OUr instructors

 Instructor Michele is a dedicated founding member of Flatwoods Forest School, which is about to enter its seventh year of operation. As a St. Augustine native, she is deeply passionate about connecting with nature and instilling this love in her children. An avid horseback rider, Michele holds a BS in Business and Hospitality from FSU, blending her business expertise with her enthusiasm for the outdoors to create enriching experiences for students. Her unwavering commitment to the school's mission and her leadership have been instrumental in its success and growth. 

Instructor Missy is a dedicated founding member of Flatwoods Forest School, and she currently serves as the Assistant Manager of the St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market. She is passionate about eating healthy, locally sourced food, and environmental education. From 2010 to 2016, Missy worked for the Florida Park Service as a Park Services Specialist and OPS Biological Scientist. Living at Gamble Rogers State Park with her husband and two boys, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the school. A Certified Florida Master Naturalist with a BA in Sociology from Flagler College and DCF Early Childhood Education Certification, Missy's dedication and expertise make her an invaluable asset to the Flatwoods Forest School community.

 Instructor Christy is a geology and earth sciences graduate with extensive outdoor experience, including three years of fieldwork with an environmental firm in Jacksonville and two summers in rural Alaska at a fishing lodge. She has a background in childcare from her time at the Colorado Athletic Club, and has honed her customer service and sales skills through various roles from 2011-2015. Raised in Flagler County, Christy is well-acquainted with the local landscape, weather, vegetation, and wildlife, contributing to her strong familiarity with the area. In her spare time Christy enjoys exploring Florida with her husband and daughter.  

 Instructor Bria is an environmental educator and wildlife conservation professional with a BS in Integrative Animal Biology from the University of South Florida, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She has extensive experience in developing and leading educational programs for diverse age groups, including her roles as a Fishing Manager and Environmental Educator at Youth Environmental Alliance, Seasonal Seafarers Instructor at Everglades Youth Conservation Camp, and PT Environmental Educator at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Her professional experience is complemented by her leadership in Operation Global Action, research publications, and numerous volunteer positions. Bria holds several certifications, including ACA Level 2 Kayak Instructor, and Florida Master Naturalist, reflecting her commitment to environmental education and conservation. Miss Bria is passionate about teaching nature journaling, species identification and working with wildlife. In her spare time she loves to do anything outdoors! 

 Instructor Chloe' holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and has a passion for working with children, particularly in outdoor learning settings. Her interest in non-traditional education was sparked while working as a farmhand in Upstate New York, where she visited a farming school and interacted with its community. With a background in homeschooling in a holistic environment, Chloe' has also worked as a surf instructor, teaching children and fostering their connection to the ocean and nature. In her free time, she enjoys foraging, surfing, biking, and playing bluegrass and country music on the bass and guitar. She discovered Flatwoods Forest School after a nearby hike and was drawn to its unique approach to education. 

 Moss Jaramillo relocated from California to Saint Augustine in 2016 to be with their now-husband and two wonderful stepchildren. In California, they worked as a Peer Support Specialist and led countless workshops and classes concerning mental health, as well as mental health crisis support in tandem with Riverside County Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Officers. These experiences underscored their belief in holistic learning and its preventive benefits.

Moss began their career in childcare as a nanny in 2013 and is now the Lead Teacher for the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Saint Augustine’s Children’s Program. With a strong interest in child development and psychology, Moss excels at engaging and inspiring young minds. Their passion for outdoor activities, art, nature, yoga, wellness, and community involvement makes Moss an excellent fit for our forest school setting, where they can creatively nurture and educate young children.