Nature's Schoolhouse Team
Ms Nicole
Meet Ms. Nicole – Founder of Nature’s Schoolhouse
Nicole Tomayko is the heart behind Nature’s Schoolhouse. Inspired by her youngest son’s unique learning needs, she made the bold decision to leave her career in technology and website operations to create something entirely new. After navigating the public and charter school systems with her three older children, Nicole recognized that her youngest, and many others, deserved a different kind of educational experience. Nature’s Schoolhouse was born from that vision: a place where children can grow, explore, and learn in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
​
Nicole studied Journalism and Psychology at the University of Akron in her home state of Ohio and holds a certification in School Administration. Since relocating to the Austin area in 2008, she’s loved spending her free time exploring the area's many parks, lakes, and natural spaces.​
Meet Ms. Gwen – Assistant Educator
Ms. Gwen brings experience and heart to our school community. With a background as a preschool teacher, she’s passionate about creating warm, engaging spaces where young learners feel empowered to take risks, make mistakes, and grow. She encourages independence, fosters peer connection, and helps children build confidence through exploration and self-direction. Gwen is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education.​
​
Outside the classroom, Gwen is a talented dancer who has competed at the state level. She loves weaving her passion for dance into the learning experience, inspiring students through movement and creativity.
Ms Gwen
Ms. Marcie
Meet Marcie – Substitute Educator & Campus Caretaker
Marcie, lovingly known as “Baba” by our learners, is our trusted substitute and an essential part of our school community. A Registered Nurse with a heart for kids, she brings warmth, reliability, and a deep sense of care into the classroom.
​
When she’s not stepping in as an educator, Marcie puts her many other talents to work around campus. As a Registered Nurse, she’s our go-to for skinned knees, bumped elbows, and keeping our learners safe and healthy. She’s also incredibly handy, often building, repairing, and improving our spaces. She's also a skilled gardener, and brings beauty and function to our gardens.