Carole co-founded Evergreen Academy with her daughter, Matina, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She has extensive experience as a school teacher and is NAMC Montessori certified. Carole is passionate about blending the best practices from Montessori, Forest School, and play-based education to create meaningful and engaging learning experiences. Her greatest joy is working with 5-7 year olds, fostering a rich, nurturing environment filled with books and hands-on opportunities for exploration and growth. Some of her favorites: cooking, spending time with her six grandbabies, and spending summers camping and hiking in Oregon with her husband.

Jeff is passionate about hands-on learning and inspiring curiosity in young learners. In Spark, he guides engaging, hands-on projects that encourage creativity and exploration. In the Discovery Studio, he leads Civilization (history/social studies) and art, fostering thoughtful discussions and artistic expression. With experience teaching in a nature-based, alternative education setting, Jeff brings a love for innovative teaching methods and a dedication to helping children thrive. His interests include reading, writing, movies, video games, hiking, and camping, which often spark connections with learners and enrich his teaching. Some of his favorites: spending time with his wife, Beth, a physical therapist, and their daughters that attend the school, as well as enjoying family adventures hiking and camping in the great outdoors.

Sadie has always known that working with children is where she belongs. From babysitting and volunteering to spending time in a special education classroom, she has found so much joy in helping children learn, grow, and discover who they are. She is currently studying to become a child psychologist and is excited to bring her passion for understanding and supporting children to her work at Evergreen. Outside of Evergreen, Sadie enjoys getting lost in a good book, spending time outdoors; no matter the weather and being creative. She loves crafting and trying new things, even when a project doesn’t quite turn out the way she planned!

Elle supports Evergreen Academy by strengthening systems, building partnerships, and managing initiatives that support a thriving learner-driven community. She works alongside school leadership to advance daily operations and strategic planning creating the foundation that allows Guides to focus on what matters most: empowering learners to take ownership of their education and begin their Hero’s Journey. With a background in international education, nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and program development, Elle has spent her career helping mission-driven organizations turn big ideas into sustainable impact. Elle is passionate about creating environments where young people can discover their strengths, develop confidence, and pursue their unique callings. She believes strong communities are built through collaboration, intentional relationships, and a shared commitment to helping others thrive. Outside of Evergreen, Elle enjoys traveling with her family, cultivating meaningful collaborations, and championing opportunities that inspire growth and purpose.

Matina Hunnell and her mom, Carole Parker, co-founded Evergreen Academy in 2019 with a shared vision to provide a better educational model for Matina’s two children and the greater Norman community. What began as a dream has grown into an award-winning, learner-driven nonprofit K12 school. Before starting Evergreen, Matina spent twelve years as a music educator. She holds a Master of Music in Piano Performance and Jazz Studies from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Bachelor of Music in Songwriting and Voice from Berklee College of Music. Some of her favorites: gardening, exploring farmer’s markets, improvisational cooking, coffee, dark chocolate, and reading a good book while snuggling her lazy and lovable Australian Shepherd, Junebug.

Meg is passionate about helping young people discover who they are and what they’re capable of. She believes learning should be meaningful, creative, and driven by each learner’s unique journey. Before joining Evergreen, Meg served as a high school English teacher, Yearbook advisor, and Student Council sponsor. After being named Teacher of the Year, she stepped into a leadership role as an Instructional Coach, supporting learners and fellow teachers across a variety of subjects. Meg holds a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction and a Bachelor’s in Communication, Media & Ethics. As an Assistant Guide, she brings curiosity, care, and a deep respect for each learner’s path. Outside of school, Meg enjoys writing, creating content, traveling, meditating, and spending time with her four children (ages 8 to 18) and a house full of pets.

Micci Underwood brings heart, playfulness, and a love of music to every learning experience. With over 20 years of experience and a background in both performance and early childhood education, she creates joyful, hands-on opportunities for learners to explore rhythm, melody, and creative expression. Micci holds a Bachelor of Science in Piano with minors in Psychology and Voice, as well as a Master of Music Education. She is certified in Kodály and Music Together® for Families and Early Childhood. As Evergreen’s music guide, Micci blends structure and freedom in a way that sparks curiosity and wonder. Whether singing, moving, or playing instruments, she encourages learners to find their voice and build confidence through music. Outside of the studio, Micci enjoys teaching piano lessons, spending time with her family, and spreading joy through music wherever she goes.

Todd Baker brings more than 33 years of experience as a music educator, band director, clinician, and performer to Evergreen Academy. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Performance from Texas Tech University and has taught learners at every grade level, as well as jazz and private lessons at the college level. Though much of his career was spent teaching in Texas, Todd has deep ties to Oklahoma through nearly 30 years on the faculty of the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Band Camp. He has served as a head band director in Newcastle, Oklahoma, and most recently taught alongside his wife, Mamie Sprinkle-Baker, in Kemp, Texas. Throughout his career, Todd has been recognized with multiple Teacher of the Year awards and has served as an honor band clinician and guest instructor for music programs throughout Texas and Oklahoma. Today, Todd continues sharing his love of music with learners through teaching at several Norman-area schools, the Norman Homeschool Band, private lessons, and occasional work with local music programs. At Evergreen, he enjoys creating opportunities for learners to explore music, build confidence, and discover the joy of making music together. Outside of teaching, Todd enjoys golfing (even if he admits he doesn't always golf well), restaurant-hopping with his wife, Mamie, and spending time with their dog, Lou. He also does his best to peacefully coexist with their three cats.

Kristin has been a member of the Evergreen team since 2020 and has become an integral part of the magic of our school. She played a key role in helping Evergreen Academy achieve its two accreditations through Cognia and in receiving the highest learner-driven marks possible as an IALDS Gold-certified school. Kristin holds a Master’s in Human Relations and a Bachelor’s in Psychology, both from OU. Before joining Evergreen, she founded a highly successful nonprofit homeschool group where she taught classes. At Evergreen, she enjoys designing quests and engaging writing projects for the learners in Discovery Studio (7-11 year olds), where her two youngest boys are also students. Some of her favorites: dark chocolate, laughing, and spending time with animals—especially her two beloved dogs.

With 25 years in education, Sherri brings a lifelong passion for learning and a genuine love of working with children to Evergreen Academy. She knew from a young age that she wanted to be a teacher and has had the opportunity to teach learners from first through sixth grade throughout her career. She truly loves every age and stage and especially enjoys watching learners grow in confidence as they master skills they have worked hard to develop. Several years ago, Sherri was honored to be named Teacher of the Year at her school. She was especially humbled by the recognition because it was selected by her talented and dedicated colleagues. One of her greatest joys is watching a learner master a skill they have been working hard to develop. Outside of school, Sherri enjoys reading, attempting to garden, tackling DIY projects, traveling, and cooking and baking. Her family is her greatest blessing. She and her husband have four children, five grandchildren, and beloved pets. They love spending time together at the lake, beach, or in the mountains.

Georgette Dobkin is the Learning Design Consultant for Evergreen Academy, working behind the scenes to shape curriculum and learning experiences that empower high-quality self-directed learning. With over 20 years of experience in education, she brings a deep understanding of learner-driven environments that foster curiosity, independence, and excellence. Before retiring, Georgette founded Acton Academy Marietta, where she championed the Acton model and guided countless young heroes on their learning journeys. Her passion for education continues as she helps design meaningful and impactful learning experiences at Evergreen. Some of her favorites: traveling to new places, savoring a good cup of tea, and getting lost in a great book.