Celebrating Ms. Karina McMillan: From Classroom to Museum Exhibit
At Ivybrook Academy Cary, we are continually inspired by the many ways our teachers ignite curiosity and creativity in children. Today, we’re thrilled to celebrate an extraordinary accomplishment from one of our own: Discovery teacher, Ms. Karina McMillan.
Recently, Ms. Karina submitted several of her original artworks to the Museum of the Southeast American Indian. One of her pieces not only earned first place—it was also selected for the museum’s permanent collection. This is a rare and remarkable honor, and it means Ms. Karina’s work will inspire visitors for years to come. We are so proud to see her artistry recognized on such a meaningful stage.
What makes this achievement even more special is the way it reflects who Ms. Karina is every day in the classroom. The imagination, patience, and attention to detail that shape her art are the very qualities our students experience in her Discovery lessons. In true Ivybrook fashion—rooted in Reggio Emilia and Montessori philosophies—she invites children to make sense of the world through observation, hands-on exploration, and creative expression. Whether students are experimenting with natural materials, exploring color and pattern, or documenting their thinking through sketches and stories, they are learning to see themselves as capable, confident creators.
In our Reggio-inspired approach, the environment is considered the “third teacher.” Ms. Karina brings this to life by curating beautiful, purposeful spaces that make children want to investigate. Baskets of pinecones, shells, and loose parts become tools for patterning and storytelling; mirrors and light tables transform simple materials into vibrant discoveries. As a practicing artist, she models how ideas evolve: children watch her plan, revise, and persevere—valuable habits for learning in any subject. They see that mistakes are part of the process, and that curiosity can lead to something wonderful.
Her museum recognition also affirms a core belief at Ivybrook Cary: when educators live their passions, students benefit. Ms. Karina’s commitment to her craft enriches our campus culture, connecting learning at school to the wider creative community. It gives our students an authentic example of how the arts can communicate identity, history, and hope—echoing the museum’s mission and reminding us that art has the power to unite.
Families often tell us that their child comes home talking about “discoveries” from Ms. Karina’s class: new textures they explored, patterns they noticed in nature, or questions they can’t wait to investigate next time. Those small moments add up. Children learn to slow down and look closely, to ask “What do I see? What do I wonder?” They practice collaboration, language, and problem-solving—skills that serve them well far beyond preschool.
As we celebrate Ms. Karina’s milestone, we also recognize the ripple effect it creates. Her success elevates our entire community—students who feel proud of their teacher, families who see our values in action, and colleagues who are encouraged to nurture their own passions. It is a beautiful reminder that teaching is both an art and a relationship, and that children flourish when surrounded by adults who love what they do.
Please join us in congratulating Ms. Karina on this well-deserved recognition and thanking her for the meaningful, joyful learning she brings to Ivybrook Academy Cary. If you see her on campus, be sure to offer a high-five and ask what the Discovery class is exploring this week—you’ll likely hear a story that sparks your own curiosity.