Lauren Cryan is an Equine Communication Educator and has been co-teaches with Mrs. Alison this at Seahorse Stables. Lauren help with groundwork & foundational beginner riding lessons.

Lauren has worked as a PreK-8th grade teacher and holds certifications from EAGALA and Equine Om. She is most passionate about being a guide in learning the horses' natural code of conduct and encouraging students to build the horse-human bond. Her greatest influence is Carolyn Resnick's Liberty Horsemanship Method, in which she is an instructor-in-training. Lauren is the owner of local Seabreeze Horse Connection. Her inspiration for it all is her heart horse, Colonel Mac.

Emma is currently a full-time student at University of Central Florida, studying to earn her Bachelor's in English with a concentration in Creative Writing (one more year to go!). She focuses her efforts on the farm as the Marketing & Events Coordinator and also assists with Little Sprouts and Summer Camps.

Emma grew up in Florida, lived in Hawaii for four years, and eventually moved to Wilmington in 2018, so she's a beach girl through and through! Her favorite part about working for Farm School by the Sea is the community we've built here.

"I love watching our students learn and grow on the farm each day, and I'm so grateful I get to play a role in creating those memories for them!"

Angie grew up in the upstate of South Carolina. She graduated from Furman University with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education.

Angie has taught 2 - year-old preschool through 5th grade in South Carolina, Alabama and North Carolina. She came to Wilmington from Chicago in 2002 and has lived in Carolina Beach since. Angie and her husband have a teenage daughter and son along with 2 dogs, fish and a house rabbit. Farm School speaks to Angie because of her love of watching children learn and discover through exploration and open-ended materials. She also spends a lot of time at the farm with her daughter who rides and works at the stables.  

Amy grew up in the foothills of NC, traveled to UNC for college (Go Tar Heels!), then made her way to the beach where she taught 4th & 5th grade for 20 years in New Hanover County. Amy holds a Masters in Elementary Education and National Board Certification in Teaching K-6.

Amy lives with her husband in Wilmington with their two children, 3 cats, and a husky that is always by her side. She loves to paint and has taught paint-with-me classes on Outschool and at Skylark Studio in the Artworks. 

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"I believe that children learn best through creativity and hands-on experiences. There is such value in connecting with nature each day as they learn and grow, and this school is truly a magical place that allows that to happen… naturally!"

Brittany holds a Masters of Art in Education, Curriculum and Instruction birth through kindergarten and a Behavior Specialist certificate from East Carolina University. A whole-child approach to education is her passion!

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Brittany is a Wilmington native and is grateful to live in an area filled with such natural wonder! Brittany and her husband have three children (one of whom went to Farm School by the Sea!) and four doggies. We love to spend time on Masonboro Island and travel to the NC mountains.

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"I believe that nature school gives children rich sensory experiences, helps them grow physically, cognitively, emotionally and socially and it instills an appreciation for the natural world around them."

I’m a freshman at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, studying Elementary Education. I come from a family of five, with an older and younger sister. I enjoy spending time at the beach, playing pickleball, and hanging out with friends. I’m really excited to begin my journey as a teaching assistant! One of my favorite things about Farm School is witnessing how the teachers create a magical and nurturing environment that helps children grow and explore their creativity.

I’m a 2025 graduate from Ashley High School. I plan to go to Cape Fear Community College and study occupational therapy. I love working with kids. I have been a competition dancer since I was 6. I love being outside and going on the boat! My favorite discovery is watching the kids’ faces light up when they learn or find something new.

Owner of Empire Equestrian in Castle Hayne, Mackenzie brings years of experience as both a trainer and instructor. She grew up riding at Bittersweet Farm in Massachusetts, later honing her skills at Wonderland Farm in North Carolina, where she competed locally and on the rated circuit, taught lessons, and helped run their training program.

Known for her patience and depth of knowledge, Mackenzie excels at building strong foundations for riders of all levels. With a background in hunters and jumpers, she teaches English riding and horsemanship while helping students progress at their own pace. In addition to teaching, she specializes in developing safe, reliable ponies and has extensive experience working with a wide range of horses.

Kayli grew up in Castle Hayne, NC just outside of Wilmington where she trains as a hunter/equitation rider at Empire Equestrian. She has been riding since she was 3 years old and competing in schooling and rated shows throughout the state. When she finished high school, she attended UNC-Greensboro where she was the captain of the IHSA team and was a barn manager at a large scale facility. During her time at UNCG she studied kinesiology with a minor in nutrition. In completing this degree she hopes to teach the next generation of equestrians about proper movement and fuel for their bodies.

Sienna grew up in New Jersey where she learned to ride horses at the age of 10 and moved to Wilmington in 2020. When Sienna turned 12 she started riding and volunteering at Seahorse Stables. Sienna is a barn manager here, but she also co-teaches riding lessons and works as a camp counselor. Sienna is a senior at Ashley High School and is taking college classes at Cape Fear Community College. Sienna is graduating highschool with just shy of an associates degree and plans on going to college to get her vet technician license.

​Ellery grew up in Carolina Beach, and started volunteering at Seahorse stables in 2021. She began riding later that year, and has been doing both English and western riding since. Ellery is a barn manager at Seahorse stables, as well as a co-teacher for the riding program and a camp counselor during the summer. Ellery is a sophomore at UNCW and is studying psychology and assistance dog training in hopes of becoming either a horse trainer, or equine-assisted therapist.

Gelding

Mare

Mare

Mare

Mare

Mare

Yellow Lab

Charcoal Lab

Female

Drakes & Hens

Mare