Four people standing together outdoors in front of a large tree, smiling. The group consists of three women and one man, with greenery and the UUFBR Church in the background.

Our Team

Jess Murray, Co-Founder, Head of Education

Jessica is an experienced and dynamic educator with over 25 years of teaching across middle and high school classrooms, homeschool programs, and enrichment co-ops. A National Board Certified Teacher in English Language Arts, Jessica holds a Master’s in Elementary Education from PennWest California and began her career in Pittsburgh before moving to Florida, where she taught 8th–10th grade English, including Cambridge-level General Paper, and coached cross-country and track at West Boca High School. After stepping away from the traditional classroom to homeschool her three sons, Jessica deepened her commitment to experiential, community-based education through history clubs, film workshops, and local co-ops. As a co-founder of The GROW Cooperative, she brings a love for literature, history, and project-based learning to every classroom—and a heartfelt belief that education thrives when rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and joy.

Marissa Manister, Founding Educator, Elementary

Marissa brings over 25 years of experience in childcare and education supporting young learners through a blend of social-emotional learning, hands-on play, and nature-based education. A certified Early Childhood Educator and Social & Emotional Intelligence Coach, Marissa has served in a wide range of roles—from special education teacher in New York City public schools to nature play teacher at Sunflower Creative Arts. She also works with the Delray Beach Children’s Garden, gaining deep experience in homeschooling models and experiential outdoor education. As an educator and a parent, Marissa is passionate about nurturing curiosity, confidence, and community in every child.

Cayla Coco - Founding Educator, Environmental Education

Cayla is a lifelong educator with over 25 years of experience fostering creativity and connection through the arts and environmental education. Cayla led art and cooking classes for students from preschool to high school, and expanded her impact through programs with Abrakadoodle, where she brought creative learning into schools, homes, and community spaces. Cayla has led teacher workshops, student art shows, and public art installations, all while championing child-led, experiential learning. Today, she teaches Nature Education at the Delray Beach Children’s Garden, where she hosts immersive field trips that emphasize cross-curricular exploration and environmental stewardship. Cayla brings her passion for hands-on, eco-centered education to inspire young learners through art, gardening, and nature discovery.


Rajeev Arora - Co-Founder, Head of Administration

With over 30 years of experience leading high-growth education and technology companies—including key roles as GM, COO, CMO, and CPO—Rajeev brings a strategic, real-world perspective to financial literacy and STEM instruction. He has driven transformative growth at pioneering EdTech organizations like Nearpod, Parchment, and Blackboard, and now channels his expertise into empowering young learners with practical skills in mathematics, entrepreneurship, and responsible money management.

Family of six hikers, including two adults and four children, smiling with canyon scenery in the background, wearing outdoor clothing and sunglasses in a mountainous area.
A smiling family of three standing outdoors at a sunny event. The man is wearing sunglasses and a patterned short-sleeve shirt, the woman is wearing a sun hat, sunglasses, and a light dress, and the young boy is dressed in a red shirt with a fish pattern. The woman is holding a cardboard box with a handwritten sign that says 'THANKS A LOT!'
Four people, a man, a woman, a teenage girl, and a young girl, are outdoors in a wooded area, sitting and climbing around a tree. They are all smiling and enjoying nature.
Professional man with gray hair, smiling, wearing a gray blazer and a checkered shirt against a white background.

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