Welcoming New Team Members for 2023-2024
We are excited to introduce our new team members—Guides and admin—for the 2023-2024 School year!
Please join us in welcoming Katie, Lana, Brooke and Eliza!
Read their bio’s below…
Katie Kilgore
Director of operations
Born and raised in West Georgia, Katie is a proud graduate of Central High School in Carrollton. She also holds an Associates Degree in Marketing from Carroll Technical Institute and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Mercer University.
A believer in putting what you learn into practice, she worked for ten years as a licensed Real Estate Agent and Associate Broker. In 2002, Katie married her high school sweetheart, Micah, and they began working with the student ministry in their church. Since then, they have served in a variety of ministry roles in local churches, both vocationally and as lay persons. In 2004 she opened a women’s clothing store - fulfilling a long-time goal and dream of hers.
In 2009, Katie shifted her focus from retail and business to the legal world as a Bankruptcy Paralegal. In this role, Katie had the opportunity to walk individuals, couples, and business owners through tumultuous times of loss, supporting and encouraging them through the steps needed to continue forward. In 2016, Katie entered the private school sector as a Director of Admissions and Marketing, again opening the door to foster her love for relationship building and encouraging others.
A lifelong mentor of Katie’s shared her support for the decision to move into education by stating, “It’s about time…I always knew you would end up working in education!” Now, Katie is joining The Forest School as Director of Operations. On Katie’s first visit to TFS, she recalls, “I remember leaving campus and thinking, I have been smiling for 3 hours at these amazing students,” and, “I want to learn more about this place - there is something special happening here!” Katie brings nearly 25 years of business, entrepreneurship, leadership, and genuine love for all people to TFS in her new role.
When Katie takes a break from her work, she adores spending time with her husband, Micah, and their three children, Caz, Cooper, and Maggie Anna. They enjoy the beach, the mountains, a competitive putt-putt challenge, good food, and lots of laughter together.
Lana Toler
middle school guide
Lana Toler is relocating to the Fayetteville area from the Northeast suburbs of Atlanta after being a certified educator for the past ten years. She has worked with learners from first grade through twelfth grade, but her favorite crew to work with is the middle school.
When she is not organizing something, you can find her having a raucous dance party/jam session in the living room with her toddlers and husband, writing with Jeni’s Salted Peanut Butter ice cream in hand, or crafting experiences for the people she loves. Her vision is to cultivate curiosity, compassion, competence, and connection among her learners.
Sadecia Yates
part-time math specialist
Who said every teacher likes apples? Perhaps they get others going, but I like a tropical sweetness with a dash of pucker.
A PINE·apple.
In 2006, I started my journey in education, and it's been one of the realizations just like this. With an M.S. in Teaching Childhood Education and Professional Certificate - Students with Disabilities (Gr. 5-9), NYC, I have learned what works for one person might not work for the next.
I've been doing that all these years - developing ways to help education work for people. Whether supporting a 5th grader with ADHD to develop stronger writing skills, creating a curriculum tailored for a diverse group of learners, or helping a doctoral degree applicant pass the GRE, my main interest is cultivating a love of learning for all.
I have had the profound pleasure of being a classroom teacher for over 10 years. From Florida to Japan to NYC, I gained experience in a variety of classroom settings with a wide range of student abilities and ages. In 2018, I moved out of the classroom towards other educational endeavors, and wow! - what a thrill it’s been!
Brooke Cook
wellness guide
Brooke Cook is a New England native who grew up on Lake Winnipesaukee's shores in a family committed to the arts and creativity, growing up on the property of a sprawling farm turned concert venue. From a young age, Brooke has always had the desire to nurture and care for others and dedicated herself to pursuing a career in healthcare.
Brooke attended the University of New Hampshire to complete her Bachelors of Science in Nursing and a minor in dance with a focus on ballet and aerial. While studying at the University of New Hampshire, Brooke worked volunteering at Lakes Region General Hospital in the oncology department and working as an assistant in the cardiology department.
Following graduation, Brooke began working in the Family Birthplace at Lakes Region General Hospital with the opportunity to cross-train in Labor Delivery, Postpartum, and Nursery. This foundation served her well as she relocated to Georgia with her husband and worked at Piedmont Newnan with postpartum and antepartum patients. Since starting her family, Brooke has focused on nurturing and caring for her three children while also working to achieve her lactation counselor certification and CAPPA-certified childbirth educator certification.
Most recently, Brooke has served as a private lactation counselor and newborn care educator while also working as a Poppy Seed Health Advocate and the Postpartum Nurture Session educator. Brooke is committed to taking what she has learned in her healthcare focus alongside developed creative innovation to build a Wellness Program for The Forest School that is intentional, holistic, and dedicated to providing wellness to learners mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Eliza Rivas
online middle School Guide
Eliza currently lives in St. Louis, MO, with her husband and 3 daughters. Her home is bicultural and bilingual, and her family loves God, travel, music, sports, cooking, languages, and books. She believes all children are heroes in the making. Her passion is to help these young heroes develop into global citizens who will one day better our world.
Eliza has worked with learners in multiple capacities for over 24 years. She is the founder of Lighthouse International: an Acton Academy, the first Acton in the state of Missouri. She has an Associate’s in Music, a Bachelor's in Psychology, a Master's in International Affairs and Administration, and Spanish K-12 career certification. As an admission counselor for Saint Louis University, she witnessed the wonders learners can achieve when given the freedom to reach their potential.
During her time in public education, Eliza has worked in suburban, urban, and inner-city districts and as an elementary school ESL assistant in Madrid, Spain. During her time as a high school Spanish teacher, she won or was nominated for several awards and grants and served as a local and national mentor teacher.
Eliza is excited to join The Forest School Online as she sees the need for community among self-directed learners who travel or may not have in-person learner-driven options readily available.