The Wonder Academy NWI Team

Shay, with her background in yoga and rapid transformational therapy, is building a space where the transformational power of holistic healing and personal development is fully integrated with education.

Ashleigh, a dedicated pediatric occupational therapist, brings her wealth of experience in child development to prioritize the unique needs of each learner.

Sarah, a former school teacher turned yoga practitioner and studio owner adds entrepreneurial skills, creativity, and mindfulness, creating a school that equally honors academic achievement and holistic well-being. 

Together these three visionary women are harnessing their collective wisdom to create and lead a school where innovation and inspiration intertwine to foster a community of curious minds, resilient spirits, and empowered individuals. 

Tom is an ex-Navy SEAL and professional athlete; entrepreneur; father of five boys; and lover of the signs, symbols, cycles, and abundance of the natural world.  Tom investigates and nurtures exploration of the limitless unity we have with the natural world.  He is also the owner and caretaker of our amazing campus:  Hruby Ranch!   

Gianna is thrilled to be guiding young minds and souls at Wonder Academy NWI. As a former middle school social studies teacher she recognizes the ways that traditional school is not serving our children, and she is overjoyed to have found a place that has children’s natural behaviors and inquisitive attitudes in mind.  Gianna is a wife, mom, and lifelong learner, and she loves to spend time outdoors, especially hiking, swimming, or kayaking.  She finds great fulfillment in introducing her young son to all types of natural landscapes, and she enjoys visiting our nation’s national parks with her family.  She is an avid reader (historical fiction is her favorite genre!) and she is also a singer.  Gianna feels truly blessed to be able to guide learners to their true interests as they navigate their own unique paths to a fulfilling and joyful life. 

Amanda is a passionate educator, mom of three, and lifelong learner who brings energy, creativity, and courage into everything she does. As an activator, Amanda loves sparking ideas into action—whether as a WANWI guide, at home with her kids, finding news way to challenge her physical body, or exploring new ways to grow and contribute.

With a heart for building connections and a drive to make learning an adventure, Amanda blends curiosity with resilience. She believes in leading by example—showing learners that challenges are opportunities to grow and that small steps can lead to big breakthroughs.

Her life is full of movement, laughter, and discovery, and she’s committed to empowering others to see what’s possible when they step forward with courage.  

With a background in early childhood education, Jeannie has always been inspired by the natural curiosity children bring to learning. She is currently pursuing a degree in biology to follow her passion for conservation and a life rooted in the outdoors. Growing up following every trail, stream, and hidden path, she continues to find renewal in nature. Jeannie lights up when she learns something new and loves sharing that same joy with learners as they discover their gifts and deepen their connection to the natural world. In addition to her ability to spark curiosity and exploration in our learners,  Jeannie's calm, caring, compassionate nature is a gift to all at Wonder Academy NWI!  

Sarah, a perpetual seeker of knowledge and wonder, loves sharing her curious nature with the learners at Wonder Academy NWI.  With a career path that meandered from botanist to environmental educator, college instructor to stay at home mom, freelance writer to PTO volunteer, and classroom aide to landscape design assistant, she will not only be sharing her knowledge of science and nature but will be modeling ways for our learners to become their own pathfinders and follow their heart wherever it may lead. 

Theresa has a background in education and myriad experiences working with various ages from preschool to college-aged individuals. She is excited to be part of the WANWI community and to help guide our learners by celebrating their natural curiosity and unique paths. Theresa enjoys gardening, cooking, and being outdoors, especially hiking with her family.  While she guides all of our learners in their educational journeys, she certainly has a knack for reaching the young ones in their early years at Wonder Academy NWI!