Teachers and Staff
Tammie Sarver - Executive Director
I’m honored to be leading and learning with our Blue Mountain School community! I’m committed to nurturing our youngest citizens' love of learning, mindfulness, social emotional strength, and developmentally appropriate activism. I’m committed to caring and connecting with every family in our Blue Mountain School community. I want every child and family in our community to feel seen, heard, and valued.
I’ve been teaching in and out of the classroom for nearly 30 years. I’m very grateful that after a winding journey, as a teacher and administrator, I have found my pedagogical home at Blue Mountain School! I’m inspired by the philosophies of Reggio Emilia and constructivist education. I received my undergraduate education at Virginia Tech. In my masters work at ETSU, I studied Emergent Inquiry, and I’m proud to have attended training in Reggio Emilia, Italy.
I look for ways to celebrate and inspire each child’s unique abilities, sense of wonder, and feelings of success. I believe that students, families, and Blue Mountain School weave together a beautiful fabric of support, curiosity, and provocation. Together, we combine core academics with the rich alchemy of outdoor education and mindfulness. We weave a tapestry of curiosity, work, and learning that blanket a life rich with the love of learning and the tools to succeed in a diverse and rapidly changing world.
When I’m not at school you will usually find me in the woods, the river, volunteering, or cooking in my kitchen or reading a good book with my Eric, our 5 children, and many pets.
I’m honored to be leading and learning with our Blue Mountain School community! I’m committed to nurturing our youngest citizens' love of learning, mindfulness, social emotional strength, and developmentally appropriate activism. I’m committed to caring and connecting with every family in our Blue Mountain School community. I want every child and family in our community to feel seen, heard, and valued.
I’ve been teaching in and out of the classroom for nearly 30 years. I’m very grateful that after a winding journey, as a teacher and administrator, I have found my pedagogical home at Blue Mountain School! I’m inspired by the philosophies of Reggio Emilia and constructivist education. I received my undergraduate education at Virginia Tech. In my masters work at ETSU, I studied Emergent Inquiry, and I’m proud to have attended training in Reggio Emilia, Italy.
I look for ways to celebrate and inspire each child’s unique abilities, sense of wonder, and feelings of success. I believe that students, families, and Blue Mountain School weave together a beautiful fabric of support, curiosity, and provocation. Together, we combine core academics with the rich alchemy of outdoor education and mindfulness. We weave a tapestry of curiosity, work, and learning that blanket a life rich with the love of learning and the tools to succeed in a diverse and rapidly changing world.
When I’m not at school you will usually find me in the woods, the river, volunteering, or cooking in my kitchen or reading a good book with my Eric, our 5 children, and many pets.
Jenni Heartway - Office Support, Forest Programs Director and Teacher
My passion is educating young learners using emergent curriculum and project based learning. I began my training as a Foxfire Certified teacher and have continued my love of learning that spirals from student interests, since that time. I truly enjoy helping students develop literacy skills in an authentic, meaningful manner, and scaffolding children’s play to create learning experiences. I have taught in a variety of settings; public schools, private schools, internationally and outdoors as a Forest Kindergarten teacher. This is my 20th year in the classroom. I am a licensed Birth through Sixth grade teacher and have an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education with a second major in Psychology. My Masters Degree is in Early Childhood Intervention and Family Support. I completed my North Carolina Environmental Educator’s Certification, and look forward to sharing my love of the outdoors with my students. When I'm not in the classroom you can find me in the woods with my family and our dogs. My four children attend Blue Mountain and my husband, Perrin works as a holistic veterinarian.
My passion is educating young learners using emergent curriculum and project based learning. I began my training as a Foxfire Certified teacher and have continued my love of learning that spirals from student interests, since that time. I truly enjoy helping students develop literacy skills in an authentic, meaningful manner, and scaffolding children’s play to create learning experiences. I have taught in a variety of settings; public schools, private schools, internationally and outdoors as a Forest Kindergarten teacher. This is my 20th year in the classroom. I am a licensed Birth through Sixth grade teacher and have an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education with a second major in Psychology. My Masters Degree is in Early Childhood Intervention and Family Support. I completed my North Carolina Environmental Educator’s Certification, and look forward to sharing my love of the outdoors with my students. When I'm not in the classroom you can find me in the woods with my family and our dogs. My four children attend Blue Mountain and my husband, Perrin works as a holistic veterinarian.
Lore Deighan - Office Support, Art Teacher, Enrichment Director
As a Floyd native by birth carried away for many years, I have been happily settled back in this wonderful community since 2008. I have taught at Blue Mountain School now for ten years, spending that time as a parent, art teacher, forest school leader, upper elementary teacher, and administrator. I have learned so much about teaching, parenting and myself as I've grown into my role as an educator at BMS. My passion is painting, graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2006 with a degree in Painting and Printmaking. I weave my artistic and creative self, my passion and awe for the natural world, and my enthusiasm for wandering and wondering through life into my role as educator.
As a Floyd native by birth carried away for many years, I have been happily settled back in this wonderful community since 2008. I have taught at Blue Mountain School now for ten years, spending that time as a parent, art teacher, forest school leader, upper elementary teacher, and administrator. I have learned so much about teaching, parenting and myself as I've grown into my role as an educator at BMS. My passion is painting, graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2006 with a degree in Painting and Printmaking. I weave my artistic and creative self, my passion and awe for the natural world, and my enthusiasm for wandering and wondering through life into my role as educator.
Stefi Schafer - Early Childhood Lead Teacher
I am a native of Germany, and I settled in the New River Valley in 1994. I found my true Heimat right here in Floyd. I have a degree in early childhood development and education from New River Community College. I have been working in the early childhood field since my arrival as an Au pair many years ago with various age groups. While my training is valuable, my experience as a teacher and as a mother has taught me a lot about children that the textbooks left out. I have been a member of the BMS teaching team since 2010. I strongly believe that children are capable collaborators in their own learning process: Children are people, too!
They deserve respectful and caring adults to guide them on their journey as they learn about themselves and others, and the world around them. In addition to teaching, I also am an active member of the Floyd Humane Society and provide foster care for puppies and dogs.
I am a native of Germany, and I settled in the New River Valley in 1994. I found my true Heimat right here in Floyd. I have a degree in early childhood development and education from New River Community College. I have been working in the early childhood field since my arrival as an Au pair many years ago with various age groups. While my training is valuable, my experience as a teacher and as a mother has taught me a lot about children that the textbooks left out. I have been a member of the BMS teaching team since 2010. I strongly believe that children are capable collaborators in their own learning process: Children are people, too!
They deserve respectful and caring adults to guide them on their journey as they learn about themselves and others, and the world around them. In addition to teaching, I also am an active member of the Floyd Humane Society and provide foster care for puppies and dogs.
Kara Buehler - Early Childhood Co-Teacher
My family and I found our way to Floyd by what felt like a calling. We traded the sunny beaches of South Florida for the gorgeous Appalachian mountains and we feel like we’ve found home. My personal nature has always been centered around empathy and sensitivity; I like to find the beauty in the small things, the tiny pieces of the picture that can pull everything into focus. Children possess an unmatched sense of wonder and to be a part of that process feels magical to me. I have three little ones of my own and I don’t take lightly the opportunity to be a part of your children’s lives. I studied Early Childhood Education, Women’s Studies and Latin American Area Studies at the University of Central Florida and would love to expand on that educational foundation. Life is such a wonderful journey and I’m so grateful it’s led me to Blue Mountain School.
My family and I found our way to Floyd by what felt like a calling. We traded the sunny beaches of South Florida for the gorgeous Appalachian mountains and we feel like we’ve found home. My personal nature has always been centered around empathy and sensitivity; I like to find the beauty in the small things, the tiny pieces of the picture that can pull everything into focus. Children possess an unmatched sense of wonder and to be a part of that process feels magical to me. I have three little ones of my own and I don’t take lightly the opportunity to be a part of your children’s lives. I studied Early Childhood Education, Women’s Studies and Latin American Area Studies at the University of Central Florida and would love to expand on that educational foundation. Life is such a wonderful journey and I’m so grateful it’s led me to Blue Mountain School.
Mark Upson - Facilities Manager and Classroom Support
I have been a teacher in many different settings, and I have held a similar number of positions within the arts. As my working life has straddled the two disciplines, my heart has always found the common ground between the two to be the most personally rewarding. Without a doubt, my discovery of Blue Mountain and the community of Floyd has been the culmination of a very long journey and the beginning of a deeper exploration into teaching, learning, and creating. As in all endeavors born from inspiration and love, the spark of learning remains joyful and mysterious to those whose minds are open. The mere existence of mystery, makes me feel like I am on a wild frontier, along with my fellow teachers and students, embarking on some grand adventure, destination unknown, without a map, just our hearts leading the way. For us, it's the journey that is sacred, and together we probe the future, searching for meaning, researching the possibilities, investigating all leads with inspiration, spontaneity, and love. I am grateful for every student who brings this journey to our school, and opens the book on such a worthy pursuit as learning.
I have been a teacher in many different settings, and I have held a similar number of positions within the arts. As my working life has straddled the two disciplines, my heart has always found the common ground between the two to be the most personally rewarding. Without a doubt, my discovery of Blue Mountain and the community of Floyd has been the culmination of a very long journey and the beginning of a deeper exploration into teaching, learning, and creating. As in all endeavors born from inspiration and love, the spark of learning remains joyful and mysterious to those whose minds are open. The mere existence of mystery, makes me feel like I am on a wild frontier, along with my fellow teachers and students, embarking on some grand adventure, destination unknown, without a map, just our hearts leading the way. For us, it's the journey that is sacred, and together we probe the future, searching for meaning, researching the possibilities, investigating all leads with inspiration, spontaneity, and love. I am grateful for every student who brings this journey to our school, and opens the book on such a worthy pursuit as learning.
Mollie Walsh - Forest School Lead Teacher
My love of nature was born in the swamps of coastal Virginia where I spent my early years. My love of working with young people sparked during my high school years as a student teacher in a small progressive school setting. I have spent time as camp counselor, family resource provider and educator in California and Virginia. My educational passion is to help young learners develop their connections to nature through art, birding, plant identification, adventuring and hiking. I enjoy those things in my spare time immensely but also love gardening with my terrier and reading Roald Dahl books aloud in silly voices.
My love of nature was born in the swamps of coastal Virginia where I spent my early years. My love of working with young people sparked during my high school years as a student teacher in a small progressive school setting. I have spent time as camp counselor, family resource provider and educator in California and Virginia. My educational passion is to help young learners develop their connections to nature through art, birding, plant identification, adventuring and hiking. I enjoy those things in my spare time immensely but also love gardening with my terrier and reading Roald Dahl books aloud in silly voices.
David Choquette - Upper Elementary Lead Teacher
My teaching license says I teach math, reading, science, and social studies, but my true goal is to inspire students to be kind, curious, and confident. How do we build a caring community? How do we answer the zillion questions we have about the world? How do we get really good at stuff like long division, writing stories, identifying bugs, and making fires? Let’s figure it out together in the woods! I came to Blue Mountain after six years of public school teaching in VA and NC, and ten years of counseling at summer camps, year-round camps, and even a therapeutic wilderness camp. I have a master’s degree in teaching from NC State and a BS in psychology from Virginia Tech. I’ve also caught 21 species of snakes, paddled 500 miles, and played 100 different games. I’m excited to be able to combine all my skills and passions into one glorious, creative outdoor learning adventure with you.
My teaching license says I teach math, reading, science, and social studies, but my true goal is to inspire students to be kind, curious, and confident. How do we build a caring community? How do we answer the zillion questions we have about the world? How do we get really good at stuff like long division, writing stories, identifying bugs, and making fires? Let’s figure it out together in the woods! I came to Blue Mountain after six years of public school teaching in VA and NC, and ten years of counseling at summer camps, year-round camps, and even a therapeutic wilderness camp. I have a master’s degree in teaching from NC State and a BS in psychology from Virginia Tech. I’ve also caught 21 species of snakes, paddled 500 miles, and played 100 different games. I’m excited to be able to combine all my skills and passions into one glorious, creative outdoor learning adventure with you.
Jacob Sission - Middle Elementary Lead Teacher
Each day I am thankful to have the opportunity to learn, play, and create things with my students. It is important to me that my students feel safe, love learning, and are happy in their school endeavors. Among my favorite quotes is "Imagination is more important than knowledge." by Albert Einstein. Each day I spend time teaching I find new perspectives on his amazing words. When a child smiles at a new marvel that they have found in their world I know I am lucky to share in their adventure.
Each day I am thankful to have the opportunity to learn, play, and create things with my students. It is important to me that my students feel safe, love learning, and are happy in their school endeavors. Among my favorite quotes is "Imagination is more important than knowledge." by Albert Einstein. Each day I spend time teaching I find new perspectives on his amazing words. When a child smiles at a new marvel that they have found in their world I know I am lucky to share in their adventure.
Kiara Sprowls - Early Elementary Lead Teacher
I became a teacher because I love being a part of students' journey of exploration of the world and developing their socio-emotional skills. I’m grateful for the Blue Mountain School’s values of learning through connection, wonder, and developing reverence for our natural environment. I recently joined my family in Floyd, Virginia and I’m grateful for the peaceful nature and open heartedness of the community. When I’m not in school, you can find me adventuring outdoors, spending time with friends and family, or relaxing with journaling or singing. I am a licensed preschool through 6th grade teacher with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and a minor in Childhood Studies. In 2021 I graduated with a Masters in Elementary Education from Christopher Newport University. In January 2022, I started teaching our school’s class of Early Learners and I'm looking forward to teaching Early Elementary this upcoming school year :)
I became a teacher because I love being a part of students' journey of exploration of the world and developing their socio-emotional skills. I’m grateful for the Blue Mountain School’s values of learning through connection, wonder, and developing reverence for our natural environment. I recently joined my family in Floyd, Virginia and I’m grateful for the peaceful nature and open heartedness of the community. When I’m not in school, you can find me adventuring outdoors, spending time with friends and family, or relaxing with journaling or singing. I am a licensed preschool through 6th grade teacher with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and a minor in Childhood Studies. In 2021 I graduated with a Masters in Elementary Education from Christopher Newport University. In January 2022, I started teaching our school’s class of Early Learners and I'm looking forward to teaching Early Elementary this upcoming school year :)
Abby Nicolo - Early Learning Lead Teacher
I am so excited and honored to join Blue Mountain this year as a head teacher to the Early Learning Sapphire Class. I am very passionate about outdoor education, learning through play, student led projects and maker spaces! My past teaching experiences include teaching Forest School in Central and Prospect Parks in New York City. I was a museum educator at the N-Y Historical Society and have enjoyed teaching in preschools from Fredericksburg, Virginia to St. Kitts in the West Indies. I was also very lucky to have the opportunity to homeschool my two children, Zenny and Amos, for two years. More recently, I was a teacher at Yellow Hen, the in house Montessori inspired daycare at Red Rooster Coffee here in Floyd. This year I will be obtaining a Masters in Innovative Early Childhood Learning with a focus on Reggio Emilia through a partnership with the University of Colorado-Denver and the Boulder Journey School. As a native of Southwest Virginia, I am thrilled to return to my roots and explore my passion of teaching here in the forests of Floyd.
I am so excited and honored to join Blue Mountain this year as a head teacher to the Early Learning Sapphire Class. I am very passionate about outdoor education, learning through play, student led projects and maker spaces! My past teaching experiences include teaching Forest School in Central and Prospect Parks in New York City. I was a museum educator at the N-Y Historical Society and have enjoyed teaching in preschools from Fredericksburg, Virginia to St. Kitts in the West Indies. I was also very lucky to have the opportunity to homeschool my two children, Zenny and Amos, for two years. More recently, I was a teacher at Yellow Hen, the in house Montessori inspired daycare at Red Rooster Coffee here in Floyd. This year I will be obtaining a Masters in Innovative Early Childhood Learning with a focus on Reggio Emilia through a partnership with the University of Colorado-Denver and the Boulder Journey School. As a native of Southwest Virginia, I am thrilled to return to my roots and explore my passion of teaching here in the forests of Floyd.
Susan Cordell - Super Upper Elementary Lead Teacher
Hi! I am beyond excited to join the Blue Mountain School family! I recently moved from Texas to begin this 2022-2023 school journey with you. My favorite place to be is outdoors and I enjoy every landscape I come across. I have been teaching for 23 years; 10 years in California teaching multiple subjects in a self-contained classroom (middle school), middle school science teacher, middle school physical education teacher, and several leadership roles. I also taught in Texas for 13 years. I have a B.A. in Communications and a M.Ed.; both from universities in California.
My philosophy is that children should be given more control over their learning, no matter the learning environment. I have a great love and respect for the outdoors and mother nature, in general. In the brief time I have been in Floyd, I have discovered a supportive community that like me, is also a steward of nature. My passion in education is guiding students to help build their self-efficacy, accountability, and autonomy. I am enthusiastic to bridge my love of learning, teaching, and exploring with your students. I encourage my scholars to always question and seek to find answers. Kids have so many questions about the world, so why not give them the skills and tools to search for the answers themselves?
I recently purchased a motorhome and that has become a great deal of enjoyment for me. I love the freedom of the road and staying in some of the most beautiful state parks! When I am not at school, that is where I hope to be!
It's going to be a marvelous school year, for sure!
Hi! I am beyond excited to join the Blue Mountain School family! I recently moved from Texas to begin this 2022-2023 school journey with you. My favorite place to be is outdoors and I enjoy every landscape I come across. I have been teaching for 23 years; 10 years in California teaching multiple subjects in a self-contained classroom (middle school), middle school science teacher, middle school physical education teacher, and several leadership roles. I also taught in Texas for 13 years. I have a B.A. in Communications and a M.Ed.; both from universities in California.
My philosophy is that children should be given more control over their learning, no matter the learning environment. I have a great love and respect for the outdoors and mother nature, in general. In the brief time I have been in Floyd, I have discovered a supportive community that like me, is also a steward of nature. My passion in education is guiding students to help build their self-efficacy, accountability, and autonomy. I am enthusiastic to bridge my love of learning, teaching, and exploring with your students. I encourage my scholars to always question and seek to find answers. Kids have so many questions about the world, so why not give them the skills and tools to search for the answers themselves?
I recently purchased a motorhome and that has become a great deal of enjoyment for me. I love the freedom of the road and staying in some of the most beautiful state parks! When I am not at school, that is where I hope to be!
It's going to be a marvelous school year, for sure!
Jagadisha Rotella - Enrichment Mindfulness Teacher
Jagadisha has been helping children at Blue Mountain School cultivate mindfulness within themselves and their interactions within the world for over ten years! He shares his deep sense of calm, and love for the art of bonsai and plantings with the students at Blue Mountain School.
Jagadisha has been helping children at Blue Mountain School cultivate mindfulness within themselves and their interactions within the world for over ten years! He shares his deep sense of calm, and love for the art of bonsai and plantings with the students at Blue Mountain School.
Kris Kiko-Cozy - Enrichment Music and Movement Teacher
Kris Kiko-Cozy has been facilitating groups of all ages in music and movement for over 30 years. She often teams up with her husband Jeff who also enjoys bringing people together to sing, dance and make music. Kris draws from rich and diverse personal experiences and resources to knit together the common threads of different movement and dance modalities, simple, traditional songs, spontaneous improvisations, nature themes and the world's many spiritual traditions for joyful and meaningful expression in a safe, group context.
Kris grew up the oldest of eight children on a farm in NE Ohio. She began at age 13 teaching private clarinet lessons and at 16 performing professionally in the classical music world. Her passion for using the arts for health and wellness and community building led to work in mental health, the Bosnian war zone and many diverse educational settings.
Kris Kiko-Cozy has been facilitating groups of all ages in music and movement for over 30 years. She often teams up with her husband Jeff who also enjoys bringing people together to sing, dance and make music. Kris draws from rich and diverse personal experiences and resources to knit together the common threads of different movement and dance modalities, simple, traditional songs, spontaneous improvisations, nature themes and the world's many spiritual traditions for joyful and meaningful expression in a safe, group context.
Kris grew up the oldest of eight children on a farm in NE Ohio. She began at age 13 teaching private clarinet lessons and at 16 performing professionally in the classical music world. Her passion for using the arts for health and wellness and community building led to work in mental health, the Bosnian war zone and many diverse educational settings.
Rashmi Staengl - Early Childhood Co-Teacher
Teaching has always been my childhood dream. To realize this, I studied a lot about education and educating young learners (I am an undergraduate of Masters degree in Family Life and Child Development). I gained a lot of experience teaching for more than 12 years in 3 different countries (Philippines, Laos & U.S.A.) with students ranging from preschool to college.
Philippines is my birth country and moving here in Floyd makes me feel at home especially with the opportunity of working with BMS who’s philosophy and values are aligned with mine which I am truly grateful for. Both my husband and daughter are alumni and this year, my son and I will be in the same class. The sense of community and extended family vibes here has inspired me a lot to continue realizing my dream of serving the society as an educator.
Education, I believe, is beyond the four corners of a classroom and more than just the transfer of knowledge. Anytime can be a learning moment, anywhere can be a learning space and anyone can be a teacher. Education is a positive way of expanding and improving ourselves and others around us.
I love learning and experiencing new things with children and adults so I’m very excited and looking forward to growing with all of you beautiful BMS folks!
Teaching has always been my childhood dream. To realize this, I studied a lot about education and educating young learners (I am an undergraduate of Masters degree in Family Life and Child Development). I gained a lot of experience teaching for more than 12 years in 3 different countries (Philippines, Laos & U.S.A.) with students ranging from preschool to college.
Philippines is my birth country and moving here in Floyd makes me feel at home especially with the opportunity of working with BMS who’s philosophy and values are aligned with mine which I am truly grateful for. Both my husband and daughter are alumni and this year, my son and I will be in the same class. The sense of community and extended family vibes here has inspired me a lot to continue realizing my dream of serving the society as an educator.
Education, I believe, is beyond the four corners of a classroom and more than just the transfer of knowledge. Anytime can be a learning moment, anywhere can be a learning space and anyone can be a teacher. Education is a positive way of expanding and improving ourselves and others around us.
I love learning and experiencing new things with children and adults so I’m very excited and looking forward to growing with all of you beautiful BMS folks!
Emily Mabry - Early Elementary Co-Teacher
I am very happy to be returning for a second year to work among the wonderfully talented and diverse group of teachers and administration this year at Blue Mountain School. My journey with teaching has led me on a colorful path and I feel grateful to have spent my life learning with and from children and young adults in various environments. I have taught at a variety of levels from early childhood to the university level. Throughout my career I have enjoyed teaching grade school as well as French, Spanish and English as a second language. I am most at home working with children in natural environments. I moved to Floyd several years ago from Tucson, Arizona where I had been teaching and farming for the better part of two decades. My last eight years of teaching in Tucson were spent on our CSA farm where students in grades three through eight participated in all aspects of a working farm on a day to day basis. I also combined creative writing, drawing, poetry, cooking and music into our gardening classes. I hold a masters degree in French and Francophone literature and I have completed three years of Waldorf Teacher Training.
I am very happy to be returning for a second year to work among the wonderfully talented and diverse group of teachers and administration this year at Blue Mountain School. My journey with teaching has led me on a colorful path and I feel grateful to have spent my life learning with and from children and young adults in various environments. I have taught at a variety of levels from early childhood to the university level. Throughout my career I have enjoyed teaching grade school as well as French, Spanish and English as a second language. I am most at home working with children in natural environments. I moved to Floyd several years ago from Tucson, Arizona where I had been teaching and farming for the better part of two decades. My last eight years of teaching in Tucson were spent on our CSA farm where students in grades three through eight participated in all aspects of a working farm on a day to day basis. I also combined creative writing, drawing, poetry, cooking and music into our gardening classes. I hold a masters degree in French and Francophone literature and I have completed three years of Waldorf Teacher Training.
Gigi Austen - Early Childhood and Forest School Co-Teacher, Spanish Club Leader
Gigi Austin was raised an Appalachian mountain girl and spent much of her childhood hunting, fishing and farming in Southwest Virginia. Her dad instilled in her a deep love for Nature and its conservation. Her mother taught her social graces and grit. Gigi left her home after college and spent the next twenty years developing her career as a language instructor and facilitator of conscious travel communities. Some of the most treasured experiences she accrued during her seven years of wanderings include: walking the full Camino de Santiago in Spain, WWOOFing across Chile, working at a hostel while living in a tent on the Uruguayan coast, raising baby goats on a ranch in Texas, couchsurfing the south of South America, leading people-to-people exchange programs in Cuba, apprenticing as a Dream Quest guide, leading Gap Year programs in Latin America, teaching yoga at a silent retreat center in the mountains of Guatemala and going on a safari in Tanzania. She has recently returned to the ‘hollers and hills of Virginia that raised her and looks forward to contributing to the community nestled in them.
Gigi Austin was raised an Appalachian mountain girl and spent much of her childhood hunting, fishing and farming in Southwest Virginia. Her dad instilled in her a deep love for Nature and its conservation. Her mother taught her social graces and grit. Gigi left her home after college and spent the next twenty years developing her career as a language instructor and facilitator of conscious travel communities. Some of the most treasured experiences she accrued during her seven years of wanderings include: walking the full Camino de Santiago in Spain, WWOOFing across Chile, working at a hostel while living in a tent on the Uruguayan coast, raising baby goats on a ranch in Texas, couchsurfing the south of South America, leading people-to-people exchange programs in Cuba, apprenticing as a Dream Quest guide, leading Gap Year programs in Latin America, teaching yoga at a silent retreat center in the mountains of Guatemala and going on a safari in Tanzania. She has recently returned to the ‘hollers and hills of Virginia that raised her and looks forward to contributing to the community nestled in them.
