About Us

Our teaching team is committed to rewilding education through presence, connection, and intentional care. We show up grounded and reflective, creating a space where children feel seen, safe, and free to be themselves. Through our relationships with each other, the children, and the land, we cultivate a community rooted in trust, respect, and belonging.

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 school community 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 | Nursery, 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 and is happy to call Bigfork home. Kayla has over 17 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. Kayla is currently completing her mental health degree with plans to offer services on the RSS forest campus for children and families.

Loves: Hiking, baking, gardening, relaxing on the lakeshore, spending time with her husband, son, farm animals, 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, all 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 worked as a CNA for years, during which 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, three 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. Payton 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 of experience practicing and teaching various Polynesian cultural art forms.

Loves: Community Organizing, Linguistics, and Fun Facts!

Jordyn Krantz | Summer Camp 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 | Saplings 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.