Our Teachers
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Lead Teacher, Tiffany Poe
Tiffany brings a deeply personal foundation in education, having spent years homeschooling her own children. Planning lessons, adapting to different learning styles, and creating structure and encouragement gave her a natural instinct for meeting children where they are and helping them grow with patience and confidence.
She also brings a strong background in leadership and organization, having managed teams and daily operations in retail and office settings. She has completed training in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and is CPR certified.
Tiffany is patient, dependable, and organized, with a genuine heart for children. She's especially drawn to Red River Schoolhouse's small, personal environment, where each student can be known individually, and she's excited to encourage them spiritually, academically, and personally as they grow in faith and confidence.
Teacher's Aide, Emily Reed
Emily is a Powell County graduate with a heart for children. For the past five years, she has worked with young students in Sunday school and has spent several summers serving as a guide for children at church camp — leading outdoor activities, games, and faith-based learning experiences.
She has also volunteered in local elementary classrooms and recently worked as a teacher’s aide in a second grade classroom, gaining hands-on experience in daily classroom rhythms and student support.
Emily brings energy, creativity, and a genuine love for young learners. She believes children thrive when they are seen, respected, and given the freedom to move, explore, and grow — especially outdoors. (And yes — she is absolutely comfortable spending hours outside in all kinds of weather!)
Most importantly, Emily has a deep desire to help children know God and experience His love for them.
Meet the Founders
Rachael Bates and Alicyn Ventura
We met several years ago and quickly bonded over raising young children, running together, and spending long hours outdoors. As our eldest children approached kindergarten age, our conversations naturally turned toward education—what we wanted for our own families and what felt missing from the options available to us. Over time, the idea of Red River Schoolhouse began to take shape.
This was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. The vision grew slowly and thoughtfully as we spent years reflecting, talking, and paying attention to what truly mattered for our children. The more we considered it, the more convinced we became that we wanted a small, relational learning environment rooted in nature, community, and meaningful work.
We envisioned a place where children spend as much time outdoors as possible—learning through hands-on experiences like cooking and cleaning together, caring for their environment, exploring the forest, discovering insects, getting their hands dirty, and learning how to grow food in a garden. We believe children learn best when their bodies, minds, and hearts are fully engaged.
Red River Schoolhouse is also deeply grounded in Christian values and a commitment to character formation. We want children to understand the world from a place of safety and trust, to grow in responsibility and curiosity, and to develop a faith that shapes how they live and care for others. Our hope is to help raise children who are not only prepared for the world they will enter, but who are equipped to bring the light of Christ into it—children who are formed to thrive, not merely survive.
Families are an essential part of this vision. We are building this school not only for our community, but with our community—because we are part of it. Red River Schoolhouse exists as a shared effort, shaped by relationships and a commitment to serving the children and families around us.
Education and Experience
Alicyn Ventura, BSN, RN
Alicyn Ventura earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Murray State University, where she competed as a four-year collegiate cross country and track athlete. She worked for five years as a registered nurse, beginning at the University of Kentucky and later serving in the Women’s Care Unit at Clark Regional Medical Center, supporting mothers and families.
She is also certified in Life and Health Coaching and is the mother of three young children, with another on the way.
Rachel Bates, BA
Rachel Bates graduated summa cum laude from Berea College with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. She later worked as a writer with Freedom Firm, preparing reports related to anti–human trafficking operations in India.
She is the mother of three young children and recently founded a small pottery business. She also volunteered for many years in a therapeutic horseback riding program serving children with special needs.
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