jolie is an exceptionally sharp and conscientious student. She consistently gives her best effort and puts her best foot forward, whether she is working on math or language arts, collaborating with others, or creating art.

From Pema’s teacher, Ms. Katie: Pema is kind, thoughtful and generous. She notices others, politely waits her turn, and offers to help others whenever she can. Pema is exceptionally smart and she takes great pride in her work, both academically and artistically.

About Running River School:

Running River School is a small, independent nonprofit school serving students in grades 1–8 in Sedona, Arizona. Inspired by Waldorf education, RRS nurtures the whole child through strong academics, creativity, experiential learning, time in nature, a conscientious school culture, and meaningful relationships. Our small classes allow teachers to know each child deeply and support students in becoming well-rounded, curious, capable, thoughtful young people who approach both their learning and the world around them with confidence and care. To find out more visit: runningriverschool.org