Club Members

Anu Ayers, Co-President.

Anu Ayers was born and raised in Stockton, CA. She is currently pursuing a B.S. in Education Studies with a concentration in Holistic Education. As a student, Anu has had the privilege of attending alternative schooling including outdoor education and student wildlife conservation organizations. She has since made it her mission to provide the same high-quality experience for future scholars. Anu currently serves as Co-President of The Holistic Teaching and Learning Club and works as the PEAK Student Editor for The Holistic Education Review.

Khylee Hornby, Co-President.

Khylee Hornby is a student worker for The Center for Holistic Teaching and Learning. She graduated with her Bachelor’s of Science in Education Studies, with a minor in Early Childhood Development and Psychology, and with a micro-credential in Social and Emotional Learning and Early Childhood Development. She is now continuing her education in the accelerated Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program here at SOU. She is excited to continue her work in the Center for her second year and continue to be on the HTL-club leadership.

Rocky Amezquita, Vice President.

Sydney Combs, Secretary.

Sydney Combs grew up in Sparks, Nevada, and now lives in Ashland, Oregon, where she enjoys making music and exploring the outdoors. She recently earned her bachelor’s in education studies with a minor in outdoor adventure leadership and a micro-credential in social-emotional learning. This fall, she begins her master’s in mental health counseling, with hopes of becoming a holistic therapist. Sydney also works as a forest school instructor and substitute teacher, continually expanding her skills in education. She’s excited to combine her passions for mental health, nature, and connection through thoughtful event planning for this club.

Kayla Douglas, Treasurer.

Kayla Douglas graduated from RCC in 2023 with an Associate’s Degree in Elementary Education and transferred to SOU that fall. She is now in SOU’s Education Studies program, where students earn both their bachelor’s degree and Oregon Preliminary teaching license. Kayla will graduate in June 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Education Studies and a micro-credential in Social/Emotional Learning. As a neurodivergent student, she is passionate about creating inclusive and supportive classrooms where all students feel they belong. Kayla is excited to contribute to the HTL-Club’s mission of compassion and connection in education.

Sandy Leach, Outreach Coordinator.

Sandy Leach is a full-time student at Southern Oregon University, pursuing her B.S. in Education Studies with a concentration in Holistic Education. A proud mama and natural nurturer, she feels most at home in the garden, hands dirty with soil and surrounded by nature, drawn to approaches that honor the whole child. Whether she’s building something from scratch, wrenching in the garage, or riding her motorcycle down a country road, she brings warmth, creativity, and fierce compassion to everything she does. As Outreach Coordinator, Sandy is excited to build meaningful connections rooted in care, purpose, and community—one heartfelt conversation at a time.