Lead Instructor
A.K. spent 4 years teaching 7th and 8th grade science in public school. His student’s state test scores were higher than the school and district average! A.K. was consistently voted teacher of the month by students. Certified for teaching ELA, mid-level science, and advanced biology, his knowledge base and passion for sparking wonder runs deep. A.K. is a blacksmith, chef, artist, poet, gardener, martial artist, and storyteller, among many other things. With his wife and son, he loves fishing, swimming, and adventuring on NWA’s beautiful lands.
A.K. Blake
Instructor
Nora has spent the past 8 years working with children in outdoor and experiential learning environments. A former forest school teacher and homeschooling mother of two, she is passionate about helping students learn through hands-on exploration and connection with the natural world. As an herbalist with a deep respect for plants and the land, Nora enjoys guiding children to observe, care for, and learn from the ecosystems around them. She is also committed to practicing Conscious Discipline, creating a nurturing environment where students feel seen, heard, and supported as they develop kindness, emotional awareness, and self-regulation.
Nora Hinton
Instructor
Liz holds a Master's in Education, is Montessori I & II credentialed, and brings more than 20 years of experience in environmental and outdoor education. Her career has included leadership roles with the Ozark Natural Science Center, Arkansas environmental education programs, Montessori schools, and public schools. At Arête, Liz leads our part-time math and science program, provides career planning & guidance for our high school students, and leads a school-wide percussive music course.
Liz Hill
Instructor
Joe is a fully credentialed Montessori educator with extensive experience in outdoor and experiential education - including multiple camps and long treks with students. In addition to teaching social studies, Joe instructs many of Arête's specialty programs, including climbing, archery, wilderness skills, fishing, and more. Outside of school, Joe enjoys exploring backroads and finding new places to explore.
Joe Love
Instructor
Caedyn holds a degree in Outdoor Leadership with an emphasis in Wilderness Medicine and serves as Arête's Health & Safety Coordinator. With certifications as a Wilderness EMT and Wilderness First Responder, along with experience as an EMT in a city environment, pediatric medical assistant, and outdoor educator, Caedyn helps keep our students safe while instructing hands-on courses in wilderness skills, first aid, environmental education, archery, climbing, and more.
Caedyn Halloran
Instructor
PHD, Math
Mariah White
Mountain Bike Instructor
Cassidy Bowers
Teaching Aid & Stewardship Coordinator
Founder, Director
Wren is a mother of one living in Fayetteville AR. She has a passion for alternative education, nature conservancy, and wild horses! Wren is also a fully disabled veteran, a vehicle mechanic, a dedicated rancher, an artist, and a rock climber.
“I co-founded my first school in 2020. I’m thrilled to be starting another school - and breaking the mold for what’s expected of it.”
Wren Wild