Favorite quote: We are what we believe we are.— C.S. Lewis  

About: Kayla was born and raised on the central coast, and that is where her love of the outdoors blossomed. She lives in Bigfork and is so happy to call the Flathead Valley home. Kayla has over 17 years of experience in teaching all ages- preschool through adult- and in creating and administering educational programs. She saw a need for nature-based early education in the Flathead Valley and is excited to be part of the movement!

Education: Kayla holds her B.S. in Culture Communications and a Master of Education focusing on Early Childhood. Kayla studied Waldorf Foundations at the Rudolf Steiner Centre Toronto and Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Education at Sophia’s Hearth. She also studied Nature-Based education through The Association for Nature-Based Education.

Loves: Hiking, baking, gardening, relaxing on the lakeshore, and spending time with her husband, son, and all her farm animals.

Favorite quote: The wonder of teaching is watching caterpillars become butterflies. - unknown

About: Kate was born and raised in Kalispell, Montana, where she developed a deep love for the outdoors from an early age. She spent much of her childhood exploring the mountains, rivers, and forests of the Flathead Valley—often alongside her father, who taught her how to hunt, fish, and appreciate the quiet wisdom of nature.

Driven by a deep curiosity and adventurous spirit, Kate has traveled extensively and has visited 25 different countries around the world. Whether trekking through remote landscapes or immersing herself in new cultures, she brings a global perspective and open-heartedness to everything she does.

Kate is planting roots in the Flathead with her husband, Cody. Together, they just welcomed their first child—a beautiful baby boy who has already become a beloved addition to the RSS family. Kate brings with her a strong sense of community, connection, and a deep appreciation for both adventure and home.

Education: Kate has worked in childcare for 8 years. Kate has completed many Waldorf early childhood classes, including The First Three Years of Life and Early Childhood Education from Sophia Institute. Kate is the first certified RIE® instructor in Montana and is currently completing her ECE admin degree.

Loves: Hunting, Fishing, Hiking, being outdoors, and spending time with family.

Favorite Quote: The world’s big and I want to have a good look at it before it gets dark. - John Muir 

About: Maggie was born and raised in Western Washington where her father gifted her with a love of the outdoors. Her childhood summers were filled with family camping trips and after all these years her dad is still her favorite ski buddy (although her two young kids may soon steal that title). Maggie grew up volunteering and working with young people and loves to mentor and guide children through the many transitions of childhood. Maggie has worked as an advocate and mentor for at-risk youth in the public schools. She has also worked as an outdoor guide, sharing her love of nature through backpacking, rock climbing, and paddle boarding. Maggie’s husband grew up in the Flathead Valley and she is excited to call Bigfork home. 

Education: Maggie Graduated from Northwest University with an M.A. in teaching in 2023. She is a certificated k-12 teacher with an endorsement in PE/health. Maggie also holds a B.A. in ministry with an emphasis in administrative leadership from Northwest University and an A.A in integrated studies from Cascadia College. 

Loves: Backpacking, skiing, running, camping, and playing in the lake! Playing with my family, hosting friends, reading cozy books, campfire chats, and eating good food! 

Favorite quote:  Today’s Procrastination is tomorrow’s regret. - Jim Rohn

About: Payten was born and raised in Northeast South Dakota, where she grew up in the country with many different animals. She has a very large family and is one of 44 grandchildren, which is only from one side! Payten has been around children her whole life and has worked in childcare for many years, although she grew up in the restaurant business and knows how to make a mean omelet. Before working in childcare, Payten was a CNA for years, where she grew to love caring for people and making new friends. Payten loves traveling, and that is what brought her to land in Bigfork, Montana, two years ago.

Education: Peyton holds an associate's degree in business and is a certified nursing assistant.

Loves: Hiking, Snowshoeing, skiing, running, traveling, crocheting, crafting, photography, and spending time with family.

Favorite quote: Let us first teach little children to breathe, to vibrate, to feel and to become one with the general harmony and movement of nature. Let us first produce a beautiful human being, a dancing child. -Isadora Duncan

About: Katherine Averill grew up in Casper, Wyoming, where her love for the outdoors began with family camping trips and walks with her siblings down to their neighborhood creek. She has worked with children in many ways, including teaching dance, ice skating, and yoga. Katherine and her family recently moved back to the valley after a short stint in Cleveland, where she graduated.

Education: Katherine graduated from Case Western Reserve with an MA in contemporary dance. Katherine also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wyoming in Human Food and Nutrition (BS) and in Dance Science (BFA). After she graduated from UWyo, she completed her dietetic internship and became an RDN.

Loves: Spending time with her daughter Savannah and her husband Carson.

Favorite quote: A hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove… but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child. – Forest E. Witcraft

About: Baylie was born and raised between the beaches of Cape Cod and the mountains of the Adirondacks, she grew up with a deep appreciation for nature and adventure. At 18, her curiosity led her across the country to Washington, where her love for road trips truly began.

In 2020, she found healing and grounding in nature, spending nearly every day exploring the Olympic Mountains—and falling in love with the rain along the way. In 2023, feeling ready for something new, she set off again—this time heading east to the Flathead Valley in search of more mountains and deeper community. Despite all her travels, nowhere has ever felt more like home than the Flathead.

With over a decade of experience in childcare, her journey began as a camp counselor at the summer camp she attended for 13 years. After relocating to the Pacific Northwest, she took on roles in nannying and homeschooling. Baylie’s committed to ongoing growth in her work and is currently completing her associate’s degree at Flathead Community College, while continuing professional development through additional training courses.

Loves: Road trips, gardening, exploring, hiking with her two pups, and spending time with her chosen family.