Director/Co-Founder | Althea Dunn

Althea has been adventuring in Pisgah for years, starting during her time at Brevard College. After working in outdoor education and recreation, teaching youth in nature for numerous programs in Transylvania county, she began working with young children with her mentor and sister. She aims to continue to build community and provide an outdoor-based education program to a variety of families.

Contact: altheadunn@pisgahcollective.com

Lead Teacher/Co-Founder | Julia Dunn

Julia Dunn has been involved in early childhood education since 2009. After graduating with a liberal arts degree from the University of North Texas with a focus in history, political science, and environmental philosophy, she realized that raising the next generation was the crux of almost every issue important to her. She was lucky enough to get a job at a Montessori school and was immediately enthralled. She completed her certification from Montessori Education Center of the Rockies in 2012. After a brief stint in a traditional, publicly run preschool she became the curriculum director for a large non-profit preschool serving the under privileged population in her home town of Denton, Texas. From there she took a temporary position in a public charter Montessori elementary school in Carbondale, Colorado. At this point her sister, Althea Dunn, was caring for many children in Brevard, North Carolina, where the Dunn sisters had been vacationing throughout their lives. Julia moved to Brevard and brought her experience and expertise to the table as the lead teacher.

Assistant Teacher | MK Hendrix

Mary Kathleen, known by her friends and family as MK, has passionately cared for and learned from children of all ages for 20+ years. MK earned her degree in early childhood education from Clemson University. She has most recently worked for an outdoor learning program, Earthshine, designed for middle school students. MK is excited to teach and engage with younger children where she will continue to explore and learn from nature and each student!

Assistant Teacher | Emma Bowers

Emma Bowers was born and raised in the mountains of Western North Carolina. After a stint working abroad, she moved back with renewed vigor for her native Blue Ridge Mountains. She is overjoyed to be working at Pisgah Collective, sharing nature and education with the amazing teachers and energetic kiddos. Out of work, Emma loves to experiment with fiber arts and explore the vast forests.
 

Assistant Teacher | Tristan Chappell

Tristan was born and raised in the mountains of WNC and spent much of her childhood exploring Pisgah Forest, and the surrounding areas. She has always had a draw to the outdoors, and endless wonders that this area has to offer. She attended school for blacksmithing and metal fabrication at Penland School of Craft. Inspired by her baby boy, she recently returned to school to pursue a degree in childhood development and art education. Tristan loves the unique style of learning that Pisgah Collective has to offer, and is excited delve into the Montessori methods. 

Assistant Teacher | Sarah Karikas

Sarah has lived her life in Florida until recently moving to the mountains of North Carolina. After working a short time at an outdoor therapy program, has turned to exploring more outdoor environment work. She is so excited to be at Pisgah Collective to share this love of nature with children and amazing co-workers. When not working she is hiking the trails and baking homemade goodies.

Assistant Teacher | Vanessa Wright

Vanessa grew up in Southern California and moved to WNC in 2021. She has her bachelors degree in Agriculture Science with teaching credentials in agriculture and biology, and for many years taught in traditional schools. While her two daughters were young she was a hike host, branch ambassador, and national volunteer for Hike it Baby for seven years. In her spare time you can find her homesteading, hiking, camping, and paddle boarding with her family.

Assistant Teacher | Jessie Johnson

As a youth librarian for 10 years, Jessie worked with children of all ages, as well as caregivers and educators. Throughout her time at the library, she was passionate about creating engaging early literacy experiences for children, and is excited to do the same with Pisgah Collective! Jessie spent much of her childhood in North Carolina and moved back in 2020 after three years teaching, training, and consulting for the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics at parks, schools, and camps throughout the U.S. She’s currently pursuing her Blue Ridge Naturalist Certification and believes that nature should be part of every child’s educational experience. 

Assistant Teacher | Jennifer Baynes

Jennifer grew up in Charlotte, NC and moved to Hendersonville, NC in 2020. She has her Bachelor's degree in Science Education from East Carolina University. After college, she worked at a hands on science education museum in Charlotte, NC called Discovery Place as the birthday party coordinator and traveling science teacher.  As a traveling teacher, she taught all ages, all walks of life, in many different locations. From teaching a small PreK afterschool one day to presenting a large stage show for 500+ people the next, she found the Montessori style of education the most engaging for all ages and backgrounds. She has an 8 year old girl and twin 6 year old boys who keep life interesting and fun.  When not at Pisgah Collective enjoying nature and teaching our students, you can find her in her garden, caring for her chickens during the day and under a telescope at night.

Assistant Teacher | Erin Heyrman

Erin was born in Greenville, NC and throughout her years she has tested out four different states. For college she moved back to Wilmington for college at UNCW and most recently to these beautiful mountains! She has her bachelors in Environmental Science and is a certified yoga instructor. As life happens she discovered her love for learning and teaching through her son and has shifted toward early education. She spends most of her free time gardening, hiking, practicing yoga, and most anything outdoors. She is so excited to grow with this program, and looks forward to all of the joys and challenges of this exciting way of learning. 

Assistant Teacher | Krista Hunter

Krista fell in love with western North Carolina while thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. She soon discovered the Montessori Method at her son’s preschool and applied it while teaching throughout Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Ohio. A believer in the power of outdoor play, Krista is thrilled to be a part of Pisgah Collective. She enjoys herbalism, yoga, organic gardening, and exploring this incredible place – nature is truly the best classroom!

Assistant Teacher | Noah Hinton

Noah was raised in the mountains of North Carolina and has always had a passion for the outdoors and education. He recently graduated from Brevard College with a Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education degree. He has worked in education since he was sixteen, mostly in preschool programs, and had the opportunity to intern for Pisgah Collective last summer! When not working he enjoys playing soccer, trying to keep a garden, and various outdoor activities with hiking and backpacking being his favorite.