Teachers & Staff

Keith Barron

Lead Teacher, Roots (PreK/K)

Keith spends his days in the cabin with our youngest learners, where nothing brings him more joy than listening as children weave imaginative stories and bring them to life through play.

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Keith has been teaching young children for more than 20 years, blending professional expertise with a playful spirit. He earned both his BA in Early Childhood Education and his MA in Reading Education from Ohio University.  His passion for child-centered learning has also led him to share his insights with educators across the country, serving as a keynote and featured speaker on topics ranging from school gardens to the power of play in curriculum.

Matt Johnson

Lead Teacher, Shoots (1-2)

In the Shoots classroom, Matt nurtures children’s natural curiosity by encouraging them to pursue projects sparked by their own interests. He is deeply committed to place-based learning, inviting students to engage with both their community and the natural world. He is especially skilled at helping children balance academic growth with emotional development, fostering a community where students feel safe to take risks, think deeply, and discover their own strengths.

Matt earned his BA in Music Education from Ohio University and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Denver. His diverse teaching background includes kindergarten through third grade in Denver and early childhood education at the Ohio University Child Development Center. With warmth and creativity, Matt supports children to feel empowered to explore, question, and grow.

Betti Calhoun

Lead Teacher, Saplings (3-4)

Betti brings a love of literacy and a passion for the outdoors to her work with the Saplings class. She delights in meeting students wherever they are in their reading journeys, supporting growth with up-to-date training in ELA and reading instruction. Equally, she draws on her background in outdoor education to design engaging, cross-curricular projects rooted in student interests, place-based learning, and environmental stewardship.

Before joining Solid Ground School, Betti taught 4th and 6th grade in local public schools. She has also served as an Outdoor Educator for Big Brothers Big Sisters and as an Edible Schoolyard Teacher with Community Food Initiatives. A graduate of University of Rio Grande, she earned her B.S. in Middle Childhood Education with honors and later added a math endorsement to her credentials.  She brings a balance of academic skill, creativity, and care that enriches the learning experience for every student she teaches.

Kristy Burt

Lead Teacher, Branches (5-6)

Kristy brings a wealth of experience to the Branches classroom, blending her love for middle-grade learners with a passion for outdoor and place-based education. She is known for her creative, relationship-centered approach, where collaboration and curiosity drive meaningful learning. Kristy’s teaching emphasizes projects that spark critical thinking, teamwork, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Kristy’s career has taken her from Ohio classrooms to outdoor education centers and camp programs across the country. She has taught middle school math, science, and history, directed summer camps, and led environmental education and team-building programs for youth and adults. She holds a B.S. in Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism from Colorado State University, where she graduated with honors. With her strong background in both traditional and experiential education, Kristy brings energy, adaptability, and deep care to her work with Branches learners.

Christin Butler

Executive Director, Co-Founder

An avid, lifelong learner, Christin is committed to building strong community and to elevating the value of play and time in nature as central to healthy child development. As Executive Director, she oversees all aspects of teaching, learning, and organizational development at Solid Ground School. While she thrives on envisioning new projects and initiatives, she finds her greatest joy in working directly with students and teachers, offering one-on-one support and cultivating a collaborative, caring learning environment.

Christin graduated summa cum laude from The Ohio State University with an M.A. in Foreign and Second Language Education. She also holds a B.A. in English with a minor in Spanish from Indiana University, a CELTA certificate, and has completed Ph.D. coursework in Curriculum and Instruction. In addition to her leadership at Solid Ground, Christin has served as a keynote speaker on place-based education, and has presented on panels and at conferences to share the school’s vision and practices. In 2023, she was honored with the Community Sustainability Recognition Award from Ohio University’s Office of Sustainability for her work alongside co-founder Weston Lombard.

Heather Hively

Administrative Assistant

As Administrative Assistant, Heather helps keep Solid Ground running smoothly behind the scenes. She supports families with billing and payment needs, manages bookkeeping and records, and assists staff with the many details that make daily operations flow. With her sunny presence and eye for detail, Heather ensures both families and colleagues feel supported and informed.

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Heather graduated Cum Laude from Kent State University with a Bachelor's of Business Administration in Finance.  She has worked as an inventory accountant, record store owner, and substitute teacher.  Prior to joining Solid Ground's staff, she was a homeschooling parent and an Administrative Specialist in the Office of Inclusion at Ohio University's Heritage College of Medicine.

Weston Lombard

Inhabit Co-Teacher, Co-founder

As a co-founder of Solid Ground School and co-teacher of the Inhabit class, Weston leads students in hands-on projects that connect them deeply with the natural world. He draws on the living classroom of Solid Ground Farm—land he has nurtured and developed—to engage students in place-based learning, eco-entrepreneurship, and a strong sense of stewardship for their community and environment.  His role reflects his belief that engaging youth with the outdoors is essential for a sustainable future—and a joyful present.

In addition to his work with the school, Weston is the founder and owner of Solid Ground Farm and the Executive Director of Rising Appalachia, the nonprofit that grew out of his early work creating summer camps for youth. He holds a business degree from Ohio University and has spent much of his career developing programs that link sustainable agriculture, education, and community celebration. His work has been recognized with the Rural Action Sustainable Livelihood Award.  Weston’s passion for trees, sustainability, and meaningful outdoor experiences continues to shape both the school and the wider community.

Molly Jo Stanley

Inhabit Co-Teacher, Land Steward

As a co-teacher of the Inhabit class, Molly Jo helps students build meaningful connections with the land, the seasons, and the many more-than-human beings we share our place with. Their role at Solid Ground is rooted in both teaching and stewardship, guiding students to see themselves as part of a larger living community while sparking curiosity, creativity, and care for the natural world.

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Beyond their work in the classroom, Molly Jo serves as a resident Gardener and Composter at Solid Ground Farm and is a co-founder of Rising Appalachia. With 18 years of academic and professional experience in education, ecology, ethnobotany, and land stewardship, they bring a depth of knowledge and reverence for the interconnectedness of life. Molly Jo’s work is guided by a commitment to healing ecosystems, supporting community resilience, and nurturing practices that restore balance between people and the land.

Brooke Ripley

Arts Teacher

As the Arts Teacher, Brooke creates space for students to explore the language of art while learning the responsibility and joy of creating.  She delights in learning alongside her students as they experiment with materials, develop new skills, and use art to deepen their relationship with one another and the natural world.

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Brooke graduated from Ohio University with an MFA in Painting and Drawing, certificates in Arts Administation and Museum Studies, and is currently in the Masters of Science in Environmental Studies program at OU. She received her BFA in Fine Arts from the Columbus College of Art and Design, with minors in Art History and Social Practice. She has taught students of all skill levels, collaborated with the Delaware Arts Park to create community, paint-by-number murals, and specializes in creating biodegradable art.

Brian Cristi

Americorps

As an AmeriCorps member serving with Solid Ground School, Brian supports classrooms and community life with curiosity, care, and a spirit of service. He describes his role here as having given him a meaningful access point back into the community.  Whether helping in the classroom, connecting with families, or lending a hand at local events, he values the opportunity to be both caretaker and collaborator in the community that surrounds the school.

His path to Solid Ground has been shaped by years of service through AmeriCorps in Ohio, New York, and California.  He has completed multiple AmeriCorps placements, including with Rural Action’s Farm-to-School program, the Paint Valley ADAMH Board, the Ohio CDC Association, Fordham University, and the California Climate Action Corps. His work has ranged from teaching and mentoring high school students, to coordinating opioid recovery coalitions, to leading climate action initiatives. He holds a Master’s in Library & Information Science from Kent State University and a Master’s in Elementary Education from Northeastern Illinois University. His service record reflects a long-standing commitment to education, community resilience, and environmental stewardship.

Caroline Beers

Americorps

Caroline brings warmth, creativity, and deep care to her role at Solid Ground School. After serving with AmeriCorps through Rural Action’s Environmental Education program, she came to Solid Ground School full-time, bringing with her strong relationships and a dedication to nature-based education. Her background includes years of work in early childhood, including running her own childcare program designed to foster imagination and creativity. She sees every day as an opportunity to spark curiosity and help children discover their unique strengths.

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As a mother of four, Caroline lives her values both at home and in the classroom, encouraging her own children to grow up with a love of nature and learning. She inspires those around her to look at life with openness and curiosity, a perspective she believes strengthens communities in lasting ways. At Solid Ground, she is excited to continue building relationships and supporting the next generation through nature-based, play-centered learning.

Nina Carlson

Student Intern

Nina joins Solid Ground School as an intern through Federal Hocking High School’s internship program, where she is currently a senior.  Nina is serving this fall as a Student Intern, building her own skills through hands-on experience while offering an extra set of hands in the classroom. She discovered her passion for working with children while serving as an aide in an elementary art room, where she loved engaging students in creative and meaningful ways. She is excited to bring that same enthusiasm to the Solid Ground community.

A lifelong resident of the area, Nina is passionate about connecting with her community and the land she calls home. Her interests include music, art, and travel, and she brings those passions into her learning and service. She looks forward to supporting students and teachers while also soaking up practical experience that will help her meet her own learning and growth goals.