Meet Our Team
-
Growing Roots Academy at Koi-B Collective grew from the vision of Sneads Ferry native Lauren Fagan, an educator, artist, and mother of four. Through years of teaching, homeschooling, and serving in a variety of school settings, Lauren imagined a school that brought together deep faith, meaningful learning, artistic expression, and an understanding of each child’s individual strengths.
After five years of planning and preparation, that vision became Growing Roots Academy, a faith-based private school grounded in a biblical worldview and shaped by a fresh approach to classical education.
Lauren’s vision brings the classical emphasis on knowledge, thoughtful questioning, and clear expression into a setting where creativity is an essential part of learning. Structure makes room for imagination, and art gives children another way to explore ideas, deepen their understanding, and express what they know. Faith guides both what students learn and how they grow in character and purpose.
Lauren believes that knowing a child is an essential part of teaching them well. Her experience in homeschooling, traditional classrooms, and autism-specific programs has shaped her ability to recognize individual strengths and respond with patience and thoughtful instruction. She brings an educator’s understanding, an artist’s perspective, and a mother’s heart to helping students develop their skills and confidence.
Growing Roots currently incorporates a classical approach, with plans to transition to a fully classical model for the 2027–2028 school year. Throughout that transition, Lauren’s purpose remains constant: to nurture curious minds, cultivate wisdom, and help children discover and develop their God-given gifts.
Strong roots. Curious minds. God-given purpose.
-
Kaya Gwynn | Kindergarten Teacher
Kaya brings creativity, enthusiasm, and a caring heart to her kindergarten classroom at Growing Roots Academy. As the oldest of four children, with experience in both homeschool and public school settings, Kaya appreciates the different ways children learn and grow. Her students adore her fun, engaging approach, and she takes pride in helping them discover new things and celebrate their accomplishments.
Kaya is currently an undergraduate student at Cape Carteret Community College and has a background in the medical field. She brings dedication and care to her work and enjoys making learning a joyful experience for her students.
Outside the classroom, Kaya is an avid angler; you’ll find her out on the water on the weekends. She also loves spending time with her boyfriend, Tyler, and her beloved dog, Cash.
-
Harper Kate is a private tutor who is dedicated to helping students of all ages and learning abilities to reach their full potential. Educated classically in both a homeschool setting and a private, university-model school, Harper Kate brings a strong foundation in individualized learning.
Harper Kate is one of six children. This has helped her greatly in patience, being adaptable, and bringing a little fun to learning. These qualities help shape her tutoring style as well. She strives to create a calm, focused, and welcoming environment where students can thrive!
Having once struggled to feel confident in her own work, Harper Kate understands the importance of encouragement, clarity, and truly grasping each concept. Her goal is to help every student discover their strengths, build lasting confidence, and feel proud of their progress.
-
Hi! My name is Rebekah Driver and I’m the music teacher here at GRA! I love all things music and have a passion for sharing the joy of music with others! I recently completed the music program at Coastal Carolina Community College and will soon be receiving my Associate in Fine Arts in Music. I offer beginner piano, guitar, and ukulele lessons, as well as vocal lessons. Whether it’s learning the basics, building confidence, or just having fun with music, I enjoy helping students grow their skills in a supportive and creative environment!
-
Mrs. Case is a military spouse, proud boy mama of two, and a follower of Jesus with a heart for children, education, and helping others discover their God given potential.
Her professional background includes leadership, management, and finance where she developed a love for organization, creativity, communication, and building meaningful relationships. While her career has taken her in several different directions, she truly believes that God has used each experience to prepare her for this season of teaching.
Her journey into education began with her own children. When she first considered homeschooling, she was a bit intimidated, questioning whether or not she was equipped to take on that role. However, through prayer, encouragement, and the community that surrounds her, what once felt overwhelming became something she has a genuine love for.
That journey gave her a new appreciation for education and eventually opened the door for her to step into the classroom as a teacher. Being both a homeschool Mom and a teacher as shown her that every child learns differently and there is something incredibly special about watching a student gain confidence, overcome a challenge, and discover something new.
She believes that education is about so much more than academics. It is about building character, encouraging curiosity, extending grace, and creating an environment where children feel safe to learn, make mistakes, and grow.
Her hope is that her classroom is a place filled with laughter, encouragement, meaningful learning, and the love of Christ. She wants every student to leave knowing that they are valued, capable, and uniquely created with purpose.
What started as a leap of faith for her own children has grown into an opportunity to pour into the lives of others, and she couldn’t be more grateful to be part of their educational journey!