Misti Leatherwood
Lead Teacher – Whimsical Wonderings
Misti is the lead teacher for our Whimsical Wonderings Elementary Program. Born in Candler, Misti has deep roots in the WNC mountains. Growing up in a family of educators, she was destined to become one herself.
As a certified teachers, Misti brings with her over 30 years of teaching experience, and joins us with a vast array of knowledge from various academic settings. She has taught in early child care centers, charter schools, public schools, forest school, homeschool classes, as well as home educating her own kids.
She takes great pride in running into past students who tell her they still remember things they learned in her classes.
When not in the classroom, Misti enjoys soaking in everything nature offers, from wandering the Biltmore Estate, to soaking in the beauty of the area forests. She relishes spending time with family, especially her grandchildren!
In addition to educating, she advocates for wildlife and is a wildlife rehabilitator.
She is the epitome of whimsy and wonder!
Emily Esquivel
Teaching Assistant – Whimsical Wonderings
Emily is a mom of two sweet little ones, and was homeschooled from k-12, so it was a natural choice to homeschool her own. In previous daycare and co-op teaching jobs she loved watching and helping kids learn and develop through hands-on activities and experiences. She is passionate about each child having the space and attention to learn in their own way, and at their own pace.
In her free time, she loves spending time outdoors, being active, and running races.
Yellowwood Learning Community 