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Teachers & Staff
Classroom Teachers
Charla Destry
Pre-K & Kindergarten
Charla has been a member of our school community since 1984. As a parent and then as a teacher, she has seen Clear Spring develop and is a vital part of our family.
Charla specializing in early childhood education, has extensive Montessori training, is a member of the Junior Master Gardeners Program, and has studied Neurological brain development of children as well as their Social-Emotional growth.
"We do not teach children to learn through harshness but by paying attention to what amuses them."
Charla has been a member of our school community since 1984. As a parent and then as a teacher, she has seen Clear Spring develop and is a vital part of our family.
Charla specializing in early childhood education, has extensive Montessori training, is a member of the Junior Master Gardeners Program, and has studied Neurological brain development of children as well as their Social-Emotional growth.
"We do not teach children to learn through harshness but by paying attention to what amuses them."
Brittany Osborne
Core Teacher
Brittany has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Arkansas and is currently working on a Master's in Elementary Education. Brittany has previously worked in Special Education and recently worked with youth outreach programs in Stone and Taney County, MO.
Brittany has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Arkansas and is currently working on a Master's in Elementary Education. Brittany has previously worked in Special Education and recently worked with youth outreach programs in Stone and Taney County, MO.
Aimee Tackett
Core Teacher
Aimee recently graduated with her Bachelor's of Arts in Education from Harding University in December 2021. Following graduation, she taught 2nd grade in Bentonville Public Schools. Prior to her experience working in the public school system, Aimee worked in several private school settings, including both Montessori and reggio-based programs at both the early childhood and elementary levels. Before teaching, Aimee worked on many non-profit campaigns in NWA, utilizing her skills in advocacy and communication. Today, her passion for helping others find their voice is seen in her teaching, which focuses on emotional intellect and the reflective work within, the importance of history, and the global connection and value of all people, particularly through the lens of the arts and story-telling. My job, as an educator, is to guide students towards lifelong learning and critical thinking that is entirely their own.
Aimee recently graduated with her Bachelor's of Arts in Education from Harding University in December 2021. Following graduation, she taught 2nd grade in Bentonville Public Schools. Prior to her experience working in the public school system, Aimee worked in several private school settings, including both Montessori and reggio-based programs at both the early childhood and elementary levels. Before teaching, Aimee worked on many non-profit campaigns in NWA, utilizing her skills in advocacy and communication. Today, her passion for helping others find their voice is seen in her teaching, which focuses on emotional intellect and the reflective work within, the importance of history, and the global connection and value of all people, particularly through the lens of the arts and story-telling. My job, as an educator, is to guide students towards lifelong learning and critical thinking that is entirely their own.
Aly Cabrales
Core Teacher
Aly has a bachelor's degree in Biology Composite Teaching from Brigham Young University Utah.
She has worked in a Montessori school, taught English in China, owned her own preschool, and taught Math last year at Clear Spring.
Aly has done volunteer work with children in China, Mexico, and El Salvador.
She loves kayaking, camping, hiking, and the ocean.
Aly believes the most important thing to teach kids is to love themselves. Engaged learning is a great way to increase self confidence and equip kids with important skills for life.
Aly has a bachelor's degree in Biology Composite Teaching from Brigham Young University Utah.
She has worked in a Montessori school, taught English in China, owned her own preschool, and taught Math last year at Clear Spring.
Aly has done volunteer work with children in China, Mexico, and El Salvador.
She loves kayaking, camping, hiking, and the ocean.
Aly believes the most important thing to teach kids is to love themselves. Engaged learning is a great way to increase self confidence and equip kids with important skills for life.
Tammy Herzig
Core Teacher
For the last 8 years Tammy had been homeschooling 4 of her children until their enrollment at Clear Spring. With a background in education as well as hospitality she is a firm believer in hands on skill training and creating an environment that fosters a love of learning for all children. Tammy is a hobbyists and musician and a lover of food, flowers, and good books.
For the last 8 years Tammy had been homeschooling 4 of her children until their enrollment at Clear Spring. With a background in education as well as hospitality she is a firm believer in hands on skill training and creating an environment that fosters a love of learning for all children. Tammy is a hobbyists and musician and a lover of food, flowers, and good books.
Caitlin Branaman
Core Teacher
CJ has a bachelor’s degree in Education in secondary English, a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and is working towards a master’s in Library and information sciences. CJ has been teaching in some capacity for a while, whether it be water safety lessons in the pool, literature, art, or reading interventions and theater. They come to Clear Spring previously having worked in public high schools and middle schools across NWA.
CJ has a bachelor’s degree in Education in secondary English, a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and is working towards a master’s in Library and information sciences. CJ has been teaching in some capacity for a while, whether it be water safety lessons in the pool, literature, art, or reading interventions and theater. They come to Clear Spring previously having worked in public high schools and middle schools across NWA.
Hanna Huskey
Pre-Primary Assistant
Arkansas native, attended high school in Fayetteville.
Relocated to Eureka Springs in 2009 after years of visiting.
Enrolled daughter in pre-primary, began working in the office, and now teaches at the pre-primary school.
A pro tie dye artist that teaches workshops, she also enjoys other crafts including macrame and gardening, as well as hiking and spending time outdoors with her family and pets.
Arkansas native, attended high school in Fayetteville.
Relocated to Eureka Springs in 2009 after years of visiting.
Enrolled daughter in pre-primary, began working in the office, and now teaches at the pre-primary school.
A pro tie dye artist that teaches workshops, she also enjoys other crafts including macrame and gardening, as well as hiking and spending time outdoors with her family and pets.
Alaina Davidson
Pre-Primary Assistant & Clubs
Alaina is an advocate of outdoor and environmental learning and believes strongly in the benefits of teaching children early our connection to our food and environment through skills and experiences learned through the farmstead and our natural world. She graduated with her Bachelors in English and Writing from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and got her TESL Certification shortly after - using it to travel internationally and tutor all ages in English while working on organic farms. She later moved to and joined a homeschool cooperative in an intentional community in southern Missouri where she taught children ages 0 – 8 and fell in love with the Ozarks. There she also managed the Ranch program and founded their Dairy program that is still in use today. After learning multiple early childhood teaching methodologies at the co-op and doing extensive research on early childhood development she went on to found and direct her own outdoor "farm and forest" preschool and kindergarten here in NWA. Now she is assisting Charla in pre-primary and running outdoor and agricultural themed clubs here at CSS.
Alaina is an advocate of outdoor and environmental learning and believes strongly in the benefits of teaching children early our connection to our food and environment through skills and experiences learned through the farmstead and our natural world. She graduated with her Bachelors in English and Writing from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and got her TESL Certification shortly after - using it to travel internationally and tutor all ages in English while working on organic farms. She later moved to and joined a homeschool cooperative in an intentional community in southern Missouri where she taught children ages 0 – 8 and fell in love with the Ozarks. There she also managed the Ranch program and founded their Dairy program that is still in use today. After learning multiple early childhood teaching methodologies at the co-op and doing extensive research on early childhood development she went on to found and direct her own outdoor "farm and forest" preschool and kindergarten here in NWA. Now she is assisting Charla in pre-primary and running outdoor and agricultural themed clubs here at CSS.
Specialty Teachers
Mark Hughes
Sewing & Fiber Arts
Mark has been sewing since the age of nine. He spent 25 years in professional theatre as a costume designer in his hometown of Little Rock before moving to NW Arkansas in 1997 for a life change. He designed and constructed period-appropriate costumes for the Arkansas State Parks system but soon became interested in designing natural-fiber clothing for women. In 2000 he opened his own boutique, Regalia Handmade Clothing in downtown Fayetteville, then moved it to Eureka Springs 14 years ago. Mark is very excited to be working with the Clear Spring students because he knows that sewing increases hand/eye coordination, problem-solving, and opens a world of creative possibilities.
Mark has been sewing since the age of nine. He spent 25 years in professional theatre as a costume designer in his hometown of Little Rock before moving to NW Arkansas in 1997 for a life change. He designed and constructed period-appropriate costumes for the Arkansas State Parks system but soon became interested in designing natural-fiber clothing for women. In 2000 he opened his own boutique, Regalia Handmade Clothing in downtown Fayetteville, then moved it to Eureka Springs 14 years ago. Mark is very excited to be working with the Clear Spring students because he knows that sewing increases hand/eye coordination, problem-solving, and opens a world of creative possibilities.
Kendra Manley
Drama & Creative Writing
Kendra has a bachelor’s in fine arts from the University of Arkansas. She is currently teaching drama and creative writing here at Clear Spring. She has been involved in the theatre throughout her life and wants to blend creative writing and drama to help the students explore all the possibilities through the fine arts. Her goal is to help students gain a sense of self-worth and security. Students can find their voice and confidence and experience the many avenues of theatre arts, such as screen writing, costume design, set building, production, and performing.
Kendra has a bachelor’s in fine arts from the University of Arkansas. She is currently teaching drama and creative writing here at Clear Spring. She has been involved in the theatre throughout her life and wants to blend creative writing and drama to help the students explore all the possibilities through the fine arts. Her goal is to help students gain a sense of self-worth and security. Students can find their voice and confidence and experience the many avenues of theatre arts, such as screen writing, costume design, set building, production, and performing.
Dustin Griffith
Woodshop & Makerspace Teacher
Dustin brings a variety of talents to Clear Spring School. He worked for the Amazeum as well as Makerspaces in NWA. He is currently assisting Doug in the Woodshop as well as helping students and teacher with Makerspace projects.
Dustin brings a variety of talents to Clear Spring School. He worked for the Amazeum as well as Makerspaces in NWA. He is currently assisting Doug in the Woodshop as well as helping students and teacher with Makerspace projects.
Carmen Rose
Spanish & Cultural Studies
Carmen Rose has been with Clear Spring since 2016. She has worked as an educator, activities director, events coordinator, Spanish teacher, and culinary arts instructor. Carmen has been influential in getting the culinary program off the ground and her passion for cooking inspires the students in her classes.
"Communication is very basic way for humanity to evolve. I believe humanity depends especially now on the continuation of our ways and languages. Every Language is a valuable tool for us to become successful and as free as we want to be. I want to teach my students to open their minds to travel, to connect with people and traditions, to be able to empathize with those in different situations. I love being a part of the Clear Spring Community. I get to teach my culture and traditions to my children and their classmates. We get to share a wonderful learning experience within our families and community."
Carmen is currently our Spanish teacher and our cultural studies specialist.
Carmen Rose has been with Clear Spring since 2016. She has worked as an educator, activities director, events coordinator, Spanish teacher, and culinary arts instructor. Carmen has been influential in getting the culinary program off the ground and her passion for cooking inspires the students in her classes.
"Communication is very basic way for humanity to evolve. I believe humanity depends especially now on the continuation of our ways and languages. Every Language is a valuable tool for us to become successful and as free as we want to be. I want to teach my students to open their minds to travel, to connect with people and traditions, to be able to empathize with those in different situations. I love being a part of the Clear Spring Community. I get to teach my culture and traditions to my children and their classmates. We get to share a wonderful learning experience within our families and community."
Carmen is currently our Spanish teacher and our cultural studies specialist.
Staff & Administration
Jessica FitzPatrick, PhD
Head of School
Jessica is Head of School, at Clear Spring School this year. This is a return to her educational home. She began teaching at the Pre-School with Charla in 1999 and worked her way through the grades at Clear Spring until 2010 when she left to explore education from a global perspective. She taught in South Korea, Uganda and studied in New Zealand and has now returned to Eureka and Clear Spring School. She has a Masters in Progressive Education from Goddard College in Vermont and has just completed her PhD. In teacher professional development and the assessment of 21st century skills through the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. Jessica@clearspringschool.org
Jessica is Head of School, at Clear Spring School this year. This is a return to her educational home. She began teaching at the Pre-School with Charla in 1999 and worked her way through the grades at Clear Spring until 2010 when she left to explore education from a global perspective. She taught in South Korea, Uganda and studied in New Zealand and has now returned to Eureka and Clear Spring School. She has a Masters in Progressive Education from Goddard College in Vermont and has just completed her PhD. In teacher professional development and the assessment of 21st century skills through the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. Jessica@clearspringschool.org
Rigdon Irvin
Academic Coordinator
Rigdon has a bachelor's degree in fine arts, a master's degree in education, and 25 years of teaching experience. Throughout his time as an educator, he has received many awards for his work including Teacher of The Year for the Bentonville, AR public school district for the 2005/06 school year and The Walton Arts Center Outstanding Educator Award. He also has participated in extensive educational training, including Skill Path Leadership Training, Love and Logic Training, Arkansas A+, and Great Expectation of Arkansas Institute.
"I love working for Clear Spring because I am given the freedom to allow my students to learn through discovery and hands on learning. It is truly a student-centered curriculum.”
rigdon@clearspringschool.org
Rigdon has a bachelor's degree in fine arts, a master's degree in education, and 25 years of teaching experience. Throughout his time as an educator, he has received many awards for his work including Teacher of The Year for the Bentonville, AR public school district for the 2005/06 school year and The Walton Arts Center Outstanding Educator Award. He also has participated in extensive educational training, including Skill Path Leadership Training, Love and Logic Training, Arkansas A+, and Great Expectation of Arkansas Institute.
"I love working for Clear Spring because I am given the freedom to allow my students to learn through discovery and hands on learning. It is truly a student-centered curriculum.”
rigdon@clearspringschool.org
Nathina Robinson
Administrative Coordinator
Nathina will be working with Jessica and Rigdon to oversee daily operations and teacher needs. nathina@clearspringschool.org
Nathina will be working with Jessica and Rigdon to oversee daily operations and teacher needs. nathina@clearspringschool.org
Stephanie Shock
Director of Finance & Administration
Stephanie is a former homeschool mom. She homeschooled two of her boys until 4th and 5th grade and was interested in what Clear Spring School had to offer her family. She immediately fell in love with the school and was very grateful for the smooth transition her children had. She believes in the school's mission and naturally wanted to be a part of it. She is dedicated to helping the students, staff, and parents at CSS to the best of her ability. With a background in bookkeeping, she has stepped into the role of Director of Finance & Administration and happy she's able to contribute to CSS and the Eureka Springs community.
stephanie@clearspringschool.org
Stephanie is a former homeschool mom. She homeschooled two of her boys until 4th and 5th grade and was interested in what Clear Spring School had to offer her family. She immediately fell in love with the school and was very grateful for the smooth transition her children had. She believes in the school's mission and naturally wanted to be a part of it. She is dedicated to helping the students, staff, and parents at CSS to the best of her ability. With a background in bookkeeping, she has stepped into the role of Director of Finance & Administration and happy she's able to contribute to CSS and the Eureka Springs community.
stephanie@clearspringschool.org
Jeremy Shock
Director of Maintenance
Jeremy is a CSS parent and
keeps everything running at Clear Spring School. He helps with repairs, setting up technology, lawn maintenance and everything in between.
Jeremy is a CSS parent and
keeps everything running at Clear Spring School. He helps with repairs, setting up technology, lawn maintenance and everything in between.
Ginny Poe
Librarian
Ginny has a Bachelor's degree in English and a Master's degree in French. She has been a youth mentor and tutor for over 15 years. She has spent time teaching English in France and also teaching French to students in Arkansas.
"Kindness begets kindness, respect begets respect; learning is infectious when you make it fun! I appreciate the freedom teachers and students at Clear Spring have to explore concepts in multiple ways, to pursue their true interests and learn self-reliance at a young age."
ginny@clearspringschool.org
Ginny has a Bachelor's degree in English and a Master's degree in French. She has been a youth mentor and tutor for over 15 years. She has spent time teaching English in France and also teaching French to students in Arkansas.
"Kindness begets kindness, respect begets respect; learning is infectious when you make it fun! I appreciate the freedom teachers and students at Clear Spring have to explore concepts in multiple ways, to pursue their true interests and learn self-reliance at a young age."
ginny@clearspringschool.org
Kelli Rud
School Nurse & Admissions
Kelli joins us as a registered nurse. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Woman’s University in 2012. She has been practicing as a nurse for 10 years. The last 5 years in pediatrics in North Texas, where she found a passion in caring and advocating for those in the younger patient population. After moving and leaving the hospital setting in 2021, she is excited for this wonderful opportunity where she hopes to continue to care and advocate for her students as Clear Spring’s School Nurse.
Kelli joins us as a registered nurse. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Woman’s University in 2012. She has been practicing as a nurse for 10 years. The last 5 years in pediatrics in North Texas, where she found a passion in caring and advocating for those in the younger patient population. After moving and leaving the hospital setting in 2021, she is excited for this wonderful opportunity where she hopes to continue to care and advocate for her students as Clear Spring’s School Nurse.
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