Our Amazing Teachers
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Our Amazing Teachers *
Brooklyn Castañeda
Early Childhood Director & 2-Day Preschool
Hi! My name is Brooklyn Castañeda and I am the Early Childhood Director and Two-Day Preschool Teacher here and Nature Field Creative Academy. I have been inspired by and practicing Nature-based, Reggio Emilia, and Montessori educational philosophies for 9 years. Three of those years were spent operating and teaching within my very own part-time early childhood program. I find delight in educating with the values of connection, exploration, creativity, and play guiding the way! NFCA is gifting me the opportunity to do just that in a space that fosters holistic development and finds purpose in creating life-long learners. There is no place I’d rather be!
Stashea Gold
Assistant Elementary Director & 3rd/4th Grade
I have been teaching since 2012, after graduating from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. I’ve known I wanted to be a teacher since third grade and began working with children at the age of 16.
At NFCA, I deeply value our commitment to educating the whole child and the flexibility to tailor learning experiences to meet each student’s needs. The opportunity to engage with nature daily enriches the learning environment not only for students, but for me as an educator. I believe that meaningful learning extends beyond the classroom walls, and I find great joy in exploring and growing alongside my students.
Sadie Greer
3-Day Preschool
Bio coming soon!
Adrianna Hernandez
2-Day & 3-Day Preschool
Hi! My name is Adrianna Hernandez and I’ll be one of the preschool teachers this year! I have been working in mental health for the past 3 years and I am very excited for this new journey at NFCA. The reason I want to be a part of NFCA is because of how supportive everyone is, the way kids are able to learn while still being kids and I love that we spend time outside letting kids learn new things in a safe environment. I love being at a nature-based school because I believe that meaningful learning happens when children are connected to the world and nature around them. I am excited about creating learning experiences that are hands-on!
Sarai Lopez
Pre-K
Working at Nature Field Creative Academy for the past three years has not only allowed me to build relationships with the students, it has also helped me grow as a person. This place has helped me learn each day how to become a better teacher and role model to those around me. I get excited to come to work because each day is filled with new memories I make with those who I interact with.
Jackii Luna
5th/6th Grade
Bio coming soon!
Desiree Romero
Kindergarten
This will be my third year teaching, first year at Nature Field. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 2023 and am now pursuing my Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology. I chose Nature Field after learning about their philosophy and realizing how closely it aligned with my own philosophy of teaching! I truly believe (and research has shown) that play in an INTEGRAL part of learning. I’m also a big advocate for limiting children’s access to devices/technology so they can explore and interact with the real world and Nature Field allows them to do just that! I’m excited to see kids being kids while also obtaining new knowledge and skills!
Casey Rooney
1st/2nd Grade
Bio coming soon!