OUR TEAM | wildnwa.org

Meet Our Team

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

At WILD About Learning Academy, we pride ourselves on our dedicated and loving childcare professionals who pour into your children day in and day out.

CEO/Regional Executive Director

Dina Ford

Dina Ford has been a dedicated leader in the early childhood and early education field since 1997. With deep roots in Northwest Arkansas, she is well-connected with local resources, support systems, and collaborative partners who share her vision of equal education and opportunities for all children. Dina is passionate about creating a nurturing, home-like environment in every center she oversees, where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow.

As Executive Regional Director, she not only leads with compassion and vision but also mentors her staff, encouraging growth and resilience as they face the ever-evolving challenges of the early education industry. Outside of work, Dina enjoys practicing yoga, listening to live music, cooking, and traveling. Her greatest joy comes from her family—her children, Tanner, Lauren, and Carson, and her beloved grandchildren, Asher and Everleigh.

WILD Director

Kaitlyn Taylor

Kaitlyn is our Director at WILD. She has worked in Early Childhood Education since 2011, and has been on the WILD team since 2014! Kaitlyn has her CDA certification in Early Childhood Education and is currently working toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education at Arkansas State University. She has lived in Northwest Arkansas for most of her life, meeting her husband in 2014 and then marrying in 2018. She has two busy boys, Casen and Stetson. In her free time, Kaitlyn enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the outdoors, and finding new hidden gems in our community. Children and education are both her passion and she feels lucky to be able to combine the two and serve all of our families in Northwest Arkansas.

WILD Assistant Director

Ashton Pillstrom

Ashton serves as the Assistant Director at WILD–West, bringing dedication and heart to the families of Northwest Arkansas. Since joining WILD in 2021, she has worked across both campuses and built strong connections with many in the community. Ashton is currently a senior at Harding University, majoring in Elementary Education. Ashton has three children Collyns, Charleston, and Shepherd. She balances a full and busy life with grace. When she finds free time, she loves making memories with her family. She looks forward to welcoming and supporting your family!

WILD Assistant Director

Raegan Salmonsen

Raegan is the Assistant Director. She has been a valued part of the WILD family since 2019. Over the years, she has served in a variety of roles, gaining a deep understanding of our program and building strong connections with the families we serve. In 2025, Raegan completed her Child Development Associate credential, further equipping her to support the children and families of Northwest Arkansas. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and spending quality time with her husband and two boys, Todd and William. Raegan is passionate about forming meaningful, long-lasting relationships and is excited to continue growing within the WILD organization.

WILD Nutrition Specialist

Sabreena Scott

Sabreena is the Nutrition Specialist at our WILD campus. She moved from Georgia to NWA in 2022 with her husband, her son Enzo, and all their pets! She loves to go camping, biking, and floating. She began working for WILD in May of 2022 as an Assistant Teacher. She then took a leap of faith and transitioned into the Nutrition Specialist role, and has rocked it ever since! She is Serv-Safe certified and looks forward to making yummy meals for your littles each day!