Meet the Teachers
Dave Balough
Principal
Dave Balough
Principal
President, Marsalom Inc Board of Directors
Co-Director, Greenbriar Community School
Lead Teacher, Homeschool Enrichment age 5-7
Dave has been in the alternative education movement since the seventies. He is the previous Chair for the National Coalition of Alternative Community Schools and the current President of the Board for Greenbriar Community School. Previously Dave has served as an Outward Bound instructor ,and has taught at Greenbriar since 1974. He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in education. Dave has worn many hats at Greenbriar over the years. He is currently the lead teacher for the "littles" and involved with Game of Village.
Co-Director, Greenbriar Community School
Lead Teacher, Homeschool Enrichment age 5-7
Dave has been in the alternative education movement since the seventies. He is the previous Chair for the National Coalition of Alternative Community Schools and the current President of the Board for Greenbriar Community School. Previously Dave has served as an Outward Bound instructor ,and has taught at Greenbriar since 1974. He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in education. Dave has worn many hats at Greenbriar over the years. He is currently the lead teacher for the "littles" and involved with Game of Village.
Catherine (Cat) Bleish Bonandin
Vice Principal
Catherine (Cat) Bleish Bonandin
Vice Principal
Treasurer, Marsalom Inc. Board of Directors
Co-Director, Greenbriar Community School
Lead Teacher, Livestock, Event Planning, Reading Intervention
Catherine is the Treasurer of Marsalom Inc, and acting Principal of the school at Greenbriar. She has a Master's in Public Administration in Nonprofit Management and is currently working on her Master's in Education and specialty dyslexia training. Catherine is a homeschool mother of 12 years, and long standing advocate for alternative education models and nature based learning. Catherine has lived at Greenbriar Intentional Community since 2020, and during that time has been a teacher of yoga, livestock, and ages 8-13 academics.
Co-Director, Greenbriar Community School
Lead Teacher, Livestock, Event Planning, Reading Intervention
Catherine is the Treasurer of Marsalom Inc, and acting Principal of the school at Greenbriar. She has a Master's in Public Administration in Nonprofit Management and is currently working on her Master's in Education and specialty dyslexia training. Catherine is a homeschool mother of 12 years, and long standing advocate for alternative education models and nature based learning. Catherine has lived at Greenbriar Intentional Community since 2020, and during that time has been a teacher of yoga, livestock, and ages 8-13 academics.
Bee Espinola
Communications Director
Bee Espinola
Communications Director
Communications Director
Hello! My name is Bee Espinola, and I am the Communications Director at Greenbriar Community School. Since joining the Greenbriar community in the winter of 2021, when I first enrolled my two children (now teens!) I've been deeply involved in the life of the school. I officially became a staff member in the fall of 2022, and as of the fall of 2023, I am proud to call Greenbriar my home.
As the Communications Director, I handle a wide range of responsibilities that help keep our school running smoothly. I tour visitors, manage registration and enrollment paperwork, and assist parents/guardians, and students in settling in for the school day. I communicate student absences with teachers, manage school orders and deliveries, and oversee maintenance to ensure our facilities are always in working order. Additionally, I provide support to our dedicated staff and teachers during the school day, create and distribute newsletters every week, answer emails and phone calls, and design school event fliers. One of my favorite aspects of my job is bridging the gap between the school and the community, fostering strong relationships and open communication.
Over the past two school years, I've also had the pleasure of leading various projects and teaching the Project Wonderland course and Game of Village, which included students of all ages. These experiences have been incredibly rewarding and have allowed me to contribute to the dynamic and innovative environment that makes Greenbriar so special.
I am committed to fostering a cohesive and supportive school environment and am always looking for ways to enhance our community. I am passionate about what I do and am honored to be a part of Greenbriar Community School.
Hello! My name is Bee Espinola, and I am the Communications Director at Greenbriar Community School. Since joining the Greenbriar community in the winter of 2021, when I first enrolled my two children (now teens!) I've been deeply involved in the life of the school. I officially became a staff member in the fall of 2022, and as of the fall of 2023, I am proud to call Greenbriar my home.
As the Communications Director, I handle a wide range of responsibilities that help keep our school running smoothly. I tour visitors, manage registration and enrollment paperwork, and assist parents/guardians, and students in settling in for the school day. I communicate student absences with teachers, manage school orders and deliveries, and oversee maintenance to ensure our facilities are always in working order. Additionally, I provide support to our dedicated staff and teachers during the school day, create and distribute newsletters every week, answer emails and phone calls, and design school event fliers. One of my favorite aspects of my job is bridging the gap between the school and the community, fostering strong relationships and open communication.
Over the past two school years, I've also had the pleasure of leading various projects and teaching the Project Wonderland course and Game of Village, which included students of all ages. These experiences have been incredibly rewarding and have allowed me to contribute to the dynamic and innovative environment that makes Greenbriar so special.
I am committed to fostering a cohesive and supportive school environment and am always looking for ways to enhance our community. I am passionate about what I do and am honored to be a part of Greenbriar Community School.
Elizabeth Dailey
Lead Math Teacher
Elizabeth Dailey
Lead Math Teacher
Lead Math Teacher Ages 7+
Elizabeth Dailey is an esteemed math teacher at Greenbriar Community School, where she educates students from 2nd grade through college level. Holding bachelor's degrees in mathematics, philosophy, science, and geography, she brings a well-rounded approach to her teaching. Elizabeth teaches math during morning academics from Monday through Thursday, utilizing homeschooling curriculum and school workbooks to cater to students at varying academic levels. Elizabeth is a long time friend of the Greenbriar Community and supports initiatives that foster a nurturing environment. Her dedication and unique teaching ability make her an invaluable asset to Greenbriar Community School.
Elizabeth Dailey is an esteemed math teacher at Greenbriar Community School, where she educates students from 2nd grade through college level. Holding bachelor's degrees in mathematics, philosophy, science, and geography, she brings a well-rounded approach to her teaching. Elizabeth teaches math during morning academics from Monday through Thursday, utilizing homeschooling curriculum and school workbooks to cater to students at varying academic levels. Elizabeth is a long time friend of the Greenbriar Community and supports initiatives that foster a nurturing environment. Her dedication and unique teaching ability make her an invaluable asset to Greenbriar Community School.
Carolina D. (KitKat/Cat)
Social Studies/ English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher
Carolina D. (KitKat/Cat)
Social Studies/ English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher
I was born and raised in Austin, Texas and I am undoubtedly a central Texan. Growing up, my mother was a bilingual 1st-grade teacher, who now teaches teachers for a local school district and had me helping in her classroom since I could walk. I have always been inspired by ‘aha’ moments and sparking a long lasting fire in children. After obtaining my Bachelors of Science in Environmental and Resource Studies from Texas State University, I found my niche with environmental education working for places like Earth Native Wilderness School, Austin Nature and Science Center, and Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Since 2018, I have been mentoring students while running my own outdoor nature program, Primitive Instincts Youth Nature Program in Wimberley, teaching art, science, as well as primitive and survival skills. I have continued to seek knowledge to become a better educator for students of all ages, including attending Project Tree workshops, obtaining my Hays County Master Naturalist Certification, and attending primitive skills workshops. It is easy to say that I have a great passion for nature in many facets, and I hope my passion continues to be contagious for others. Living in Elgin with my two stepkids and my partner, I have found a home in Greenbriar. My goal is to spark passions in everyone, at all ages, backgrounds, and learning abilities.
Panda Lopez
Clovers & Hygge Teacher
Panda Lopez
Clovers & Hygge Teacher
Clover’s & Hygge - Handicrafts Teacher
Hello I’m Panda. I am a teacher but I am also a mother of two students here. We have been here for this school year but it feels much longer, because when you find your people time warps into beautiful rhythms. I have the privilege of teaching a little wild bunch of 5,6 and 7 year olds whose energy is both inspiring and catching. We spend our days learning in action and play. Our academic learning is taught through games, hands-on activities, music and art! I have a passion for gardening and 25+ years of experience, as I grew up between the rows of tomatoes and peppers, and shucking corn on the front porch. I was born and raised down a country road not too far from Greenbriar school. Being here so long with a passion and love for the land has taught me much in the ways of land conservation, preservation, and natural wild medicines. I incorporate this knowledge into my daily classes in the hopes of sharing love of land with the future. Our class is very flexible with our days and follows the ebbs, flows and emotional needs of my students. We learn on hiking trails, in the garden, sitting in our classroom and playing in the dirt. Each week is themed on a specific subject we will be learning. Mushroom identification, the works of Peter Rabbit, weather cycles, goldenrod and asters, and poop and scat are just a few examples of what we’ve learned weekly so far! Teaching has been my lifelong passion in one way or another. I try to help fulfill the specific learning needs and experiences of every child who comes through our door. Here our students are given the opportunity and direction to be their most authentic, wild, artistic, knowledgeable, and capable self. I felt called to Greenbriar in a magical way and I hope you do as well.
Hello I’m Panda. I am a teacher but I am also a mother of two students here. We have been here for this school year but it feels much longer, because when you find your people time warps into beautiful rhythms. I have the privilege of teaching a little wild bunch of 5,6 and 7 year olds whose energy is both inspiring and catching. We spend our days learning in action and play. Our academic learning is taught through games, hands-on activities, music and art! I have a passion for gardening and 25+ years of experience, as I grew up between the rows of tomatoes and peppers, and shucking corn on the front porch. I was born and raised down a country road not too far from Greenbriar school. Being here so long with a passion and love for the land has taught me much in the ways of land conservation, preservation, and natural wild medicines. I incorporate this knowledge into my daily classes in the hopes of sharing love of land with the future. Our class is very flexible with our days and follows the ebbs, flows and emotional needs of my students. We learn on hiking trails, in the garden, sitting in our classroom and playing in the dirt. Each week is themed on a specific subject we will be learning. Mushroom identification, the works of Peter Rabbit, weather cycles, goldenrod and asters, and poop and scat are just a few examples of what we’ve learned weekly so far! Teaching has been my lifelong passion in one way or another. I try to help fulfill the specific learning needs and experiences of every child who comes through our door. Here our students are given the opportunity and direction to be their most authentic, wild, artistic, knowledgeable, and capable self. I felt called to Greenbriar in a magical way and I hope you do as well.
Nadja Profit
Substitute Teacher
Nadja Profit
Substitute Teacher
Lead Teacher, Game of Village
Lead Teacher, Homeschool Enrichment Ages 8-14
Assistant Teacher, Project Wonderland
Hello there. I’m Nadia (AKA Nadja) Profit and I originally hail from "midwestern" (upstate) New York though I’ve now lived in Central Texas since 2002. I am a single mom of 2 native Texans, a GA-PA 1998 Appalachian Trail hiker, an Army Veteran and a "Jack of many trades". I have been working with children/young adults since my first babysitting gig at 10 (or maybe even 8) years old have held numerous jobs from after school care and summer camp counselor at the YMCA to College Staff Counselor for the EOP (Equal Opportunity Program) summer program to homeschool co-op teacher. I have a background in art (printmaking, photography, metal sculpture, painting etc.) earning a BFA from Alfred University at the turn of the century, I am trained as a birthing doula and most recently graduated from AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine with the degree of MAcCHM (Master of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization). My homeschool journey began when my family stumbled across unschooling, in 2009, when my now 17-year-old was 3. We attended conferences and joined local groups of like-minded families who practiced partnership parenting and child led learning. When not in class or studying for her Texas Medical Board exams, she enjoys gulf coast beach trips, road trips, camping and her tiny home Texas life.
Lead Teacher, Homeschool Enrichment Ages 8-14
Assistant Teacher, Project Wonderland
Hello there. I’m Nadia (AKA Nadja) Profit and I originally hail from "midwestern" (upstate) New York though I’ve now lived in Central Texas since 2002. I am a single mom of 2 native Texans, a GA-PA 1998 Appalachian Trail hiker, an Army Veteran and a "Jack of many trades". I have been working with children/young adults since my first babysitting gig at 10 (or maybe even 8) years old have held numerous jobs from after school care and summer camp counselor at the YMCA to College Staff Counselor for the EOP (Equal Opportunity Program) summer program to homeschool co-op teacher. I have a background in art (printmaking, photography, metal sculpture, painting etc.) earning a BFA from Alfred University at the turn of the century, I am trained as a birthing doula and most recently graduated from AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine with the degree of MAcCHM (Master of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization). My homeschool journey began when my family stumbled across unschooling, in 2009, when my now 17-year-old was 3. We attended conferences and joined local groups of like-minded families who practiced partnership parenting and child led learning. When not in class or studying for her Texas Medical Board exams, she enjoys gulf coast beach trips, road trips, camping and her tiny home Texas life.
Jennie Park
Apollo Collective Teacher
Jennie Park
Apollo Collective Teacher
Apollo Collective Teacher
Hello! I’m Jennie, I am the developer and teacher for a new program for teens and tweens here at Greenbriar, Apollo Collective. With over 20 years of experience in the creative industries of fashion and film, I bring knowledge to help young minds harness their creativity and transform it into productive, fulfilling and lucrative careers. Throughout my life, I have had the privilege of working in various creative hubs across the country, including California, New York, Texas, and Louisiana. My path has taken me along a plethora of different roles within the industry, allowing me to explore my passion for visual storytelling and design. I have owned a gallery, where I curated and showcased the works of talented artists. As an art director, I had the opportunity to bring visions to life and create immersive experiences. Working in many areas of production expanded my skill set and pushed my creative limits. In the past decade, my focus shifted to raising and homeschooling my youngest daughter, providing her with a personalized, eclectic education. As a mother of two, with my oldest daughter pursuing her dreams in film school at NYU, I understand the unique challenges and aspirations of young individuals. This experience has deepened my understanding of the importance of nurturing creativity and individuality in young minds.
My program, Apollo Collective, focuses on nurturing creativity, honing technical skills, and providing practical implementation. Through workshops, mentorship, and real-world projects, I empower my students to explore their unique creative voices and find their place in the world. In my teaching philosophy, I prioritize creating a supportive environment where students feel encouraged to take risks and embrace their individuality. I firmly believe that creativity flourishes when nurtured with passion, curiosity, and a strong foundation of knowledge. My program not only equips my students with the tools needed, but hopes to instill in them a deep sense of self-confidence and resilience. My goal is to create a supportive and inspiring environment where teens and tweens can explore their creative potential, develop their skills, and discover their own path. I am excited to embark on this new chapter at Greenbriar and make a positive impact on the lives of young creatives. Together, we will unleash their imagination, nurture their talents and empower them to build fulfilling and successful careers in the future!
Hello! I’m Jennie, I am the developer and teacher for a new program for teens and tweens here at Greenbriar, Apollo Collective. With over 20 years of experience in the creative industries of fashion and film, I bring knowledge to help young minds harness their creativity and transform it into productive, fulfilling and lucrative careers. Throughout my life, I have had the privilege of working in various creative hubs across the country, including California, New York, Texas, and Louisiana. My path has taken me along a plethora of different roles within the industry, allowing me to explore my passion for visual storytelling and design. I have owned a gallery, where I curated and showcased the works of talented artists. As an art director, I had the opportunity to bring visions to life and create immersive experiences. Working in many areas of production expanded my skill set and pushed my creative limits. In the past decade, my focus shifted to raising and homeschooling my youngest daughter, providing her with a personalized, eclectic education. As a mother of two, with my oldest daughter pursuing her dreams in film school at NYU, I understand the unique challenges and aspirations of young individuals. This experience has deepened my understanding of the importance of nurturing creativity and individuality in young minds.
My program, Apollo Collective, focuses on nurturing creativity, honing technical skills, and providing practical implementation. Through workshops, mentorship, and real-world projects, I empower my students to explore their unique creative voices and find their place in the world. In my teaching philosophy, I prioritize creating a supportive environment where students feel encouraged to take risks and embrace their individuality. I firmly believe that creativity flourishes when nurtured with passion, curiosity, and a strong foundation of knowledge. My program not only equips my students with the tools needed, but hopes to instill in them a deep sense of self-confidence and resilience. My goal is to create a supportive and inspiring environment where teens and tweens can explore their creative potential, develop their skills, and discover their own path. I am excited to embark on this new chapter at Greenbriar and make a positive impact on the lives of young creatives. Together, we will unleash their imagination, nurture their talents and empower them to build fulfilling and successful careers in the future!
