Announcing Our Elementary Guides for Next Year!
We are thrilled to announce Amber Bryant, Shamira Carr, and Kristen Epps as Guides for next year’s Elementary Studio!
As The Forest School has grown, we’ve taken into consideration the prior knowledge heroes bring into our Studios. Next year the Elementary Studio will include two learning Pods within the Elementary Studio. We will have a Pod of younger learners (levels 2-3) and a Pod of older learners (levels 4-5). In the Pods, heroes will have the opportunity to work together on specific skills within their Pods as well as collaborate with younger/older learners across Pods.
Amber, Shamira, and Kristen will flow between the Pods, allowing them to tap into their greatest talents and use them throughout the Studio. For example, Amber has a Montessori background and can work with heroes that need more time with manipulatives or understanding math concepts. Shamira has a knack for connecting with younger heroes through fun, exciting challenges. Kristen’s strength is meeting heroes where they are and connecting on a personal level to bring out the best in each and every hero. While Amber will lead most Socratic launches with the Pod of older learners (levels 4-5), Shamira will lead most launches with the Pod of younger learners (levels 2-3), and Kristen will provide support to both, it will be commonplace for all three Guides to work with all ages and levels on Quests, Storytelling, Civ, and more. The collaboration between Amber, Shamira, and Kristen will be palpable, and it will all be directed towards inspiring elementary learners to shoulder the responsibility for their own learning.
With a dynamic team, we will see a Studio that has heroes firing on all cylinders, academically and socially. We can’t wait to step into this new reality!
Who are these awesome Elementary Guides?
Amber Bryant
Founding Guide at The Forest School
Amber was born in Atlanta, Georgia, where she attended Frederick Douglass High School. Upon graduation she attended Georgia Southern University and graduated with a degree in Human and Environmental Sciences. After several years of managing and overseeing the renovation and construction of both residential and commercial properties, Amber changed careers to open a family shipping business and oversaw the first stage of operation. During this time she married NFL Cornerback Fernando Bryant, and began actively participating in his 25-Sports Foundation, which supports the encouragement of inner-city youth. Through the Foundation, she was able to participate in community clothing and food drives. This is where Amber found her passion for working with children. “Fernando’s Commando’s,” a group of high performing middle school students, was the brainchild of Amber. From the love to see children succeed, Amber began to volunteer at Meadowlands Montessori school and decided to pursue her certification in Montessori Middle Grades Education. She has served the Henry and Fayette County communities as a Montessori guide and assistant in both the Upper and Lower Elementary classes. Amber visited her high school alma mater and was shocked at the environment she encountered. This led her to start The Odyssey Program in hopes bringing the family environment she left at Douglass High School back to the forefront. The program focuses on essential life skills for high school students to carry into adulthood and become successful, contributing citizens to their community. She still volunteers with the students from Douglass. Fernando and Amber have been married for 14 years and raise Fernando’s older children, Amber’s nephew, and together have a 8 year old daughter, Griffin.
Shamira Carr
Former Apprentice Guide at The Forest School
For the 2020-2021 school year, Shamira did an awesome job of learning and contributing as a Forest School Virtual and Apprentice Guide. Having completed her Guide Onboarding Quest, now she’s ready for the next step and thrilled to take on the role of Guide next year.
Shamira is a Georgia native. She graduated from Georgia Military College with her Associates in Health & Physical Education. She went on to further her education by attending Georgia State University. There, she received her Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Human Learning Development. Shamira comes to The Forest School with six years of experience in public education. She left public education to fulfill her passion in implementing self-directed learning strategies. At the Forest School, she wants to learn more about Acton/Montessori teaching styles and become a fluent Socratic Guide.
Outside of work, Shamira enjoys having a good time, spending time with her family & friends, watching sports, exercising, shopping, and eating delicious food!
Kristen Epps
Former College Intern at The Forest School
From August through December of 2020, Kristen did an awesome job in the Elementary Studio as an intern, learning from Amber, inspiring heroes, and preparing to be an Apprentice Guide for this next school year.
Kristen was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a new, but passionate educator. After attending KIPP WAYS Academy for middle school and KIPP Atlanta Collegiate high school, she knew her passion was in education and has a desire to help children become the best version of themselves. After graduating high school, she continued her education 700 miles away at the illustrious KENT STATE University. While at Kent State, Kristen participated in many student organizations including: Kent campus leader, Golden Reflections dance team, and community engaged learning. Having graduated in December 2020 with a bachelor's degree in Educational Studies, Kristen brings her acquired leadership, conflict resolution, and computer skills to The Forest School. While interning at The Forest School for four months last fall, Kristen enjoyed the environment, community, and team building! Outside of work, Kristen likes practicing yoga, trying new restaurants, and traveling!
What is a Guide anyway?
Forest School heroes—as well as research from our Institute for Self-Directed Learning—are proving that young people can learn in self-directed ways, where motivation is driven by curiosity and engagement. In the self-directed learning model, the role of teacher shifts dramatically. Rather than explaining and instructing, the teacher becomes a guide, resource, advisor, and collaborator. At The Forest School, Guides provide support to learners as “helpers, not judges.” They pose questions and share world class examples to help learners think deeply about their goals, obstacles to meeting those goals, and plans to overcome those obstacles. Learning is ultimately the responsibility of the learner. As such, learners are encouraged to engage with any adult who may be the best resource.