About The Learning Pod
Welcome to The Learning Pod, where faith, family, and education come together to create a truly unique learning experience.
Our mission is simple yet, profound: to provide a Christ-centered education that nurtures the whole child.
We are dedicated to fostering spiritual, academic, and social growth in a safe and supportive environment. Our goal is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to thrive as lifelong learners and responsible community members.
Our Team
Taylor Aten
Taylor Aten is the Owner and Founder of The Learning Pod and a lifelong educator who was born and raised in Beaufort, South Carolina. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina and brings over a decade of experience in Early Childhood and elementary education. Taylor remains deeply hands-on in the classroom, teaching regularly while also leading and supporting the school’s overall vision and culture. Taylor is passionate about creating a warm, engaging learning environment where students are known, challenged, and encouraged to grow academically, socially, and spiritually. She strongly believes in small-group instruction, academic rigor, and experiential, hands-on learning that allows children to develop a genuine love of learning. Character development, leadership skills, and life skills are foundational to her approach, helping students grow into confident, compassionate, and capable individuals. Taylor values nurturing the whole child and fostering strong relationships within the school community. Outside of school, she enjoys being part of the Lowcountry community and spending time with her husband and their dog, Olive.
Brittany Ingersoll
Brittany Ingersoll is an Early Childhood Educator who has called Bluffton, South Carolina home since childhood. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina Beaufort in 2020 and brings both strong academic training and a deeply relational approach to her teaching.
Brittany believes that meaningful learning begins with connection. She prioritizes building strong, positive relationships with her students and takes time to understand each child as a whole — academically, emotionally, and socially. By fostering trust and consistency, she creates a classroom environment where students feel safe to take risks, express themselves, and grow with confidence.
Her goal is to cultivate a warm, supportive learning space where every child feels seen, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential. Outside of the classroom, Brittany is a proud mom of two and enjoys spending time outdoors, whether at the beach or exploring nature trails with her family.
She is thrilled to be part of The Learning Pod community and looks forward to partnering with families to support each child’s growth and love of learning.
Kathy Midkiff
With over 37 years of teaching experience, Kathy Midkiff brings both expertise and heart to the classroom. After beginning her career in marketing, she followed her passion for education and went on to earn multiple certifications, including Birth–3, Pre-K–3, K–6, Reading Recovery, Gifted and Talented (K–12), and Montessori Lower and Upper Elementary. She has taught in Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, and South Carolina, always striving to create engaging and supportive learning environments where children thrive.
Outside of teaching, Kathy has enjoyed a variety of entrepreneurial and leadership roles, from owning and running a bed and breakfast to managing an office. She and her husband live in Bluffton, where she loves gardening, reading, spending time near the water, and enjoying the company of her six dogs and granddogs.
Laura Miller
Laura Miller holds a Bachelor’s degree from Ohio University and a Master’s in Elementary Education from the University of the Cumberlands. With a deep belief that every child is uniquely made, Mrs. Miller is committed to supporting the whole student—recognizing that their social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and spiritual needs are all deeply connected and vital to their growth.
In the classroom, Mrs. Miller creates a welcoming, engaging environment where creativity and critical thinking are encouraged daily. She values strong relationships and believes that personalized instruction, rooted in knowing each child well, leads to the most meaningful learning experiences.
Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Miller is a devoted wife and proud mother to three sons.
Jill Chapdelaine
Jill Chapdelaine is a highly experienced educator with over 19 years in the field of education. Her background includes six years as a middle school math teacher and more than 13 years serving as a PK–12 Curriculum Director, where she supported both students and teachers across a wide range of grade levels and subject areas. She holds a Master’s degree in Education, a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, and an MBA with a concentration in Management Information Systems, giving her a unique blend of academic, analytical, and leadership expertise. Mrs. Chapdelaine is deeply committed to fostering critical thinking, confidence, and a love of learning in her students. She believes in creating a safe, supportive classroom environment where students feel encouraged to take academic risks, ask thoughtful questions, and explore new concepts. Through intentional instruction and strong relationships, she helps students develop the skills they need to grow academically while building confidence that extends beyond the classroom.
Jessica Williams
A proud Lowcountry native, Mrs. Jessica brings a heartfelt connection to the natural world into every lesson she leads. Now in her third year of homeschooling her own children, she is deeply passionate about inspiring curiosity, wonder, and hands-on discovery in young learners.
Her teaching style is both patient and imaginative, rooted in the belief that children thrive when they’re given the freedom to explore, create, and connect with God’s creation. Whether leading nature walks or guiding thoughtful discussions, Mrs. Jessica seeks to cultivate a lifelong love of learning in every child she teaches.
When she’s not in the classroom, you’ll likely find her enjoying the great outdoors with her husband and children—hiking trails, collecting seashells, or simply soaking up the beauty of the Lowcountry.