Hello, my name is Natalie! I was born and raised in Murphy, NC, tucked right here in these beautiful mountains, though I was lucky enough to travel most summers growing up, which gave me a real love for exploring new places. I graduated from Western Carolina University with a degree in K-5 Elementary Education and a concentration in Psychology, which gave me a strong foundation in both teaching and understanding how children grow and learn best.
When I’m not in the classroom, you can usually find me out on a hiking trail. There’s something about being outdoors, breathing in fresh mountain air and soaking up the quiet, that fills me right up. I love that Mountain Discovery shares that same appreciation for nature and hands-on learning, and I love bringing that same sense of wonder and adventure into my classroom.
Teaching has always felt like more than just a job to me, it’s something I truly love. I’m so excited to be part of this school community and to create a classroom that feels warm, safe, and full of curiosity. I love getting to know my students and their families, and growing together as we explore, learn, and discover all year long.
