Courtney grew up among trees, chickens, fairy houses, and the sounds of peepers in the spring. Courtney spent their elementary years at a Waldorf school, because their mother didn't want their wild spirit to be tamed. Those years inspired Courtney to complete a Master's in Education and Social Change from Antioch University. Courtney joined the Center School in 2022 after years of teaching in Los Angeles. They now live in the Hilltowns with their wife and toddler, where they are supporting their mother and sister in starting an intergenerational family farm. Courtney enjoys exploring in nature, playing rugby, telling stories on stage, sewing and building things.

Synphany is returning to The Center School for her seventh year in the early education program. Synphany is committed to working toward social and environmental justice. She also has strong interests in art, music, and athletics, and incorporates these passions into her current role as a teacher in the 4-5 yr old classroom. She has been teaching children of all ages over the past 20 years. Synphany loves her family, helping children learn and grow, making playdough, basketball, dancing, pretend play, reading stories, playing catch, working in the woods, animals, and being silly. In addition to her teaching role, Synphany also works as the school's Justice, Equity, and Diversity (JED) Liaison.

Olivia grew up in Berkeley, CA and first came to Western Mass to attend high school at Buxton School in WIlliamstown. She took to their progressive, student-led philosophy, and fell in love with the east coast in the process. She went on to study visual art at Bennington College in VT. After receiving her BA from Bennington in 2016, she moved back CA to get her Masters in Education at Mills College. During that time, she worked as a cook at Chez Panisse in Berkeley. With restaurant’s acclaimed Edible Schoolyard Program, Olivia was able to combine two of her passions- cooking and working with young people. Now, she has returned to beloved Western Mass to teach, make art, and create a new home with friends and family. She loves exploring the best swimming spots with her dog, Misha, and most weekends you can find her at the ceramics studio throwing and glazing her wares.

Sandy discovered a passion for learning alongside children while volunteering as an English teacher for an indigenous-led, educational cooperative in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. After returning to the states, she spent ten years working with young children and families as a center-based preschool teacher, a home-based family advocate for Head Start, and a parent educator/playgroup facilitator. This is now Sandy’s sixth year at the Center School. Sandy lives in Orange with her partner Sarah, two cats, dog, and a small flock of chickens. In her free time she loves kayaking and reading every sci-fi, fantasy, or post-apocalyptic/ dystopian fiction book that she can get her hands on.

Meaghan, first introduced to The Center School when her daughter was a Super Prime, is delighted to start her new role working with students and families. Meaghan first ventured out to Western Mass to attend UMASS where she received a degree in Psychology. After spending some time back in Eastern MA teaching preschool, she returned to the Valley and taught at Gan Keshet Preschool in Northampton. Meaghan then attended graduate school at Lesley University in Cambridge for a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology. For the past decade, Meaghan has practiced as a Licensed Mental Health Therapist in Greenfield. During her free time, Meaghan can be found hanging out with her daughter and partner, going to see live music, camping and (most recently) hiking the 48 4000’ White Mountains!

Andy is originally a city kid from New York, but he's at home in the wilds of Western Mass. A frisbee enthusiast, musician, linguist and gamer, he just can't get enough of getting to do all those things at school and outside too. You might see him at contra dances at the Guiding Star Grange when those come back to us, and until then you can definitely find him on the disc golf course. Andy speaks Mandarin and Spanish, so when you see him around school feel free to say "你好！” or "¡Hola!" and strike up a conversation! This is his 5th year as an Uppers teacher at the Center School and his 10th year classroom teaching altogether. After starting as a second grade teacher in Shanghai, China, he studied teaching for social justice at Marlboro College's graduate program SPARK in 2014 and has taught and coached in the valley ever since.

Elendë began working full time within the preschool program at the Center School in the fall of 2020. She had previously been in and out of The Center School community for nearly five years as a substitute and summer program teacher. In the spring of 2020, Elendë received her BFA in printmaking from Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She moved back to Franklin County to be close to her family and community during the pandemic. Elendë finds that bringing her own lived experiences into the classroom makes for strong connections between her and her students. She is chronically ill and disabled, which has further fueled her passion for advocacy and accommodations within the classroom. In her time at home, Elendë enjoys making rugs, dressing up, and having movie nights with her roommates.

Jenny has been teaching kindergarten and first grade in the Pioneer Valley for the past fifteen years. Before that, she was one of the after school teachers at the Center School. In addition to teaching and learning in the forest, she is excited about integrating art into all aspects of the school day. Jenny and her husband, David, are parents to an Upper, Josiah. Their daughter Melina (20) is a student at Northeastern University. The Coy family lives on a homestead in the center of the Wendell State Forest where they grow a variety of vegetables, fruits, and flowers. They’ve also raised hogs, goats, chickens, ducks, rabbits, and quail.

Emily has been teaching at the Center School for the past 21 years! She settled into the Middles all those years ago and just decided to stay 10 forever. She is really looking forward to getting to spend more one on one time with students, learning even more about the art of teaching reading and supporting students and teachers alike in the classroom. As always, Emily spends her days constantly looking for ways to play whenever possible. When she's not playing at school she's at home in Heath, working in the garden, playing soccer with Jo (10) and Haris (5) or throwing her kayak/bike/skies in the car to head off for adventure with her family.

Val moved to The Happy Valley from New Hampshire 15 years ago to study studio art and education at Smith. They came to the Center School in 2022 from the Smith College Center for Early Childhood Education at Fort Hill, where they spent 11 years as the art studio teacher. In this role, Val developed a passion for the art of documenting the play and processes of young children. They currently live in Sunderland, MA with their partner and three children. Some of Val's favorite things include the changing seasons, a sewing project, hot coffee in a special mug, the ocean, thrift stores, and tacos.

Josie is starting her 10th year teaching 8th grade at The Center School. Her journey to teaching started with a decade working in various roles at Farm & Wilderness summer camps in Vermont. This led her to get an MAT from Tufts and to teach High School English and Humanities at public and charter schools. These experiences have informed and enriched Josies' Educational Happy Place: The intersection of rich academic study and supported play and exploration. When she's not at school, Josie is about town with her two kids Bea (13) and Tilly (12) swimming in rivers, eating sushi and going for walks. When they are home with papa Roo you can find them planning and playing D&D or watching bad 90's action movies.

Matt is excited to start their first year at the Center School! After graduating from Clark University in Worcester in 2016, Matt has spent the last several years working as an educator at schools, camps, and afterschool programs across Massachusetts. They are passionate about helping students explore the world around them with creativity and curiosity. Outside of the classroom, Matt loves to play and listen to all kinds of music. Matt can’t wait to start the next chapter of their journey as an educator working with the MUPS!

Rebecca has been a teacher at the Center School since 2005! Most of that time was spent teaching science, literature, and slew of other things to the Uppers. Recently she has taken her love of science and the outdoors to the younger students and has joined the Forest K/1 classroom. This year, in addition to her forest teaching, she will also be providing student support to the Mups (2nd/3rd). When not busy at the Center School, Rebecca can be found playing with her kids Linden (11), and Aliza (8). You can also find her in her garden growing things to add to her herbal apothecary, participating in a Jewish meditation class, or dancing to some live music.

Marcy grew up in coastal MA, spending most childhood days playing piano duets with her grandmother, followed by badminton games after dinner, and a dip in the ocean. While studying Environmental Policy at Boston University, Marcy was given her first guitar, which inspired her first original songs. In 2000, Marcy founded Under the Tree Music and Arts, which continues to bring Earth-focused performances and educational programming to various schools, festivals, and events. In addition to her work at the Center School, Marcy teaches private music lessons out of her home. Marcy is ready to dance, sing, laugh and play!

Kim began at the Center School in 1991 as a fifth-grader. After graduating, she went on to high school, college, Scotland, and then back to Greenfield, where she taught in a very small school for students with a range of learning styles. She earned her Master’s degree and a second teaching license as a Reading Specialist. Nearly 10 years ago, she came back to Center School as a private tutor, and eventually became Student Support Services Coordinator. Kim credits the Center School for instilling in her an unshakeable belief that every child is a genius, and that learning is best accomplished when it is fun. She lives in Leyden with her husband, children (an Upper and a Mup), dog, cat, bunny, and fish.

Sara grew up in Franklin County and has a strong connection with this area. She graduated from Smith College with a major in Education and Child Study, where her focus was on teaching social justice in lower elementary grades. Sara is beginning her sixteenth year teaching at the Center School, and her eleventh year as a Mups (2nd/3rd grade) teacher. When she is not teaching, she loves cooking and baking, and being with her family. Her two daughters, Maeve and Sadie, are both Center School alumni and are now across the road at Stoneleigh Burnham.

Tayler was born and raised in Northern California, and first moved out east to study visual art at Bennington College. While there, she fell head over heels for the lushness of the northeastern landscape and the unraveling drama of the changing seasons. After some traveling and living in different parts of the country, she is happy to finally put down her roots here in the Pioneer Valley. Her best days are spent outside- drawing, swimming, canoeing in the rivers, and exploring the forests. She also spends much of her time in the studio, where she makes rugs, stained glass, ceramics, and paintings. Tayler has always been drawn to working with kids, with whom she can share in her two very favorite things- art and play. In addition to teaching in the Puzzle Primes, Tayler will be teaching in our After Care program.

Beverly is the creator of the children's page for the Montague Reporter, the vice president of Looky Here art and workshop space, and the director of Lovelight Children's Theater. She has worked as the children's librarian at the Slate Memorial Library and is also the founder of the annual Fairy House Day on Avenue A in Turners Falls. She loves to write poetry and has made two records of her music. In addition to teaching in the After Care, Bev is the floating teacher in the Preschool Primes.

Cynthia was born and raised in New Salem and Orange, MA. She graduated from R.C. Mahar High School in 2020, and began working as a nanny for two children shortly thereafter. After spending two weeks subbing in the woods in early January 2022, Cynthia was hooked on the Center School! She is excited to spend her days learning, playing, and exploring the outdoors with kids. When she's not working, you can find Cynthia playing dek hockey, camping, caring for her animals, and hanging out with her girlfriend, Sisi, a Center School alum. While working full-time at the Center School, Cynthia is also working towards her degree in early education this spring.

Ella is an After School Teacher and a Center School alumna. Ella has also worked as an after school teacher at the Franklin County YMCA and was the Performing Arts Specialist at Camp Norwich in Huntington, where she taught kids how to express and be themselves through the medium of theater. Growing up with ADHD and dyslexia, Ella attributes the Center School as the place where she learned to read. She loves being there for kids who have challenges in school and works hard to create a safe space for all. She is a big believer in the importance of mental health and encouraging people of all ages to take care of themselves.

Julie grew up on the end of Long Island where she spent much of her childhood in the woods and water. She studied art in college and attended Bank Street College of Education for her Masters. Julie taught at independent schools in New York City and most recently at Kingsley Montessori in Boston. During her free time Julie enjoys hiking with her family, skiing, swimming in the oceans, rivers, lakes, ponds, pools (you get the picture) and Friday night dance parties at her house.

Kara was born and raised in Greenfield MA. She spent 12 years working with students in the Greenfield Public Schools, teaching fifth grade for the last 5 years and working at Newton Elementary School for 7 years before that. She has always loved working in schools and comes from a family of educators. In her spare time, she is an avid reader and crafter. She also likes to mix it up by training and competing in the sport of strongwoman. She loves spending lots of time outside, especially in the warmer months, hiking and exploring!

Katie has been teaching at the Center School since October 2018. Katie started working at the Center School when her daughter, Grace, now a first grader, was 19 months old. Katie has a passion for working with early learners and loves the wonder and magic that working with toddlers can bring. Katie has been working professionally with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers since 2010 when she graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. When not teaching, Katie enjoys gardening, seeing live music, hiking, making herbal medicines, and getting outside in all kinds of weather. She brings a deep respect and admiration for children to her work and seeks to create a kind, compassionate environment for all children to thrive.

Sarah is beginning their ninth year working at the Center School, and their fifth year as a classroom teacher. They graduated from UMass Amherst in 2012 where they received their B.A. in English Literature. Sarah is passionate about supporting students through their journeys of self-expression and challenging them to do so through art, the written word, and imaginative play. When they’re not in school, they enjoy exploring new hiking trails around the Valley and are currently taking a beginning ceramics class, where they have made several lop-sided mugs.

After years of teaching at progressive elementary and middle schools in Massachusetts and California, Lauren is now in her fourth year as Director of Admissions and Outreach. In addition to her role in the administration, you can also find her teaching Sex Ed. in the Uppers, or strumming along on her ukulele in the All School band. When not at school, Lauren enjoys competing in Highland Games alongside her partner, Katie, learning new board games, and listening to audiobooks at breakneck speeds. Lauren and her son, Maio (a 3rd grade Mup!), live in the woods of Montague with their two sassy and playful cats.

Veronica has been at the Center School for twenty-three years! She considers this a labor of love as education has been a passion since high school. Veronica has a degree in Physical Education, Health, and Recreation with a minor in French. Starting her own computer/ consulting business in 1995 so that she could home school her son, Joe, led Veronica to working at the school with bookkeeping help. The mission of the school has always aligned solidly with her beliefs. While not at the Center School, Veronica enjoys traveling, gardening, cats, socializing with lots of people and building/remodeling all kinds of stuff.

Amanda joined the Center School staff in 2011. She enjoys spending her days supporting students, teachers, and families, and the various joys and challenges that come along with that role. Amanda’s three daughters are all Center School graduates (2013, 2017, & 2021). She currently resides in Athol with her daughters, Sierra, a junior at Wheaton College in Norton, MA, and Eva, a junior in the cosmetology program at Monty Tech. Her oldest daughter graduated from FIU in 2021 and lives and works outside of Orlando, FL.

Vanessa was born and raised in Greenfield, and is a Center School Alum. For years, Vanessa worked in the Greenfield Public School system. Starting as a substitute teacher, she moved on to work full time in a variety of special education programs as an instructional assistant while also coaching girls soccer and basketball after school. Prior to joining GCS, she had stepped out of the classroom to focus on behavior management and restorative practices at the Greenfield Middle School. Vanessa values play and movement. For many years she coached gymnastics and parkour at The Y. In her spare time, she enjoys sitting by a fire, fishing, bird watching, gardening, and eating.

Chris is a 5th generation educator, and has worked in the field of education for 26 years, 21 of which have been at the Center School. He has an 11th-grade son, Eliot, who plays soccer and Ultimate and an 8th grade child, Rain, who loves to write and draw. Chris is a passionate woodworker in his spare time, building furniture and fixing things in his workshop. Chris is fond of teaching math and art and working on in-depth projects with kids. He most enjoys taking students out to become involved in the community. He dreams of finding more ways to create relationships between kids and community members.

This is Julie’s fourth year at the Center School. Trained as an Occupational Therapist, Julie spent many years working with elders and teaching at the graduate level before shifting into Early Intervention and working with kids ages 0-3 and their families. This is where she witnessed first hand the amazing things tiny humans can learn and do. She has a passion for helping young children discover new skills, learn how to move and regulate their bodies, and explore their worlds in new ways. In addition to teaching, she can be found exploring local hiking trails with her husband and son Liam (6), singing, drumming and listening to music of all kinds, snuggling with her kitties and trialing just about every sensory material she can get her hands on.

Anna grew up in Springfield, MA in a family of artists and now maintains her own personal studio practice at her home in Greenfield, with a focus in textiles and painting. As an artist and mother of two young children, she feels called to work with students at formative stages in their lives. She is extremely dedicated to meeting children right where they are, and believes that integrating art and mindfulness into early education is fundamental to development. Anna is excited to be joining the Center School as an after school teacher. When not at school she is usually in her studio, hanging out with her ducks and chickens, or hiking in Temple Woods.

Charlie, now in her 14th year as Head of the Center School, began her work here in 2007 as lead teacher of the Middle and Upper Primes (aka MUPS, 2nd and 3rd grade). Prior to her work at the Center School, Charlie taught at the Brearley School in NYC, produced children's educational theatre, managed theatre companies in the UK, and opened and managed an award winning restaurant in New York City’s East Village. She earned a BA from Hampshire College and an MA from Central School of Speech and Drama in London.Charlie's varied work experience in the US and abroad served to strengthen her passion for progressive education. To her, education is an essential, fundamental social justice platform.

This is Kiah's eighth year at the Center School. She studied fine arts at The University of Massachusetts, and went on to earn her Master's degree in education from Antioch University. Kiah has over twenty years of experience working with children and families including teaching preschool, working as an autism specialist with early intervention, and creating a variety of arts and outdoor programs for children. She enjoys adventuring in the woods, creating art projects, and exploring issues of equity and justice with her students and colleagues. Kiah lives in a small house in Leverett with her husband, her son (18), and various pets. Her daughter, Elendë, teaches across the hall from her in the Puzzle Primes. In addition to her teaching role, Kiah also works as the Student Support Teacher for the preschool.