About Us
We believe, a teacher’s role is that of a guide or a facilitator rather than a “teacher.” Guides partner with children through wonder by providing support and key experiences that pique their interests, encourage further exploration, and thus allows each child to make their own discoveries.
The Role of the Teacher
Our teachers are trained observers. They are present, attentive, and intentional.
Rather than directing each moment, they create an environment that supports growth. They step in to guide behavior, support relationships, and ensure safety while allowing children space to explore and develop independence.
Rooted in Relationship
At the heart of our curriculum is relationship.
Children are known by their teachers. Families are welcomed into the community. Learning happens within the context of connection, trust, and shared experience.
Kayla Vernon, M.Ed. Founder | Director | Parent Child Guide
We are what we believe we are.
— C.S. Lewis.
About: Kayla was born and raised on the central coast of California, and that is where her love of the outdoors blossomed. She has lived in Montana for almost a decade happy to call Bigfork home. Kayla has over 15 years of experience in teaching all ages- preschool through adult- and in creating and administering educational programs. She saw a need for nature-based early education in the Flathead Valley and felt pulled to open her own program.
Education: Kayla holds her B.S. in Culture Communications and a Master of Education with a focus on Early Childhood. Kayla studied Waldorf Foundations at the Rudolf Steiner Centre Toronto and Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Education at Sophia’s Hearth. Kayla holds her Nature-Based Teacher Certification. She is a certified Doula. She is currently completing her Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with plans to offer early services on the RSS forest campus.
Loves: Hiking, baking, gardening, relaxing on the lakeshore, spending time with her husband, son, and French bulldogs.
Payten Fischer, Assistant Director | Lead Tots Guide
Today’s Procrastination is tomorrow’s regret.
— Jim Rohn
About: Payten was born and raised in Northeast South Dakota, where she grew up in the country with many different animals. She has a very large family and is one of 44 grandchildren, which is only from one side! Payten has been around children her whole life and has worked in childcare for many years, although she grew up in the restaurant business and knows how to make a mean omelet. Before working in childcare, Payten was a CNA for years, where she grew to love caring for people and making new friends. Payten loves traveling, and that is what brought her to land in Bigfork, Montana, two years ago.
Education: Payten is currently expanding her leadership skills through Waldorf administration and education courses at the Sophia Institute, where she is deepening her understanding of holistic school governance, child development, and the spiritual foundation of Waldorf-inspired education. Peyton also holds an associate's degree in business and is a certified nursing assistant.
Loves: Hiking, Snowshoeing, skiing, running, traveling, crocheting, crafting, photography, and spending time with family.
Lena Camero | Language Teacher, Forest Skola® Guide
Each one teach one.
— African American Traditional
About: Lena is a cultural performer and educator raised on the Kumayaay-Ipai homelands. As a Hula dancer and daughter/granddaughter of cultural practitioners, she learned a deep reverence for the natural world and a reciprocal relationship with the plants, animals, rocks, waters, and winds. As a student at SKC, Lena has also been lucky enough to learn about the Flathead Valley from Salish and Blackfeet relations and is passionate about passing on this value of stewardship to the next generations.
Education: Lena comes from a background in Special Education, including ABA, American Sign Language, and various forms of nonverbal communication (AAC). She also has 15+ years experience practicing and teaching various Polynesian cultural art forms.
Loves: Community Organizing, Linguistics, and Fun Facts!
Jordyn Krantz | Preschool Guide
Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.
— John Muir
About: Jordyn grew up in Bigfork, Montana, where summers were spent at Swan Lake and riding horses with her family. These early experiences fostered a deep, lifelong connection to the outdoors and shaped the way she engages with children today. She is passionate about nurturing a sense of wonder, reverence, and respect for the natural world in young learners and finds great joy in sharing this way of life with her two daughters.
Education: Jordyn has over ten years of experience in early childhood education and holds her preschool certification. She spent four years working in a Montessori setting, which led her to explore further and discover Waldorf and outdoor learning. This discovery deeply resonated with her values and educational philosophy. She remains inspired by Waldorf education’s holistic, nature-centered approach and looks forward to growing within the Waldorf community.
Loves: Gardening, fly fishing, hunting, baking, and spending meaningful time outdoors with her husband and daughters.
Ashlynn Field | Preschool Guide
The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear.
— Rumi
About: Ashlynn was born and raised in Arizona, with family roots in Polson, Montana, and today is grateful to call the mountains of Bigfork, Montana home. Her connection to this place is grounded in a love for slower rhythms, open skies, and time spent outdoors.
Education: Ashlynn’s path to early childhood education has been shaped by many meaningful roles, including years spent as a nanny, family photographer, and working within a pediatric optical center. Although she built a successful career in tech administration and business, she felt a consistent pull toward work that was more relational, hands-on, and heart-centered. After moving to Montana, she followed that calling into early childhood education, where she feels deeply at home.
With fourteen years of experience as a ballerina, Ashlynn brings a strong sense of rhythm, movement, and creative expression into her work with children. She values presence, patience, and authentic connection, and believes children thrive when learning is rooted in calm, curiosity, and gentle guidance. Ashlynn is passionate about supporting children in environments that honor wonder, creativity, and the unfolding of each child’s unique development.
Loves: Paddleboarding, photography, travel, creative arts, music, and spending time outdoors with her husband and their two pups.
Assistant Guides
Rhyanna (Ray) and Tierra
