Teachers of River Gorge Forest School
Our teachers have a passion for outdoor education
Susie Grant
B.S. Biology, Berea College
A.S. Early Childhood Education, Northwestern Technical College
Forest School Teacher & Forest School Director, Forest Teacher Institute
Certified Interpretive Guide
Growing Up Wild Facilitator
Facilitator for Project Wild, Project Aquatic Wild, Project Learning Tree and Leave No Trace
Substitute Teacher
Nature-Based Pod School Teacher
Susie Grant, Lead Teacher & Co-Founder
EARLY DAYS
Susie recognized early on that she had a special love of and connection with nature. Growing up, her days were spent outside exploring the woods and the creeks of the southern Appalachian region, watching plants and animals grow, and discovering the beauty and wonders of nature.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
This passion for the natural world and desire to spark greater understanding, appreciation, and love of the natural environment led to her professional career as a Naturalist and educator at Tennessee State Parks, Chattanooga Nature Center, and Tennessee Aquarium. For 30+ years, she developed and presented engaging hands-on and developmentally appropriate programs for children, families, and teachers. Susie is a certified Forest Teacher and Director through the Forest School Teacher Institute.
CULTIVATING PASSION
Susie was able to combine her love of the environment with her enthusiasm for teaching young children as she managed all aspects of early childhood programming at the Tennessee Aquarium, growing program offerings such as Small Fry (parent-child program), toddler summer camp programming, and Early Childhood professional development opportunities for Early Childhood Educators. Susie believes that children learn best through play and guided exploration that builds on a child’s innate curiosity and connection to the natural world. She believes providing a safe, caring, and stimulating environment allows every child to thrive and succeed resulting in strong connections to the world around them and a lifelong love of learning. One of her greatest joys is to see children light up as they make discoveries, develop understanding and grow in confidence as they spend time in nature!
Katie Sutton
B.S. Ecology & Biodiversity, Sewanee: The University of the South
Minor in Geology
Environmental Educator
Organic & Regenerative Agriculture Educator
Katie Sutton, forest school teacher
EARLY DAYS
Katie grew up on Signal Mountain where the forests, creeks, and sandstone bluffs became her first classroom. Countless hours spent exploring streams, catching critters, making art from natural materials, and wandering the woods sparked a lifelong curiosity about the natural world. Those early experiences inspired her to pursue a degree in Ecology & Biodiversity with a minor in Geology from Sewanee: The University of the South.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Since graduating, Katie has built a diverse background in environmental education, outdoor adventure, and regenerative agriculture. She has worked with children in forests, streams, farms, and classrooms across the Southeast and Alaska, helping young people develop meaningful connections with nature through hands-on exploration. Her experience includes teaching geology, stream ecology, nature art, literacy, and outdoor skills while working with organizations such as McDowell Environmental Center, Northern Susitna Institute, WTCI PBS, and Sequatchie Cove Farm. Her time working on organic and regenerative farms has also deepened her appreciation for caring for the land and understanding the interconnectedness of natural systems. Katie is working on becoming a certified Forest School Teacher through the Forest School Teacher Institute.
CULTIVATING PASSION
Katie believes children learn best when they are free to explore, ask questions, and engage directly with the world around them. She loves creating experiences that blend science, creativity, adventure, and play, allowing children to build confidence while following their natural curiosity. Whether turning over creek rocks, discovering wildflowers, creating nature-inspired art, or reading stories beneath the trees, Katie delights in helping children form lasting relationships with the outdoors.
When she's not teaching, Katie enjoys backpacking, hiking, gardening, and creating art inspired by the natural world. She is thrilled to join the River Gorge Forest School community and looks forward to sharing her love of nature with children and families.
Linda O’Brien, forest school teacher
Linda O’Brien
B.B.A., Columbus State University
Preschool Teacher
Summer Care Director
WILD Co-op Outdoor Program Guide
EARLY DAYS
Linda grew up as a military child, moving frequently and experiencing the natural world in many different places, both near and far. No matter where she lived, she found a deep sense of connection, belonging, and peace among plants and animals. Her love of the outdoors has remained a constant throughout her life.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Linda began her career teaching horseback riding lessons while working at a local barn, where she learned the importance of patience and encouraging children to explore their own interests. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration from Columbus State University and spent 13 years working in Human Resources, where she developed a passion for training, mentoring, and supporting others as they worked toward their goals.
After becoming a mother, Linda sought a career that would allow her to bring together her love of children, nature, and family life. She began working in a Parents' Day Out program before moving into early childhood education as a private school preschool teacher, Summer Camp Director, and guide at WILD Co-op, a hybrid outdoor program. These experiences strengthened her belief that children thrive when they have the freedom and opportunity to learn immersed in the natural world.
CULTIVATING PASSION
Linda loves creating opportunities for children to explore their interests, develop confidence, and build a meaningful connection with the world around them. She is especially drawn to the patience, wonder, and curiosity that emerge when children have time and space to explore outdoors.
Outside of school, Linda enjoys spending time with her family and at the farm with her rescue horse, Willow. She also loves gardening, yoga, and studying homeopathy and holistic ways of living. Linda is grateful for the opportunity to join River Gorge Forest School and bring together her passion for working with children with her deep reverence for the natural world.
Administrative & Support Team
Journey Forsythe
Journey Forsythe, Administrative Assistant
EARLY DAYS
Journey grew up just outside of Chicago, where she spent much of her childhood exploring the outdoors with her family and developing a deep love for animals. Whether hiking local trails, spending time with pets, or simply enjoying nature, these early experiences helped foster an appreciation for the natural world and the joy that comes from spending time outside.
CULTIVATING PASSION
Journey has always loved working with children and supporting their growth. Over the past seven years, she has worked as a nanny, building meaningful relationships with families and gaining firsthand experience supporting children through various stages of development. These experiences strengthened her belief in the importance of curiosity, connection, and child-led learning.
As the administrative assistant at River Gorge Forest School, Journey enjoys supporting the school community behind the scenes and helping families feel welcome and connected. She loves being part of an environment where children can learn through exploration, develop confidence, and build lasting relationships with nature. Journey is grateful to contribute to a community that values adventure, discovery, and the wonder of childhood.
Would you like to join our team?
We welcome applications for teachers and staff to join us in the forest. Please complete this application and return it to hello@rivergorgeforestschool.com