Earthbound Academy
Innovating education to address the challenges of our times.
Our Story, Mission & Vision
Founded in Miami and rooted in Puerto Rico, Earthbound Academy was created to address today’s educational and environmental challenges by cultivating eco-conscious leaders grounded in agro-ecology and community leadership.
Co-founders Alisha Jacobs and Orianne Tairum bring expertise in education, equine-assisted learning, and sustainability to design a holistic model that integrates:
- Emotional well-being
- Academic rigor
- Environmental stewardship
- Global leadership
- Cultural empathy
Through hands-on, experiential learning, students build a deep connection to nature and communities while developing the knowledge and resilience to navigate a changing world.
Earthbound Academy is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization
Our Mission
To reconnect students, families, and communities with nature while fostering a sustainable, adaptive mindset rooted in ecological balance, emotional wellbeing, social equity, and cultural respect.
Our Vision
We envision vibrant world-schooling hubs that honor local traditions and ecosystems, bringing together local students, community members and global learners in shared stewardship.
Our Values
- Sustainability
- Cultural awareness
- Emotional growth and resilience
- Community engagement
We empower students to grow into resilient, knowledgeable and engaged global citizens.
Restorative Education
Our Approach
We are rethinking education to live up to the challenges of the 21st century. We are helping the next generation become leaders of the world by connecting them to nature, by teaching them sustainable practices, by fostering well-being, and by developing cultural empathy.
We are growing a sustainable future through experience and education.
Nature Connection
Bridging the gap between human environments and the natural world through earth-based learning.
Sustainable Practices
Teaching hands-on traditional skills and ecological stewardship for a regenerative future.
Community Leadership
Empowering students to lead restoration projects and drive collective action within their local communities.
Cultural Empathy
Integrating ancestral wisdom and global perspectives to cultivate deep-rooted respect for all living cultures.
Emotional Resilience
Building inner strength and mindfulness through nature-integrated practices that support mental and emotional well-being.
Our Offerings
Eco-Conscious Leadership
Earthbound Academy offers a transformative, nature-based approach to education rooted in agro-ecology. We integrate:
- Environmental stewardship
- Emotional well-being
- Academic growth
- Cultural awareness
Our programs create a nurturing space where students thrive, build community, and learn through real-world experiences. Through hands-on learning experiences, like sustainable farming, equine-assisted experiences, field trips, sustainability workshops and cultural exploration, students develop real life skills and learn to work in harmony with nature and communities.
We empower participants to become globally minded leaders, committed to the well-being of both their communities and the planet. Earthbound Academy is a vibrant hub connecting local Puerto Rican students with world schoolers from around the globe.
The Earthbound Agenda: Camps & Workshops
Our Leadership & Board
ALISHA JACOBS
Co-Founder & CO-CEO
With a deep love for nature and sustainable living, Alisha is devoted to helping communities reconnect with the earth. As an Ayurvedic practitioner and equine therapist, she weaves holistic wellness, emotional healing, and earth-based practices into every program. Through Earthbound Academy, she creates spaces where people build practical sustainability skills, stronger communities, and a more caring relationship with the land.
Contact Alisha at alisha@earthboundacademy.org
ORIANNE TAIRUM
Co-Founder & CO-CEO
Orianne is a lifelong learner from Switzerland whose path has been shaped by education and travel. After studying and teaching in Switzerland, the UK and Australia, she earned advanced degrees in Literature, History, and Secondary Education and became a high school teacher. As the Program Director of Field Academy in Miami, she is dedicated to helping each student feel seen, valued, and inspired. Her work centers emotional well-being, intrinsic motivation, and deep connection with nature, animals, and diverse cultures.
Contact Orianne at orianne@earthboundacademy.org
JUDY DEJEAN-SUBIRATS
director and president
Judy has over 20 years of experience as a homeschooling mom, guiding her three children from home education to college and beyond, including Field Academy, Miami Dade College, and Berklee. She combines her background in education with entrepreneurial and arts experience from running a family cake shop and stage managing non-profit dance programs. As a success coach, she supports children, teens, and families in reaching their goals and thriving together.
JOAQUIN JACOBS
director and secretary
Joaquin’s relationship with horses began early, when his first horse opened a world of truth and love. After studying Psychobiology and Molecular Biology and working 22 years as an analytical chemist, a lab accident led him back to his true path. In 1993 he founded Pan-Equus in Grass Valley, CA, a nonprofit exploring the healing bond between humans and horses through training, therapeutic riding, and trauma-focused equine-assisted psychotherapy, especially for veterans.
FERNANDO TAIRUM
director and TREASURER
Fernando brings over sixteen years of experience as a Senior Project Manager in the financial sector. He has a keen interest in innovative technologies and is passionate about impactful projects that inspire the next generation. Originally from Portugal, Fernando moved to Switzerland as a teenager and later relocated to Miami, gaining valuable insights from diverse educational systems. As a strong advocate for smart education, he believes in its transformative power to change lives and uplift communities.
Empower Restorative Leadership
Investors & Donors
Your donations directly fuel our eco-conscious leadership initiatives. We believe that investing in earth-based learning today creates the restorative solutions our future needs. Every contribution makes an impact. Your donation will go towards scholarships, supplies, building and expanding and eco-friendly campus with eco-friendly buildings.
Earthbound Academy is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization
Reach Out & Root Together
Whether you're looking to book a workshop, a camp, volunteer, support our mission or simply ask a question, we invite you to connect with us. Every seed of inquiry grows into community connection.