Director

Language Arts Guide​​​​​​​​​​​

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Lori grew up in a farming family in southern Georgia where she developed a deep love of plants, animals and the outdoors.  It's only fitting that she would grow up to found a forest school.  She completed her Bachelor of Arts in psychology at the University of Georgia before moving to Atlanta to join the commercial real estate and development industry.  Shortly before the birth of her oldest daughter, she left the corporate world.  As her two daughters approached school age, Lori discovered her true passion of working with children through the homeschool community.  She has been a homeschool educator and Girl Scout Troop Leader since 2018.  She is influenced by the natural elements, artistic expression, and simplicity of Waldorf as well as the practical application of Montessori.  She is a fervent advocate for dyslexia awareness and designed Flora & Fauna as a learning environment in which struggling readers can flourish.   Lori lives with her husband and daughters in Smoke Rise along with their many pets including dogs, a cat, Guinea Pigs and rabbits.   She enjoys long walks in nature and baking with her daughters.  

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Lead Guide

Language Arts Guide

Communication & Connections Guide

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Kimberly is a homeschool mom to two children and a passionate advocate for nurturing whole-child development through nature and meaningful connection. With a degree in English Education from the University of Georgia, her teaching journey has taken her from the classrooms of Melbourne, Australia to public middle and high schools in the U.S. These diverse experiences shaped her belief that education should inspire curiosity, build confidence, and connect learning to the world around us.

After stepping away from traditional classrooms, Kimberly found her true calling in homeschooling, a path she has followed for over five years—including serving as a co-op teacher at an outdoor school. As a certified parent coach through the Jai Institute for Parenting, she believes social-emotional learning is just as vital for parents as it is for children. Her teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that leadership grows from connection and that nature provides the richest environment for growth, healing, and discovery.

When she’s not teaching, Kimberly finds joy in reading and writing, birdwatching, and being in or near water. An avid traveler with a heart for children and a deep appreciation for the outdoors, she believes that curiosity and wonder should guide both education and life.

Program Guide

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Marisa Fernandez (a.k.a. Harper’s mom) is a beloved part of the Flora & Fauna team. She holds a B.S. in English with a concentration in Professional Writing from Slippery Rock University and brings a curious and playful presence to our program.

From Pennsylvania to Miami, Marisa’s journey eventually led her to the welcoming community of Smoke Rise, where she now manages a lively multigenerational household. She’s an active member of the local community—volunteering, gardening, and writing for The Smoke Signal. Her deep love for plants, animals, and the planet is evident in everything she does.

A student favorite, Marisa is known for her inquisitive spirit, her incredible storytelling voices, and her ability to turn any outdoor moment into a teachable one. She’s our resident plant and animal expert—always ready to help students identify a species, track animal signs, or explore how living things interact within their environment. Her natural curiosity and love of the wild world make her an inspiring and beloved guide.

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Program Guide

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April is an artist, maker, and nature-lover who brings creativity, environmental stewardship, and hands-on learning into every interaction. Growing up in the misty forests of the Pacific Northwest, April developed a deep love for nature and storytelling that would later shape both her art and teaching. Drawn by a desire to expand her creative horizons, she journeyed across the country to attend SCAD in Savannah, where she earned a BFA in Animation with a minor in Illustration. Immersed in a new landscape rich with history and culture, April honed her craft and discovered fresh inspiration. Today, her personal artwork—ranging from whimsical illustrations to the earthy, hands-on practice of pottery—reflects this blend of natural wonder, cultural curiosity, and an enduring spirit of exploration.

Her journey as an educator has been shaped by years of mentoring and facilitating youth in creative, nature-centered settings, where learning happens through exploration, curiosity, and play. Whether guiding children through imaginative storytelling or leading them in outdoor art projects, April has a gift for creating a nurturing environment where students feel safe, seen, and inspired to try new things.

When she isn’t guiding students, April enjoys birdwatching, expanding her own artistic skills, and exploring Georgia’s forests. 

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Program Assistant

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​Bio coming soon!!!!​​​​​​​​​​

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