Our school is amazing because of our amazing staff! They have varying backgrounds and degrees, as well as outdoor education/experience, but most importantly they all genuinely love and connect with kiddos! They are the backbone of our program. Read more about them below.
Rachel Parker - Nature Preschool Director
Rachel is originally from The Natural State. She graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a degree in Early Childhood Special Education and worked with preschoolers with severe developmental delays for 8 years before becoming a Forest Kindergarten teacher. She is passionate about getting young children connected with nature, which is what lead her to Ferncliff. She started the nature preschool 7 years ago and has been the Director ever since. She lives in Ferndale with her husband and their two children. She loves spending her time camping with friends and family, keeping an ear out for great music, and refining her kite flying skills.
Email Rachel
Dorothy Thomas - Nature Preschool Lead Teacher
Dorothy calls Arkansas home, though she grew up in the Midwest and Texas. She landed at Ferncliff in 2015 as an intern and then accepted a teaching assistant position with the preschool in 2016. She finds joy in working with children and being in the outdoors, has 17 years experience working with children, and has completed course work in child development from the University of Central Missouri, which makes her a natural fit for our program. She is an Arkansas Master Naturalist and has just recently completed a Nature-Based Teacher Certification course with the Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools. When not at the school she likes to explore the State Parks of Arkansas, support the local art and music communities statewide, and is learning to play the Dulcimer.
Email Dorothy
John Hooker - Nature Preschool Lead Teacher
Hi everyone, my name is John Wilson Hooker! I’ve lived in Central Arkansas for all my life and have been working at summer camps and in early childhood education since I was fourteen years old. I’m a big hiker, a big consumer of animation and new music, and an even bigger goof ball when given the slightest opportunity. I love a good cup of tea, any dish with copious amounts of mushrooms, and spending time with ornery cats. I graduated from Hendrix College in 2018, and I’ve been working in the outdoor education field with 3, 4, and 5 years olds since January of 2019. I’m so excited about continuing that journey at Ferncliff!
Email John
Cindy Quiroz - Nature Preschool Lead Teacher
Cindy Q “Monarch” was born and raised in Mexico until the age of 8 and has been a native of Arkansas for over 20 years. She loves being a short drive to water, hiking, camping, biking, and all the wonder that surrounds our state! When she’s not outdoors you can catch her reading a book, practicing yoga, listening to music, playing with two very slobbery dogs, jewelry making with her daughter, or brushing up on her Spanish with her grandparents.
Email Cindy
Janae McCallister - Nature Preschool Teaching Assistant
My name is Janae McCallister & I am so excited to be joining the Ferncliff Nature Preschool staff this year. I was born & raised in Arkansas & after spending 9 years in Mississippi, my family & I relocated back to The Natural State in 2021. I am married, with 3 boys, ages 11, 8 & 4. We love to spend our weekends camping, hiking, or at the lake when we aren’t busy playing baseball. I am also a huge animal lover & our 4 mini Aussies are always adventuring with us. I love to read, do lots of DIY projects around the home & anything crafty/creative. I have a long history of working with kids, starting with babysitting, working in a traditional preschool setting, nannying, & then raising my own 3 boys. I studied Wildlife Ecology & Early Childhood education in college & I am looking forward to the opportunity this year to incorporate my love of nature into working with kids. I can’t wait for all the experiences we will get to enjoy together!
Anna Derting - Nature Preschool Teaching Assistant
Anna Derting is from Washington State. She has worked with both the Summer Camp programs and the Nature Preschool here at Ferncliff for the past year. She is currently working towards her early childhood education credentials. She loves cooking and baking and enjoys a good afternoon nap. A fun fact about Anna is that she was born in Madagascar! Anna is most excited for making new friends and welcoming kids into a loving environment.
Maiela Leinberger - Nature Preschool Teaching Assistant
Maiela Leinberger is an assistant teacher at Ferncliff Nature School. New to the Little Rock area she is motivated by the chance to help create the magic and love she received as a child. Maiela brings artistic talents and an ability to connect with young children to Ferncliff. These past two years she has worked at a new forest school in Wisconsin both as an assistant teacher and an Americorps Volunteer. She is excited for a new educational environment and to continue learning alongside wonderful and inspiring people and children.
Rachel Talmadge - Nature Preschool Teaching Assistant
Rachel was born and raised in Fredericksburg, Virginia. She loves reading, being in nature, and hanging out with her family. She is a graduate from Mississippi State University, where she studied Elementary Education. She has worked at Camp Hanover for the last 4 years and is excited to join the Ferncliff team! Rachel will be a floating Teaching Assistant at the Nature Preschool this school year.
