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About us
Nature School at Camp Albemarle

About us

A Christ-centered, nature-based learning environment where academic growth, resilience, stewardship and a love of learning are fostered.

Our story

  • Sept 2016: The Preschool at Camp Albemarle opens with 2- and 3-day preschool and an afternoon homeschool class.
  • April 2018: Homeschool classes added; renamed Nature School at Camp Albemarle.
  • Sept 2021: Full-day private school for K–5.
  • Aug 2023: 6th grade added, growing to a full middle school through 8th grade.

Our philosophy

  • Share God's love through His creation.
  • Connect students to nature with safe exploration.
  • Build cooperative learning and problem-solving.
  • Honor each child's individuality.
  • Promote wellness through active play.
Nature School students
Our team

Meet the teachers

Experienced, Christ-centered teachers who make God's creation their classroom. Tap any card to read it full size.

Gina Troball, Nature School Director at Nature School: Gina brings 30 years of experience in education, a heart for children and a deep faith to leading a school of more than 150 students in preschool through 8th grade.
Gina Troball, Nature School Director. Gina brings 30 years of experience in education, a heart for children and a deep faith to leading a school of more than 150 students in preschool through 8th grade.
Preschool & Kindergarten
Nadia Lowe, Preschool (5-Day) Teacher at Nature School: Nadia has more than fifteen years of pre-K experience and a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Mount Olive. She loves hands-on learning and introducing students to early STEM exploration.
Nadia Lowe, Preschool (5-Day) Teacher. Nadia has more than fifteen years of pre-K experience and a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Mount Olive. She loves hands-on learning and introducing students to early STEM exploration.
Melissa McCole, Preschool Support Teacher at Nature School: A summa cum laude graduate of Rasmussen College, Melissa has cared for children as a church nursery nanny, kindergarten teaching assistant and online English teacher. Her own children are part of the Nature School family, too.
Melissa McCole, Preschool Support Teacher. A summa cum laude graduate of Rasmussen College, Melissa has cared for children as a church nursery nanny, kindergarten teaching assistant and online English teacher. Her own children are part of the Nature School family, too.
Mackenzie Shuler, Kindergarten Supporting Teacher at Nature School: A Western Carolina University graphic design graduate, Mackenzie brings creativity and hands-on arts and crafts to the classroom and loves exploring and learning outdoors alongside her students.
Mackenzie Shuler, Kindergarten Supporting Teacher. A Western Carolina University graphic design graduate, Mackenzie brings creativity and hands-on arts and crafts to the classroom and loves exploring and learning outdoors alongside her students.
Lower School
Caroline Collins, First Grade Teacher at Nature School: Caroline holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from East Carolina University and has six years of teaching experience. Her two daughters attend Nature School, and she loves watching her students grow in their love for Jesus and for learning.
Caroline Collins, First Grade Teacher. Caroline holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from East Carolina University and has six years of teaching experience. Her two daughters attend Nature School, and she loves watching her students grow in their love for Jesus and for learning.
Catherine Hamilton, First Grade Teacher at Nature School: Catherine earned her B.A. in Elementary Education from UNC Wilmington and has six years of experience teaching first grade, kindergarten and preschool. She aims to meet every learner where they are with patience, kindness and engaging instruction.
Catherine Hamilton, First Grade Teacher. Catherine earned her B.A. in Elementary Education from UNC Wilmington and has six years of experience teaching first grade, kindergarten and preschool. She aims to meet every learner where they are with patience, kindness and engaging instruction.
Bryanna O'Briant, First Grade Supporting Teacher at Nature School: Educated as a Registered Nurse, Bryanna brings that same servant-hearted spirit to teaching. Her family's Nature School journey began in 2021.
Bryanna O'Briant, First Grade Supporting Teacher. Educated as a Registered Nurse, Bryanna brings that same servant-hearted spirit to teaching. Her family's Nature School journey began in 2021.
Chelsea Thomas, Second Grade Teacher (Long-Term Sub) at Nature School: Chelsea has been part of the Nature School community for several years. She holds an associate's degree in Elementary Education and is pursuing a bachelor's in Psychology at East Carolina University.
Chelsea Thomas, Second Grade Teacher (Long-Term Sub). Chelsea has been part of the Nature School community for several years. She holds an associate's degree in Elementary Education and is pursuing a bachelor's in Psychology at East Carolina University.
Sue Sawyers, Third Grade Teacher at Nature School: Sue earned her bachelor's in Early Childhood Education from Cleveland State University and has more than 30 years of elementary teaching experience, 20 of them in Carteret County.
Sue Sawyers, Third Grade Teacher. Sue earned her bachelor's in Early Childhood Education from Cleveland State University and has more than 30 years of elementary teaching experience, 20 of them in Carteret County.
Susanne Martin, Fourth Grade Teacher at Nature School: Known to students as Ms. Sue, Susanne holds a bachelor's in Psychology and a master's in Education (Counseling). After teaching first grade, she moved up to fourth grade with the students she started with three years ago.
Susanne Martin, Fourth Grade Teacher. Known to students as Ms. Sue, Susanne holds a bachelor's in Psychology and a master's in Education (Counseling). After teaching first grade, she moved up to fourth grade with the students she started with three years ago.
Elizabeth Grace Norris, Fifth Grade Supporting Teacher at Nature School: EG graduated from UNC Wilmington with a B.S. in Marine Biology and has several years of experience as an environmental educator. You can find her at the beach collecting shells and identifying birds.
Elizabeth Grace Norris, Fifth Grade Supporting Teacher. EG graduated from UNC Wilmington with a B.S. in Marine Biology and has several years of experience as an environmental educator. You can find her at the beach collecting shells and identifying birds.
Middle School
Kristin Ritchie, Middle School ELA Teacher at Nature School: Kristin brings more than 35 years in education as an English teacher and school counselor. She earned her bachelor's from Washington College and master's degrees in counseling from Johns Hopkins University.
Kristin Ritchie, Middle School ELA Teacher. Kristin brings more than 35 years in education as an English teacher and school counselor. She earned her bachelor's from Washington College and master's degrees in counseling from Johns Hopkins University.
Katherine Kauffman, Middle School Science & History Teacher at Nature School: Originally from Buffalo, New York, Katherine graduated from Niagara University and spent the past 10 years teaching Career & Technical Education in Onslow and Carteret counties.
Katherine Kauffman, Middle School Science & History Teacher. Originally from Buffalo, New York, Katherine graduated from Niagara University and spent the past 10 years teaching Career & Technical Education in Onslow and Carteret counties.
Hannah Jarrard, Middle School Supporting Teacher at Nature School: Hannah has served in education for 10 years, including as an elementary teacher assistant and middle school administrative assistant, and previously supported Nature School's 5th grade.
Hannah Jarrard, Middle School Supporting Teacher. Hannah has served in education for 10 years, including as an elementary teacher assistant and middle school administrative assistant, and previously supported Nature School's 5th grade.
Specials & Support
Ally Sprinkle, K–8 Art Teacher at Nature School: After several years teaching middle school at Nature School, Ally now leads K–8 art. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Clemson University.
Ally Sprinkle, K–8 Art Teacher. After several years teaching middle school at Nature School, Ally now leads K–8 art. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Clemson University.
Valerie Slaughter, Reading Interventionist at Nature School: Valerie graduated from N.C. State with a bachelor's in Elementary Education and taught kindergarten, 2nd and 3rd grade in public school for 10 years. Her favorite part of teaching is read-alouds.
Valerie Slaughter, Reading Interventionist. Valerie graduated from N.C. State with a bachelor's in Elementary Education and taught kindergarten, 2nd and 3rd grade in public school for 10 years. Her favorite part of teaching is read-alouds.