Susan Shining-Star

Susan Shining-Star (AKA “Shining-Star”) is a naturalist educator, author, backyard homesteader, and creator of Sunny Stella® World. Her work focuses on homestead and nature-based learning for families, educators, and homeschoolers, blending hands-on experience, practical sustainability, and real-world learning through stories and educational resources.

Drawing on years of experience in backyard homesteading, nature study, and experiential learning, Susan focuses on practical ways to help individuals and families build life skills, deepen their connection with the natural world, and develop greater self-sufficiency ~ even in urban, suburban, and small-space environments.

She created the GROW Anywhere System® as a practical framework for learning and self-sufficiency: Get started with confidence. Redefine your space. Optimize what you have. Work within your abilities.

Susan is a certified Nature Journaling Educator and Pollinator Steward. She has also completed regenerative agriculture training through South Seas University in partnership with Regeneration International, and a USDA-supported beekeeping apprenticeship through the Heroes to Hives program. In addition, Susan holds multiple advanced degrees, including an M.Ed. in Adult Education, which fuels her passion for inspiring educators to teach sustainability to future generations.

Readers have described her work as inspiring, practical, and thought-provoking. Through her books, articles, and educational resources, Susan encourages others to discover that meaningful learning and sustainable living can begin right where they are ~ with what they have.

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