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The Clear Spring School
Teachers & Staff
Classroom Teachers
Hanna Huddler
Pre-Primary Core Teacher
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.
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.
Keisha Greene
Core Teacher
Jennifer Mellon
Core Teacher
Jennifer Mellon is an educator, artist, and certified yoga instructor. She homeschooled her own children before coming to Clear Spring, and she is excited to share her experience with our students. She holds an Associate of Applied Science in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design from the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith and combines technical knowledge with artistic creativity in her teaching.
Jennifer is in alignment with Clear Spring’s education philosophy and is passionate about learning through life experiences. Through her teaching experience, she has learned to meet each student where they are and provide the support needed on their learning journey. Her core belief is that each student has special talents and, as educators, our job is to foster those talents.
Jennifer Mellon is an educator, artist, and certified yoga instructor. She homeschooled her own children before coming to Clear Spring, and she is excited to share her experience with our students. She holds an Associate of Applied Science in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design from the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith and combines technical knowledge with artistic creativity in her teaching.
Jennifer is in alignment with Clear Spring’s education philosophy and is passionate about learning through life experiences. Through her teaching experience, she has learned to meet each student where they are and provide the support needed on their learning journey. Her core belief is that each student has special talents and, as educators, our job is to foster those talents.
Ginny Poe
Core Teacher MS/HS
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 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."
Shelli Louise
Outdoor Ed.
Shelli is an outdoor educator and artist who believes that time in nature can spark curiosity, creativity, and a deeper connection to the world around us. She's passionate about conservation, environmental stewardship, and helping students learn through hands-on experiences—with a little art and imagination woven in along the way.
Shelli is an outdoor educator and artist who believes that time in nature can spark curiosity, creativity, and a deeper connection to the world around us. She's passionate about conservation, environmental stewardship, and helping students learn through hands-on experiences—with a little art and imagination woven in along the way.
Charla Destry
Librarian and Grounds
Isabella Howard
Pre-primary Teacher's Aide
Bella is a 2024 Clear Spring graduate and an avid lover of music and comic books. Bella looks forward to work with the younger students and, under Hanna's guidance, assisting in creating a safe, welcoming environment that helps the younger students learn, evolve, and grow.
Bella is a 2024 Clear Spring graduate and an avid lover of music and comic books. Bella looks forward to work with the younger students and, under Hanna's guidance, assisting in creating a safe, welcoming environment that helps the younger students learn, evolve, and grow.
Michael Trujillo
Maintenance Director/ Wisdom of the Hands Coordinator
Thomas Beardslee
Kindergarten Woodshop & Adjunct History
Thomas Beardslee is an apprentice of many trades here at Clear Springs School. Aspiring to take on more responsibilities with Clear Spring, Thomas demonstrates aptitude instructing in the wood shop and provides an exemplary display of our goal of hands-on learning. This school year, Thomas will be continuing to teach Woodshop to the Rainbow group and history with the High School.
Thomas Beardslee is an apprentice of many trades here at Clear Springs School. Aspiring to take on more responsibilities with Clear Spring, Thomas demonstrates aptitude instructing in the wood shop and provides an exemplary display of our goal of hands-on learning. This school year, Thomas will be continuing to teach Woodshop to the Rainbow group and history with the High School.
Emily Ulibarri
Theater Production
Emily is a theater and dance educator, playwright, choreographer, and producer with more than 20 years of experience teaching students from early elementary through college and adult learners. Her interdisciplinary approach weaves together theater, dance, yoga, movement, storytelling, and communication to help students develop creativity, confidence, collaboration, and critical thinking. In addition to teaching at the collegiate level and leading workshops and master classes for schools and arts organizations, Emily co-founded Melonlight Theater in Eureka Springs, where she writes, directs, choreographs, and produces original immersive productions. She also serves as a movement specialist and choreographer for Opera in the Ozarks. Emily believes the performing arts provide students with lifelong skills that extend far beyond the stage, preparing them to communicate, lead, and connect with others in every area of life.
Emily is a theater and dance educator, playwright, choreographer, and producer with more than 20 years of experience teaching students from early elementary through college and adult learners. Her interdisciplinary approach weaves together theater, dance, yoga, movement, storytelling, and communication to help students develop creativity, confidence, collaboration, and critical thinking. In addition to teaching at the collegiate level and leading workshops and master classes for schools and arts organizations, Emily co-founded Melonlight Theater in Eureka Springs, where she writes, directs, choreographs, and produces original immersive productions. She also serves as a movement specialist and choreographer for Opera in the Ozarks. Emily believes the performing arts provide students with lifelong skills that extend far beyond the stage, preparing them to communicate, lead, and connect with others in every area of life.
OakRose River Althea
Block Teacher
OakRose River Althea received her BA in Sociology, Anthropology, and Gerontology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, her MFA in Creative Writing from Lindenwood University, and her MA in Interdisciplinary Studies from Western New Mexico University.
OakRose also holds a diploma in Integrative Healing Arts from Southwest Institute for Healing Arts, along with multiple additional certifications in the holistic and life coaching fields. OakRose’s fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction have appeared in multiple literary journals, and her short story “Penny Altars” was nominated for a Pushcart Prize.
OakRose’s passion for progressive education influenced both her homeschooling years with her own six children, as well as her time teaching writing at the college level. She approaches her work at Clear Spring School with great joy and enthusiasm, because it combines her love of creative, progressive education and her deep connection with nature.
OakRose River Althea received her BA in Sociology, Anthropology, and Gerontology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, her MFA in Creative Writing from Lindenwood University, and her MA in Interdisciplinary Studies from Western New Mexico University.
OakRose also holds a diploma in Integrative Healing Arts from Southwest Institute for Healing Arts, along with multiple additional certifications in the holistic and life coaching fields. OakRose’s fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction have appeared in multiple literary journals, and her short story “Penny Altars” was nominated for a Pushcart Prize.
OakRose’s passion for progressive education influenced both her homeschooling years with her own six children, as well as her time teaching writing at the college level. She approaches her work at Clear Spring School with great joy and enthusiasm, because it combines her love of creative, progressive education and her deep connection with nature.
Jenn Robison
Reading Interventionist Specialist
After 27 years in education, I am proud to be part of the Clear Spring School community, a place I truly believe is magical for all learners. As a dyslexia specialist trained in the Take Flight program in McKinney, Texas, I am deeply passionate about helping every child unlock their reading potential and build confidence in their unique abilities. Clear Spring holds a special place in my heart, and I am dedicated to partnering with our students, families, and community in such an inspiring learning environment.
After 27 years in education, I am proud to be part of the Clear Spring School community, a place I truly believe is magical for all learners. As a dyslexia specialist trained in the Take Flight program in McKinney, Texas, I am deeply passionate about helping every child unlock their reading potential and build confidence in their unique abilities. Clear Spring holds a special place in my heart, and I am dedicated to partnering with our students, families, and community in such an inspiring learning environment.
Raymond Ulibarri
Dance and Movement Instructor
Raymond Ulibarri, known to students as Mr. Ray, leads Clear Spring School’s Movement Program, bringing together fitness, dance, and creative movement.
He is the co-founder and lead director of Melonlight Theater, an immersive theater company he has operated with his wife, Emily, for more than 24 years in a historic ballroom in downtown Eureka Springs. A DVIDA-certified ballroom dance instructor and trained personal trainer, Raymond has over 20 years of teaching experience.
His choreography credits include Wichita Grand Opera’s West Side Story and Opera in the Ozarks’ Candide.
He is passionate about helping students build confidence, coordination, strength, and self-expression through movement.
Raymond Ulibarri, known to students as Mr. Ray, leads Clear Spring School’s Movement Program, bringing together fitness, dance, and creative movement.
He is the co-founder and lead director of Melonlight Theater, an immersive theater company he has operated with his wife, Emily, for more than 24 years in a historic ballroom in downtown Eureka Springs. A DVIDA-certified ballroom dance instructor and trained personal trainer, Raymond has over 20 years of teaching experience.
His choreography credits include Wichita Grand Opera’s West Side Story and Opera in the Ozarks’ Candide.
He is passionate about helping students build confidence, coordination, strength, and self-expression through movement.
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 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.
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 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.”
Kelli Naramore
School Nurse, Admissions & Health Sciences
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.
Jennifer Matthews
Director of Finance & Administration
Jennifer is a former Clear Spring board member with 13 years banking experience.
Jennifer is a former Clear Spring board member with 13 years banking experience.
Hilka Irvin
Director of Development
Hilka Irvin is a Minnesota native who made Eureka Springs her home in 2012. A self-taught artist and writer, Hilka works in a range of mediums—oils, acrylics, watercolor, poetry, and short stories—each piece a reflection of her evolving inner landscape. Her creative process is intuitive and emotive, often described as eclectic, instinctual, and unbound by convention. She believes in coloring outside the lines and writing into the unknown.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Hilka brings over 30 years of experience working in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. Her career has spanned a wide range of human-centered missions, from providing legal advocacy and direct emergency services to survivors of domestic violence, to influencing policy through legislative work. She has held leadership roles, including running a domestic violence shelter, and has served on call as an advocate, fundraiser, grant writer, and community educator.
Hilka has also volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), supported Big Brothers Big Sisters, and continues to champion causes rooted in justice, creativity, and compassion. Her work has helped shape initiatives across art, literature, and social equity spaces—often blending her belief in the healing power of story with her dedication to meaningful change.
At the heart of all she does is a passion for connection: between people, between ideas, and between art and action. Whether painting in her studio or advocating in the community, Hilka leads with empathy, creativity, and an unshakable belief in the good that can be done.
Hilka Irvin is a Minnesota native who made Eureka Springs her home in 2012. A self-taught artist and writer, Hilka works in a range of mediums—oils, acrylics, watercolor, poetry, and short stories—each piece a reflection of her evolving inner landscape. Her creative process is intuitive and emotive, often described as eclectic, instinctual, and unbound by convention. She believes in coloring outside the lines and writing into the unknown.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Hilka brings over 30 years of experience working in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. Her career has spanned a wide range of human-centered missions, from providing legal advocacy and direct emergency services to survivors of domestic violence, to influencing policy through legislative work. She has held leadership roles, including running a domestic violence shelter, and has served on call as an advocate, fundraiser, grant writer, and community educator.
Hilka has also volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), supported Big Brothers Big Sisters, and continues to champion causes rooted in justice, creativity, and compassion. Her work has helped shape initiatives across art, literature, and social equity spaces—often blending her belief in the healing power of story with her dedication to meaningful change.
At the heart of all she does is a passion for connection: between people, between ideas, and between art and action. Whether painting in her studio or advocating in the community, Hilka leads with empathy, creativity, and an unshakable belief in the good that can be done.
DJ Diggs
APTT Coordinator
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