Sara has been involved in education professionally for 20 years.  After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Education & Social Policy from Northwestern University, she taught Special Education grades 3-6 in New York City as a corps member for Teach for America. Sara earned a Master’s of Science in Education and went on to work for Montana’s Office of Public Instruction for 5 years.  Sara worked in special education compliance, professional development and spearheaded the beginning of the State’s School Mental Health Initiative.

For the last 10 years, Sara has lived between Helena and New York creating learning environments. She founded and directed a micro school for kids ages 5-15 in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.  Credentials aside, Sara’s passion is curating space and facilitating conversations that lead kids to make their own discoveries.

Christopher graduated from The Cooper Union School of Architecture in New York City. Architecture came after a degree in studio art (emphasis on photography and painting) and work as a teacher, chef, and exhibit designer for a science museum. His architecture thesis “The Walking School” focused on education through the lens of peripatetic exploration. Through the creation of wearable classrooms and mobile pieces, students can fully explore the natural and cultural landscape around them. Instead of an insular system of classroom education, the things the students carry become the space for investigation. As an architect, Chris finds building and making with kids to be the ultimate inspiration. As co-founder of Cottonwood ALC, Christopher continues to explore curiosity and learning as the catalyst for design.

Noah has worked as both a teacher and administrator in a wide range of creative educational environments, including a special education microschool and extracurricular arts programs. They are passionate about LGBTQ+ advocacy and co-founded and lead a camp for queer youth in the south. Noah loves facilitating opportunities for young people to explore their passions, take risks, and build supportive, inclusive communities. Noah graduated from Wesleyan University with a Bachelor’s in English and spends their free time pursuing eclectic creative projects and attending events around Brooklyn. 

Thury was born and raised in Iceland. She received her undergraduate degree from Central Saint Martins in London majoring in fashion design. Her MFA is in studio art from the School of visual arts in New York. She has been teaching on and off for the past 15 years. Professor of design to collage students, art in nursery and home schools. Last year she was art director and full time teacher in a nursery school in Iceland. Thury is very excited to join the cotton wood team and participate in building a space where children can be co-creators of their own school. In addition to teaching she is co-owner of Vik Prjonsdottir, a design label working with Icelandic wool. She’s also currently involved in a few projects. Knowing the Ropes which just exhibited at the Reykjavik art Museum, is a collaborative project that combines art and design around concepts related to rope and net making. She is also illustrating a book on mindfulness for young adults in collaboration with a child psychiatrist. Thury has a wholistic approach to the work she does and teaching is no exception. Her joy is in finding ways to use creativity as a tool to experience and learn about the world around us in new and exciting ways.

Kyle graduated from the Parsons New School of Design with a degree in photography and printmaking, then went on to graduate from the International Photography with a certificate in creative practices in 2024. They have been working in education on and off for ten years as a teachers assistant, studio technician, and resident advisor. Her other experience includes working in the fashion industry and as an event photographer. 

Originally from Baltimore, Kyle has been in Brooklyn for seven years and is very passionate about exploring what the city has to offer. Always excited to try something new- Kyle is passionate about working with their hands, exploring the natural world, and constant discovery.

"Ashley recently received her BFA in Acting. Born and raised in Wisconsin, she is a natural lover of nature and all things cheese. Aside from the performing arts, her passions include writing, cooking, and spending quality time with family and friends. The 8+ years she spent with Girl Scouts of America gave her insight to the many faces of education. Most of all, it cultivated a deep desire to work with children. She believes in the importance of choosing love, genuine connection and understanding, as well as the power of creativity and independence."

Born and Raised in Brooklyn, Semar has a passion to conciliate the collective through the power of creativity. With a diverse background, as a photographer, freestyle movement artist and percussionist, She brings a dynamic approach to each interaction. Bringing in several years of experience working with children, Semar is passionate about fostering curiosity, exploration, and encouraging the youth to embrace their most authentic selves through the power of creative energy and play. A true lover of adventure, Semar is committed to inspiring young minds to see the world with imagination and possibilities.