Carley Baker
Half-Day Kindergarten
Hi! My name is Carley Baker and I will be teaching kindergarten this year. I look forward to being a new member at NFCA! My work history includes being a third grade teacher, mental health professional, and a case manager for those with intellectual disabilities. Also, I hold a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership. I am very passionate about helping others and fostering a positive learning environment for children. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your child.
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
Hi! I’m Mrs. Sadie and I hold a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from the University of Oklahoma. I taught in public schools for 11 years before staying home with my daughter. I always knew I wanted a career where I could be with children every day!
This is my second year teaching 3-day preschool at Nature Field Creative Academy. This school has been the school of my dreams, where I can teach preschoolers in an environment that aligns with my values as an educator. I love how developmentally appropriate and nature-focused the school is, allowing children to enrich their lives outside and bringing the outdoor educational experience into the classroom. I am devoted to being invested in all of my students’ achievements and needs in a small classroom setting.
My favorite educational quote is, “The best classroom and the richest classroom is roofed only by the sky.”
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!
Josie Linehan
Floater
Hello! My name is Josie Linehan, and I’m a floater here at Nature Field Creative Academy, ready to assist all students and teachers. I have six years of experience working with children in different environments. My background includes three years as a summer camp counselor and three years as a library associate, where I focus on creating and facilitating programs for young learners. I’m passionate about providing engaging care and learning for children, always striving to meet their individual needs and adapt to their unique stages of development. I’m excited to get to know all our students and their families!
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.
Emily Lovelace
Floater
Bio coming soon!
Jackii Luna
5th/6th Grade
Hello! My name is Ms. Luna and I am a first-generation college graduate from the University of Oklahoma! I have worked in the education and nonprofit sector in central Oklahoma since 2020 and earned my Bachelors of Art in Human Relations and Nonprofit Organizational Studies in May 2024!
As an educator, mentor, and community organizer, I’m extremely passionate about building up and investing in the future of our students! So, you can probably guess how excited I am to be joining the Nature Field Creative Academy family as our 5th/6th grade teacher this year! There is a unique sense of joy and wonder at NFCA; from our blooming garden to our chicken coop, being a part of a nature-based school is so special!
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!