Nicole started BFP with a business partner in 2014, and has been running the program solo since 2016. After five years of teaching in the East classroom in addition to running things, she decided to step away from teaching to create more time for her administrative role. She has been excited for the opportunity to revisit her goals and vision for the school. Before BFP, Nicole graduated from UVM’s Early Childhood Education program & attained her Educator’s license for Birth - Grade 3, and taught at several preschools and afterschool programs. Her time at UVM and the lab school there greatly influenced her approach and teaching philosophy. Nicole has always loved spending time exploring and learning with children in the natural world, and is honored to provide this opportunity to children at the Homestead! She lives in Richmond with her family, and enjoys making art, hiking, paddling, skiing, gardening, reading, traveling, and neverending home improvement!

Leah was born in ME and grew up in VT, and now lives in Burlington with her husband and two sons. She has worked in Education for over 20 years both as a teacher and a director, and holds a BS in Sociology from the College of Charleston. She has taken graduate courses in Education and is currently pursuing her Educator’’s license. She loves working with children and families as the early years are such a special and magical time with children. She also enjoys supporting teachers and working together to create a happy, safe, and loving environment. Leah enjoys every season in VT and all of the changes they bring. She lives close to the Homestead and often hikes the trails with her family. She feels lucky to live in such a beautiful state and enjoys being outside whenever possible. There is so much peace, wonder, and endless moments of learning in nature with young children!

Originally from Boston, MA, Sofia fell in love with Vermont while studying Education and Geography at Middlebury College. Since graduating, she has worked in outdoor and early childhood education in Massachusetts, New York (Adirondack region), New Zealand, and Vermont. Sofia enjoys spending her days outside -- hiking, climbing, camping, and canoeing -- and she feels so grateful to be able to learn from and teach in the natural world! This is Sofia's fourth year at Burlington Forest Preschool, and she can't wait to explore the Homestead with her class!

Barb holds both a B.S. in Environmental Science as well as an Associates in Early Childhood Education. She has been working in a preschool setting for the past 8 years. In addition to working in preschool, she volunteers at a raptor rehabilitation center on the weekends where she assists with health checks, feedings, and the occasional educational programs. She spends her free time with her two dogs (Sandy and Samson) and four birds (Simon, Bodhi, Opal and Pearl). She also enjoys hiking, biking, and gardening. She is really excited to combine her two passions (nature and education) this school year at BFP!

Carly is originally from a small town in North Shore Massachusetts, and graduated from Saint Michael’s College in 2021 with a B.A in Sociology and a minor in Environmental Studies. Carly is passionate about the relationship between humans, our culture, and the environment. She strongly believes that there is so much to gain from learning outdoors, and loves to experience this daily alongside the young eyes and minds of the students. In her free time, Carly enjoys long dog walks, yoga, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. She looks forward to continuing with the team and families Burlington Forest Preschool!

Ana is bilingual (English-Portuguese) and has been so excited to start at BFP this past summer! As a former au pair and nanny working with kids for almost six years, she now has the privilege to keep pursuing her passion working with kids at Burlington Forest Preschool. She believes in guiding little ones with kindness, and understanding their pace in the process of discovering the world. She loves child-led play and being silly, along with art projects, crafts, crocheting, sewing, roller skating, hiking and outdoor activities. She also loves practicing muay thai and yoga. Ana looks forward to introducing the children to her hobbies, interests, and Brazilian heritage! She cannot wait to get to know each student better and watch them grow. She is excited to learn and grow with the BFP community and can’t wait to meet everyone!

While having been born and briefly raised in Ireland, Naomi has been living in Vermont for the past 25 years - and adores it! During her many adventures and experiences here, she has developed a deep love for nature and the outdoors, which she has begun incorporating into teaching ever since graduating from UVM with a BS in Early Childhood Education. Naomi spent four years as a licensed lead teacher at Heartworks Preschool in Shelburne, along with several summers nannying for a local family where each day was focused on adventure and outdoor exploration. She has just finished her first year at BFP! During her free time, Naomi enjoys going for long walks on Shelburne Farms, embroidering landscapes, gardening, listening to live music, traveling, and snuggling her cat, Stella!

Savannah is thrilled to be joining the Burlington Forest Preschool community this year! She discovered her love for outdoor education by leading adventure and service trips for first year students at the University of Vermont. Since graduating with a degree in Psychology in May of 2023, Savannah has worked in Underhill, Vermont at Retribe’s Forest School and is very excited to continue following her passion for guiding and teaching children in the outdoors. She appreciates the unique setting that forest schools offer where kids can learn valuable life skills, build confidence, and forge lasting connections with their peers and the environment. Seeing them grow through these experiences fuels her enthusiasm and commitment to fostering their growth and exploration.