Sheri Grace, PhD
Founder, Director
A North Carolina native and the founding director of Piedmont Forest School, Sheri received her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC and her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College in New York City, NY. Her passion for wanting to make a difference in early childhood education led her to gain her doctorate degree in early childhood education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Her research interests include the ways families of color support language and early literacy development, and the essential roles movement and self-directed play have in learning. Sheri also directs EdPath Specialized Learning Services, her early intervention and tutoring practice.
Sheri is a compassionate, empathetic, and kind soul, deeply caring about people. Her demeanor – calm yet energetic – is the perfect combination for encouraging kids to observe and connect to nature. A long-time animal and nature lover, she is crazy about her husband, two grown children, and two dogs, Ava and Juliet. If Sheri cannot be found in the woods with the children or coaching Learning Partners as our Learning Coordinator, she is kayaking, camping with her dog, or walking barefoot in the creek, observing the birds, and appreciating the natural world around her.
Kasey
Assistant Director, Chair of Board
Bio coming soon!
Gabrielle
Fundraising Chair
Bio coming soon!
Jessica
Enrollment & Billing Coordinator
Coming soon!
Tausha
Social Media Manager
Bio coming soon!
Romina
Professional Development Leader,
Occupational TherapistBio coming soon!
Our Learning Partners
Jessica
Learning Partner
Jessica has been with Piedmont Forest School since the beginning in 2020. She is one of our Lead Learning Partners and our Enrollment & Billing Coordinator. Jessica received her Bachelor's degree in Biology from Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC and is fluent in Spanish.
Jessica grew up with five siblings, an exciting childhood with chaotic surprises. Her kind spirit and compassionate nature make every child feel safe, valued, and loved at PFS. Jessica's friendly nature and welcoming smile invites newcomers to join the PFS family.
In addition to her work with PFS, Jessica enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and hiking.
Tim
Learning Partner
Tim first became involved with PFS as a volunteer when his youngest daughter began attending in 2020. Tim enjoyed his volunteer work so much, it led him to become a Learning Partner at PFS.
Tim grew up spending time outdoors 'round the clock with friends and family. He finds comfort and peace being surrounded by the natural world and these experiences from a young age have equipped Tim to be a perfect fit here at PFS. Tim's gentle demeanor and calm presence, helps reassure the children around him that they are safe, while allowing them the space to explore and take risks – an essential part of learning within the forest school philosophy.
Tim teaches safety and survival skills, incorporating hand tools, shelter construction, and fire building. This helps bring to life the imaginations of our students, creating innovative spaces where children can explore and engage in pretend play.
Taylor
Learning Partner
Taylor (she/they) joined Piedmont Forest School in the Fall of 2021. She graduated from the Animal Behavior Ecology and Conservation program at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY and has over six years of experience providing care for children.
Taylor enjoys helping children discover the magic within the natural world, and believes developing an appreciation and connection to nature at a young age is essential. Her fun loving attitude encourages PFS students to explore the outdoors by observing native animals and plants in their habitat. Being part of this journey and cultivating kids' love for the great outdoors, makes Taylor a valuable addition to the PFS team.
For fun, Taylor loves hiking, making art with native and invasive plants, and volunteering with wildlife rehabilitation.
Kristina
Learning Partner
Bio coming soon!
Alisa
Learning Partner
Bio coming soon!
Romina
Learning Partner, Occupational Therapist
Bio coming soon!
Tausha
Learning Partner
Bio coming soon!
Patty
Learning Partner
Patty has over 15 years of experience working with and caring for children. She has a background in Montessori practice, and a passion for learning new skills. Patty believes every child is a unique miracle, worthy of respect, love, compassion, and patience.
Patty would do almost anything for her students and their families. She is loyal to those she serves, and strives to develop meaningful relationships with each child and family.
In Patty's free time, she loves camping, reading, and exploring the outdoors with her husband and four children.
Tresha
Learning Partner
Coming soon!