Teaching with Heart, Living in Community

Ms. Kristin has been part of Marie's teaching journey for many years, long before Mindful Journey Academy officially began but was just a dream. The two worked together in homeschooling circles and co-ops, where Kristin's warmth and intuition as a teacher quickly became clear. She was at the helm of the Waldorf homeschool co-op after Marie left to start MJA — and was even Marie's son Liam's kindergarten teacher. To this day, he still calls her his favorite.

Children naturally gravitate toward Kristin because of her gentleness, empathy, and quiet strength. Her classroom radiates calm and kindness — a place where little ones feel safe to explore, wonder, and grow at their own pace.

Kristin's love for teaching began early, babysitting and studying early childhood education in high school before continuing her studies at Mount Hood Community College. She also earned a Massage Therapy Certificate from the Ashmead School of Massage, blending her understanding of body, rhythm, and well-being into her approach to education.

Her teaching path has taken her from snowy mountain slopes — where she taught children to snowboard in New Hampshire and Colorado — to the warmth of home education, where she homeschooled her three children and guided an entire co-op community with creativity and care.

Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Kristin's adventurous spirit has led her across the country — from winters in the mountains to summers in Alaska — before settling in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where she found a home in both heart and purpose at Mindful Journey Academy.

Her teaching philosophy is rooted in gentleness, simplicity, and curiosity. She believes that education begins in the heart — that children learn best when they feel loved, seen, and free to wonder.

Outside the classroom, Kristin treasures time with her children — Daniel, Kaia, and Bode — and enjoys reading, being in nature, and sharing stories with friends. She believes deeply in lifelong learning, joy, and living each day with intention.

Mr. Josh brings a wonderful mix of creativity, humor, and heart to Mindful Journey Academy. He teaches Grades 2–3 and helps ensure the safety and well-being of everyone on campus. A true "watcher of the children," Josh quietly observes, listens, and makes sure each child's needs are seen and met — all while bringing a smile to their faces. His sense of humor and calm presence make every day at MJA a little lighter and brighter.

Every Thursday, Josh supports our school's 4-H program, guiding students through hands-on experiences in agriculture, community service, and leadership. Whether they're learning about plant cycles, caring for animals, or working together on service projects, he helps students discover the joy of contributing to their community and developing skills that will serve them for life.

Josh has also been diving deeply into our Sustainability curriculum, finding innovative ways to support both Mindful Journey Academy and Wondering Woods Farm. Whether he's helping with new outdoor learning spaces, improving systems for animal care, or teaching about stewardship of the land, Josh inspires students to see how every small action can make a big difference in caring for the Earth.

Josh holds a Master's degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University, a Bachelor's in Graphic Design from Coastal Carolina University, and an Associate of Arts from Horry-Georgetown Technical College. His diverse educational background gives him a unique perspective — blending creativity, empathy, and structure in everything he does.

Born and raised in Horry County, Josh brings a blend of southern charm, patience, and genuine care to his teaching. With eight years of instructional guidance experience and a strong foundation in special education, he's committed to creating inclusive spaces where all students can thrive. His approach is rooted in understanding, connection, and laughter — the kind that helps learning sink in naturally.

Outside of school, Josh is an adventurer at heart. He loves fishing, boating, and exploring local history with his wife, Bethany. Together, they've visited more than 20 Caribbean islands — and even said "I do" on the beautiful shores of Turks and Caicos.

Volunteer Extraordinaire | Animal Whisperer | Kindergarten Picasso | Kitchen Connoisseur

Ms. Lexi has a knack for nurturing young minds, honed through her early childhood education program in high school. She's CPR certified and is diving into a 40-hour RBT (ABA) training program, because learning never stops when you're passionate about kids.

Starting as a summer camp assistant in 2023, Lexi fell in love with teaching and the kids at Mindful Journey Academy. From painting with kindergartners to guiding first and second graders, her days are filled with creativity, care, and lots of laughs.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised near its bustling heart, Lexi later moved to Goose Creek, South Carolina, where she attended an arts middle and high school. She began college at Converse University but found her true calling at Mindful Journey Academy. "This place is home," she says, and her love for the school shines through in everything she does.

As someone who struggled with the rigidity of public school, Lexi knows firsthand the importance of a natural, interest-driven approach to education. She believes children thrive when their individual needs and passions are at the center of their learning journey.

When Lexi isn't guiding young artists, she's creating her own masterpieces. From painting and drawing to making jewelry, her artistic spirit knows no bounds. She's also exploring handwork crafts and cherishes family time, channeling her creativity into making her home a warm and vibrant place.

For Lexi, joining Mindful Journey Academy wasn't just a career move—it was finding her people. She describes the school as a community overflowing with love, where she's discovered family in its truest sense. "There's no place I'd rather be," she says with a heart full of gratitude.

Whether she's cuddling goats, painting dragons with kindergartners, or whipping up a masterpiece in the kitchen at Shine Café, Lexi's days are a perfect blend of creativity and joy!

Ms. Angela Mansfield grew up in North Myrtle Beach and graduated from North Myrtle Beach High School in 1995. After graduating, Angie joined the United States Army where she worked as a medical specialist in the 201st Forward Support Battalion, stationed in Vilseck, Germany. In 1997, her unit was deployed to Bosnia/Herzegovina for a peace-keeping mission with the S4. Angela worked with her unit Chaplain on missions to orphanages and refugee camps throughout eastern Europe.

She earned her sharpshooter badge, several Army Achievement Medals, 2 Army Commendation Medals, EMT certification, Hazmat certification, and an Army Expeditionary medal for her time in the former Yugoslavia.

After being honorably discharged from the US Army in 2001, Angela joined the Louisiana National Guard and began college courses in Elementary Education at Northwestern University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. She transferred to Coastal Carolina University in 2003, and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Art in 2006 and a Master's degree in Education in 2007. She also completed a semester of Culinary Arts, has a minor in English Language Arts, studied colonial history extensively, and is a highly skilled painter.

After a summer of directing a massive art program for students aged 6-14, Angela accepted a job with Marion County schools where she worked as an Art teacher from 2007-2012. Since then, she has taught in Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and Charlotte, NC.

Her philosophy has always been that all students deserve an education, and that students must be challenged to hold themselves accountable for their own learning. It is said that the United States provides a free education to all children; however, Angela believes it is not free, but rather the students must PAY attention.

Angela is an avid nature enthusiast with a love of exploring, hiking much of the Appalachian Trail as well as the highest peak in the Caribbean. Angela learned how to ski in the Alps, scuba dive in California, and kayak in New England. She earned her Master Gardener's certification from York County, SC in 2020, and passed the NC Insurance exam in 2023.

Angela came to Mindful Journey Academy in 2025 with a love for teaching and the expressed desire to cultivate the land in order to continue our journey of becoming more sustainable and self-sufficient.

Ms. Jody Reed brings a beautiful blend of communication, organization, and life experience to Mindful Journey Academy. Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Pennsylvania, she carries a lifelong love of language, storytelling, and meaningful human connection. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing with a minor in English, a foundation that supports both her administrative leadership and her future role in guiding students through the high school years.

Jody's connection to South Carolina runs deep. She spent ten years in the state during the 1990s, dedicating herself to the care and development of children through work in daycare settings and as a devoted nanny for five years. After returning to Pennsylvania to raise her own children—now successful adults—the call of the Lowcountry remained close to her heart. In 2018, she returned to South Carolina permanently, drawn once again to its warmth, beauty, and sense of belonging.

For the past 16 years, Jody built a successful career in Human Resources, developing strengths in communication, systems, leadership, and relationship-building. Over time, she felt called toward work that felt more rooted in purpose and aligned with her values. That journey led her to Mindful Journey Academy, where she now serves as Marie's Administrative Assistant and supports the school through grants, organization, family communication, and the many moving parts that help the Academy flourish each day.

What Jody loves most so far is getting to know the children and experiencing the many personalities that make the MJA community so special. She treasures watching how students interact with one another, how they express themselves, and how relationships naturally unfold in a mindful environment.

Jody is already helping lay the foundation for an exciting future chapter at MJA as we begin envisioning our Founding High School Cohort. She is especially passionate about helping teenagers develop the practical life skills many schools overlook—budgeting, taxes, credit scores, interest rates, and the everyday tools that truly prepare young people for adulthood. Her vision is that students leave high school not only ready for college or a trade, but fully prepared for the realities of independent life.

A devoted lover of literature, Jody especially enjoys classics such as Of Mice and Men, The Scarlet Letter, and To Kill a Mockingbird. She also loves nonfiction works like In Cold Blood and Random Family, and has a deep appreciation for the writing of Flannery O'Connor.

Outside of school, Jody enjoys traveling, attending festivals, painting, making crafts, writing, and spending time at the beach.

Ms. Kelly brings empathy, insight, and adaptability to every corner of Mindful Journey Academy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Psychology from Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan and became a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in 2017, working in both clinic and home-based settings with children on the autism spectrum. Before that, she gained experience in respite care, Sunday school, and home healthcare, and earned her CNA from Horry-Georgetown Technical College.

Born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan, Kelly always knew she wanted to work with children. After moving to Myrtle Beach in 2014, she found her calling in helping children thrive through both structure and understanding. Her journey led her to Mindful Journey Academy after attending a yoga event — and the connection was immediate. She describes the MJA community as "a place that brought peace, purpose, and a mindfulness I didn't know I needed."

Kelly's teaching philosophy centers around making learning joyful and building upon each child's strengths. She helps students grow not only academically but also socially and emotionally, fostering confidence and self-awareness.

At MJA, Kelly plays an invaluable role in observing children who may be struggling and guiding how we can best support them — whether that means helping parents understand their child's needs or helping us, as educators, to grow in our own awareness. She has a gift for seeing what others might miss and offers tools, encouragement, and perspective that strengthen our entire community.

She is deeply adaptable, always lending a hand wherever she's needed — from supporting classrooms, learning how to stain the entire fence, to helping in the office. Her calm, caring presence reminds everyone that mindfulness is not just something we teach — it's something we live.

When not at school, Kelly loves hiking, working outdoors, attending concerts and festivals, and spending time with her three dogs, cat, and extended family. Her favorite travel experience so far has been a paranormal psychology trip to Ireland.

Mr. David is the steady hands and bright spirit behind much of what makes Mindful Journey Academy run so smoothly. Born in Maryland and raised here in Horry County, David grew up learning the value of hard work, resourcefulness, and faith. His father was a bit of an inventor, and that spark of creativity shines through in David's work every day.

Every single day, David pours his heart into maintaining the grounds, trails, structures, and overall beauty of Wondering Woods Farm. From clearing overgrowth and maintaining winding trails to ensuring our outdoor spaces remain safe, beautiful, and thriving for our children, his tireless dedication keeps our campus magical. From chicken coops and fences to garden beds, swings, slack lines, tool sheds, and so much more—his craftsmanship and patience bring Marie's big ideas to life—though not without a little good-natured teasing first! When new classroom spaces need clearing, he's right there with his trusty tractor, ready to make room for more learning and wonder.

We are deeply grateful for the love and consistency David pours into keeping Wondering Woods Farm safe, beautiful, and thriving. The beauty of our grounds, the care of our trails, the strength of our structures, and the peaceful flow of the farm are all touched by his hands and heart.

A mechanic by trade and a teacher by heart, David now leads two incredible skilled trades programs at Mindful Journey Academy: Forged in the Forest, where students learn the ancient art of blacksmithing, and The Restoration Barn, where they dive into mechanics, tool use, and restoration work. These hands-on programs invite students and community members to work with real tools, solve real problems, and develop practical skills that last a lifetime. Whether they're hammering hot iron into shape or rebuilding an engine, David's students learn craftsmanship, patience, and the deep satisfaction of making something work with their own two hands.

David's resourcefulness and willingness to lend a hand are endless. He helps with animal care and training, supports our building projects, and ensures the farm and school stay safe and beautiful for everyone. Outside of MJA, he owns and operates Casual Clippings LLC, providing lawn and yard care services throughout the community. He also has his own workshop in Aynor and looks after his mother, aunt, and sister—while staying close with his three brothers who also live nearby.

He often says, "God works in mysterious ways," and we see that truth in the way he came to be part of our journey. For years, David has volunteered his time, energy, and heart to help us build the spaces where children learn, play, and grow. Around here, we lovingly call him "David the Gnome"—our wise, talkative, and ever-resourceful friend who never meets a stranger and always leaves things better than he found them.

And for fun—because it's true—David loves to work!