OUR Faculty

Alisha Brock has been with Redwood since the 2021/2022 school year. Alisha is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Special Education.  Alisha is also certified in Project Learning Tree, Growing up Wild, and Getting Little Feet Wet.  Alisha’s teaching philosophy centers on nurturing the whole child through hands-on learning that fosters curiosity,  creativity, and critical thinking.  She believes in creating an engaging and supportive environment where children can develop a lifelong love of learning.  Alisha loves teaching at Redwood, where she can “share [her] passion for nature with students while inspiring curiosity, hands-on learning, and a deep sense of responsibility for caring for our environment.” Outside the classroom, Alisha enjoys cooking, gardening, traveling, live music, and anything outdoors.

Meredith Jones joined Redwood for the 2023/2024 school year and is now the Lower Elementary Lead Teacher. A graduate of Western Governors University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, Meredith has worked in Fayette County Public Schools as a paraeducator and individual student aid. Additionally, she has worked at several preschool programs during her undergraduate studies.  Meredith believes students should be given an education that inspires creativity, a love for learning, and an opportunity to broaden their understanding of the world around them, both in their direct communities and globally. She aims to foster an environment where students feel safe, comfortable, and passionate about what they are learning each day.  Meredith loves teaching at Redwood, where we “incorporate student voice into our core curriculum throughout the year.”  Meredith is excited to begin her first year as a lead teacher after two years of assisting under some wonderful teaching mentors.

Lauren York has been teaching at Redwood since the 2017-2018 school yeat! She is excited to form meaningful relationships and create engaging, project-based lessons that inspire a love for learning.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Kentucky and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of the Cumberlands. Lauren has also completed training  in Orton Gillingham and volunteers her time to support our global education efforts at Redwood. Lauren was awarded a Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms award in 2024 through the U.S. Department of State. Last year, she completed a global education course, attended the global education symposium in Washington, D.C., and, this summer completed her international field experience learning about the education system in Uruguay.  Lauren believes in teaching children through hands-on, engaging activities that incorporate the real world and helps them see that their learning is valuable and applicable in the real world. She strives to help children see themselves as global citizens in an interconnected world and in creating inviting spaces for learning, and that establishing relationships is the most important thing to a successful classroom of learners.  Teaching at Redwood is Lauren’s passion, and she is excited to spend the school year with your children and family.  When not in the classroom, Lauren enjoys quality time with family and friends and listening to live music.

Molly Franklin is returning for her sixth year teaching at Redwood as the Middle School English Language Arts and Seventh Grade Social Studies Teacher. This is Molly’s seventeenth year teaching in the classroom. Molly holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Bowling Green State University, a Master of Science degree in K-12 Language and Literacy from Salem College, and has completed a gifted and talented endorsement from Eastern Kentucky University.  Molly has also participated in The Climate Initiative, a program designed to support classroom teachers in incorporating climate education in their curriculum to educate, empower, and inspire students and community members to take action to adapt to or to mitigate climate change.  Molly has also attended the MOTH Teacher Institute, focusing on the impact that personal storytelling can have on student engagement and school community.  Molly believes in empowering learners to think for themselves and become thoughtful, active participants in the real world. While the final product has its place, she values the process of learning as the most meaningful part of growth, viewing mistakes not as failures, but as essential tools for deeper understanding and lasting learning.  Molly shares, “I love the power of CHOICE that Redwood affords parents, teachers, and-most importantly-STUDENTS!!” When not at Redwood, Molly loves to hike, camp, bike, swim, and travel with her family.

Ashley Coning joined Redwood in 2018.  She is the Middle School Science Teacher and 8th grade United States History Teacher. Ashley holds a Bachelor of Arts  degree in political science and environmental science from Miami University and a Master of Arts in Teaching for middle school science and middle school social studies from the University of the Cumberlands. Before joining Redwood, Ashley taught environmental science in formal and informal settings and always brings an environmental focus to her classroom at Redwood.  Ashley has also participated in The Climate Initiative, a program designed to support classroom teachers in incorporating climate education in their curriculum to educate, empower, and inspire students and community members to take action to adapt to or to mitigate climate change.  Ashley believes in teaching rigorous academics rooted in real-world relevance, ensuring that students see purpose in their learning. She seeks to prioritize social-emotional growth and student-driven instruction that is engaging, empowering, and responsive to their needs and interests. Ashley loves teaching at Redwood, where she has the  “flexibility to meet student needs and follow student interests. The students get to truly drive my instruction, and that keeps class engaging for the students and myself” . When she is not teaching, Ashley enjoys traveling and being outdoors with her family. 

Becca Martin is excited for her second year at Redwood and her ninth school year teaching Spanish.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Centre College and has also earned her Rank II through the “Continuing Education Option” (CEO), allowing educators to pursue rank advancement through approved continuing education programs, in partnership with universities and educational cooperatives. Becca had the opportunity to attend multiple workshops and conferences, including the Innovations for Learning Conference and the Kentucky World Language Association conference, while pursuing her CEO.  Becca’s goal is to provide a safe space that encourages students to explore, think critically, and be actively involved in the learning process. She feels that building relationships is important in order to create a positive learning culture that fosters a trusting and supportive learning environment.  Becca is excited to teach at Redwood, “in a space that values the unique needs of each student and encourages critical thinking through student centered learning.”  Becca and her husband love supporting women’s sports. (Ask her about the WNBA!) We look forward to welcoming Becca to Redwood this school year!