About The Learning Nest

The heart & hands behind the Nest.

A community of teachers and families in Dripping Springs, learning together one joyful day a week.

Children walking a nature path together in the Hill Country

Our Story

It started with a search for somewhere to belong.

The Learning Nest began long before we ever gathered weekly at the church. After withdrawing her daughter from public school, Amanda found herself searching for more: a strong homeschool community in Dripping Springs, rich and meaningful learning experiences, opportunities to serve, and a place where children could truly belong.

When Amanda met Ryann, a founding member of The Learning Nest, the vision began to take shape. Together they started building what they had both been longing for — a community rooted in connection, meaningful learning, and shared experiences. What began as monthly service projects, enrichment lessons, nature hikes, and field trips soon grew into something bigger.

Homeschool families in Dripping Springs needed more than scattered gatherings; they needed a place to belong — a space where children could experience the warmth of a classroom community while still enjoying the freedom, richness, and hands-on learning that homeschooling offers. The Learning Nest was created to bring all of those things together in one place, and we are thrilled to share it with the community.

Who We Are

Guides who know and love your children.

Experienced educators and homeschool parents who share a love of learning, faith, and the Hill Country.

Director

Amanda Smith

Born and raised in Ohio, Amanda earned her Master’s in Early Childhood Education and Bachelor’s in Fine Arts. She moved to Texas in 2011, where she met her husband. She began her career as a Curriculum Instructor training teachers on literacy programs, and taught in Lake Travis ISD — where her work on student edcamps was published in “So All Can Learn” by John McCarthy. A mom of two (and one four-legged friend), her family enjoys camping, art, reading, biking, and hiking. She loves handicrafts, especially painting, embroidery, and working with clay.

Operations

Ryann Dvorak

Born and raised in upstate New York, Ryann moved to Texas in 2017 after meeting her husband. She always knew she wanted to be a teacher, and taught and coached for ten years before retiring from public school when her oldest was born in 2020. Everything changed once she had her babies — there was no going back, and a home education (Ambleside!) was the way to go. Her family includes her husband Devin, two young boys, an incoming daughter this November, and their sweet old cattle dog. She enjoys faraway travels, antiquing, reading, and being outdoors as much as possible!

PreK

Emily Phelps

Emily grew up in a tiny town outside San Antonio before moving to Galveston for college, where she met her husband; they married in 2015. Two kids and countless animals later, they’ve built a life in Dripping Springs and love all the adventure the Hill Country offers. You’ll find her soaking up the sun at the river, taking the scenic route through state parks, or outside reading good books with her girls. A former elementary teacher, she can’t wait to get back in the classroom now that her own kids are school-age!

Kindergarten

Morgan Panella

A true native Texan, born and raised in Austin, Morgan has a deep passion for teaching — seven years in preschool education before transitioning to homeschooling her three children. Now in their fourth year of homeschooling, Morgan and her family embrace the Charlotte Mason philosophy and love learning about God’s world. When she’s not teaching, you’ll find her in the garden, lost in a good fiction book, experimenting in the kitchen, or crafting with her kids. She loves road-tripping with her family and faithfully follows Jesus wherever He leads.

Kindergarten

Marla Barnard-Grubb

Born in Oklahoma but a Texan for most of her life, Marla built Wanderin’ Star Farms in the Hill Country alongside her late husband, caring for livestock and hosting guests from all over. She has homeschooled her five children for the past twenty years and graduated her two oldest. Through the sudden loss of her husband three years ago, she has witnessed God’s faithfulness and grace in profound ways. Recently remarried, she serves alongside her husband Adam, and you’ll find her leading worship at Kings Porch or exploring the beauty of the Hill Country. She is honored to be part of The Learning Nest!

1st / 2nd

Kaitrin Mathew

Kaitrin Sones Mathew is an artist and educator. She earned her MFA in Drawing and Painting from California State University, Fullerton, her MA in Art Education and K–12 Teaching Certification from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and her BFA from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) in Los Angeles. She has taught visual art and art history from grade K through the college level, in public and private schools as well as universities, museums, and cultural organizations. A Wasserman Scholar and Leo Freedman Foundation award recipient, she has exhibited her art in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Austin, and Houston. Kaitrin lives in Austin with her husband Erik and homeschools their four children; they love reading great books, exploring in nature, dance, soccer, and all things creative. She is so excited to teach at The Learning Nest and loves Charlotte Mason–inspired learning!

1st / 2nd

Jenni Scott

Jenni holds a BS in Psychology with an emphasis in early childhood development and has loved working with children since her first job out of school, teaching at a small preschool. She has three children (22, 18, and 13) whom she homeschooled through 8th grade, and has taught through Classical Conversations for the last eight years. She is passionate about fostering curiosity and a love of learning about the world God created. In her free time, you’ll find her in her (overgrown) garden, baking something sweet, or hiding away with her nose in a book.

3rd / 4th / 6th

JoAnna “JoJo” Foster

JoAnna is a mom to five wonderful kids ranging from toddler to adult (ages 3–26!), and much of her inspiration comes from life at home. She taught special education for seven years before choosing to stay at home full time with her growing family. After teaching with The Learning Nest last year, she saw the amazing community and opportunities that homeschooling offers. Her three youngest will be attending this year: Barry (rising 3rd), Albert (rising 2nd), and Eiley (in Kinder). A lover of themed weeks, adventures, and creative chaos, in her free time she loves designing playrooms and creating kid-friendly activities that spark curiosity and imagination. Whether it’s building something new or planning a themed week, she is always finding ways to bring learning to life.

3rd / 4th / 6th

Natalie Wilson

Natalie was born and raised in Southern California, where she grew up loving horses and creating art. She earned a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from California State University, Fullerton. She and her family are entering their third year of homeschooling and relocated to Dripping Springs in 2024 in search of a more peaceful lifestyle. Her family includes her husband, a daughter and a son, a golden retriever, and ten chickens. She enjoys being outside, making art, listening to music, learning about nature, cooking, yard work, and visiting new places with her family.

Our Mission

Every child known, loved, and free to wonder.

The Learning Nest exists to nurture the whole child through a Charlotte Mason–inspired, classical education rooted in faith, curiosity, meaningful relationships, and a lifelong love of learning.

We believe learning should inspire curiosity, character, and a love of truth. Rooted in the Charlotte Mason philosophy, we provide a rich, relationship-centered classical education through living books, nature study, hands-on experiences, and faith-filled lessons. Guided by strong values of kindness, respect, responsibility, and wonder, our “why” is simple: to nurture the whole child. We strive to create a joyful place where children are known, loved, and encouraged to grow!

A broad, beautiful feast of living ideas
Time outdoors and wonder in creation
Character and faith at the center
Real friendship for children and parents alike

An older student leading younger children on a nature walk

Our Values

The things we hold close.

The whole child — mind, heart, and character — nurtured with kindness.

Faith & Character

Every child is created by God with purpose and value. We cultivate kindness, integrity, responsibility, gratitude, and respect, encouraging children to grow in the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).

A Love of Learning

Education should be inspiring. Rather than photocopied worksheets and textbooks, we thoughtfully design lessons with children’s hearts and minds at the forefront — the classical model at its best.

Whole-Child Education

We value the growth of the mind, heart, and body. Learning happens through movement, play, nature, creativity, and meaningful relationships — woven into everything we do.

Wonder & Discovery

Children learn best when free to explore, ask questions, and connect with the world around them. Nature study, hands-on experiences, and beauty are an important part of learning.

Community & Connection

Education is stronger when families are connected. Through field trips, celebrations, service projects, and monthly “Buddies” time, older and younger students learn alongside one another.

Service & Compassion

Just as Jesus encouraged, we help children look beyond themselves and care for others. Through volunteer opportunities and service projects, we grow hearts that give generously and serve joyfully.

Ready to find your community?

Have a question or want to visit? We’d love to hear from your family.

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