Highly Qualified Educators

Rachel Roper: Founder, Operator, and Educator

She has a B.A. in Anthropology from UNF. During college she fell in love with teaching children outdoors while working as an Education Ranger at the nature trails on UNF's campus. She has worked in various education settings such as a Waldorf school in Jacksonville, a preschool in New Zealand, Kindercare in Orlando, and the Verdi EcoSchool in Eau Gallie.

A world traveler, she has spent time in many countries including 6 weeks in Peru and a year in New Zealand. Also, as an extreme nature lover, running a nature-based program has been her dream for years.

Ms. Adair Stutzke: Lead Educator - Dragonflies (Tuesdays & Thursdays)

 My husband and I moved to West Melbourne in October of 2023. We are from the beautiful state of Idaho. We have been married for 25 years. We have two sons and one daughter. The boys live in Idaho and our daughter attends Saint Leo University in Florida. I have a BA. in Education from Eastern Washington University. My major is Reading with a minor in Early Childhood Education. I taught 4th - 6th grade for 9 years. I then decided to leave the school and help my husband run his electrical business until 2023. At that time, we decided to close the business, move to Florida and “semi” retire. During the time of running our business, I also worked several years at Scribbles, the preschool two of my children attended. I love working with kids and needed that in my life. I enjoy going out on our boat, walking the beaches, reading novels, and our new adventures of exploring the state of Florida. I am excited to be part of the Nature Schoolhouse Network. I love working with children and watching them explore and learn about themselves and their environment. 

Ms. Robyn Mabus: Co-Lead Educator- Dragonflies 

(Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays) - 

 Robyn brings over 30 years of diverse teaching experience to Nature’s Schoolhouse Network, where she assists in fostering a holistic and engaging learning environment. Her expertise spans Language Arts, Wild Math, Geography, Yoga, and the Blossom & Root curriculum, enabling her to inspire curiosity and creativity in young learners. Previously, Robyn served as Head Teacher for the VPK program at Montessori Country Day School in Melbourne, Florida. There, she implemented a comprehensive curriculum focused on reading, math, science, geography, and arts while overseeing annual testing and conducting parent-teacher conferences. Her dedication to physical well-being was evident through initiatives like Fitness Fridays and yoga classes for children, promoting healthy habits alongside academic growth.
Robyn's career began at Montessori School in Westchester, New York, where she spent nearly three decades refining her skills as a Geography and Physical Education teacher. She crafted innovative, cross-curricular lesson plans rooted in the Montessori philosophy, emphasizing hands-on learning and collaboration. Beyond the classroom, Robyn served as a certified Spin and Aqua instructor at Club Fit, where she led fitness programs for adults and seniors, demonstrating her passion for wellness and community engagement. Robyn’s credentials include an Associate Degree in Business from Mesa Junior College, multiple early childhood education workshops, and certifications in fitness and child development. Her commitment to lifelong learning and nurturing young minds makes her an invaluable asset to the Nature’s Schoolhouse Network team. 

Ms. Caitlin Petrillo: Co-Lead Educator- Dragonflies 

(Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays) - 

 Caitlin is a lifelong learner and educator with a passion for creativity, nature, and holistic wellness. Homeschooled throughout her youth, she pursued studies in psychology, theatre, and literature during college, later expanding her expertise to include massage therapy and herbalism.  

Caitlin has worked with children her entire life, growing up in a family that fostered a deep commitment to caring for others. This foundation inspired her to continue nurturing young minds, leading to her role as a preschool Garden teacher and, since 2023, a teacher in the Dragonflies classroom.  

As part of a creative, homeschooling family, Caitlin values connection to nature and embraces activities like gardening, astrology, and exploring health and wellness. In her downtime, she enjoys playing board games with her family and occasionally immersing herself in the imaginative world of Dungeons & Dragons. 

Ms. Leigh-Ann Draheim: Lead Educator - Sea Turtles

I'm excited to teach the Sea Turtle class this year! I have two kiddos of my own, both homeschooled: 4-year-old Juni (who will be tagging along at school) and 17-year-old Levi. My teaching philosophy centers on making learning fun, hands-on, and tailored to my students. I like to get feedback from them so they have ownership over their own learning. I grew up overseas and have traveled extensively. I spent eight years with a nature-based homeschool group and taught homeschoolers at two other homeschool enrichment programs. I've also taught sewing for 16 years and stop making/fermentation at Earthskills gatherings for 9.  My mom was a teacher, so I’ve always been volunteering with and teaching kids! I hold an Early Childhood Assistant Teacher Certification, CPR/AED/First Aid certification, and an AA with a focus on Education and Behavioral Science.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy sewing custom kids' clothes, reading, traveling, and cooking yummy vegan food. I make Juni’s clothes, sourdough bread, and grow all kinds of food and native plants in our yard.   I love being outdoors, camping, and sharing the joy of nature with my students. At Nature's Schoolhouse Network, I love that kids get to be active, collaborative, and engaged in diverse learning experiences. 

Debbie Sola: Lead Educator - Dolphins

She has a B.A. in Psychology from American University and a B.A. in Early Childhood Education from University of Central Florida. Debbie began her teaching career as a voluntary Art and French language teacher at her son's preschool, while managing her own recruiting firm. Since receiving her Early Childhood Education degree, with Reading Endorsement and ESOL Certification, she decided to dedicate her career to educating our youngest readers for the next 20 years. She has 2 sons and a daughter that she has traveled the world with to explore other cultures during summers. She is enlivened for this opportunity to continue teaching our 7–8-year-olds with a focus on literacy and math in nature's bountiful environment.