Our Team | The Wild School

Meet The TEam

Rewilding Young Minds, Shaping Houston's Future

Lindsay Gkolomeev

Founder and CEO

I’m Lindsay Gkolomeev, founder of The Wild School. I grew up in Houston and earned my bachelor’s degree at the University of Alabama, where I was also a national-level college athlete. After marrying my Greek husband, we spent years living between the U.S. and Europe. It was abroad that I first discovered forest schools and outdoor preschools places where childhood is honored and kids grow through real, hands-on experiences in nature.

When I became pregnant with my son, I knew this was exactly the kind of upbringing I wanted for him. But back home, programs like these were almost impossible to find. So I decided to create one myself. I dove into extensive training in nature-based education across several countries to bring this vision to life here in Houston.

Today, I’m a certified nature-based educator with 16 years of experience working with children. At The Wild School, we build our days around nature connection, curiosity, creativity, mindfulness, and truly meaningful play. Our amazing team—made up of certified teachers and early childhood specialists—brings more than 100 years of combined experience to caring for your children.

Starting The Wild School is the best thing I’ve ever done. It gives me such joy to watch children grow up the way they’re meant to: outdoors, exploring, and becoming exactly who they are.

Lydia Mendez

Family and Customer Experience Manager

Courtney Parfait

Education & Training Lead (0-5 Age Group)

VanessA pribble

Wild Preschool Program Lead

Vanessa Pribble is the heart of our Wild Preschool program. As our Preschool Lead, she guides our nature-based preschool across all locations with creativity, warmth, and deep expertise. Vanessa holds a BFA in Communication Design and a Texas teaching certification in Art (EC-12). Before teaching, she spent eight years in advertising, skills that now shine through in the beautiful, hands-on projects your children enjoy.

With over 12 years of teaching experience, Vanessa has taught in after-school programs, Scouting groups, church programs, a homeschool coop, youth theatre, and taught in both childcare centers and public schools. Her dedication to community also earned her a Presidential Volunteer Service Award for supporting military families as an Ombudsman.

Most importantly, Vanessa is a mom to two grown children who grew up exploring the world by her side. She believes every child deserves to learn by doing, with muddy hands, curious hearts, and free imaginations. Under her leadership, our preschool is a place where your children are truly seen, supported, and celebrated.

Paige Jabsen

Nature Class Leader

Kallie hall

Forest School Teacher

Education & Training lead for 6+ Age Group

Hi, I’m Kallie. I’m the Summer Camp Lead for ages 6+ at The Woodlands, as well as the instructor for our Trail Blazers monthly class and Teen Classes. I also serve as the Education and Training Lead for our programs for ages 6 and up.

Growing up with my bare feet in the dirt, climbing trees, saving bees, and scraping my knees, I’ve always had a deep love and connection to nature. I’m passionate about art, nature, and working with kids, and I’m excited to bring all of these together at The Wild School.

I’ve been working with children for over fourteen years — from coaching to teaching and everything in between. As a mother of three very active boys, I understand firsthand the value of safe, engaging, and meaningful experiences in the outdoors. Outside of camp, you’ll usually find me backpacking, camping with my family, rock climbing, or playing ice hockey.

I truly believe that children and adults alike need nature and free play in our lives just as much as we need air to breathe. I’m looking forward to leading many fun, educational adventures with your kids here at The Wild School.