A gravel path surrounded by lush, green trees leading towards a fenced pasture in the distance.

Every learner follows a unique path. At Firefly Creek Learning, we walk alongside children, families, and educators to provide personalized support to help build confidence, develop and strengthen skills, and nurture a lifelong love of learning.

Hi, I’m Sommer Hoffman, founder of Firefly Creek Learning.

I believe learning should be meaningful, engaging, and build upon the strengths each learner already possesses. Every person has a unique path to learning, and my goal is to help brighten that path through individualized strategies that honor how each person learns best.

I bring 28 years of experience in South Carolina public schools, where I have served as a kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade teacher; elementary literacy coach; special education teacher; and 4K/5K teacher in a behavior support program. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to learn and use a wide variety of instructional and support strategies.

But what I cherish most is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students, families, and educators. Those relationships have taught me that understanding the whole learner—their strengths, interests, challenges, experiences, and goals—is an essential part of meaningful growth.

Throughout my career, I have supported learners with a wide range of learning, developmental, behavioral, and emotional needs, including autistic and ADHD learners, students with intellectual and emotional disabilities, students who have experienced trauma, gifted learners, and neurotypical learners. These experiences have strengthened my belief that there is no single path to learning and that effective support should be individualized, respectful, and strengths-based.

Education & Credentials

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
Columbia College

Master of Education in Divergent Learning
Columbia College

National Board Certification
Early Childhood Generalist

South Carolina Teaching Certifications
Early Childhood
Early Childhood Special Education

Specialized Training

  • Autism Support — TEACCH 1 & 2, UNC Chapel Hill

  • Food Chaining/Food Aversions

  • Conscious Discipline

  • Early Literacy Intervention — Clemson University

  • LETRS — Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling

At Firefly Creek Learning, my goal is to meet learners where they are, recognize the strengths they bring, and help them develop skills and confidence to move forward with greater independence.

Meet Sommer….

A group of five people, three females and one male, smiling and standing together on a porch with a tropical background, including palm trees and green foliage.

I enjoy trying new things, visiting small towns, exploring new places, talking with friends, reading aloud children’s books, and loving on our animals. The gifts in my life are my husband and our two wonderful daughters.

Where does the learning take place?

Firefly Creek Learning is located on a small horse farm in Gilbert, South Carolina where learning can take place out in nature, on a porch, by a pond, inside a barn, on a trail, at a table, or virtually in your setting. We do not offer riding at this time, but you will most likely be greeted by one of our friendly horses, a barn cat, or other wildlife that may be flying or walking around the property.

A dirt trail winding through a dense forest with green leaves on trees and a mix of soil and fallen leaves on the ground.
A covered outdoor patio with blue cushioned chairs, a coffee table, a colorful rug, and potted plants. In the background, green trees and a grassy area are visible, along with a sign that says 'Welcome' with a sunflower design.
A cozy corner featuring a light blue wooden bench with a gray plush cushion and a decorative pillow with a sun design. A small turquoise side table with a plush flowerpot with sunflowers sits beside the bench. A basket filled with various stuffed animals, including a dog, llama, unicorn, frog, and others, is positioned next to the bench. The scene is next to a large window with a view of a porch and greenery outside.
Overcast sky above a rural farm with two brown wooden barns, surrounded by green trees and a grassy field.
Covered outdoor deck with a wooden table, chairs, and a colorful rug, overlooking a green field with trees and fencing.
A peaceful scene at a pond with a flock of geese near the water's edge, surrounded by lush green trees and grass.
A black and white puppy sitting on the ground beside a white horse eating from a food bowl, with trees and a black wooden fence in the background.
Close-up of a black and white horse with a blue sky and green trees in the background.