Heather Maness

K-2nd Team Teacher

Education & Experience:

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Appalachian State University, with certification to teach grades K-6. I spent ten years teaching in North Carolina public schools- one year in first grade, eight years in Kindergarten and one year in fifth grade - where I developed a strong foundation in early childhood and elementary education.

Teaching Philosophy:

"Play is the highest form of research." -Albert Einstein

Favorite thing about kids:

What I love most about children is their natural curiosity and the way they engage with the world through all of their senses. Their ability to stay present and find wonder in the smallest things is a powerful reminder to slow down and truly experience the moment. Being part of their learning journey not only allows me to support their growth, but also teaches me daily how to reconnect with that same sense of presence and discovery. We're constantly learning from each other.

Favorite thing about working at MCCLC / WBNS:

One of the most meaningful aspects of working at WBNS is the ability to integrate nature and the outdoors into our daily rhythm. As an educator, there's nothing more rewarding than watching learning unfold in the open air - on trails, in the garden, or beneath the trees. Surrounded by the beauty of the mountains, I'm reminded each day that the most powerful classrooms don't always have four walls. This connection to the natural world continually enriches both my teaching and my own personal growth.