Staff & Faculty

Lindsay Jalonen, Co-Founder/Director

Lindsay has worked extensively with children and mental health since graduating with her BA in psychology, including direct counseling in a therapeutic wilderness setting.

The Jalonens dream of a school that embraces the beauty and natural curiosity of childhood as a central component in the learning process.

Alexis Mazzarella, Office Manager

From parent to camp counselor, and now serving as the office manager, Alexis has been a part of Wild Oak since the beginning. She first enjoyed exploring the beautiful trails of the Kellogg Center. When she learned that a school would be opening, she just knew her child would be a part of it, but she did not expect to get herself involved as well.
In addition to her history with Wild Oak,  Alexis brings a wealth of professional experience to her role. Having owned and run a business with her husband, she possesses a unique set of skills that complement her responsibilities as the office manager. Alexis quickly fell in love with all that Wild Oak had to offer. Beyond her responsibilities in the office, where she ensures the smooth day-to-day operations of the school, Alexis finds joy in connecting with the students. Whether she’s engaging in barefoot runs through the fields with elementary students or embracing the chaos of hug attacks from the Seedling building children, Alexis wholeheartedly embraces the spirit of Wild Oak.

Emily Tabb, Elementary Support/ Community Outreach

Hello! My name is Mrs. Emily. I worked as a Sprouts Teacher for Wild Oak’s second school year, but I’m excited to be the wearer of many hats in our Elementary Program this year. I have my BA in Education from Transylvania University. I’ve worked with children inside and outside of the classroom for over 15 years. I am passionate about building our Wild Oak community and assisting with experiential learning!
I grew up in Tennessee but spent most of my adult life moving around (Utah, Colorado, North Carolina, Georgia) . We moved to Hendersonville in Summer of 2022, and we’re excited to be back in the mountains. I live with my husband-Chris, my son-Calvin, our dog-Coolio, and our 2 ducks- Sweetie and Soaky. We love traveling, hiking, biking, and basically any adventure we can find! I’m excited to get to know your children, your families, and get my hands dirty (literally!) at Wild Oak!”

Kristen Perchalski, Lead Saplings Class Teacher

I am Ms. Kristen, a Saplings teacher with over 10 years of experience working with children from infancy to second grade in both public and private schools across Atlanta, D.C, and Orlando. Holding a master’s in education, I find joy in observing young children discover themselves and each other through play-based experiences.

My educational journey took me from New York University to the University of Pennsylvania, where I earned my master’s in teaching. I’ve taught in various settings, including a Reggio-inspired preschool and an elementary charter school in Orlando. Moving to WNC, I joined Wild Oak as a founding member, relishing the opportunity to teach creatively through play and explore nature daily with students. Guided by the belief that “Children are not things to be molded, but people to be unfolded,” I approach my role as an early childhood educator with a sense of privilege, creating a safe, loving, and challenging environment for our little explorers. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy outdoor adventures with my daughter Anya, reading, painting, caring for animals, and traveling to new places.

Katie McCann, Lead Acorn Class Teacher

Hi, my name is Katie McCann, and I am the lead teacher for the Acorns class in the Seedling building. I have been teaching young children since 1995. I have an Associate’s degree in Child Development and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis on Early Education.

My favorite part of teaching is inspiring a love for reading in young children. Literacy is a passion of mine. Reading to children and watching them begin to learn that words can be written and then retold in a story is truly something magical to me.

I moved to Western North Carolina in 2012 and previously lived in Illinois. I have two adult children, Alex and Abbie. I am married to a wonderful man named Dennis. We currently live in the middle of an Apple Orchard in Flat Rock. We are the proud fur parents of a corgi named Hutch. During my free time, I enjoy traveling (especially cruises), spending time with family/friends, and watching Michigan football with my husband. Go Blue! Go Lions!”

Eleanor Palmer, Lead Sprouts Class Teacher

Born and raised in Mills River, these mountains have always been my home. Growing up, I took theater classes at the Flat Rock Playhouse, an experience that fueled my passion for teaching, showcasing the transformative power of art as a learning tool. In 2019, I earned a BFA in Studio Art from Appalachian State University and subsequently worked as a studio manager at Klaystation in Raleigh, NC, teaching wheel throwing classes and leading art camps for children in the summer. Returning to Hendersonville in 2020, I began my childcare career at Montessori Country Day, working with children aged 1-5. Joining the Wild Oak team in August 2022 marked a significant highlight in my teaching journey, as Wild Oak fosters a space where children experience a profound sense of belonging. As a teacher, I prioritize play-based learning, connecting children with nature, and integrating fundamental learning theories into the classroom.

Outside of Wild Oak, I dedicate my time to painting and immersing myself in nature. My passion for creativity drives me to utilize artistic mediums for authentic communication, mindfulness, and confidence building across all ages and spectrums. Through the arts, I introduce and reinforce the fundamentals of math, science, language, fine motor skills, communication, and social/emotional development. I feel fortunate to be a part of this incredible community.

Maureen Matthews, Seedling School Support Specialist

Get to know Ms. Maureen! Read her bio here.

Chelsie Hicks, Outdoor Adventure Leader and Afternoon Friends Teacher

Hi, I’m Ms. Chelsie, serving as the Lead Seedlings Outdoor Teacher and instructor of Afternoon Friends at Wild Oak. I earned my BA in Psychology and Child and Family Studies from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and since graduating in 2019, I’ve been dedicated to working with youth in various settings, including wilderness therapy, boarding schools, and preschool classrooms. My lifelong passion for the outdoors aligns perfectly with my role at Wild Oak, where I’m enthusiastic about instilling that same love for nature in the next generation. I firmly believe that nature is the best medicine, providing valuable lessons in teamwork, gross motor skills, listening skills, group play, and more. Beyond Wild Oak, I find joy in hiking, exploring national parks, creating, and spending time with my two pups.

I’m thrilled to be part of the Wild Oak community, eager to connect with your children as we explore the wonders of the world together!

Allison Horsch, Kindergarten-1st grade teacher

I recently relocated to North Carolina after spending most of my life in Colorado. Prior to that, I enjoyed living in the rolling hills of Kansas and the lush mountains of Washington state. As the middle child of seven, my childhood dreams of becoming a teacher have come to fruition. Growing up, I immersed myself in imaginative play, sports, and nature, camping in the western landscapes during every summer vacation. Now, as an adult, I cherish the memories of my childhood in nature and the freedom to explore beyond the western region. I eagerly anticipate this new adventure in North Carolina, where I look forward to running on beautiful trails, paddleboarding down rivers, building community, and establishing roots in our new home alongside my dog and partner.

With a B.S. in Human Development & Family Studies and a Master’s in Education & Human Resource Studies from Colorado State University, I bring a robust developmental and educational research background to Wild Oak School. My experience includes mentoring CSU college students, teaching at CSU’s Early Childhood Center, and serving as a middle school Social Studies Teacher and Teacher Advisor at a project-based learning school. Describing my teaching approach as compassionate, creative, SEI-focused, and curious, I see myself as a co-learner with children, guiding hands-on, real-world learning. Joining the Wild Oak School team fills me with gratitude and excitement as I look forward to cultivating a classroom of curious, creative thinkers and problem-solvers who author their own learning.

Danielle Linde, 2nd-3rd grade teacher

Get to know Ms. Danielle!

Tricia Kyzer, 4th-5th Grade Teacher

For over 15 years, I’ve immersed myself in outdoor teaching and learning, ranging from the swamps to the mountains, fostering spaces for observation, questions, and meaningful connections that ignite true learning magic. Originally from the tropical Florida Keys, I now reside in the breathtaking Blue Ridge mountains.

As a naturalist, writer, and dedicated woods wanderer, my free time is spent exploring local trails and embracing the wild community. I’ve backpacked the Foothills Trail and the Art Loeb Trail, with aspirations to conquer the Appalachian Trail.

In terms of education, I hold a BA in Elementary Education from North Greenville University, along with certifications as a South Carolina Statewide Master Naturalist and a Palmetto Environmental Educator. Over the past 15 years, I’ve collaborated with people of all ages, guiding them to forge their own connections with our wild places. My experiences encompass curriculum development for Lake Conestee Nature Preserve and Jocassee Wild Child Outdoor Education, and my recent work involved supporting students in mental health crises within wilderness settings.