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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 Brooks has been teaching children of all ages for over 15 years and is beyond thrilled to journey alongside The Nest’s passionate and creative educators. She is the founder and owner of The Nest Learning Collective and Music with Miss Kasie. Prior to launching The Nest, Kasie worked at a local charter school, where she gained valuable experience in a traditional classroom setting.

Kasie holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ. As an educator, her goal is not only to create beautiful music with her students, but also to foster meaningful friendships and shared experiences. Her music classes are thoughtfully designed to keep children motivated, engaged, and joyfully moving. Each lesson is filled with hands-on activities that support strong musical development while ensuring plenty of fun along the way. Kasie is deeply grateful for the privilege of serving so many families in our community and is excited about the lasting impact The Nest Learning Collective is making on the future of education.

In addition to her professional work, Kasie is a dedicated homeschool mama to her two daughters, Emmie and Maddie, who love exploring, creating, and learning about the world around them.

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Natasha Cook

Entrepreneurship

Natasha is a graduate of St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY, where she earned her degree in Psychology with minors in Education and Communication. For the past decade, she has worked in sales, marketing, and fundraising, partnering primarily with elementary schools and gaining hands-on experience in business strategy, relationship-building, and leadership.

In addition to her professional background, Natasha currently runs her own business and loves sharing her entrepreneurial experience with learners of all ages.

She is passionate about creative thinking, big ideas, and helping students discover what they love. Natasha believes entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business; it’s about solving problems, serving others, and using your unique strengths to make the world a better place.

As a homeschooling mom, she cares deeply about cultivating curiosity, confidence, and courage throughout childhood and beyond.

Niki Cooper

STEM Games

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Niki brings nearly two decades of experience designing meaningful learning experiences that help children grow as thinkers, creators, and confident learners. She believes children thrive when guided with both thoughtful structure and joyful discovery, whether exploring books, crafting original stories, or engaging in hands-on STEM games that build reasoning and collaboration. At The Nest, her classes are built on connection, creativity, and meaningful engagement, ensuring that children don’t just learn skills but also develop confidence in their thinking and in their ability to contribute.

 

With experience in public, private, and virtual education, Niki now supports homeschool families through academic consulting and achievement testing. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Education from East Carolina University, with a specialization in gifted and neurodiverse learners, and extensive training in translating assessment data into practical, personalized instructional strategies that clarify and make learning more purposeful for students and families alike. Her career includes classroom leadership and award recognition in Wake County, international collaboration to improve elementary English instruction in Japan, and the development of inclusive programs and professional development for educators working with diverse learners.

 

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.

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Jessica Gray

Spanish & World Explorations

 

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].

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Katie Pauley

LitARTure

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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. 

Kendall Vick

Story Studio

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Kendall has been working with children since 2013, teaching in a variety of educational settings with a primary focus on upper elementary language arts. She spent several years as a 5th grade ELA teacher before transitioning into educational consulting, where she supported teachers across the country through her work with IXL, Rosetta Stone, and Vocabulary.com.

Kendall holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Marshall University and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Literacy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has also held certifications in Gifted and Talented Education and English as a Second Language. Her background in literacy instruction and curriculum design continues to shape the thoughtful, literature-rich experiences she creates for students.

Now a mom to two young children, Kendall finds joy in learning alongside her family. She and her husband love hiking, exploring new places, and discovering new interests together. Teaching and learning have always been at the heart of who she is, and she feels especially grateful to join The Nest’s creative and collaborative community. Kendall is passionate about helping children grow in confidence, curiosity, and connection through meaningful stories and shared learning experiences.

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Contact

Contact us to learn more about our co-op.

Address

Wake Forest 

Academy of Fine Arts 

1002 Durham Rd STE 300, Wake Forest, NC 27587

Hours

Monday  9:30am - 12:00pm

Thursday 9:30am - 1:30pm ​

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© 2025 The Nest Learning Collective LLC

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