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our teachers
Our teachers bring a blend of heart, creativity, and expertise to every lesson. They nurture curiosity, spark joy in learning, and value each child’s unique gifts. With their care and dedication, our little flock will feel supported, inspired, and ready to spread its wings.
Kasie Brooks
Music
Kasie has been teaching children of all ages for the past 15 years and is beyond thrilled to embark on this new journey alongside The Nest's passionate and creative educators. She is the owner of Music with Miss Kasie, a successful music business she launched in 2020. Before that, she worked at a local charter school, gaining valuable experience in a traditional classroom setting.
Kasie holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ. In addition to her professional career, she is a dedicated homeschool mama to her two children, Emmie and Maddie, who love exploring and learning about the world around them.
As an educator, Kasie’s goal is not only to create beautiful music with her students but also to foster meaningful friendships and shared experiences. Her music classes are designed to keep kids motivated, engaged, and moving, with each lesson packed full of activities that support musical development while ensuring plenty of fun. Kasie is deeply grateful for the privilege of teaching so many families in our community and is excited about the positive impact The Nest: A Homeschool Collective will have on the future of education.
Niki Cooper
Language Arts
Niki is passionate about helping kids find their voice—whether through thoughtful discussion or meaningful self-expression. At The Nest, she takes a hands-on, heart-led approach to teaching reading and writing. In her creative writing class, students build confidence as writers while learning how to express themselves in ways that feel authentic and exciting. Her book club class is all about connection, creation, and cultivating a love of reading that lasts far beyond childhood.
With nearly two decades of experience in education, Niki has taught in public, private, and virtual settings, and now supports homeschool families through consulting and coaching. She holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Education from East Carolina University, with a focus on gifted and neurodiverse learners. Her path has taken her from teaching in Wake County, to collaborating with schools in Japan, to training fellow educators and developing inclusive learning programs in various educational settings.
Niki and her husband homeschool their three children and love learning through play, adventure, and everyday life. She finds her greatest joy homeschooling and helping other families find what works best for their unique learners. She believes that meaningful education is built on relationships, curiosity, and a willingness to follow a child’s interests—and she’s so grateful to be part of a community that shares those values.
Jessica Gray
Spanish
Jessica is excited to introduce students to Spanish and discover the power that comes with knowing a foreign language. She strives to create an environment that encourages children to not only learn for the now, but become eager lifelong learners.
A two-time graduate of Elon University, Jessica holds a degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Spanish and a graduate degree in Special Education. Her undergraduate research was in second language acquisition while her graduate research focused on education reform. Both of which have served her well during her many years in education as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and leader of professional development. She has experience working in a Spanish Immersion public school, a public charter school, and a private school.
Jessica loves this season of being a homemaker. Her priority is to serve her family well and be a memory-making mom for her three children. She enjoys baking bread, organizing anything & everything, and spending time out on the water.
Meaghan Mitchell
Science
Meaghan holds a degree in Biology from East Carolina University. With a strong background in both science and family, she has spent the last two years homeschooling her two boys. Before diving into homeschooling, she worked in a medical laboratory and in quality assurance within the pharmaceutical industry, gaining valuable insights into the medical field.
She is passionate about exploring new places, she enjoys traveling and attending sporting events in her spare time. Balancing her professional background with her love for adventure and family life, Meaghan is dedicated to fostering curiosity and growth in your child[ren].
Katie Pauley
LitARTure
Katie is an enthusiastic and creative educator with over 10 years of experience in public education. A graduate of NC State University with a degree in Elementary Education, Katie has a strong commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning. As a homeschooling mom to two girls, she is deeply involved in her children's education, always finding new ways to make learning fun and engaging..
Teaching kids art is a deeply rewarding and creative process, fostering imagination, critical thinking, and self-expression. As an educator, Katie aims to create a safe, encouraging environment where young learners can explore their creativity without fear of judgment. Her teaching philosophy centers on making art accessible to all, nurturing each child's unique artistic voice, and fostering a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Katie believes that art is not just about creating pictures, but about learning to think, problem-solve, and connect with the world in new ways.
Outside of teaching, Katie is passionate about creating memorable experiences with her family and friends. She believes in the power of laughter, creativity, and making every moment count.