I asked my children and spouse to describe me: 1) She is kind and nice to small kids and knows what to say without hurting people’s feelings. She shows the strength of love of learning. 2) She is kind and social. 3) She is kind, forgiving, and good. 4) She’s a 21st century Renaissance woman. She started in corporate sales then stepped off the corporate ladder to work in ministry as an admin, next she took a few years to focus on raising her growing family. Then with her 4 kids all school age, she had time to start new businesses and pour into her community abroad in Thailand and at home in the USA.

With 24 years of experience in education, I’ve had the privilege of teaching students from middle school through college. I also served as vice principal at a local charter high school for two years. I'm certified in both Art and Social Studies, and my passion for lifelong learning keeps me constantly growing (this is why I love Google!).

Some of my favorite things include hiking, swimming, summertime, traveling, and spending time with the people I love. I’m married to an incredible husband, and we have three amazing children who inspire me every day. Our home is also shared with a dog, a cat, and some fish in a tank full of dinos (yes, really!).

I love working with kids and being outdoors, which makes this role a dream come true. I’m so excited to be part of The Decker School community. I know we’re going to do great things together!

Hannah serves as the Executive Assistant for The Decker School, working remotely in Chicago. She holds a Master's in Public Administration and brings a heart for service and organization to her role. With experience tutoring and assisting in classrooms both in the U.S. and overseas, she is passionate about supporting education in any way she can. At The Decker School, Hannah loves being part of a team that values holistic, outdoor education. In her free time, she enjoys being in nature, painting, visiting museums, and going on walks with her husband and their 140 lb-dog.  

Originally hailing from Chicago, Arlo moved to Arkansas to attend Hendrix College where he received a BA in Classics. He spent the next six years in outdoor education before finding the Decker School. Arlo is a huge fan of the many creatures in Arkansas's great outdoors- especially tarantulas, snakes, and moths. One of his favorite parts of the job is teaching the little ones how to safely appreciate and care for nature and all of its inhabitants. 

Like most good early childhood educators, Arlo maintains a healthy sense of whimsy and childlike wonder. He's happy to chat with any kid about Pokemon, but don't expect him to know much about the latest kids' shows! When he's not carefully moving spiders away from high foot-traffic areas, Arlo spends his free time reading, playing Magic: the Gathering, and listening to Cubs games on the radio with his three cats.

Hello! I'm Miss Susan, the Chickadee teaching assistant here at Decker, and I’m excited to be entering my fourth year with this amazing community. Over the years, I’ve had the joy of watching so many little ones grow and thrive—it’s always bittersweet to see them move on to the next class!

I live with my 14-year-old daughter and our mini Aussie, Skyler. I also love spending time with my family and grandkids whenever I can. I studied art at Louisiana Tech and the University of Central Arkansas (UCA), and I have a passion for creativity, especially when it comes to doing arts and crafts with our littles.

In addition to teaching, I run a holiday decorating service and enjoy filling homes with Christmas cheer. When I have free time, you'll find me reading, drawing, painting, taking photos, or diving into a decorating project.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that laughter and smiles are some of the best tools in teaching—and I try to bring plenty of both into the classroom every day.

Matthew Burnett has a bachelor's degree in Theatre arts from Henderson State University. He worked as an actor and theatre technician in Little Rock from 2017 to 2020.

He began working with children as a Camp Counselor at Lake Nixon Summer Camp. He went on to become a preschool, and later kindergarten, teacher at Lake Nixon Outdoor Preschool. This is his second year as a kindergarten teacher at Decker.

Matthew loves storytelling, learning, and the natural world. He believes in the power of learning outside and having a personal relationship with nature and the world around you.

Hello! I’m Liz Strasser and I am one of the Kindergarten teachers here at the Decker School! My background is in Elementary Education and Child Development. I also have some past experience working one on one with children with special needs. My husband and I have lived in Arkansas for five years and enjoy raising our five kids here. I am originally from Los Angeles, California. I love reading, cooking, running, and spending time outside with my family. 

This is my second year co-teaching the Red-Tailed Hawks with Ms. Rachel. I am a mama to two little girls, Adeline and Eliza. Prior to having my girls, I taught in a private preschool and public elementary school. I have degrees in English and Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin and am passionate about early childhood education, especially literacy development. I have also completed a Level I Forest School Training through the Forest School Teacher Institute in eastern Tennessee. I love reading stacks of library books with my girls, drinking tea, and learning new crafts!

As a former homeschool mom of five children (ages 15 to 7), I bring both classroom and real-world teaching experience to my role at Decker, where I’ve had the joy of teaching for the past two years. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch my students grow and thrive. Before starting my family, I taught in public schools for four years, and my passion for education has only grown stronger over time.

I’m fluent in both American Sign Language (ASL) and Spanish, and I’ve lived in both Spain and Bolivia—experiences that have enriched my perspective as both a teacher and a learner. I have a special love for children’s literature and enjoy using stories to spark imagination and curiosity in the classroom.

Outside of school, I’m an avid board game enthusiast and a big fan of the outdoors. I’ve even completed several triathlons! Whether it’s hiking, running, biking, or just exploring nature with my family, I love staying active and adventurous.

I began my teaching career in 2010 working for LRSD and taught 5th grade for 4 years before deciding to stay home with my children. As a stay at home mom, I explored educational options for my kids and started homeschooling using a mix of classical education, field trips, and student led learning. During my time homeschooling, I tutored with our homeschool co-op, modeling and introducing the lesson for students and parents each week. After 10 years of homeschooling, I excitedly joined the team at Decker last year as the Cooper’s Hawks teacher.  

I love teaching students and seeing them explore! I absolutely adore the strengths-based learning that we get to provide at Decker, helping each student see their unique gifts and abilities. 

 I am the wife to my hubby, Nate, of 17 years and have 4 children: Camille, Tate, Wyatt, and Bowen. I love spending time exploring the outdoors with my family, gardening, cooking, vacationing, and eating at good local restaurants. 

I am a lifelong learner and lover of life!  I'm a blessed and lucky lady - mom of the 2 most wonderful kids on the planet and wife of the funniest husband of all time.  My background includes more than 7 years of early childhood education, 7 years of pediatric nursing experience, 11 years of small business ownership, and 4 years of homeschooling my own kids.  I live fully, seeking joy and adventure in all things, while striving for balance in all things.  I'm excited to be part of the Decker School family and start a brand new adventure!

Coby Marion lives on a little homestead with her husband, Aaron, and her 2.5 year old, Ernie. She enjoys gardening, cooking, listening to podcasts, collecting vinyl records, and relaxing with a good novel at home with her family. 

Coby taught 6th grade English Language Arts for 5 years before becoming a literacy specialist for 3 years. She has been at home with Ernie since 2023 and is excited to teach junior high again at the Decker School!