About Willow OakÂ
Willow Oak Preschool was founded in 2022, after seeing a gap in outdoor childcare settings in the Triangle area. Post-pandemic, the need for safe outdoor spaces to play, learn, and grow is larger than ever. We saw the perfect opportunity to turn what was once the playground and home for four children, into a schoolyard for others to explore, create, learn, and celebrate their childhood. My parents, Bob and Samantha Austin purchased the property in 1993, built the foundation for the playground under our hundred year old Willow Oak tree in 1998 (see photo!), and have worked tirelessly with my husband and me to turn this space into the adventure that is Willow Oak Preschool.
Owner & Lead Teacher
Hi! My name is Miss Gabby and I am so excited to be the lead teacher at Willow Oak Preschool. My journey with education began on this exact playground, where I spent my childhood embracing my natural disposition as a teacher doing what we do best: playing school! Fast forward to 2025, and I have been involved in the childcare and education industry for over twelve years working as an au pair internationally, teaching a covid pod preschool, and leading a Transitional Kindergarten teacher of an outdoor Waldorf school. Additionally, I received my undergraduate degree and teaching license from UNCW in education, and in 2019, I obtained my masters from Birkbeck College of London in Education, Power, and Social Change.
Although I have worked with children of many different ages, I have found my heart is with preschoolers. I love the joy, laughter, and the never ending question of why? that comes with teaching this wonderful and magical age! I believe that the silliest songs are the best ones, a cardboard box can be a creative masterpiece, and that mud kitchens make the best cakes! I hope your children will find as much happiness in this space as I have as they attend Willow Oak Preschool, and I am so excited to begin this journey with your family!
Assistant Teacher
Hello! My name is Miss Angela and I’m thrilled to be part of Willow Oak Preschool. Guided by a love for working with children and a deep appreciation for learning through play, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from NC State University and spent many years leading children’s recreation programs, camps, and community events. My journey into nature-based early childhood education began as a mom, when I witnessed how time outdoors sparked curiosity and discovery in my own children. As an educator, I strive to inspire that same sense of wonder in young learners through creativity, hands-on experiences, and meaningful connections. I’ve taught at Reggio-inspired, outdoor, play and nature-based preschools and hold certifications in The Cedarsong Way and Nature-Based Teacher Training Levels I & II. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, journaling, creating art, and spending quiet moments in nature.
