Favorite quote: We are what we believe we are.— C.S. Lewis  

About: Kayla was born and raised on CA’s central coast, where her love of the outdoors first blossomed. She now lives in Bigfork and is proud to call the Flathead Valley home. With over 17 years of experience teaching all ages—from preschool through adult—as well as creating and leading educational programs, Kayla is passionate about lifelong learning. She saw a need for nature-based education in the Flathead Valley and is proud to be part of the growing movement.

Education: Kayla holds her B.S. in Culture Communications and a Master of Education focusing on Early Childhood. Kayla studied Waldorf Foundations at the Rudolf Steiner Centre Toronto and Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Education at Sophia’s Hearth. She also studied Nature-Based education through The Association for Nature-Based Education. Kayla is currently a doctoral candidate, pursuing her doctorate in early policy and advocacy.

Loves: Hiking, baking, gardening, relaxing on the lakeshore, and spending time with her husband, son, and all her farm animals.

Favorite quote: The wonder of teaching is watching caterpillars become butterflies. - unknown

About: Kate was born and raised in Kalispell, Montana, where she developed a deep love for the outdoors from an early age. She spent much of her childhood exploring the mountains, rivers, and forests of the Flathead Valley—often alongside her father, who taught her how to hunt, fish, and appreciate the quiet wisdom of nature.

Driven by a deep curiosity and adventurous spirit, Kate has traveled extensively and has visited 25 different countries around the world. Whether trekking through remote landscapes or immersing herself in new cultures, she brings a global perspective and open-heartedness to everything she does.

Kate is planting roots in the Flathead with her husband, Cody. Together, they just welcomed their first child—a beautiful baby boy who has already become a beloved addition to the RSS family. Kate brings with her a strong sense of community, connection, and a deep appreciation for both adventure and home.

Education: Kate has worked in childcare for 8 years. Kate has completed many Waldorf early childhood classes, including The First Three Years of Life and Early Childhood Education from Sophia Institute. Kate is the first certified RIE® instructor in Montana and is currently completing her ECE admin degree.

Loves: Hunting, Fishing, Hiking, being outdoors, and spending time with family.

Favorite quote:  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.

Favorite Quote: 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!

Favorite quote: A hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove… but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child. – Forest E. Witcraft

About: Baylie was born and raised between the beaches of Cape Cod and the mountains of the Adirondacks, she grew up with a deep appreciation for nature and adventure. At 18, her curiosity led her across the country to Washington, where her love for road trips truly began.

In 2020, she found healing and grounding in nature, spending nearly every day exploring the Olympic Mountains—and falling in love with the rain along the way. In 2023, feeling ready for something new, she set off again—this time heading east to the Flathead Valley in search of more mountains and deeper community. Despite all her travels, nowhere has ever felt more like home than the Flathead.

With over a decade of experience in childcare, her journey began as a camp counselor at the summer camp she attended for 13 years. After relocating to the Pacific Northwest, she took on roles in nannying and homeschooling. Baylie’s committed to ongoing growth in her work and is currently completing her associate’s degree at Flathead Community College, while continuing professional development through additional training courses.

Loves: Road trips, gardening, exploring, hiking with her two pups, and spending time with her chosen family.