About Nature School
September 2016
Our outdoor school launched, born from a dream & a prayer. The school started as The Preschool at Camp Albemarle, offering 2 day & 3 day preschool classes, and an afternoon class for homeschool students.
April 2018
Homeschool classes for older students were added. Our name changed to Nature School at Camp Albemarle to better reflect program offerings.
September 2021
Nature School expanded to offer full day private school classes for grades K-5th.
August 2023
Nature School added a 6th grade class and began pursuing adding a full middle school through 8th by the 2025-2026 school year.
Program Philosophy
- Sharing God’s love through His creation.
- Connecting students to nature to inspire appreciation for the natural world.
- Providing a safe environment to encourage exploration and learning.
- Assisting students in their interactions with each other to promote cooperative learning and encourage problem-solving.
- Developing activities that are focused on the individuality, abilities, and interests of each student.
- Promoting wellness and physical strength through active play.
Administrative Staff
Gina Troball
Director
Gina brings 30 years of experience in education and holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from East Tennessee State University. Much of her career was spent serving students in Carteret County at White Oak and Bogue Sound Elementary Schools. While at Bogue Sound, she participated in the Power of K Initiative, receiving four years of extensive professional development, and later served as an NC Demonstration Classroom teacher, modeling best practices in education and leadership for educators across the state. Gina’s passion for children, experiential learning, and faith make her a natural fit for Nature School’s unique approach to education.
Outside of school, Gina enjoys spending time with her fiancé, Joe; her son, Jackson; and her goldendoodle, Tigger. She also enjoys traveling, offshore fishing, yard work, reading, listening to music, and watching a good movie.
Bethany Cordero
Assistant Director
[email protected]
Bethany was born and raised in Forsyth County but spent her vacations in Emerald Isle and dreamed of calling the beach home. In 2013 this dream became a reality as she and her husband moved to Carteret County to start a family. Bethany has her Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing with a minor in Psychology and a teaching certification in Elementary Education from UNCW. After spending a few years in the business world, Bethany followed God’s leading to make a switch to teaching and has taught 1st, 2nd, and 5th grades as well as been an academic interventionist, until her children were born. Bethany feels blessed to be able to send her boys to a faith-based and nature-centered school and is excited to join the staff after years as a Nature School parent. Outside of work, Bethany and her family are very involved in their church, and they love spending time together as a family. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, boating, paddleboarding, reading, biking and family game nights.
Preschool Teachers
Bear Cubs (5 Day Preschool)
Catherine Hamilton
5 Day Preschool Lead Teacher
Bio Coming Soon
Jessica Moir
Kindergarten Supporting Teacher
Jessica grew up in Summerville, SC before moving to Greenville, NC. She received her associate’s in arts degree from Pitt Community College. Jessica and her husband moved to the Carteret County area in 2010 and had their daughter in 2011. After being a stay-at-home mom, Jessica started working various supporting positions in the prek & k-5 setting. The family has two dogs and a cat. Outside of work, Jessica love Dukes basketball and watching college football! She spends her time reading, going to the beach, paddle boarding, doing yoga, hiking, trying new recipes, creating art, exploring new places, and spending time with my family & pets. Jessica is passionate about our environment, the animals in it, and sharing the wonders it holds! Her favorite subjects are ELA and Science.
Caterpillars & Ponies
Megan Dettle
2 & 3 Day Preschool Lead Teacher
Megan grew up in Indiana and attended Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky. She received a Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Sociology and Theology. The Marine Corps brought her family here 12 years ago and now that her husband has retired, her family has made Cape Carteret their home. Megan has worked in youth ministry, traditional schools, and the Armed Services YMCA. Most recently, she has been a stay-at-home mom to three daughters and a Girl Scout Leader. She has felt God’s call to return to teaching young children. Megan is excited to be a part of the Nature School family and combine her love of God, nature, and children in one amazing place.
Hope Grant
2 & 3 Day Preschool Support
Hope was born in Florida and moved to Carteret County in 5th grade. She graduated from West Carteret, attended Carteret Community College, and later completed her Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation at UNCW. She has worked with children of all ages and abilities in mental health, public school, and community settings. Hope worked with Carteret County Schools for 6 years as a Behavior Support Specialist and an EC Teacher. She has been married for 25 years and has 2 daughters. Hope and her husband were Therapeutic Foster parents from 2009-2022. She was a stay at home mom with her girls until working part time as a preschool teacher the last few years. Hope is excited for her 2nd year of Nature Preschool. She enjoys shopping and spending time with her family boating, camping, and traveling-especially going on cruises. She also loves watching her daughters play sports.
Owlets & Tadpoles
Jenn Smith
2 & 3 Day Preschool Lead Teacher
Jenn is a mother of four and a Coast Guard wife which has taken her from the Key West to Northern Maine. Her life is full of adventure and compassion. When these journeys led her back to North Carolina in 2023, she began her time at Nature School. She holds a degree in the field of Therapeutic Recreation as well as a certification as a Behavioral Health Professional. She is also certified in Conscious Discipline and has completed training with Growing Up Wild, enhancing her ability to create nurturing, structured, and nature-connected environments for children. With over 20 years’ experience working with children in various settings – homes, therapies, public schools, and private schools – Jenn has found that Nature School is where her heart is. Outside of work she enjoys hiking, being on the water, and spending as much time as possible with her family.
Tiffany Taylor
2 & 3 Day Preschool Supporting Teacher
Bio Coming Soon!
Lower School Teachers
Kindergarten
Ann-Marie Robinson
Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Ann-Marie was born and raised in Carteret County. After graduating from West Carteret, she attended NC State earning a degree in Psychology while obtaining her Elementary Education Certification from Meredith College. After returning to Carteret County, she married her high school sweetheart and began her teaching career at Morehead Middle School teaching math. After her oldest daughter was born and Bogue Sound Elementary opened, she transferred to teach first grade and later kindergarten. Three years later, her youngest daughter was born. She is retiring after 20 years from Carteret County Schools to follow God’s direction to teach in a Christian-based setting. She is active in children’s ministry at her church and has taken children’s ministry classes through Campbell University, as well as completed nature-based professional development through ERAFANS. Ann-Marie is also certified in Conscious Discipline. Outside of work and ministry, she loves boating and kayaking here at home and camping in the mountains. She is excited to see where God is leading her in this new chapter of her life.
Mackenzie Shuler
Kindergarten Supporting Teacher
Hi! I’m Mackenzie Shuler, the supporting teacher for Ann-Marie. I’ve always loved working with children, especially through my church’s Sunday school and Sunday afternoon programs.
I graduated from Western Carolina University with a degree in Graphic Design, and I love bringing my creativity into the classroom by planning fun, hands-on arts and crafts for the children.
After graduating, I spent time working in a basement office and later in traditional office settings. Those experiences made me realize how much I value being in an active, outdoor environment. I’m so excited to be in a role where both the children and I can spend time outside exploring and learning together, because I believe you never stop learning.
I believe children learn so much through hands-on experiences and time in nature, and I’m so excited to be in a role where I can help foster their curiosity, creativity, and love of learning every day.
Becca Walker
Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Becca grew up on a horse farm in northern Pennsylvania and traces her love of nature and comfort outside to her childhood. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Health Psychology from Mansfield University and graduated with honors and partially completed a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Rochester. Becca is trained in Conscious Discipline. After working in training and development in optical retail for a decade, Becca made a career change, pursuing a childhood dream of becoming a teacher. She was Center Director of a large daycare in VA and has done in-home daycare and summer camps for many years. She joined Nature School initially as a supporting teacher and is excited to fulfill her dream of being a Kindergarten teacher. In her free time, Becca loves to spend time with her husband and 2 kids, run, hike, travel, read, and learn – especially about history, geography, and animals. She finds working at Nature School to be very fulfilling as it brings together so many of her interests.
Megan Kaufman
Kindergarten Support Teacher
I’m Megan Kaufman, supporting teacher in Ms Becca’s Kindergarten class. I have three young children at Nature School and love that it is a place where kids can be kids and learn in such a beautiful environment! After substitute teaching in preschool, I was excited to find a home in Kindergarten to help our students become life longer learners.
I hold degrees in Animal Science and a Masters in Public Health, and love sharing this knowledge with others. As you might have guessed – I love animals! Besides my husband and children we have a dog name Yoshi, a turtle, a leopard gecko, a hamster and chickens.
I am active in my church community as a Sunday School teacher and a Small Group leader. My family likes to spend time at our farm in Western Craven county and be outside! Our favorite places to travel are the mountains and the beach.
First Grade
Caroline Collins
1st Grade Lead Teacher
Caroline will be one of our lead teachers for First Grade this school year. She has her Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education from East Carolina University and has 6 years of teaching experience. Outside of the classroom, Caroline enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 daughters, both of whom attend Nature School, going out on the boat with her family, and has a love for fitness and nutrition.
Caroline is excited to use skills that the Lord has gifted her to teach her First Graders and watch them grow in their love for Jesus and for learning!
Bryanna O’Briant
First Grade Supporting Teacher
Hello, I am Bryanna O’Briant. With much joy, I will be joining Nature School as a First Grade Support Teacher! Educated as a Registered Nurse, I am eager to bring that same servant hearted spirit to the discipline of teaching.
My family’s Nature School journey began in 2021. Since that time, my love of and commitment to this community has grown deeper. I am honored to be here.
Not until having children of my own, I began to understand: what we do extends beyond our days here in God’s creation. Children are our legacy; a compelling testimony to the quality of a person’s life. It is a blessing to come along side your children as a trusted, loving and knowledgeable sister in Christ. I look forward to meeting you!
Second Grade
Sarah McMorrow
2nd Grade Lead Teacher
Sarah and her husband Sean moved to Eastern North Carolina in the winter of 2021. They both have a love of the ocean and the outdoors. Sarah was born and raised in West Virginia. She has also lived in Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana. Sarah received a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree from Marshall University in 2007. She completed a graduate level Transition to Teaching program at Calumet College of Saint Joseph and received her Elementary Education teaching license in Indiana and most recently North Carolina. Sarah is certified in Responsive Classroom. Sarah has worked with children of different ages and developmental abilities in a variety of educational and childcare settings for the past 18 years. She is very excited to continue her career path at Nature School. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her 2 dogs. She loves hiking, photography, and traveling.
Chelsea Thomas
2nd Grade Support | 2nd – 8th Art
Chelsea grew up in eastern NC and has her associate’s degree in elementary education. She has over 15 years of experience in education and childcare. Chelsea is trained in Conscious Discipline. She is married to her high school sweetheart and is a mom to three girls, as well as a fur mom to her two cats and two dogs. She loves all things nature! Outside of work, Chelsea enjoys rock hunting, camping, beach days and arts and crafts.
Third Grade
Anna Harris
3rd Grade Lead Teacher
Anna graduated from East Carolina University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. After graduation, Anna spent three years as a behavior technician for children with autism where she became familiar with Nature School. Anna is certified in Responsive Classroom and hopes to return to school for her master’s in education in the future. She looks forward to seeing students share God’s love through his creation and learn within their natural environment. Outside of work, Anna enjoys spending time with family, friends and her fur babies.
Dennis Bassaragh
3rd Grade Supporting Teacher
Bio Coming Soon
Donny Bassaragh
3rd Grade Assistant to the Supporting Teacher
Meet Donny, a joyful and dedicated 21-year-old who brings energy, kindness, and creativity to both Nature School and Summer Day Camp. As an autistic young man, he shines in environments where curiosity, routine, and hands-on learning come together and camp life is the perfect place for him to thrive. A huge fan of G.I. Joe, video games, movies such as: Transformers, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Marvel DC, and enjoys Legos and anime. He brings his passions into every space he enters, inspiring campers with his imagination and enthusiasm. At Nature School, he proudly serves as the President of the Chicken Club, where he helps care for the flock and teaches others about responsibility and animal kindness. He is also the beloved classroom door greeter, welcoming students each morning with a smile, and a reliable helper to the 3rd-grade support teacher, always ready to assist with patience and positivity. Whether he’s leading a chicken feeding, offering a high-five at the door, or building connections with campers over shared interests, he shows the heart of a leader and the joy of someone who loves what he does. His presence makes Nature School and Summer Day Camp brighter, more playful, and more welcoming for everyone around him.
Fourth Grade
Susanne (Sue) Martin
4th Grade Lead Teacher
Sue moved to Carteret County from Raleigh in July 2022 with her husband, Jim. She has a daughter Nicole who graduated from Appalachian State and her son Scott is studying at UNCW. Sue received her B.A. in Psychology from Drew University in NJ. She completed her master’s in education (counseling) at Xavier University in Ohio. Sue has spent over two decades working in Early Childhood Education as a teacher, director, and service coordinator for children with special needs. Last year, she taught fourth grade at Queens Creek Elementary School in Onslow County. She learned a lot from this experience but felt something was missing that could make the educational experience even more meaningful. When Sue learned about the Nature School, she realized that what was missing was the opportunity for her students to actively move their bodies and to learn from one of God’s greatest gifts – nature. Sue is most often found outside running/walking with her husband or at the barn with her horse during her off time. She is so excited to teach first grade, giving her all, engaging and connecting with her students, and soaking up all the school has to offer.
Coming Soon!
4th Grade Supporting Teacher
Fifth Grade
Catherine Norris
5th Grade Lead Teacher
Catherine has lived and worked in Lenoir, Wake, and currently Carteret County. She graduated from Meredith College with a biology degree and certification in middle grades science. Over her 24 years of classroom and central office positions, she also received her elementary education licensure and completed her Masters of School Administration from NCSU. Somewhere in between all of that, she ran Science Made Simple: Classes, Courses, Camps, and More out of her house in Kinston where she offered science enrichment to kids of all ages, provided science classes to local preschools, and ran science camps in the community of Kinston. For the last four years, Catherine has been the Museum Educator at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center in Harkers Island where she led fieldtrips, taught homeschool groups, afterschool groups and preschoolers, ran summer camps, facilitated teacher trainings, and orchestrated educational events for school groups such as Earth Day at the Core Sound. Catherine would not call herself crafty, but she loves to watercolor, sew, cook, and plan events. She also enjoys reading, floating in the pool, taking walks, and leading Bible studies. Following God’s will, she is returning to the classroom. Bringing her love of science and the importance of being a lifelong learner, she is excited to be a part of the Nature School.
Coming Soon!
5th Grade Supporting Teacher
Middle School
Cheyenne Mendoza
6th Grade Lead Teacher
Cheyenne was born in the small town of Thomaston, Georgia but she grew up here on the Crystal Coast and considers both places home. She graduated from UNCW with her Bachelor’s degree in Education with a focus on K-12 Spanish. She enjoys learning new languages and is fluent in both Spanish and English. Cheyenne was a homeschool student for most of grade school and because of this, she had the opportunity to work with children in a teaching role from a young age. She has a deep love and appreciation for nature, God and teaching. She is so grateful to be able to work in an environment that encourages growth in all three. Cheyenne has completed professional development through ERAFANS and is certified in Conscious Discipline and in Responsive Classroom. In her free time, Cheyenne enjoys hiking and going on adventures with her family, reading, photography, learning the violin and volunteering in her church’s children’s ministry.
Allyson (Ally) Sprinkle
7th Grade Homeroom | 6th-8th ELA
Growing up in Greenville, SC, Ally loved spending her spare time babysitting, nannying, tutoring, and mentoring in her church and community. Ally is a third generation Clemson University graduate and lifelong fan. Upon earning her BFA from Clemson, she moved to Raleigh, NC and worked in new home sales and design for 12 years. It was there that she met her husband, Skip. They have one son, Edwin, her greatest joy. Their family moved to Carteret County in 2013 for Edwin to begin kindergarten. Since moving here, Ally has enjoyed her many hours volunteering and substitute teaching in the schools, eventually leading her to The Nature School. Ally’s favorite things are spending time with her family (including her two labs Lulabelle and Evie), traveling, and being creative.
Michael Grantham
8th Grade Homeroom | 6th-8th Math
Michael has lived in Eastern NC his whole life. He graduated from East Carolina University with a BS in Business Management and he is currently serving in the NC Army National Guard. He has worked in the private and public sectors of education for over 7 years and has also been teaching for over 20 years through the Boy Scouts and swimming lessons. Michael is proudly an Eagle Scout. Michael has his initial teaching certification through the Association of Christian Schools International and is certified in Conscious Discipline. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, offshore fishing and bowling. He loves teaching outside where students’ attention spans are increased and more learning can happen than by being in a classroom all day.
Donna Harrington
Middle School Supporting Teacher
Donna is Carteret County born and raised, the 13th generation of her family here. She has her associate’s degree from Cateret Community College. Donna is married to a self-employed commercial fisherman, and she has a huge respect for and knowledge of local fisheries. As a homeschool mom for her daughter, who will graduate this year, and a long-time Nature School parent – her son has been at NS for 7 years- and volunteer, she came on staff first as a sub and then as a supporting teacher. She loves teaching kids and learning from them. Outside of work, Donna enjoys fishing, baking, gardening, and movie time with her family.
Makenzie Gholson
Middle School Supporting Teacher
Makenzie “Kenzie” was born in Louisville Kentucky, but grew up visiting the Crystal coast regularly before moving here permanently in 2021. She graduated with her Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Louisville, where she met her husband. Makenzie is a proud UofL Cardinals fan. Makenzie spent over 5 years working in social services where she developed and grew her passion for working with children and their families as well as child development. Makenzie coached middle school cheerleading for 4 years. She enjoys traveling with her family to new places and spent some time living in the United Kingdom, where she developed her love of nature, being outside, and learning about different cultures. In her free time, Kenzie enjoys going on adventures with her family, watching college football, swimming, reading books, and spending time with her pet Australian shepherd and Maine Coon Cat.
Support/Extracurricular
Lisa Edmonds
Music Teacher
Lisa was born and raised in Asheville and moved to Carteret County in 1996. She has her bachelor’s degree in music education from Mars Hill College, where she met her husband. Lisa has 29 years of music education experience in Onslow and Carteret counties and served as music director for 21 years at her local church. Lisa and her husband consider their greatest accomplishment their 2 sons. Outside of work, Lisa is involved with her church family and loves to read, go for walks and bike rides, beach visits, camping in the mountains and spending time with her family, no matter the activity.
Coming Soon
Morning Care Teacher
Bio Coming Soon!
Faith Seiglie
Reading Interventionist
Faith graduated from Lee University in Cleveland, TN with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and middle grades language arts and has additional certifications, including reading specialist and science. Faith is a NC certified teacher and Montessori certified for ages 2-7. She grew up in the Tampa Bay area of Florida but has lived most of her life in western North Carolina. She moved to Goldsboro in 2005 with her family and made Carteret County their home in 2018. She and her husband and have two grown sons and one precious daughter in law, all residing in the Durham area. Faith enjoys travel, college football (Go Heels!), and a warm cup of coffee. Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.