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. Each individual takes 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!"
Joleen Brahaney
Assistant Director
Frogs (Pre-K) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"that every day is different and we get frequent opportunities to explore the trails."
Amber Labrecque
Assistant Director
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!"
Jennifer Slate
Assistant Director
Interim-Kindergarten Teacher
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."
Laura Auger
Chicks (Infant) 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!"
Samantha Robarge
Chicks (Infant) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"watching the kids' personalities blossom as they grow into such unique individuals! I love seeing the world through their eyes."
Margo Dery
Lambs (Toddler) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"forming relationships with the children and their families. I love hearing about a new milestone that was reached, or what fun activities the families did during the weekend. It makes me happy knowing I get to be a part of their lives, no matter how big or small that impact may be."
Jennifer Rheaume
Lambs (Toddler) 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!"
Amanda Weiss
Piglets (Toddler) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"getting to introduce new and unique experiences to the children to create a lasting impression and spark new ideas and imagination. I love to make up songs, be silly, and help bring out the children's individuality in a fun way!"
Bryanna Poirier
Piglets (Toddler) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"how everyday is a new adventure! I love making an impact on the children's day to day experiences. Watching them grow and achieve new milestones brings me happiness."
Stephanie White
Calves (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."
Kristen Lavoie
Alpacas (Preschool) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"seeing the kids get excited when they implement something new they learned at school. Knowing I had a positive impact brings me joy as a teacher."
Juliana Venman-Clay
Alpacas (Preschool) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"that children unlock the door to our imaginations, reminding us that anything is possible."
Tracy Quinn
Alpacas (Preschool) Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"seeing the creativity and imagination spark in these kids because of my background in art. Their personalities are infectious and everyday they find a new way to make me laugh!"
Chelsea Barbini
Frogs (Pre-K) 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."
Megan Sweeney
Music Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"building connections with my kids and watching them discover what they are passionate about."
Cathy Richardson Brown
Floating Assistant Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"sharing my music and farming background with the children."
Hailey Sena
Floating Assistant Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"interacting with varying age groups on a daily basis and watching as they become their own little person."
Lilia Al Sarabi
Floating Assistant Teacher
My favorite part of my job is...
"the pure magic of watching the children blossom, their laughter and curiosity lighting up the classroom. It's a joy to know that I’m a part of their journey, and the warmth of the community we create with parents and colleagues makes our school feel like an extended family, filled with love and support."
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!"
Sarah Thompson
Administrative Assistant
My favorite part of my job is...
"being part of a family-oriented community that nurtures a child’s life, as well as that point of contact that welcomes and cheers parents on during the PM shift homestretch!"
Desiree Enriquez
Manager of Administrative Services
My favorite part of my job is...
"the opportunity to make the kids smile and laugh, and how they make me smile and laugh in return."