Carole co-founded Evergreen Academy with her daughter, Matina, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She has extensive experience as a school teacher and is NAMC Montessori certified. Carole is passionate about blending the best practices from Montessori, Forest School, and play-based education to create meaningful and engaging learning experiences. Her greatest joy is working with 5-7 year olds, fostering a rich, nurturing environment filled with books and hands-on opportunities for exploration and growth. Some of her favorites: cooking, spending time with her six grandbabies, and spending summers camping and hiking in Oregon with her husband.

Jeff is passionate about hands-on learning and inspiring curiosity in young learners. In Spark, he guides engaging, hands-on projects that encourage creativity and exploration. In the Discovery Studio, he leads Civilization (history/social studies) and art, fostering thoughtful discussions and artistic expression. With experience teaching in a nature-based, alternative education setting, Jeff brings a love for innovative teaching methods and a dedication to helping children thrive. His interests include reading, writing, movies, video games, hiking, and camping, which often spark connections with learners and enrich his teaching. Some of his favorites: spending time with his wife, Beth, a physical therapist, and their daughters that attend the school, as well as enjoying family adventures hiking and camping in the great outdoors.

Matt Horton brings energy, creativity, and a deep love for music to Evergreen’s band program. He believes every learner has the potential to express themselves through music and helps each one grow in confidence, skill, and joy. With a background in directing bands of all sizes and ages, Matt creates a space where learners feel empowered to take risks, collaborate, and make beautiful music together. Whether a learner is picking up an instrument for the first time or preparing for a performance, Matt meets them where they are and encourages them to keep growing. Outside of Evergreen, Matt enjoys composing, performing, and spending time with his family.

Matina Hunnell and her mom, Carole Parker, co-founded Evergreen Academy in 2019 with a shared vision to provide a better educational model for Matina’s two children and the greater Norman community. What began as a dream has grown into an award-winning, learner-driven nonprofit K12 school. Before starting Evergreen, Matina spent twelve years as a music educator. She holds a Master of Music in Piano Performance and Jazz Studies from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Bachelor of Music in Songwriting and Voice from Berklee College of Music. Some of her favorites: gardening, exploring farmer’s markets, improvisational cooking, coffee, dark chocolate, and reading a good book while snuggling her lazy and lovable Australian Shepherd, Junebug.

Christy McBride is an Evergreen alumna with a deep passion for working with young learners. As the Assistant Spark Guide, she loves helping students develop their art and reading skills, creating a vibrant and encouraging environment where they can thrive. In addition to her work at Evergreen, Christy directs a two-week musical theater camp each summer that culminates in a fantastic performance for our students and the community. Her creativity and dedication to the arts inspire learners to explore their talents and express themselves. Some of her favorites: fostering a love for creativity and storytelling through theater, guiding learners as they grow in confidence and skills, and sharing her enthusiasm for the arts with the Evergreen community.

Meg is passionate about helping young people discover who they are and what they’re capable of. She believes learning should be meaningful, creative, and driven by each learner’s unique journey. Before joining Evergreen, Meg served as a high school English teacher, Yearbook advisor, and Student Council sponsor. After being named Teacher of the Year, she stepped into a leadership role as an Instructional Coach, supporting learners and fellow teachers across a variety of subjects. Meg holds a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction and a Bachelor’s in Communication, Media & Ethics. As an Assistant Guide, she brings curiosity, care, and a deep respect for each learner’s path. Outside of school, Meg enjoys writing, creating content, traveling, meditating, and spending time with her four children (ages 8 to 18) and a house full of pets.

Kristin has been a member of the Evergreen team since 2020 and has become an integral part of the magic of our school. She played a key role in helping Evergreen Academy achieve its two accreditations through Cognia and in receiving the highest learner-driven marks possible as an IALDS Gold-certified school. Kristin holds a Master’s in Human Relations and a Bachelor’s in Psychology, both from OU. Before joining Evergreen, she founded a highly successful nonprofit homeschool group where she taught classes. At Evergreen, she enjoys designing quests and engaging writing projects for the learners in Discovery Studio (7-11 year olds), where her two youngest boys are also students. Some of her favorites: dark chocolate, laughing, and spending time with animals—especially her two beloved dogs.

Micci Underwood brings heart, playfulness, and a love of music to every learning experience. With over 20 years of experience and a background in both performance and early childhood education, she creates joyful, hands-on opportunities for learners to explore rhythm, melody, and creative expression. Micci holds a Bachelor of Science in Piano with minors in Psychology and Voice, as well as a Master of Music Education. She is certified in Kodály and Music Together® for Families and Early Childhood. As Evergreen’s music guide, Micci blends structure and freedom in a way that sparks curiosity and wonder. Whether singing, moving, or playing instruments, she encourages learners to find their voice and build confidence through music. Outside of the studio, Micci enjoys teaching piano lessons, spending time with her family, and spreading joy through music wherever she goes.

Georgette Dobkin is the Learning Design Consultant for Evergreen Academy, working behind the scenes to shape curriculum and learning experiences that empower high-quality self-directed learning. With over 20 years of experience in education, she brings a deep understanding of learner-driven environments that foster curiosity, independence, and excellence. Before retiring, Georgette founded Acton Academy Marietta, where she championed the Acton model and guided countless young heroes on their learning journeys. Her passion for education continues as she helps design meaningful and impactful learning experiences at Evergreen. Some of her favorites: traveling to new places, savoring a good cup of tea, and getting lost in a great book.