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Mallory Klatte, Ed.S.- Founder/Executive Director of Tallgrass Land & Learning
Born and raised in Langdon, North Dakota, Mallory Klatte has dedicated her career to helping children thrive through relationships, evidence-based practices, and a deep respect for how children learn. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Tallgrass Land & Learning, a nonprofit organization supporting the growth of Wonderfully Wild Nature School.
Mallory is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) with more than 15 years of experience supporting children, families, educators, and school systems across North Dakota and South Dakota. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology from Mayville State University and her Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in School Psychology from the University of South Dakota.
Professionally, Mallory serves as a Tier 3 Systems Supports Specialist and School Psychologist with Central Regional Education Association, partnering with rural and tribal schools to strengthen educational systems and improve outcomes for students with diverse learning and behavioral needs. She also serves as a consultant for the South Dakota School Crisis Prevention and Response Hub, where she assists schools and educational agencies with crisis preparedness, response planning, training, and recovery efforts following school crises.
Mallory's passion for nature-based education began when she enrolled her firstborn in Cassie Quintus's nature program. Watching her child flourish through hands-on exploration, curiosity, and meaningful experiences outdoors sparked a deeper understanding of the value of nature-based learning. That experience, combined with her professional background in child development and school psychology, inspired her to establish Tallgrass Land & Learning as the nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the growth and long-term sustainability of Wonderfully Wild Nature School.
Mallory believes children learn best when they are engaged in authentic, hands-on experiences. Whether they are caring for animals, exploring the prairie, building with natural materials, tending a garden, or simply asking questions about the world around them, these moments help develop capable, compassionate, and confident learners.
Mallory and her family are personally investing in the future of Tallgrass Land & Learning by funding the construction of the organization's permanent campus. Their commitment reflects a belief that nature-based education is worth building for generations of children to come.
Today, Mallory continues to combine her professional expertise with her passion for expanding access to meaningful outdoor education. Through Tallgrass Land & Learning, she is committed to creating opportunities for children to connect with nature, their community, and a lifelong love of learning.
Cassie Quintus, M.S.- Director of Educational Programs, Wonderfully Wild Program Founder, Lead Teacher
Cassie has a lifelong passion for teaching and a deep belief in the power of nature, hands-on learning, and relationships with the people and world around us. She is passionate about helping children and families reconnect with their roots through nature-based education and meaningful community experiences.
Cassie graduated from the University of Mary with bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Special Education, as well as a master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education.
For 12 years, Cassie taught early childhood special education, where she witnessed firsthand the growing influence of technology in children’s classrooms and everyday lives. Inspired by a desire to give children more opportunities to explore, create, move, and learn through real-world experiences, she founded Wonderfully Wild in 2021.
Cassie is a mother of four and the owner of several rescue cats and dogs. Outside of teaching and Wonderfully Wild, she enjoys reading, gardening, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Maddy Johnson, Teacher
Maddy was born and raised in Mohall, ND, and moved to Bismarck in 2023 to attend Bismarck State College. She graduated in May 2026 with a degree in Human Services and an Eligibility Worker Certificate.
Maddy has loved working with children for as long as she can remember! From babysitting for local families to working in daycare and nannying, caring for and learning alongside children has always been a passion of hers.
It was through her experience as a nanny that she discovered the world of nature-based education. She quickly fell in love with the idea of children learning through exploration, hands-on experiences, and time spent outdoors.
Maddy is excited to bring her love for children and enthusiasm for nature-based learning to Wonderfully Wild Nature School!
Andrea Evinger, Secretary
Andrea brings a background in education and Montessori, along with a passion for getting kids outside and in the dirt. In her 1946 London Lectures, Dr. Maria Montessori states: “The hand is the instrument of intelligence. The child needs to manipulate objects and to gain experience by touching and handling." This is one of the reasons Andrea believes so deeply in the mission of Tallgrass. Children need to have regular access to the outdoors and to work with their hands.
Andrea is married and a mama to three kids. Andrea and her husband, Benjamin, steward cattle using regenerative practices. Andrea also works as a certified postpartum doula and owns Nestled in Postpartum.
Zach Nye, Treasurer
Zach has lived in North Dakota for over 20 years, spending most of that time in the Bismarck-Mandan area. Zach is a graduate of the University of Mary and works in banking as a Credit Analyst specializing in agriculture, commercial, and oil & gas finance.
As the parents of three energetic kids, Zach and his wife Jaclyn appreciate the mission of Tallgrass and Wonderfully Wild. They've seen firsthand the power that exploring nature has for young hearts and minds.
Jessie Grenz, Director of Philanthropy
Jessie is the Director of Philanthropy of Tallgrass Land & Learning. One of her main goals is connecting with the community, including future donors and other partners.
Growing up in Bismarck, North Dakota gave Jessie a strong sense of community and a deep love for the outdoors. Today, she is a stay-at-home mom to three energetic, adventurous boys. Because her husband travels frequently as a BNSF engineer, Jessie's role at home is the anchor that keeps their family connected and ensures they maximize every bit of quality time together.
With her littles in tow, you can find Jessie in the garden, hiking, camping, having a living room dance party or diving into her latest crafting project. Jessie is naturally drawn to problem-solving and finding ways to help others—whether that’s family, a close neighbor or a complete stranger.
Jessie will use these skills as she steps into her role with Tallgrass Land & Learning.
Kayla Henes, Board Member
Kayla is a school counselor with 12 years of experience working alongside students, families, and educators in small and rural schools across North Dakota. She currently serves as the Counseling Director for Central Regional Education Association. At the heart of her work, she believes students thrive when they are curious, connected, and given a space to discover the world around them.
Kayla has always had a deep sense of connection to nature and the sense of wonder it invites. She is drawn to the wonder and possibility found outdoors— a stick can become a wand, a trail becomes an adventure and a question can open the door to discovery. She believes nature gives children the freedom to wonder, explore, create and follow their curiosity. Through these experiences, children build confidence, resilience, creativity, and sense of connection to the world around them.
Kayla lives in rural Bismarck with her family, where much of life unfolds around the kitchen table. She spends her time cooking and creating new meals, baking sourdough alongside her children, tending to their land, and finding any excuse to be near the water. For Kayla, there is something deeply meaningful about creating a life that leaves room for curiosity and adventure. She intends to bring the same sense of wonder, adventure, and appreciation for nature to her work with the Tallgrass Land & Learning community.