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Sarah ThompsonVisual Arts < Back Sarah Thompson Visual Arts Sarah Thompson, known to her students as Miss T., was born in Lynn, MA and raised in Merrimack, NH. Her goals as an art teacher are to find meaningful ways to engage and connect with each student and to give them all a safe and positive space to create and have fun. Sarah believes it is a gift to be able to engage a student through the visual arts and encourage their individual potential to thrive. She achieves this by incorporating art history and contemporary cultural influences, as well as through staying actively involved in what her students are learning beyond her classroom and integrating other subjects into her lessons. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys yoga, meditation, music, and art. She and her partner, Matthew, live with their two cats Benjamin and Gustavo and are passionate supporters of animal rescue. Education Bachelor of Arts from Chester College of New England (Chester, NH) Certificates New Hampshire Art Teacher Certification, issued by Chester College of New England (Chester, NH) Work Experience 2021-Present Art specialist teacher at 2nd Nature Academy Afternoon/evening receptionist at 2nd Nature Academy Arts & Crafts specialist at Camp Lovewell 2020 New patient intake coordinator and chiropractic technician at Main Street Ciropractic & Wellness Center (Nashua, NH) 2013-2020 Chiropractic technician at Spinal Corrective Center (Amherst, NH) 2002-2013 Doctor's assistant/office manager at Dr. Edward Kois, MD (Nashua, NH) 2006-2008 Art teacher at Merrimack School District Upper Elementary School (Merrimack, NH)

Ryan SlatePhysical Education After School Leader < Back Ryan Slate Physical Education After School Leader Ryan Slate was born and raised in Merrimack, NH. As a child, Ryan was an active member of the 2nd Nature Academy community, attending the Nature’s Pathways early childhood program, kindergarten at 2nd Nature Academy, and Camp Lovewell each summer. A lifelong athlete, he enjoyed playing multiple sports, including basketball and baseball. Ryan would go on to play varsity baseball for Merrimack High School, as well for the Daniel Webster College team. Ryan spent several years of his young adulthood exploring career paths. When he began working in the 2nd Nature Academy after school program, it became clear to Ryan and those around him that educating and working with children was his calling. Today, Ryan works with multiple ages at 2nd Nature Academy and as the Physical Education Teacher. In his spare time, Ryan enjoys hiking with his dog, Katara, and watching the Red Sox. Education Currently pursuing Early Childhood Education credits at Nashua Community College Criminal Justice at Daniel Webster College (2017) Work Experience 2020-Present Physical education teacher at 2nd Nature Academy 2020-2021 Assistant lower elementary teacher at 2nd Nature Academy 2019-2020 Assistant toddler teacher at Nature’s Pathways at 2nd Nature Academy 2018 Ran after school program at 2nd Nature Academy Assistant coach of Merrimack Middle School baseball team

Debbie GleesonFounder < Back Debbie Gleeson Founder Deborah (Debbie) Gleeson was born and raised in Lynn, MA and even as child was a natural-born nurturer, who excelled in academics and loved messy, creative activities and the great outdoors, evidenced by her five years as a Girl Scout. By the time she was applying to college, her pursuit of elementary education and teaching was not even a question. After graduating from Salem State University and spending a few years working the field, Debbie decided to take some time off from teaching to raise her family of three daughters with her husband, Denis Gleeson. When Debbie returned to teaching several years later, she discovered a newfound passion for early childhood development, but also found the state of education at that time to be disheartening. As a result, she began attending graduate school at Antioch University New England and, for her Master’s thesis project, decided to establish The Nature of Things, LLC with Denis (MBA, Boston University). Almost two decades later, that small prekindergarten class has grown into a full "farm, field, and forest" campus with a child care center, elementary, middle, and high school, summer camp, and working farm, all with curricula designed by Debbie herself. She continues to approach teaching with tireless passion and the ultimate goal to provide the best educational experience possible to her students. Education Master of Education from Antioch University New England Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a Concentration in English and a Minor in Spanish from Salem State College Work Experience 2018: Founded 2nd Nature Academy High School 2018: The Nature of Things nominated for "Business of the Year Award" from Enterprise Bank's Celebration of Excellence 2015: The Nature of Things awarded "Women Owned Business of the Year" for both New Hampshire and New England, from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 2014-2016: Middle school teacher at 2nd Nature Academy 2013: Founded 2nd Nature Academy Middle School 2009-2015: Upper elementary teacher at 2nd Nature Academy 2000: Founded 2nd Nature Academy Elementary School 1997: Founded The Nature of Things, LLC Prekindergarten teacher at Nature's Pathways (formerly The Nature of Things) 1995-1997: Prekindergarten teacher and math resource room teacher at Infant Jesus School (Nashua, NH) 1986-1987: Fourth grade teacher and middle school Spanish teacher at Saint Jean Baptiste School (Lynn, MA) 1984-1985: Sixth grade teacher and middle school Spanish teacher at Saint Jean Baptiste School (Lynn, MA)

The Enrichment Center @ 2nd Nature Academy in Nashua, NH is seeking summer STEM + Art Instructors to lead one or more of our Brainwave STEAM summer day camps. Brainwave Camps: STEM + Art Instructors Seasonal About the job The Enrichment Center @ 2nd Nature Academy in Nashua, NH is seeking summer STEAM instructors to lead one or more of our Brainwave STEAM summer day camps. We seek detail-oriented, organized, curious, self-starters who have a background in science, technology, engineering, art, or math to teach and inspire school-age kids in a fun, summer camp atmosphere. For anticipated day camp offerings, please see below. This candidate must be dependable and thrive in a flexible environment. Just as importantly, we are searching for people who can manage a classroom of children ranging in ages from 6 to 14 yrs, depending on the camp. JOB DESCRIPTION/ RESPONSIBILITIES Class planning and preparation Update and detailing lesson plans Create materials lists and costs (templates provided) Manage junior counselors, if present Model good citizenship Respect students and colleagues Trustworthy and honest Adaptable team player Create a positive, achievement-oriented learning environment Monitor and ensure the safety of campers and materials Active engagement with campers during classes, lunch/snack and outdoor play breaks, and drop-off/pick-up Maintain classroom discipline for groups of 10-12 campers Logistical responsiblities Set up and thorough clean up of spaces Store materials properly Hours Pre-camp planning : 4 hrs paid planning time per camp + 3 hrs on-campus training First weekly day of camp: 7:30am-4:30pm, with 30 min unpaid break (extra time for set up in AM) Last weekly day of camp: 8:00am - 5:30pm, with 30 min unpaid break (<1hr extra time for clean up) Regular camp hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm, with 30 min unpaid break (if taken) Access to reliable transportation Commit to the following camp preparation , due ~4 weeks prior to camp date Pre-camp planning time and submit revised lesson plans and detailed materials list (templates provided) First aid /CPR training, if not already certified (we can also help provide this training) On-site ~3-hour counselor training to review rules, process, and campus tour (date is TBD but will be before June 26) APPLY NOW The ideal candidate We are looking for instructors with skillsets who can teach the following types of camps: Art Canvas Painting & Drawing Basic Art Principles & History Paper Crafting Fairy Houses & Nature Crafts Cardboard Engineering & Cosplay Jewelry Making & Duct Tape Fashion Accesories Literary, Visual & Theater Arts STEM Culinary Chemistry Detective Mystery Minecraft Python Coding Atomic Odyssey: Physics & Chemistry Collide Requirements KEY REQUIREMENTS Minimum of Bachelor’s degree or equivalent Experience teaching kids ages 6-14 preferred , including experience being summer camp counselor Educational or professional background , or demonstrated passion in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math): Life science (e.g., immunology, molecular biology, marine biology) Social sciences (e.g., economics, sociology) Engineering (e.g., software, mechanical, electrical, biomedical) Arts and design (e.g., visual, digital, fashion design, architecture) Math (e.g., calculus, physics, statistics) Good communication skills , attention to detail, and a joyful approach to teaching English language proficiency Benefits Part-Time/Seasonal Employee discounts offered to Campus Cafe. Competitive benefits packages available for Full Time employees BACK TO ALL JOBS

2nd Nature Academy (SNA) is seeking part-time substitute teachers. Substitute Teacher Part Time About the job 2nd Nature Academy (SNA) is seeking part-time substitute teachers. Responsibilities & Duties: Provide safe and nurturing care in collaborative team atmosphere Take direction from other teachers and/or administration Help maintain the cleanliness of your classroom or space Maintain and respect confidentiality of students and center personnel If you are looking for an opportunity to work in an exciting, innovative, and engaging learning environment characterized by small class sizes, a collaborative atmosphere, and an ongoing dialogue with your students as they develop academic and 21st Century skills, please submit a resume and cover letter describing your qualifications, teaching philosophy, and interest in the position. APPLY NOW The ideal candidate The ideal candidate: has an upstanding moral character. enjoys working with kids. has a flexible schedule. has access to reliable transportation. Requirements Experience working with young children preferred Strong communication skills Punctuality and reliability Ability to work as a member of a team Benefits Part-Time/Seasonal Employee discounts offered to Campus Cafe. Competitive benefits packages available for Full Time employees BACK TO ALL JOBS

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.

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)

Melissa CoakleyGrade 5/6 (Upper Elementary) < Back Melissa Coakley Grade 5/6 (Upper Elementary) Melissa was born and raised in Merrimack, NH. She spent her childhood in the woods, writing stories, riding bikes, and reading every book she could find. After high school, she went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in French, with a minor in Government, and a concentration in Theatre, from Smith College in Northampton, MA, including a year abroad at the Sorbonne in Paris, France. She began her education career in Windham, NH, teaching French and Spanish to elementary grades three to five, and running their vibrant theatre productions. After earning her Master’s in Education from Lesley University, Cambridge, MA, specializing in integrating the arts into curriculum, she began teaching middle school Spanish in Windham, NH and running the theatre department for grades six through eight. Melissa taught 5th and 6th grade Science and Math at St. John the Baptist in Peabody, MA, and, most recently, taught STEM to grades K-6 at Windham Academy in Windham, NH. She lives in Dracut, MA with her daughter and their beloved two dogs. Education Master of Education from Lesley University Bachelor of Arts in French Language and Literature with concentrations in Theatre and Government from Smith College Work Experience 2022-Present: Upper elementary teacher at 2nd Nature Academy 2020-2022: Kindergarten-grade 6 paraprofessional and STEM educator (Windham, NH) 2014-2017: Grades 5-6 math & science teacher at St. John the Baptist Catholic School (Peabody, MA) 2010-2014: Grade 6 Spanish teacher at Windham Middle School (Windham, NH) 2007-2013: Elementary and Middle School Theatre Director (Windham, NH) 2002-2015 Summer Camp Director (Windham, NH) 2002-2010: Grades 3-5 World Language teacher at Center School (Windham, NH)

Middle School (5-8) $13,500