Dirt, Discovery, and Development: Raising Kids the Old-School Way. Coleen Barber, New Albany School House.

In the heart of New Albany, a revolution in early childhood education is taking place. Colleen, a passionate educator with deep roots in the community, has established The Schoolhouse—a unique educational environment that deliberately bucks the trend of technology-saturated learning in favor of a more traditional, hands-on approach.

Colleen's journey into education wasn't initially obvious. As she recounts, her own mother wasn't convinced she would "vibe with kids" when she first started working at a local daycare while attending college. However, that experience sparked a passion that would shape her career trajectory. After working as a floater and later becoming a lead pre-K teacher at Primrose in Dublin, Colleen's entrepreneurial spirit led her to ownership. With her father's support, she purchased a Goddard School in Westerville before building another location near Market District in New Albany.

What sets The Schoolhouse apart from other early childhood centers is its commitment to a technology-free environment. "We don't have smart boards, iPads...I promise you they'll have plenty of technology someday," Colleen explains. This philosophy stems from her belief that young children need physical experiences—cutting paper, playing outdoors regardless of weather (as long as it's above 25 degrees), and developing real-world skills that can't be replicated on screens. The approach harkens back to what many parents remember from their own childhoods: neighborhood play until the streetlights came on, creating messes, and learning through tactile experiences.

The curriculum at The Schoolhouse is designed to align seamlessly with the New Albany school district's approach, preparing children for kindergarten by using the same handwriting methods, phonics systems, and sight words they'll encounter when they transition. This intentional bridge makes the move to elementary school less jarring for young students, giving them confidence and familiarity with educational expectations. Colleen's own experience as a parent of four children in the district informs this alignment strategy, allowing her to create educational experiences that truly prepare children for their next steps.

Community involvement is central to The Schoolhouse's identity. From partnering with local businesses for field trips to the dentist and veterinarian's office, to participating in the Thanks for Giving run by sponsoring the Kids Dash, Colleen ensures her students feel connected to New Albany. This community-centered approach extends to her personal involvement as a PTO president across multiple schools in the district since 2014. Through these experiences, she's helped facilitate the merger of PTOs across grades K-8, ensuring more equitable distribution of resources to teachers at all levels.

The Schoolhouse also prioritizes hands-on learning through their garden program. Their chef, Susanna, involves children in planting, harvesting, and preparing food—turning cherry tomatoes and basil into caprese salad that the children eagerly eat because they helped grow it. This farm-to-table approach teaches responsibility while making healthy eating exciting and accessible to young palates.

For parents concerned about the omnipresence of technology in their children's lives, The Schoolhouse offers a refreshing alternative—a place where children can develop foundational skills, social connections, and a love of learning without the distractions of screens. As we navigate an increasingly digital world, Colleen's approach reminds us that some of the most valuable educational experiences still come through dirt, discovery, and human connection.

When Pets Meet People: Inside a Small-Town Veterinary Practice, Animals R Special.

At Animals Are Special, a veterinary practice nestled in the heart of New Albany, the human-animal bond is celebrated daily through compassionate care and community connection. Owned by Dr. Amy Wagner and staffed by registered veterinary technician Jessica, this small practice has been serving the local community since 2011, growing alongside the rapidly developing suburb.

The practice primarily focuses on cats and dogs, though they occasionally see what they affectionately call "pocket pets" - small animals like guinea pigs. Their reputation for quality care has evolved alongside New Albany itself, which has transformed dramatically over the past decade. As Dr. Wagner notes, "When I moved here, we had a Giant Eagle, and now we have two Chipotles." This growth has allowed Animals Are Special to focus on their core competencies while establishing relationships with specialized emergency veterinary facilities in the area.

What makes this practice truly special is its deep integration with the community. Both Amy and Jessica are avid runners who participate in local 5Ks, including the Turkey Trot run organized by local families. Their involvement extends beyond veterinary care to supporting community initiatives both financially and through physical presence. This connection to New Albany creates a unique dynamic where clients often know each other, creating an interconnected network of pet owners who share spaces and experiences.

The practice has had its share of memorable moments, including the infamous "birds got loose" incident during COVID lockdown. While attempting to trim the flight feathers of two birds, the tiny patients escaped their carrier and flew throughout the clinic, requiring a frantic chase with towels and blankets. This adventure led to a policy change regarding avian patients - a humorous reminder of why they prefer to stick with cats and dogs!

Living in a community that beautifully preserves wildlife while continuing to develop creates unique challenges for pet owners. Dr. Wagner emphasizes that New Albany residents shouldn't assume their suburban setting protects pets from disease. "The community has preserved the wildlife, and we are surrounded by these beautiful Metro parks," she explains, making preventative care crucial. They strongly advocate for vaccinations and parasite prevention, especially since many animal diseases can be transmitted to humans.

Among the practice's specialized offerings is canine massage therapy, a service Jessica is particularly passionate about. While not heavily advertised, this therapy provides significant benefits for working dogs, show competitors, and pets with orthopedic issues. Much like human massage, it helps with pain management, muscle preparation before activity, and general relaxation - though as Jessica notes with a laugh, some energetic dogs struggle to sit still long enough to receive the full benefits.

Perhaps what stands out most about Animals Are Special is the genuine affection they have for their patients. When asked about favorite pets, Jessica immediately mentions her love for German Shepherds, while Amy acknowledges the special connections they form with many of their regular visitors. This personal touch extends to their knowledge of local resources like the New Albany Pet Rescue, a volunteer-based organization that helps place animals with foster families in the community.

The practice's small team creates what they describe as "organized chaos" - a workplace with good music (rotating between 90s rap and country), staff pets lounging around, and a commitment to knowing not just their animal patients but also the families who bring them in. As New Albany continues to develop, with new businesses opening regularly and community spaces expanding, Animals Are Special remains a constant - growing alongside the community while maintaining the personal connections that make them truly special.

From Bridge Park to New Albany: How Brick House Blue is Redefining Workspace Culture

In the heart of New Albany, a transformation has been taking place along a scenic pond that's redefining how professionals work, connect, and collaborate. Brick House Blue's newest location at Water's Edge represents more than just another coworking space—it embodies a philosophy of community-centered productivity that's resonating deeply with the New Albany business ecosystem.

The journey of Brick House Blue began in 2019 with its original Bridge Park locations, expanding to Plain City, and now finding a new home in New Albany. What makes this evolution particularly fascinating is how each location has built upon the success of previous sites, with Water's Edge representing their most elevated concept yet. As Nia, the community manager, explains, this newest space offers enhanced amenities that reflect both the upscale nature of New Albany and the evolving needs of today's professionals.

What sets Water's Edge apart immediately is its thoughtful integration with the natural surroundings. The name itself pays homage to the beautiful pond that creates a serene backdrop for the workspace. This connection to nature isn't merely aesthetic—it's integral to the experience Brick House Blue aims to create. Members and visitors alike can enjoy views of the water while working, meeting, or socializing, creating an environment that feels simultaneously productive and relaxing. This balance between professional functionality and comfortable ambiance appears to be a cornerstone of their approach.

The diversity of spaces within Brick House Blue demonstrates a nuanced understanding of how different types of work require different environments. From the cozy, informal setting of the Bluebird room with its comfortable furnishings and snacks, to the dynamic Newport space with its sports simulator (complete with options like kickball and zombie dodgeball), each area serves a specific purpose while maintaining flexibility. This blend of purpose-built spaces alongside adaptable areas allows members to find the right setting for whatever task they're tackling that day.

Perhaps most interesting is how Brick House Blue structures its membership options. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, they offer everything from private offices to desk memberships (described as "an office without the four walls around you"), daily coworking passes, and meeting space rentals. This tiered approach makes the space accessible to a wide range of professionals—from established businesses needing dedicated space to remote workers seeking occasional community and amenities beyond what a home office or coffee shop can provide.

What comes through most clearly, both in the physical design of Water's Edge and in Nia's description of its purpose, is that Brick House Blue understands that today's workspaces need to be more than just functional—they need to foster genuine community. As Nia eloquently stated about New Albany itself, "The community here is unlike no other. Once you're in, you're fully invested in and you can invest in other people as well." This same philosophy appears to guide Brick House Blue's approach to creating not just a place to work, but a place to belong.

As workspaces continue to evolve in response to changing professional needs, Brick House Blue's Water's Edge location offers an insightful case study in how thoughtful design, flexible options, and community focus can come together to create something that transcends traditional notions of office space. For New Albany professionals seeking productivity without isolation, Water's Edge represents an exciting addition to the local business landscape—one that promises both practical functionality and meaningful connection.