Our Team
Ms. Bianca
Founder
Kindergarten & First Grade Teacher
Bianca Hagen is the founder and director of Hidden Valley Forest School, which she established in April 2022 out of a deep belief that children learn best when they are immersed in nature and given ample opportunities for meaningful play, exploration, and connection. What began as a preschool program has since evolved into a Kindergarten through Third Grade microschool, intentionally designed to support students during these foundational elementary years. HVFS is now entering its fifth school year.
During the 2026–2027 school year, Bianca serves as the Kindergarten–First Grade teacher, where she provides individualized instruction in English Language Arts, mathematics, science, history, and geography. She is passionate about creating engaging, standards-aligned lessons that connect academic concepts to children's interests, curiosity, and everyday experiences. Bianca believes every child is capable and strives to cultivate confident learners who are excited to ask questions, solve problems, and discover the world around them.
Known for her warmth, enthusiasm, and high energy, Bianca intentionally balances rigorous academics with meaningful outdoor experiences. She believes children thrive when they have opportunities to move, explore, collaborate, and connect with nature throughout the school day. Her classroom reflects her commitment to protecting childhood while providing students with a strong academic foundation built on research-based instructional practices.
An avid reader and lifelong learner, Bianca is continually studying child development and evidence-based educational practices that foster curiosity, independence, and whole-child growth. She holds a Master of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS) from Georgetown University and is a certified Forest School Teacher (Levels 1, 2, and 3) through the Forest School Teacher Institute. She is also CPR and First Aid certified.
Bianca is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Elementary Education through the American College of Education. She enjoys applying what she learns directly to her classroom, continually refining HVFS's instructional approach to ensure students receive a joyful, research-informed education that prepares them for future success while honoring the wonder of childhood.
Bianca is grateful to teach alongside Mr. Kyle, who leads the Second and Third Grade classroom. Together, they share a commitment to providing a nurturing, academically rich, and nature-based learning environment where every child is known, valued, and encouraged to thrive.
Mr. Kyle
Second and Third Grade Teacher
Kyle joined Hidden Valley Forest School in June 2025 and is entering his second year with HVFS. He brings a strong background in both outdoor education and elementary classroom teaching, along with a passion for creating engaging, meaningful learning experiences that meet students where they are academically and developmentally.
Kyle's passion for teaching began in college, where he spent six months leading outdoor education programs for learners ranging from second grade through adulthood. He later taught mathematics at a Charlottesville-area accredited nature school, working with students in Kindergarten through Fourth Grade. Kyle has also taught in traditional elementary classrooms across Second through Fifth Grade. These diverse experiences have shaped his ability to blend academic rigor with creativity, movement, and hands-on learning.
During the 2026–2027 school year, Kyle serves as the Second and Third Grade teacher at Hidden Valley Forest School. He provides standards-aligned instruction across the core academic subjects while creating engaging lessons that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving. Kyle is committed to helping students become confident, independent learners who enjoy the process of discovering new ideas.
Kyle believes that strong relationships are the foundation of meaningful learning. He enjoys getting to know each student as an individual and often incorporates their interests into classroom activities, making lessons relevant, engaging, and memorable. Known for his sense of humor, positive attitude, and warm personality, Kyle creates a classroom environment where students feel supported, challenged, and excited to learn. (You'll also quickly discover that his favorite color is orange!)
Outside of school, Kyle enjoys rock climbing in the Blue Ridge Mountains, playing Dungeons & Dragons, and going for runs. He is grateful to be part of the Hidden Valley Forest School community and is excited to continue growing alongside its students and families as the school enters another year of providing a joyful, research-informed, nature-based education.
Ms. Priya
Substitute Teacher & ELA Assistant Teacher
Ms. Priya is an HVFS parent, mother of three, and a valued member of our teaching team who shares Hidden Valley Forest School's commitment to whole-child education. She believes children thrive in small, nurturing learning environments where curiosity is encouraged and meaningful relationships support academic growth.
Ms. Priya holds a Master's degree in English Literature from the University of Virginia and has experience teaching and tutoring students of various ages. Her work at Teachstone, a Charlottesville-based education company, deepened her understanding of child development and the powerful role that responsive teacher-student interactions play in learning.
During the 2026–2027 school year, Ms. Priya supports students through individualized reading instruction, working one-on-one and in small groups to help children strengthen foundational literacy skills while building confidence and a love of reading. She also assists throughout the school day, providing additional academic support and helping ensure that each child receives the individualized attention they need to thrive.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Priya loves exploring the outdoors through walks, hikes, and travel—whether close to home or across the globe. She is naturally drawn to forest education because of its emphasis on discovery, curiosity, and meaningful connections with the natural world. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, cooking, and exploring creative interests in art and music.