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- Keishla Lopez | Faculty
Keishla LopezGrades K/1 (Lower Elementary) < Back Keishla Lopez Grades K/1 (Lower Elementary) Keishla, who also goes by Keila, was born in Coamo, Puerto Rico and is bilingual in Spanish and English. From a young age, she knew she wanted to work with children. Keishla would go on to obtain an associate degree in early childhood education with a concentration in science from Middlesex Community College, and began working in the field. Presently, she is enthustiastically pursuing additional coursework to better support her students and work toward completing her Bachelor's degree as she moves into elementary education. Residing in Hollis, NH with her husband, two daughters, and two dogs, Keishla is a "team mom" for the Hollis Brookline Jr Cavaliers D10 cheerleading team. When she's not engaged in her daughters' cheerleading, soccer, and theater activities, Keishla can be found enjoying Halloween movies (her attic is filled to the rafters with Halloween decor), drinking coffee, and indulging in Chinese food. Education Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education with a Concentration in Science Work Experience 2023-Present: Kindergarten Teacher at 2nd Nature Academy 2022-2023: Lower Elementary (Grades 1/2) Classroom Aide at 2nd Nature Academy 2020-2022: Preschool teacher at Nature's Pathways at 2nd Nature Academy 2019: Infant teacher at Nature's Pathways at 2nd Nature Academy
- Supply Lists | 2nd Nature Academy
Classroom supply lists for the school year Supply Lists 2024-2025 Lower School Document K-6 Upper School Document 6-8 Document 9-12
- Water Walk | 2nd Nature Academy
Top of Page About the Organization About the Project Engage Your Child 3,431 lbs. of water carried and $1,959 donated in 2024! Service Learning October 2024 Water Walk: Clean Water for All MAIN MENU Every day, we turn on a tap to access clean water for drinking, cooking, washing, watering lawns, and recreation. However, millions of children around the world do not enjoy this same luxury. Instead, they will walk miles several times a day to gather heavy buckets of water, often not fit for drinking. A vast majority of these children will miss critical learning time in school and even risk getting sick, or worse, from drinking contaminated water. By partnering with Thank You Project, SNA students learn about water crises around the world and they are challenged to think critically about global access to water, water quality, water conservation, and droughts. While engaging in our annual Water Walk, our student body is provided the opportunity to experience a small taste of what it means to walk in these other children's shoes. We hope to teach our fellow students to appreciate this precious resource and learn about their role in preserving it. Mission Change the lives of people by providing rural areas with drinking water, education, and enlightenment. Programs Access to Clean Water Providing the equipment necessary to dig fresh water wells. Access to Education Establishing a scholarship fund for deserving students who cannot afford the cost of university tuition (only $2,000 per year). Community Building a spiritual center. Water Walk 2024 The SNA students take part in an annual Water Walk to raise funds for Thank You Project to continue building wells and increasing access to fresh, clean water in rural Nigeria. Our student body fills bucket of water by our farm gardens and camp HQ and carries it across campus to feed to our barn animals. As students have the opportunity to "walk a mile" in other children's shoes and get a glimpse into daily life for millions of children like them around the world, families and friends are encouraged to "pledge" for their student's participation and help raise funds to build more wells. Sponsor Your Student How to Engage Children Service learning is not just about donating. In fact, the meaning is in the name. At SNA, students perform acts of service as a means of education about the greater world around us, the role we each play in our communities, and how we can all contribute to building a better future. We encourage families with children of all ages to further this discussion at home to engage their children as active participants in both acts of service and acts of giving. 1 Have a conversation about the global water crisis in a way that is manageable for your child's age. 2 Discuss the many privileges your child enjoys with easy access to fresh, clean water. Have them give you some ideas about what they can do to better conserve water in their daily practices. 3 Encourage them to contribute an amount they deem fair to a Thank You Project donation. If your child earns an allowance, you can compare what they may be choosing to sacrifice to help make clean water available to a child like them somewhere.
- Art Portfolio | 2nd Nature Academy
Each year, Ms. T is excited to take all ages on a journey of exploration and growth, encouraging self-expression, inspiring creativity, building confidence, and developing a sense of individual identity in each student. Check out just a small sample of what we produced in 2023-2024! 2023-2024 Art Showcase Each year, Ms. T is excited to take all ages on a journey of exploration and growth, encouraging self-expression, inspiring creativity, building confidence, and developing a sense of individual identity in each student. Check out just a small sample of what we produced in 2023-2024! High School Middle School Grades 4/5 Grade 3 Grades 1/2 Kindergarten
- Meghan Ayer | Faculty
Meghan AyerHead of SchoolMathematics (Middle School) < Back Meghan Ayer Head of School Mathematics (Middle School) Meghan Ayer grew up in Nashua, NH and spent her active childhood engaging with animals, exploring the great outdoors, and playing a variety of sports. As a teenager, Meghan babysat extensively and then moved on to volunteer at Williamstown Elementary School while attending in college in western Massachusetts. Meghan loves to travel and explore different biomes and cultures, evidenced by her semester spent studying marine biology in Queensland, Australia while in college and many additional travels around the world. After completing her schooling, Meghan returned home to help build the animal science and farming program at 2nd Nature Academy with the intention to return to school the following year to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine. During this interim period, Meghan fell in love with both teaching and farming and decided to refocus her career aspirations accordingly. Today, in addition to her teaching, Meghan and her husband, Kyle, are building a local, sustainable farming enterprise with the goal to provide healthy, humanely-raised, grass-fed meats to the local community. They live with their two young daughters on a farm in Nashua, where they can be found amongst piles of books, playing outdoors, and practicing healthy lifestyles while lovingly raising their animals. Education Master of Education from Antioch University New England Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Pre-med from Williams College Work Experience 2019-Present Head of School at 2nd Nature Academy 2018-Present Math & science teacher at 2nd Nature Academy High School 2014-Present Math & science teacher at 2nd Nature Academy Middle School 2008-2014 Upper elementary teacher at 2nd Nature Academy
- Narissa Hill | Faculty
Narissa HillGrade 4 (Upper Elementary) < Back Narissa Hill Grade 4 (Upper Elementary) Narissa was born and raised in Nashua, NH and grew up exploring New England’s great outdoors. Some of her favorite locales include the Flume Gorge, Lost River Gorge and Caves, Loon Mountain, and Acadia National Park. During her elementary school years, her love of the outdoors translated to her time spent at SNA’s very own Camp Lovewell each summer, so Narissa is especially thrilled to be able to revisit the campus and trails with a new generation of SNA children. During her years at college, she was heavily involved with the University of Scranton’s theatre company, where she directed and choreographed two musicals. Her lifelong love for nature science, music, and theatre are passions that converge in her approach to teaching and she cannot wait to get her class moving and learning all year long. Education Bachelor of Science in Early & Primary Education from University of Scranton Work Experience Fall 2023: 3rd grade student teacher at Jefferson Elementary Center (Jefferson Township, PA) 2021-2024: Tutor of geometry, geography, introduction to theatre, and elementary education classes at the University of Scranton Office of Student Support and Success (Scranton, PA) 2020-2024: Substitute teacher at Nashua School District (Nashua, NH) and North Pocono School District (Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, PA) Observed in K-5 classrooms across 3 different school districts Tour guide for prospective students and families at University of Scranton (Scranton, PA)
- Accreditation | 2nd Nature Academy
2nd Nature Academy Elementary, Middle, & High School was granted Institutional Accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges in July 2018. Accreditation Anchor NEASC Accreditation 2nd Nature Academy was granted Institutional Accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges in July 2018. In an excerpt from the official accreditation letter from NEASC, it was stated that: "The Commission particularly commends the entire school community for its commitment to and expression of the mission of the school and its learning model. The Visiting Committee noted that evidence of this was readily apparent in every aspect of school activity." Other commendations included the Commission being impressed by the "proactive succession plan in place at 2nd Nature Academy." The Visiting Committee also commended the school for implementing its experiential learning model and humane education curriculum, as well as providing opportunities for inquiry and exploration. Recommendations put forth by NEASC include, "That the Academy continue to explore ways to reach more prospective students and make its program better understood to the outside community," and that, as the school grows through middle school and into high school, "That the Academy continue to refine and formalize its curriculum across all subject areas and grade levels." Accreditation by NEASC is an ongoing process that requires commitment to constant school improvement. In March 2020, 2nd Nature Academy submitted its first Two-Year Interim Evaluation Report for review, followed by a Five-Year Interim Evaluation Report in 2023. Our next regularly scheduled evaluation visit is in 2028. To learn more about NEASC Accreditation, please visit www.neasc.org/about-accreditation . Early Childhood Nature's Pathways at 2nd Nature Academy is a license-exempt early childhood program that operates under 2nd Nature Academy. This program is overseen by the Department of Education and the Department of Health. We still follow all of the health and safety rules in the New Hampshire child care licensing guidelines, including child to teacher ratios, cleaning and sanitizing policies, and more. Our license-exempt status allows us to remain more flexible and up to date with current trends, and stay true to our mission while remaining above all else a center focused on safety and quality care.
- Courtney Mehurg | Faculty
Courtney MehurgScience (Middle/High School) < Back Courtney Mehurg Science (Middle/High School) Courtney Mehurg grew up in North Carolina and spent her childhood years exploring the outdoors and local wildlife, participating in sports, and playing the saxophone in various bands throughout middle and high school. Her love of animals, and reptiles in particular, led her to earn degrees in zoology at North Carolina State University. During her time there, she continued to be heavily involved in musical performance, while discovering her love of education as a teaching assistant in undergraduate and graduate school. Graduate courses took her to some unique locations around the world; including Namibia, South Africa, Australia (Heron Island along the Great Barrier Reef), the Galapagos Islands, and Puerto Rico. Upon finishing her degrees, she decided to take on her first teaching position as a middle school science teacher at Addlestone Hebrew Academy in Charleston, SC. From there she would go onto to teach for a total of 7 years in both private and public schools in South Carolina and Massachusetts. She then moved back to North Carolina, along the Southern Outer Banks, and took on the full-time position of mother to her young daughter and son, now eight and five. She also spent much of these years actively involved in the NC Sierra Club as secretary of the newly formed Croatan Group. She now lives in Bedford, NH, where she enjoys spending time with her family, getting outdoors at every chance, hiking, skiing, foraging, and engaging in environmental and political activism. Education Master of Science in Zoology with a Minor in Physiology from North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC) Bachelor of Science in Zoology from North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC) Work Experience 2022-Present: Science teacher at 2nd Nature Academy 2010-2012: Middle school science teacher at Annie Sullivan Middle School (Franklin, MA) 2009-2010: Middle school science teacher at Remington Middle School (Franklin, MA) 2007-2009: 5th-8th grade science teacher at Ashley Hall (Charleston, SC) 2005-2007: 5th-8th grade science teacher at Addlestone Hebrew Academy (Charleston, SC) Graduate School: Teaching assistant for laboratory courses in Ecology, Herpetology, and Introduction to Zoology Undergraduate School: Teaching assistant for a laboratory course in Computer Science
- Maria (Mariona) Oca Jordan | Faculty
Maria (Mariona) Oca JordanSpanish < Back Maria (Mariona) Oca Jordan Spanish Maria Oca Jordan was born and raised in Barcelona, Spain, and goes by her nickname, Mariona. Trilingual, Mariona speaks Spanish, Catalan, and English fluently. In Spain, she tutored students in grades one and two, and worked as a speech therapist for children. She moved with her family to the United States in 2015 and settled in New Hampshire. Although she misses the Spanish sun, Mariona finds she quite enjoys the snowy New England winters! Mariona began volunteering in the lower elementary classroom at 2nd Nature Academy in 2016, before becoming the school's Spanish teacher. She not only loves teaching her students to speak Spanish, but to bring her culture into the classroom and broaden their horizons. In her spare time, Mariona likes to craft, sew, and bake, and spend time with her husband and two young sons. Education Official University Degree in Primary Education from Universitat Ramon Llull Work Experience 2018-Present ELE (Español Lengua Extrangera)/Spanish as a Foreign Language teacher at 2nd Nature Academy 2018 Volunteer teacher's aide in beginner-level English at Adult Learning Center (Nashua, NH) 2016-2017 Volunteer teacher's aide in lower elementary classroom at 2nd Nature Academy 2014-2015 Student support and reading/writing specialist in the Psychologist Department of IPSE School (Barcelona, Spain) 2014 Speech therapist at Paideia, special education school (Barcelona, Spain) 2007-2013 Elementary school tutor for first and second grade students and Educational Department support, helping students with difficulties thrive, at Mare de Déu del Roser (Barcelona, Spain) 2003-2007 Educator at AREP Mental Health Association (Barcelona, Spain)
- Needs Lists: Nature's Pathways | 2nd Nature Academy
Needs lists for children enrolled in the early childhood program NATURE'S PATHWAYS NEEDS LISTS Select your child's group below to view their needs list, for which families are responsible for providing the items listed.
- Campus & Facilities | 2nd Nature Academy
2nd Nature Academy sits on the former site of an 18th century dairy farm. Consisting of 39 acres of pristine land in south Nashua, NH and Dunstable, MA, the grounds also abut roughly 700 acres of conserved and protected land in both municipalities. With fields, forests, ponds, wetlands, and a working farm, our grounds are the perfect place to learn, explore, and play. FARM, FIELD, & FOREST CAMPUS 2nd Nature Academy sits on the former site of an 18th century dairy farm. Consisting of 39 acres of pristine land in south Nashua, NH and Dunstable, MA, the grounds also abut roughly 700 acres of conserved and protected land in both municipalities. With fields, forests, ponds, wetlands, and a working farm, our grounds are the perfect place to learn, explore, and play. The sustainable campus and surrounding landscape also includes: Challenge elements and low ropes course Ball fields and courts Hiking trails Working animal farm with animal barn Ponds and vernal pools teeming with wildlife Organic gardens Fruit orchard Cultured and wild berry bushes and brambles Salt-water swimming pool for summer camp Our property boasts several healthy, high-performance “green” buildings, including the first LEED Platinum Certified non-residential building in New Hampshire and winner of the 2010 Lean & Green Building Award from Business New Hampshire Magazine. The buildings meet strict criteria for site selection and sustainable building practices while utilizing highly efficient plumbing systems, solar voltaic electricity, and a super-efficient geothermal heating system. They also utilize recycled and local materials, maximize natural lighting, include certified wood from sustainably managed forests, and are void of products that contain toxins that may contribute to unhealthy buildings. As a result, our student body, faculty, and staff all benefit from working and learning in a healthy environment. The many green aspects of the school buildings and campus are utilized on a daily basis in the school to teach about energy, conservation, recycling, water efficiency, earth science, biology, farming, sustainability, ecology, weather, economics, health and nutrition, community, collaboration, and critical thinking. The 2nd Nature Academy water system participates in a program at the N.H. Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) that requires the water supplier to implement a source protection program to prevent drinking water sources from becoming contaminated. Please find our most recent notice to our neighboring properties that are located in the Source Water Protection Area (SWPA) for this water system, as delineated by the NHDES, at the button below. DRINKING WATER NOTICE
- Marguerite's Place | 2nd Nature Academy
Top of Page About the Organization About the Project Engage Your Child Service Learning November 2024 - Project B Holiday Gifts for Children in Need MAIN MENU The holiday season is full of lights, loved ones, feasting, and, yes, gift giving across many different cultures, religions, and traditions. For some families, however, it is a time of increased financial stress and children going without. That's why each year around the holidays, we don our Santa hats and return to one of our favorite service learning projects to help change that for some local families. Each November, we run a gift card drive as part of Marguerite's Place Holiday Giving Program. The recipients are mothers and their children who are experiencing homelessness and/or fleeing from unsafe domestic conditions. Through community donations, these mothers are provided the opportunity to do their own holiday shopping for their children, and also fulfill their needs for basic necessities. So, yet again, we invite you to join us in spreading warmth, security, and joy this holiday season! Mission Marguerite’s Place is on a mission to transform the lives of families working to achieve safety, stability and independence by fostering connection and providing holistic, individual and group support offerings, including transitional housing for women and their children, as well as early childhood education, and group-based community programs for all. Programs Transitional Housing Safe, private apartments where mothers and children experiencing homelessness can stabilize and rebuild. Early Childhood Education Low-cost child care with social-emotional learning curricula that ensures children meet their developmental milestones. Community Programming Supportive group programming where parents develop success skills and build meaningful connections. Sponsored Families 2024 Family 1: Ashlyn and her son, Ayden (10) Family 2: Felicia, her son, Farell (10) and daughter, Faith (4) Sponsor a Gift How to Engage Children Service learning is not just about donating. In fact, the meaning is in the name. At SNA, students perform acts of service as a means of education about the greater world around us, the role we each play in our communities, and how we can all contribute to building a better future. We encourage families with children of all ages to further this discussion at home to engage their children as active participants in both acts of service and acts of giving. 1 Discuss the issue of poverty with your child, in an age-appropriate manner. 2 Encourage them to contribute an amount they deem fair to a gift card donation. If your child earns an allowance, you can talk about the power of giving, for both the giver and the recipient. How do they feel when they receive a gift? What about when they give one? 3 Make a project of it! Ask your child if they would like to make a card for a family recipient, because gift giving doesn't solely need to be about monetary value. Sometimes the act of spreading love and cheer can go a long way in letting others know they are not alone.