Meet our teachers!
Shannon Penrod-Head of School/Lead Teacher
Shannon Penrod-Head of School/Lead Teacher
Shannon Penrod-Head of School/Lead Teacher
Shannon has over 30 years of experience working with children in daycares, pre-schools, summer camps, youth groups; as a private nanny, and as a house parent at a boy’s home. She decided to merge her love of children and music, to pursue a degree in music education. She went on to become a mother to her 6 children, and the greatest blessi
Shannon has over 30 years of experience working with children in daycares, pre-schools, summer camps, youth groups; as a private nanny, and as a house parent at a boy’s home. She decided to merge her love of children and music, to pursue a degree in music education. She went on to become a mother to her 6 children, and the greatest blessings of her life. She started Audrey’s Garden Nursery School in 2005, and then took a break to start a photography business. She also worked as a children’s programmer for Scenic Regional Library. That is when she realized just how much she missed working with children. She started Wild River Nature School with her daughters in 2022, and the rest is history. It is a dream come true to be working with her family, and doing something that she loves so dearly. Wild River is a big adventure and she hopes that it always will be.
Lauren Morrow-Lead Teacher
Shannon Penrod-Head of School/Lead Teacher
Shannon Penrod-Head of School/Lead Teacher
Lauren has over 10 years of professional childcare experience. She has worked as a private nanny and as a teacher at Greentree Montessori, in Kirkwood, Mo. She felt called to work with children at a young age, and has continued to grow and educate herself in many different early childhood philosophies. She pursued a music degree, and work
Lauren has over 10 years of professional childcare experience. She has worked as a private nanny and as a teacher at Greentree Montessori, in Kirkwood, Mo. She felt called to work with children at a young age, and has continued to grow and educate herself in many different early childhood philosophies. She pursued a music degree, and worked at several daycares while going through school. This showed her what kind of school that she wanted to open someday. She recognized the need for a school like Wild River, and is excited to be meeting that need in the community. Lauren and her husband Noah welcomed their first daughter, Scarlett in 2022, and their second daughter, Adeline in 2024. She is excited to see where Wild River goes from here!
Maegan and Erin Penrod- Part-time Teachers
Shannon Penrod-Head of School/Lead Teacher
Maegan and Erin Penrod- Part-time Teachers
Maegan and Erin are a vital part of Wild River! They develop relationships with the students, and help them in every aspect of their day. Sometimes this means putting someone’s hair in braids, or reminding someone to calm down and breathe. They remain consistent and fun and the children love them! They are students themselves and their
Maegan and Erin are a vital part of Wild River! They develop relationships with the students, and help them in every aspect of their day. Sometimes this means putting someone’s hair in braids, or reminding someone to calm down and breathe. They remain consistent and fun and the children love them! They are students themselves and their online school offers a lot of flexibility. They are able to help out a few days a week and those are always favorite days of the kids. Contrary to popular belief, they are not twins. Maegan enjoys teaching the kids biology, and especially loves sea animals. Erin loves art and encourages the kids to be creative. Maegan and Erin both bring an energy to the school that the kids love. They do an amazing job and we are so blessed to have them!