A woman sitting on a wooden bench with two young girls, all smiling, against a plain white background. The woman has shoulder-length dark hair and is wearing a beige top and white pants. The girl on her left has long brown hair, wearing a red dress with white patterns. The girl on her right has short light brown hair, dressed in an orange dress. They are all wearing brown sandals.

Corley correa

Founder/Teacher

About Corley Correa, Founder

Embers came to life because I needed it to. As a mom of two daughters — both students here — I couldn’t find quite the right fit for our family, so I decided to create it. A place that genuinely honors childhood. That offers rich, challenging academics and long stretches of time outside. That moves at an unhurried pace and cultivates a real love of learning — not just a checklist of skills.

I have a Master’s in Education and a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts Education, and I’ve taught just about everything over the years — reading, art, Spanish, and even yoga at a mental health facility. I’ve traveled a lot, and that love of language, culture, and seeing the world through different eyes shows up in how I teach. My husband and I actually taught together once upon a time, where he ran the music program — and watching what music does for kids stuck with me. It’s a big reason I’m so excited to bring musical theater, ukulele lessons, and more into Embers in the coming year.

Next year will be my third year with our older class, who’ll be moving into 2nd through 4th grade. I’ve been with most of them since the beginning, and honestly, that continuity is one of my favorite things about this whole venture. Getting to watch the same kids grow, build on what they know, and come into their own — there’s nothing quite like it.

At its heart, Embers is simple. Curious. Unhurried. No grades, no chasing trends, just a warm and consistent space where kids can ask big questions, go deep on things that interest them, and take their time. Time-tested and a little old-fashioned in the best way.

When I’m not teaching, I’m reading, writing, creating, and planning our next big adventure. I love spending time with my family — my girls keep life full and interesting. We’re out in Guthrie, slowly trying to bring some homestead dreams to life, which has turned out to be a much longer and harder process than I ever imagined — and also completely worth it. I’m a dreamer in every sense of the word, and I’ve always been deeply fascinated by dreams — the nighttime kind too. I love to write them down, sit with them, and see what they’re trying to say. At the end of the day, Embers is my biggest dream made real — and I’m so glad you’re here.-Corley

A woman with long black hair smiling inside a warmly lit room with a window in the background.

Lauren Charney

Kindergarten/1st Grade Teacher

Lauren Charney is a fifth-year teacher who brings creativity, movement, and imagination into the classroom. She studied creative writing and is a published poet, with a deep love for reading and literature that she weaves into her teaching. She integrates art, storytelling, and hands-on learning to create a rich, engaging environment for her students.

Lauren is also a mom, writer, and has been teaching yoga for over ten years. Motherhood has shaped her approach in a profound way, opening her to a more gentle, patient, and loving way of guiding children. She brings that same presence and care into the classroom, creating a space where students feel supported, seen, and inspired. She especially loves working in a nature-based environment where children can learn through exploration and meaningful connection to the world around them.

The teachers

Corley correa

Lauren Charney

Our Extra-Curricular teachers

Jake Beesley

Dr. williams

Chelsea Gonzales