Alumna Guest Speaker Offers Experiential Learning Opportunity for Students

The day began with Stone visiting with Studio Art students. Gathering in the Library Courtyard, she talked about the three goats she brought to campus while the girls happily fed them animal crackers. Students then had the opportunity to try crocheting and needle felting with some of the stunning and soft mohair fiber (often referred to as the “diamond fiber” for its natural luster) or sketch the goats.

Stone then shared her story with the entire community at Morning Meeting. “I started breeding and showing my colored Angora goats in 2006, right after I was diagnosed with MS [multiple sclerosis],” offered Stone. “I believe this is why it has not affected me as much physically as it should have by now. I call my goats my herd of therapists.” She generally has about 30 goats but can have up to 50 when they have their babies.

Stone does everything from breeding and birthing her goats to shearing and hoof trimming. “I shear the mohair from them twice a year, wash it, and then either needle felt or spin the fiber into yarn on my Sleeping Beauty spinning wheel. Once I have spun it into yarn, I weave or crochet it into a finished product. Truly a goat-to-garment operation.” 

She also does their vaccinations, blood draws, and fecal tests, which is something she shared with our Animal Science and AP Biology classes after Morning Meeting. “Ms. Stone was an incredibly insightful and knowledgeable guest speaker,” observed AM C. ’25. “Her devotion to her Angora goats is admirable, and she clearly takes the utmost care of them. After Morning Meeting, Ms. Stone worked with Animal Science and AP Bio classes to conduct a fecal study/lab. She thoughtfully guided us through all the steps of a fecal lab and taught us about deworming pets and how to detect worms. I really enjoyed hearing Ms. Stone’s journey with her goats and am very grateful that she shared her knowledge with us.”

Following the lab, Stone had lunch with the Chronic Illness and Disability Affinity Group, where she spoke with students about living with MS before ending the day with both Studio Arts and English classes in the Library Courtyard once again for more needle felting, sketching, and haiku writing.

Thank you, Ms. Stone and Ms. Moir, for visiting campus and providing students with a fun and educational day!