Staff
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
This is our high quality, dedicated staff of Prairie Hill Learning Center. Your child's transformative experience is at the forefront of our minds. We care deeply about the whole child, developing and creating opportunities for powerful educational experiences, and modeling positive, nurturing behavior.
Prairie House
Sean Hope
Lead Guide
Hello! I’m happy to say I’ve been working in the Young Children’s Community at PHLC for 8 years now and have loved every minute of it. I came to Nebraska from Colorado to pursue work at PHLC. I met my wonderful wife Jennifer, and we have one daughter, Penelope currently in the Farmhouse, and our other daughter, Matilda, will be joining the YCC soon! I have AMS and MACTE Montessori credentials to teach in both 0-3 and 3-6 year old communities, enhancing my studies in early childhood education.
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I enjoy spending time with my family, playing disc golf, riding and maintaining bicycles, camping, hiking, rock climbing, backpacking, and off-piste snowboarding.
Prairie House
Emmett Hudson
Co-Lead Guide
I joined the Prairie Hill community almost three years ago. My mom came first, as the chef, about a year before I joined. Being able to provide children with the respect and the space to grow their independence is priceless.
Prairie House
Avery Yendra
Assistant
This is the start of my third year at Prairie Hill. I initially came to Prairie Hill looking for a summer job, but on the day of my tour was offered a full-time spot in the Farm House. I spent about two years as an assistant in the Farm House, then went part-time into the YCC. What makes Montessori special to me is the connections with nature, and giving children as much freedom as is possible! Some things I love about Prairie Hill are: our gardens, the fact that it is acres of property, the forest, the animals, and the truly wonderful experience of community that I have felt. Some of my favorite things to do outside of school are going for walks by myself or with my dog, playing pickle ball, and reading about various topics. I am a middle child - I have an older brother, and a younger sister who I am very close with. And we are all very close with both of our parents. We all still live around Lincoln and see each other on a frequent basis.
Farmhouse
Chris Eigbrett
Lead Guide
Around 30 years ago I answered an ad to spend my summer as a camp counselor at this Montessori Nature Learning Center. Not seeking to be an educator, I did however love camp and nature, making connections and relationships with and respecting our home, the Earth, and all who reside here. I happily discovered education's connection to these in this unique and special place. After living elsewhere, I knew I wanted my children to grow up with this experience, so we returned 'home'. I gratefully continue to learn from and enJOY them, my partner in life, children of all ages everywhere, and this amazing living Earth.
Farmhouse
Sheila Heydt
Assistant
I joined Prairie Hill as an assistant in the Farmhouse over 20 years ago! I continue to be inspired by the children's enthusiasm, and I love how the Montessori education at Prairie Hill supports and gives children the skills to do so many things for themselves. It's been wonderful to see how much confidence that independence provides children as they discover their abilities and interests!
I think that the care, respect, and experience that goes into every aspect of the what we do here is a really special part of Prairie Hill.
Farmhouse
Rachel Farrow
Assistant
I joined Prairie Hill one year ago. I came to Prairie Hill because of its beautiful campus and small class size. Montessori is special because children learn in a multi-age setting and get lots of hands on learning. I love that at Prairie Hill children develop practical life skills and gain independence. The campus provides lots of opportunity to learn outdoors. When I am not guiding children in their learning, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing pickleball and crafting.
Meadow House
Erin Kievit
Lead Guide
I joined Prairie Hill eight years ago. The community is full of support, care, and connection. I appreciate how parents, children, and staff are encouraged to share their unique gifts and skills. As a Guide, I offer learning experiences to support all areas of development. This is my passion. Prairie Hill is a gift to me, personally and professionally!
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Meadow House
Katie Nepper
Assistant
I joined Prairie Hill for a little over a year and a half. I was first introduced to Prairie Hill when my mom told me about the school when she went to one of the country fairs. I began working in the YCC for a year, then I went to the Meadow house as an assistant. What makes Montessori so special to me is the way it encourages independence and curiosity. What I enjoy in my free time is reading, playing board games, and spending time with my family and friends!
I graduated from SCC in Early Childhood Education and Agricultural business - Associates Degree.
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Meadow House
Cassie Failor
Assistant
Hello!!
I have been at Prairie Hill a little over 4 months. I am an assistant guide in the Meadow house. I went to school and got my bachelors degree in Elementary Education. I was going to be a public school teacher but then I came across Montessori schools and that’s when I found Prairie Hill. One of the things I love most about Prairie Hill is the sense of community, encouraging independency and how it allows children to explore their curiosity! I am excited to continue this journey and expand on my passion for working with kids!
Earth House - Younger Elementary
Angel Schmidt
Lead Guide
I was invited to join Prairie Hill in the garden for summer camp 10 years ago. The magic of staff, child, and nature quickly filled a piece of my heart. Since then my role has expanded through being a substitute, assistant, and lead guide. I'm grateful to be able to share my love of science found in nature with students as we explore the outdoors and our individual impact on our world.
Earth House - Younger Elementary
Lisa Lux
Assistant
I have worked at Prairie Hill for the last 5 years but have been part of the community for much longer through my spouse who also worked at Prairie Hill. I love being part of a community built around respect for children and the Earth.
Earth House - Younger Elementary
Kate Picard
Co-Lead Guide
After more than a decade as a guide in one form or another, Prairie Hill is still a daily dream come true. It's magical to watch kids blossom into independent and curious learners who are bound to bring change to the world. I'm grateful to share in their energy, providing a space where they can grow and develop their hearts and minds. Each day brings community, love, and a joy that is unmatched anywhere else.
Earth House - Older Elementary
Stephanie Smith
Lead Guide
I found Prairie Hill six years ago when my familiy moved to Nebraska from New Hampshire. My husband and I have three children and a cat. We enjoy hiking, biking, and playing games together! I love guiding children with the Montessori method because of it's basis in love and respect for the child and their learning experience. Prairie Hill is an amazing place for many reasons and my top two are the relationships and the connection to nature.
Adolescent Community
Jordan Hope
Lead Guide
I joined Prairie Hill 17 years ago to co-teach in the Younger elementary classroom. I loved it so much, later, after three years away in Pennsylania, when the opportunity came to move anywhere in the world, we came back to Prairie Hill. I love working with the children helping them grow individually (looking at the whole child), together in our Prairie Hill community, and as peaceful global citizens that care for our Earth and the wider world.
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Jadon Johnson
Specialist
This will be my first year at Prairie Hill and also as an educator. I graduated college in May of 2025. I was a Student-Athlete my entire time in College. I plan to bring the same the energy, dedication, and teamwork from the field into her classroom. As a first year educator I am to passionate about helping children grow into confident, curious, and independent learners. "Every child is a different kind of flower, and all together, they make this world a beautiful garden."
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April Fearing
Student Services Cordinator, Spanish Guide
My journey in the Prairie Hill Community began 20 years ago. During this time period I have been a Community supporter, parent, volunteer and eight years ago, I became a staff member at Prairie Hill. As a life long Nebraskan, I enjoy spending time in nature and learning through the powerful lessons it provides. Prairie Hill's deep commitment to nature as well as its commitment to creating a peaceful and sustainable world drew me to Prairie Hill and the Montessori educational philosophy. For me, respect for children, hands on education and a deep connection to nurturing the whole person are some of the most important aspects of Prairie Hill.
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Jon Yates
Facilities Manager
For over 8 years I have been working hard to improve the environment inside and outside at Prairie Hill. Focusing on safety, aesthetics, and the general environment and flow of Prairie Hill. I find daily that I am amazed at how far Prairie Hill has advanced in my time here. And encouraged to know that everyone here has the same goals which will continue to advance all elements of the school. Prior to working at PH I was with UNL's Fish and Wildlife cooperative. PH has been the perfect blend of Nature and Building and Maintenance that I thrive in.
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All Communities
Lane Schlueter
Barn Manager / Equine Specialist
Hi Y’all! My name is Lanie Schlueter and I am Prairie Hill’s new Equine Specialist. I hail from Lincoln, though I spend much of my time on my grandfather’s farm in Richardson County. My grandpa and I have three horses together and he is one of my best friends. I spend my spare time trail riding, playing in a band and restoring an eclectic old home with my partner.
I believe that spending time around horses is one of the greatest things a human being can do. Their huge hearts are brimming with love and they teach us so much about ourselves. I cannot wait to experience the beautiful world of horses with the community of Prairie Hill!
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Sara Brown
Chef
I am truly honored to have been presented the opportunity to nourish your child(ren) during their time at Prairie Hill. What an adventure this is going to be! I have a 17 and 18 year old daughter and a 4.5 year old son, so feeding children is something that is constantly on my mind, morning, noon and night. I very much believe that food is nature’s medicine and can nourish and heal us from the inside out - and that belief is always the guiding principle as I build menus and meals for those I care about.
I have spent the last (nearly) 8 years owning and operating Rutabagas, a plant based comfort food restaurant in Lincoln. We have made many pivots and changes in our business over the years to keep up with and meet the ever-changing demands of the market and the community. Earlier this month, I transitioned the restaurant from regular restaurant/dine-in hours to a pop-up concept only. This allows me the time and ability to focus on other ways to meet the needs of the community… so it was perfect timing to learn that Prairie Hill needed a chef.
I look forward to continuing to build on the food program here at PHLC, while keeping your children’s health and safety my top priority.
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Amanda Decker
Business Manager
I found Prairie Hill after taking some time off to focus on my family. I have been in Office and Business management for over 30 years and absolutely love it. I thoroughly enjoy Prairie Hill and all its attributes and will always strive to make this place as special as possible. I am a blessed mom of 5 and the spoiled wife of an amazing husband.
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John Gloe
Head of School
This will be my first year at Prairie Hill. I truly believe that Prairie Hill found me rather than me finding it. I had been in public education for over 20 years in a variety of capacities. I am extremely honored and humbled to be a small part of this outstanding staff, tight knit community, and magical school. I have two children, Danny and Thea, whom are my foundation and motivation in life. Please contact me for any reason: jgloe@prairiehill.com