Matt was a graduate of the Teton Science Schools Graduate Program in 2021. After some time spent that year on the Teton Valley Campus, Matt joined the Jackson Campus faculty to instruct middle school math. Matt came to Mountain Academy for the opportunity to build community through place-based education. By connecting learning to the human and more than human communities in the area, he is hoping that students can engage in a holistic learning approach to math.

Matt can be found hiking or backpacking on trails in both the Teton and Gros Ventre ranges, hopefully to a lake or creek in which he can take a dip. Otherwise he can be found reading, practicing yoga, biking, cooking, playing board games, listening to music, or watching new films.

Grant possesses a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in Aerospace, from the University of Dayton, and a Master's degree in the same discipline from Oregon State University. His expertise in Math and Science, coupled with a zeal for teaching and a variety of experiences such as his service in the Peace Corps and research endeavors in Malawi, shape his distinctive pedagogical style. With more than four years of experience as a Teaching Assistant and math instructor, he also participates in coding, maker space initiatives, and spearheads extracurricular activities, all complemented by his enjoyment of the outdoor pursuits available in the Tetons.

Mayme holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska in Spanish and a master’s degree in Spanish from the University of Wyoming. Mayme has spent time in Chile teaching English and is looking forward to instilling a passion for world languages to the Mountain Academy students.

Paige’s appreciation and curiosity about the natural world began in both New Mexico and Vermont. Paige furthered this curiosity through her educational journey at the University of Vermont and discovered a love for teaching about nature through a sense of place during her time spent at Shelburne Farms. As a Peace Corps volunteer, serving for three years in the high Andes of Ecuador, Paige recognized the beauty of experiencing the world through different perspectives and languages. Paige continued her love for ecology and education through the graduate program at TSS. Paige is a passionate educator who strives to inspire curiosity and empathy in children through their play and discovery of the world around them. Paige is excited to collaborate with and lead the early childhood team at Mountain Academy.

When Paige isn't teaching she loves spending time exploring the Tetons, floating the Snake, enjoying good food with her husband and friends or spending time relaxing with her cat Chipi.

In pursuing her Masters of Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a Certificate in Outdoor & Community Education at the University of Washington, Grace formed her teaching philosophy. She believes learning is grounded in authentic relationship building, and that learning is personal and lifelong. While pursuing her Master’s, Grace found a love for working with 3-5 year-olds and curiosity for early childhood education as a groundwork for lifelong learning. Whether indoors or outdoors, Grace encourages students to be curious, flexible, growth-oriented, and above all themselves. Grace’s new role as the assistant director of early childhood allows her to support the entire early childhood program and she is loving getting to know all of our children and families.

Danny arrived in Jackson Hole first through Teton Science Schools’ Graduate Program in 2019 following nearly a decade of sharing his passion for the natural world with young people in unique experiential learning environments. Just prior to joining the TSS community, he shared his love for creating nutritious and delicious food as the chef in an experiential learning kitchen at a small Montessori School in Southeastern Nebraska. Danny has also shared his love for gardening and bicycling with children in non-profit settings, teaching garden-to-table concepts and leading group bike rides all over the nature-filled city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Stemming from his roots as a lifelong lover of learning outdoors and the wide array of literature to back it up, Danny believes that outdoor classrooms offer integral and distinctive lessons that encourage a child’s social-emotional growth as well as their healthy physical and cognitive development. In his free time, Danny may be found in the woods hiking, biking, and swimming in natural bodies of water, or at home reading, snuggling his cats, and playing board games, cooking and dancing with friends.

Veronica hails from a southeastern Pennsylvania suburb where they grew up rolling in the mud, splashing in puddles, and climbing sweet gum trees. A childhood spent outdoors has led to a career in environmental education where she shares her passion for the natural world with students of all ages. After graduating from Temple University, Veronica taught children about not-so-creepy crawlies at the Philadelphia Insectarium. Veronica then hopped over the Delaware River to work at Fernbrook Farms where they crafted outdoor education programs for preschool to elementary-aged students. Once their time on the farm came to a close, Veronica worked leading hikes at North Cascades Institute in Washington. Afterwards, they worked for Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center in Boston Harbor, leading students in climbing, team building, and salt marsh explorations. Veronica spends their free time hiking, climbing, reading, writing, crafting, and exploring new hobbies. They are excited to spend the school year outside with children flipping over logs, dancing, creating nature crafts, and finding joy in each day!

Krisanna graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in elementary education with a concentration in science. She loves teaching but dislikes sitting at a desk, so she is passionate about place-based education and can’t wait to share the wonder of the world with young children. Krisanna spent two summers working with Teton Science Schools Early Childhood Summer program adventuring and exploring this place with young children. She is so excited to return to Teton Science Schools as a member of Mountain Academy to lead the Pre-Kindergarten class. When she's not Nordic skiing she spends her free time trail running, reading, summiting peaks, and sleeping under the stars.

Briella grew up in northeastern Pennsylvania surrounded by rivers, waterfalls, and lush forests that inspired my love for nature. Briella moved to Utah in 2017 to attend the University of Utah and play in the Wasatch mountains. After completing her bachelor’s degree in Communications with a minor in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Briella spent time living in Yosemite National Park. Briella is deeply passionate about the natural world and her experience as a ski instructor has sparked a desire to combine these two passions. Briella is excited to learn and explore alongside young children at Mountain Academy as she embarks on this new journey. Briella is also excited to experience all that the Tetons have to offer while being inspired by bright young minds.

Emily is a recent graduate of Appalachian State University and has been working in Wyoming for the past two summers as a Course Director for SOAR. Emily majored in Outdoor Education and is so excited to use this knowledge and experience in her new position at Teton Science Schools.  Emily loves working with children of all ages, but early childhood holds a special place in her heart. Emily admires and loves their curiosity and their untainted view of the world. Emily is excited to explore the Reggio Emilia philosophy and intertwine place-based learning into her teaching practice. When not in the classroom Emily loves hiking and trail running. She is excited to use both interests to explore the Tetons and the Jackson Hole area!

Paige was born and raised in Redlands, California and attended The University of Redlands after high school.  Paige received a Bachelor's degree in Business and after college realized her true passion was working with children.  In the last five years, Paige has taught kindergarten, first grade, and 5th and 6th grade science. Paige was drawn to TSS because of the outdoor learning experiences and nature based approach that they provide for their students.  Paige is excited to get an opportunity to learn and implement The Reggio Emilia approach and experience the beauty of Jackson with young explorers. In her free time Paige enjoys cooking, hiking, and spending time with her dog, Reese.