Welcome to our Peer-to-Peer Parent Connections Program!
We understand that choosing a school can feel challenging at times, with many questions to consider. That's why we've created a forum where prospective parents can connect directly with our current parents. Whether you're curious about our school, seeking advice, or simply want to hear firsthand experiences, our parent ambassadors are here to answer your questions. Feel free to browse the parents who are available to connect with you below. We hope to hear from you soon!
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Casey Kersten
Parent of a Boys Program Student
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Name: Casey Kersten
Interests/Extracurriculars of Your Child: Bennett is very involved in the HFC soccer program. He also plays basketball, skis, and plays pickleball, but soccer is his true passion. He is an avid reader and has begun guitar lessons after finding an interest at FBRA.
About You: We live in South Asheville and had our eye on FBRA since our oldest was in 2nd grade after some friends shared about their child’s experience. When we finally toured the school, we knew it was the perfect place to challenge our son in new ways. Every night at dinner, our family does “high low high” to share about parts of our day. Bennett’s high is always school. When I ask him to be more specific, he just says “everything. I just love my school.” He adores and respects his professors and his resiliency is already noticeably stronger. I would recommend FBRA wholeheartedly.
Rebecca Cater
Parent of a Girls Program Student
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Name: Rebecca Cater
Interests/Extracurriculars of Your Child: Theater, skiing, singing, piano, being outside, crafting.
About You: I am an elementary educator and curriculum coordinator turned homeschool mom, turned stay-at-home. I love all aspects of teaching and learning. I enjoy crafting, reading, travel, skiing, and training our dog, Hopper.
Heidi Knoll
Parent of a Boys Program Student, Parent of a Girls Program Student
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Name: Heidi Knoll
Interests/Extracurriculars of Your Child: My son is into soccer, ultimate frisbee, football, bowling, piano, board/video games, reading.
My daughter is into soccer, taekwondo, ultimate frisbee, violin, all things arts & crafts.
About You: We were charmed by and then moved to WNC more than a decade ago, soon after our twins were born. We had a very positive elementary experience with our public school and probably would not have otherwise considered private school except we were drawn to the special nature of FBRA’s middle school experience. This age feels very pivotal, and we believed in the power of the close peer + staff connections that FBRA develops both in the classroom but also through progressively challenging outdoor + community oriented educational opportunities. We’ve been so pleased to see how quickly this is already taking shape for our kids, and I would be delighted to connect with prospective parents.
Zanne Garland
Parent of a Boys Program Student
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Name: Zanne Garland
Interests/Extracurriculars of Your Child: Roan loves to do outdoor activities like hiking and canoeing and he enjoys playing soccer and video games with his friends.
About You: My husband and I work from home and have lived in Asheville since 2011. We met hiking on the Appalachian Trail and named our son, Roan, after Roan Mountain. We wanted to find a school for him that prioritizes the whole person – academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. FBRA is a great place for him to channel his excitement and energy in dynamic ways and for him to reflect on his experiences and grow as a human!
Melissa Mathews
Parent of a Boys Program Student
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Name: Melissa Mathews
Interests/Extracurriculars of Your Child: My son Dexter has always had an interest in how things work. He loves to build and create things, whether it’s a Lego city, a pinball table made out of cardboard or stop-motion videos. While he has never gravitated towards traditional sports, he has really enjoyed paddling, rock climbing and mountain biking…activities either part of the FBRA program and/or after school clubs.
About You: Our family moved to Asheville in 2022, drawn to the mountains and to give our kids a closer connection to an outdoor lifestyle. My husband works in marketing and I’ve been a stay at home parent to our 3 children since relocating to Asheville. Dexter attended our local public elementary and intermediate schools prior to enrolling in FBRA. My husband and I had heard incredible things from FBRA alumni and their parents and we were really impressed and in alignment with the character building that FBRA focuses on. We are blown away with how much Dexter has grown since starting at FBRA. He has made so many close friendships and we love the community at FBRA. I am happy to connect with anyone that wants to ask questions or learn more about our experience with FBRA!
Ani Buraglia
Alumni Parent
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Name: Ani Buraglia
Interests/Extracurriculars of Your Child: Mountain biking, whitewater kayaking, reading, swimming
About You: I am the director of a non-profit foundation and have been in this role for almost 20 years. I am also mom of a current 9th grader who graduated from FBRA last year (2025). We chose FBRA after we moved from Miami because it offered something different from the education options we had seen through our lives in different cities. Our son attended from 6th – 8th, and it was a transformative experience for him (and us). I always believed education could be better than what we were seeing and experiencing, and this was it. Happy to answer any questions you might have and share what this school has meant to our family and the growth we saw in our son over the three years he spent there.