Samata DeCori

Samata Amy DeCori brings two decades of experience as an educator, artist, and mindfulness practitioner to her role at FernLeaf. She holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from Warren Wilson College and has called Western North Carolina home since 1997. Samata has taught across a wide range of grade levels—from Pre-K to sixth grade—with over a decade dedicated to first grade. Her teaching is rooted in creativity, hands-on learning, and social-emotional growth. She believes in cultivating curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning in every student.

Samata is trained in both Orton-Gillingham and Responsive Classroom, allowing her to meet diverse learning needs while fostering a safe, engaging, and inclusive classroom community. She is also a certified yoga instructor, Artist’s Way facilitator, and trained mindfulness educator through Mindful Schools and Breathe for Change. She has taught mindfulness and yoga to students of all ages and brings the principles of Nonviolent Communication and growth mindset into her daily classroom culture.

Outside of school, Samata is a visual artist, gardener, musician, and nature enthusiast. She lives in the area with her husband, Jason, and their mini Goldendoodle, Sol. In her free time, she enjoys stand up paddle boarding, painting with watercolors, and traveling to places like Italy, Japan, and Mexico. Samata is thrilled to be part of a school community that shares her passion for creativity, compassion, and meaningful connection.