Meet Our Team
Gretchen Nicholson, Lead Spark (Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd) Teacher
Gretchen Nicholson grew up in rural Missouri 50 miles outside of St. Louis. As one of 8 kids, she loved the hustle and bustle that came living with all of those personalities under one roof, as well as the freedom to explore a variety of interests.
At Truman State University, Gretchen completed her BA in English with minors in Psychology and Child Studies. Much of her coursework focused on children's literature, positive psychology, and child development. However, loving random knowledge, she took full advantage of the liberal arts college and took additional classes such as tumbling and printmaking.
Knowing her love for working with kids, but being uncertain of the best career path, Gretchen volunteered/worked with mentor groups, childcare, and elementary schools. Her favorite thing about working with kids is their honesty and watching them grow into their own person. In her free time she loves trying new food with her husband, cooking, and reading whatever she can get her hands on.
Anna Shelton , Lead Adventure (3RD, 4th, 5th) Teacher
Anna Shelton grew up in the farmland of rural North Carolina. Her first friend was the outdoors, and her homeschooling background allowed her to explore nature and many other interests. Anna believes that every child can learn, and has a passion for disability justice in education.
At The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Anna earned her BA in English with a minor in history. While in college, Anna developed her love for teaching through a program called SPLASH where UNC students design their own courses for North Carolina high school students to attend. While presenting her class on music as literature, she discovered a new passion for guiding learners through creative and analytical journeys.
Anna has been teaching elementary school for the past several years. On the side, Anna also enjoys tutoring and teaching tap dance to children and adults. Before working as a teacher, Anna worked at a children’s theater, a summer camp, and as a high school student ministry supervisor. In her spare time Anna loves to watch movies, write poetry, go on walks, listen to music, and sing Karaoke!
Cody Shore, Program Director
Cody was born and raised in the nation’s oldest city, Saint Augustine Florida. His roots also expand into New Orleans, LA where his deep love of all things seafood originated from. He can beat anyone when it comes to peeling and eating crawfish.
Cody brings his leadership skills, real world experience, love of people, business experience, and more to The Studio School. Cody studied Public Administration at Flagler College. He also served as a firefighter in the historic city of Saint Augustine for 13 years, and has an extensive background in public safety and leadership. These skills are significant asset in his role here at SSD. Cody also holds many public safety certificates that he earned during his years in the fire service.
Cody has a deep passion for innovative education. Upon retiring from the fire service, he and his wife opened several small businesses together including starting a farm. They have traveled the world together with their children. Experiencing new places and new cultures has become a family passion.