OUR EDUCATORS
Nature’s Pathways at 2nd Nature Academy provides each child with developmentally-appropriate care, attention, and instruction. Some of our team members come highly credentialed in their respective focuses; others are parents or grandparents with decades of experience in caring for children. What they all have in common is a commitment to providing a safe, nurturing, and healthy environment for your child to learn and grow. Our staff embraces our unique pedagogy, which centers around emergent curriculum, ample outdoor education, and play-based learning. They each take pride in getting to know both the children and their families and we support a culture of open communication at all times. Together, our educators create an environment that is ideal for your child’s growth and development.
Jillian Towne
Director of Early Childhood Education
My favorite part of my job is...
"that, as they say, 'it takes a village,' and I get to be a part of that village for so many families. Now my own daughter gets to be a part of our village too!"
Kristen Lavoie
Chicks (Infant) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"that, as a mom, I understand how important it is to have someone you trust to care for, nurture, and love your baby when you cannot be there. My daily goal is to give parents the peace of mind that their child is safe and getting the best care possible."
Kacie Ellis
Infant/Toddler Floating Assistant Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
Juliana Venman-Clay
Piglets (Toddler) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"that children unlock the door to our imaginations, reminding us that anything is possible."
Chelsea Barbini
Preschool Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"being able to explore the outdoors with the children. I love watching their responses to new things and watching them become engaged with their surroundings."
Jennifer Slate
Interim-Kindergarten Teacher
Camp Lovewell Director
My favorite part of my job is...
"inspiring children to believe in themselves. When I was a child, I had a teacher that made me feel like I mattered and that I could do anything. I love having the opportunity to do that for my students."
Jacy Mikenas
Pre-Elementary After School Leader
My favorite part of my job is...
"forming relationships with the children! I love to see how excited they are to work with you when they enjoy your company or even to visit you when they aren't in your group anymore."
Sarah Thompson
Administrative Assistant
My favorite part of my job is...
Joleen Brahaney
Assistant Director, Pre-Elementary
Prekindergarten Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"that every day is different and we get frequent opportunities to explore the trails."
Margo Dery
Chicks (Infant) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
Laura Auger
Lambs (Toddler) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"that I get to care for such young children and knowing that I will have some part in shaping their future. It is a very rewarding experience. I love getting to know their parents and siblings and cherish the time each child spends in my classroom!"
Amanda Weiss
Piglets (Toddler) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
Liz Camire
Preschool Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"connecting the children with nature and animals."
Cathy Richardson Brown
Floating Assistant Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"sharing my music and farming background with the children."
Jackson McDonald
Preschool Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"being able to make a positive impact on the lives of young children every day."
Amber Labrecque
Assistant Director, Infants/Toddler
Calves (Toddler) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"watching the children explore and grow into their little personalities. I love reading stories with them and singing silly songs!"
Maddie Bollinger
Toddler Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"seeing the kids happy and having fun."
Stephanie White
Lambs (Toddler) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"watching children play. It is so rewarding to see their imaginations at work, to see the wonder on their faces when they do something for the first time, and to watch them make new friends. Their joy and laughter is contagious."
Jessie Duquette
Calves (Toddler) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"getting messy with art projects with the kids and seeing how much they grow in a short matter of time. It is a blessing to be a part of their learning!"
Jennifer Rheaume
Prekindergarten Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"the energy level of young children. I also really enjoy watching them explore, play, and learn about their world!"
Ryan Slate
Pre-Elementary After School Leader
My favorite part of my job is...
"seeing the kids grow and shape their personalities!"
Stephanie Wunderlich
Administrative Assistant
My favorite part of my job is...
"getting to greet families and make special connections with children of all ages!"