Meet Our Team

Katie Carrillo is the heart behind Little Garden School, a nature-based program rooted in holistic, child-led learning and play. With over 15 years of experience working with children in a variety of settings, she brings care, creativity, and intention to her work. As a mother and lifelong student of child development, Katie blends her personal and professional journey into a grounded, thoughtful approach to early childhood education.

Originally from Colorado, Katie discovered her love for teaching while leading a youth rock climbing program. That experience led her to a Waldorf-inspired, play-based kindergarten classroom, where her understanding of childhood and education deepened. She came to value an approach that honors the whole child and protects the wonder of early childhood by allowing time, space, and freedom to explore and play.

In 2020, she launched Little Garden School as an in-home program while expecting her first child. After relocating to Kentucky in 2022, the school has grown into a thriving community rooted in nature, wonder, and connection.

Katie is passionate about creating peaceful, meaningful spaces where children feel safe to explore, imagine, and grow. Her faith informs her life and work, shaping her reverence for children, her love of nature, and her commitment to nurturing, beauty-filled learning environments.

Outside of Little Garden School, Katie spends her time gardening, exploring Kentucky’s wild places with her family, and homeschooling her daughter. She and her husband also run a small online shop offering handcrafted wooden toys and art supplies. Katie recently completed Forest School Director Training with the Forest School Teacher Institute and continues to pursue learning that supports her work with children and families.

Little Garden School reflects Katie’s belief that children thrive when given time, space, and beauty to grow, much like a garden.

Kaelin McWilliams started her career working with children in 2012 as a summer camp counselor while pursuing a degree in Wildlife Management. She quickly realized her love for working with children was just as great as her passion for the outdoors. 

After graduating from Eastern Kentucky University she became a Conservation Educator with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. For 10 years she visited elementary schools across several counties teaching about conserving Kentucky’s natural resources and ultimately striving to instill a love and respect for nature. Summers were spent at Camp Currie where Kaelin instructed archery. She considers working with children to be an honor and privilege especially after her daughter, Sutton, was born in 2022. 

Kaelin lives in Grayson County with her family and is usually outside with Sutton and their dogs or in the kitchen baking. Kaelin is excited to share her love for nature and Kentucky’s native species and looks forward to learning alongside the children. 

Lindsey Highbaugh is a homeschool mom to three girls who has always had a love for the outdoors and adventure, shaped by a childhood spent camping and hiking. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Equine Science and Management from the University of Kentucky, along with a minor in Agricultural Economics. When she’s not spending time with her family, Lindsey enjoys running, baking, visiting her home state of Delaware, exploring Farmers Markets and National Parks, and creating rich, meaningful childhood experiences for her daughters.

Josh French holds a Level 1 Forest Teacher Certification and a Forest School Naturalist Certification from the Forest School Teacher Institute, as well as a Free Play Facilitator certification through Bernheim Arboretum’s Playcosystem. These trainings reflect his commitment to creating spaces where children can freely explore, take risks, and develop a lasting sense of wonder.

His love for the outdoors began at age thirteen, when he spent back-to-back summers exploring the wilderness of Missouri, followed by travels out West that opened his eyes to the beauty and diversity of wild landscapes. Today, he shares that same appreciation for nature with his two daughters, homeschooling them with his wife, Amanda, and involving them in forest school programs. Outside of Little Garden School, Josh co-runs a photography and videography business with his wife and enjoys tending to his chickens and garden.

Amanda French is a homeschool mom that was certified as a Free Play Facilitator through Bernheim Arboretum’s Playcosystem program and has been an active member of forest school communities for the past four years alongside her husband, Josh, and their two daughters. Inspired by Waldorf, Charlotte Mason, and unschooling philosophies, she brings a homeschooling, child-led approach that fosters curiosity, creativity, and a strong sense of belonging. When she’s not facilitating outdoor play at Little Garden School, Amanda co-runs a professional photography and videography business with her husband and enjoys handwork, gardening, and a variety of creative pursuits.

Growing up in rural Eastern Kentucky gave Taylor Wright a lifelong love for the outdoors and a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature. From exploring creeks and forests to caring for animals, those experiences shaped her belief that children learn best through curiosity, exploration, and hands-on experiences.

Taylor is a substitute teacher in Grayson County and is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in education with the goal of becoming a middle and high school social studies teacher. She loves helping children build confidence, ask questions, and discover the world around them.

Outside of Little Garden School, Taylor enjoys spending time with her husband, Tyler, and their daughter, Eymberli. As a family, they love hiking, camping, gardening, caring for their small farm, and exploring Kentucky’s beautiful parks together.

Ally is a fellow Little Garden School Mom who found a passion for learning through play after enrolling her son in the Preschool program. Born and raised in Grayson County, she is equipped with knowledge on local and native ecosystems and a love for pollinators. 

She has a certificate in Marketing and has made being a Mother her main role for the past four years.

She loves community, connection, and has a drive for making a lasting impact on young learners and future leaders. She believes in all children getting a chance to thrive in an intentional, inclusive, and grounded environment. Ally enjoys spending time with her family, experimenting in the kitchen, and getting crafty with tactile art.

Taylor Carrillo is Katie’s husband and Little Garden School's greatest supporter, his skill, dedication, and hard work are the foundation upon which our programs are built.

Though mostly working quietly behind the scenes, he occasionally steps in to build a fire, flip pancakes, or assist with hands-on projects. When he isn't helping with school projects, you'll find him in his workshop crafting beautiful dollhouses and toys for their Etsy shop. 

Little Garden School no doubt flourishes thanks to his skilled craftsmanship and steady support.