Director

Beth became Director of River School in the summer of 2020 and then purchased the school in August of 2021. As a new business owner, Beth couldn't be happier to have the opportunity to build on River School's part in offering a cozy and loving first school experience for young children.

Beth guides River School with her passion for a unique play-based early childhood experience. With a background in studio art, art education, Waldorf education and leading Tinkergarten classes in NYC parks, Beth and her talented staff of teachers draw from complementary aspects of the Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and Montessori philosophies as well as the importance of a time spent in nature.

Beth is very excited to continue River's tradition of warmth, creativity and community, providing a beautiful and joyful experience for young children, and remaining curious and open to the collaboration and partnerships that are born from such an energetic confluence of community members.

Beth lives in Yarmouth with her husband, Jed Parish, their son, Chester (17), and their two silly cats.

Assistant Director, Preschool/Pre-K Teacher

Ariel brings her openness, love of reading, and joy for seeing children develop their passion for learning into the classroom. Watching young children explore the world around them and begin to ask questions is beautiful to watch every day.

Having worked with children since she was a teenager and discovering the excitement of early childhood education early on, Ariel cannot imagine working with a different age group.

Ariel loves being able to allow her students to spend a great deal of time outdoors, where they get to challenge themselves, and build independence and confidence. She also loves the freedom of following children’s interests, which has led to such an enriching classroom environment. Ariel lives in Yarmouth with her husband, son, and their dog (Bella). They love going for walks around the neighborhood, hiking, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying everything the state of Maine has to offer.

Birch Classroom Lead Preschool/Introduction to School Teacher

With a background in Waldorf education, mindfulness, yoga and holistic nutrition, Nicole's presence in the classroom is entirely gentle.

Nicole embodies her commitment to children's free exploration in nature, the importance of uninterrupted imaginative play, and a sincere love and respect for young children as human beings.

Nicole also brings her love for the tradition of oral storytelling, a welcome return to an age-old tradition of teaching valuable lessons directly from adult to child. This brings forth opportunities for inquisitive minds to listen intently, inquire spontaneously, and respond joyfully alongside their friends.

Birch Room Preschool Teacher

Stefanie is new to River School, and to Maine, having just moved from Ann Arbor. In Michigan, Stefanie has taught in different early childhood environments influenced by Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and forest kindergarten environments. Stefanie brings her love of nature-based education, mindfulness education and environmental stewardship.

Birch Room Assistant Preschool Teacher

Ingrid brings her kindness, laughter, and joy for watching children grow into the classroom. Originally from Lima, Peru, Ingrid is bilingual, with Spanish as her first language.

Ingrid plays the flute and loves to travel, explore, see new things and experience new cultures. She shares her love of different cultures with the children through music and language.

Ingrid also loves to sit at the Maker's Table with the children first thing in the morning, engaging them in fun new projects every week.

Birch Classroom Assistant Teacher/Floater

Willow Classroom Pre-K Teacher

Jenny has worked with young children and families for over 14 years in different environments: facilitating indoor and outdoor programs at the Green Briar Nature Center in Massachusetts; at The Staten island Zoo; and for the past 7 years as a Pre-K teacher. Jenny brings her natural warmth, patience and love of all things nature to her teaching at River School.

Willow Classroom Pre-K Teacher

Meghan joins River School with 11 years of experience as an early childhood educator in both Montessori and Reggio based centers. She earned her BS in Child Development and Family Relations from the University of Maine. We're thrilled to have Meghan bring her compassion, knowledge, and love to the children at River School.

Willow Classroom Assistant Teacher

Originally from Ohio, where she grew up with six siblings, Sarah has been working with young children for many years! Sarah brings her love for being outdoors, baking with children, and art making to River School.

Maple Room Lead Preschool Teacher

Annika is passionate about instilling in children a deep "knowing" that they are wonderful and powerful just as they are. Annika also brings many wonderful crafts from her childhood in Germany and loves to spend time outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine!

Maple Classroom Assistant Preschool Teacher

Artist and Art Teacher
Director of Visiting Minds program at River School
Founder of Bread & Roses Art Collective

Kat transforms her passion for art, peace, compassion, and love into a dynamic art program for our students, as well as founding our Visiting Minds program to give children exposure to some of the talented people in our local community. She received a BFA with Honors from Massachusetts College of Art in art history and ceramics. She directed Boston’s alternative arts venue, Red Alert, and Sidney Falco Films at BF/ VF of which she received the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs Award. She lived in England for 12 years and was represented by Crucial Gallery in the Ladbroke Grove/ Notting Hill area of London.

Kat is the founder of Bread & Roses Art Collective, dedicated to community minded arts education, and started with the Boston Indian Council Mural Project in 1979. Kat is a passionate advocate for community and has conducted art and mural collaborations in schools, hospitals and community centers in the UK, Brooklyn, Maine, Berlin, Fes, and Safe Passage in Guatemala City – all with the mission to highlight a community's unique narrative or story. During the summers, you will find her at her founding company, Bread & Roses Art Collective, at Camp Soci and Royal River Park for summer art sessions – supporting children as they investigate and create their relationship with the natural world.

Floater/Assistant Teacher

Extended Day Teacher & Floater