Staff

Karen Achorn
AMChipmunks, Woolly Bears, Club Acorn, Chippie Cheeks , Enrichment 
Welcome to Acorn!  My name is Karen. I have had the pleasure of working at Acorn School since 2003.  I received a BS in Early Childhood Education from Keene State College and have taught kindergarten and third grade. I live in Newfields with my husband John. We and our children, Tisha, Nias and Odin, are all outdoor enthousiasts.

Sue Bendroth
Director, Mighty Oaks
Hi, my name is Sue. What a pleasure it is to welcome you to another year at Acorn School. I am the Director, one of the Mighty Oak teachers, and I also work with the Chippie Cheek team on Tuesday  afternoons. I live with my husband, David, in Exeter. All four of our children attended Acorn as Chipmunks, Woolly Bears, and Mighty Oaks. They are now grown and are presently scattered across the country-more places to visit!!  One of the highlights of the day is to open your car door and greet your child. It is exciting to be part of your child's education as learning is a lifelong journey! Welcome to Acorn School!

Nancy Gitschier
Mighty Oaks
Hello.  My name is Nancy and I am a teacher in the Mighty Oak kindergarten class. I have been at this special school since 2000.  My Acorn journey began many years ago when my son was a Mighty Oak; the school touched my heart and I have been here ever since.  My son Brian is now in college at UNH.  My husband Steve and I also have two daughters- Amy is a registered dietitian and Ellen works in public health.  In my spare time, I love to read and garden and travel this country of ours.  I also run for exercise, so if you see me on the roads, please wave!  I am looking forward to another great year.

Dawn Higley
Mighty Oaks
Hello, my name is Dawn and I am proud to be in my tenth year as a Mighty Oak kindergarten teacher at Acorn School. I have been a classroom instructor for over 20 years. I earned my BSED in Elementary Education from Keene State College and hold an Experienced Teacher Certificate in Education for the State of New Hampshire. My husband Ted and I are proud parents of three young men. In find peace working in my garden, hiking, and swimming. I enjoy traveling and learning new things.

Chris Hochschwender
AM Chipmunks/Club Acorn
Hi, my name is Chris Hochschwender and this is my ninth year teaching at Acorn School. I teach the morning Chipmunk class of 10 as well as Club Acorn. In 1986 I received my BS degree in Elementary Education with minors in Child Development and Psychology from Plymouth State University. I have also taught kindergarten and third grade in the past. I love to read and travel whenever I get the chance. I live in Newfields with my husband and three sons, ages 20, 17, and 14.  All three of my boys were Chipmunks, Chickadees and Mighty Oaks here at Acorn many years ago! I am looking forward to another great year and to welcoming new families into our Acorn community.

                                Tracey Wilder
AM/PM Chipmunks, Chickadees, Tadpoles
My name is Tracey and I have worked at Acorn since 2003. I currently have my New Hampshire Early Childhood Lead Teacher Credential.  My passion is children's literature and I promote reading in and out of the classroom.  I have two grown sons- one in college and one a US Marine!  I am a zumba fanatic! I look forward to spending time with your children!

Marny Keith
AM/PM Chipmunks, Woolly Bears
Welcome to the Acorn family! We are all here to learn, play, and enjoy each other. This is my 13th year on board after loving six years as a parent of two Acorn children. I love animals, reading, doing puzzles, cleaning my house (just seeing if you were really reading this!), and most of all being with my family and friends. Joe is my husband, Robby and Sarah are my children, and Sammy is our new puppy. Can't wait to be with your special kids!

Lori Noonan
Mighty Oaks
Hi! My name is Lori and I teach in the Mighty Oak class. I love to read stories, explore nature, and create projects. This is my 9th year teaching at Acorn. Before that, I was an Acorn mom to my daughters Maggie and Corinne. We live in Exeter with my husband, two cats, and a dog named Fergus. Fergus sometimes comes to school with me and stays in the pen! He loves to fetch tennis balls. I am excited to have a great year with the Mighty Oaks!

Sarah Palmer
AM Chipmunks, Woolly Bears, Enrichment & Extended Day
My name is Sarah, I live in Stratham and have worked at Acorn since 2002.  All three of my children attended Acorn, so I was an Acorn parent for 8 years prior to teaching here.  I enjoy travel, going to the beach and spending time with my family at Lake Sunapee.  I look forward to getting to know you and your children. 

Dottie Schmidt
Chickadees, Tadpoles
My name is Dottie and I teach the Chickadees and Tadpoles. This is my 23rd year here and it truly is a special place -- and a fun place -- to be. Both my "kids" -- Denise (29) and Marc (26) -- attended Acorn! In my free time, I enjoy running, hiking, camping, reading, biking, kayaking, skiing, and spending time with my granddaughters -- Karolyi, and twins Claire and Chloe. I am looking forward to lots of adventures with your children this year!

Becky Shepard
Music Director
Hello everybody. My name is Becky and I teach Acorn music! I live in Exeter with my husband Dudley and my black Labrador retriever Zipper. I like to play golf and tennis and I also like to write musicals for the theatre. Most of all I LOVE ACORN SCHOOL!

 
Christine Thomson
Tadpoles
Hi, my name is Christine and I'm one of the Tadpole teachers. This is my fourth year teaching at Acorn, but I have also been a student and parent at the school. I live in Hampton with my husband Mike, my son Will, who is in fourth grade, and our two cats. I grew up on the Seacoast and graduated from the University of New Hampshire. In my free time, I like to exercise, ski, bake, read, travel, and spend time with family and friends. I am looking forward to another terrific year at Acorn School!

Kimberly Williams
Business Director, Yoga Teacher
Hello Acorn families! I'm Kim and I can be found in the office as Business Director, or on my yoga mat sharing my love of yoga with the Mighty Oaks. My connection with Acorn began over 18 years ago as a parent. My  2 alumni sons will quickly tell you that their years at Acorn were "awesome!!"  My BS in Nursing compliments my Childlight Yoga Teacher Certification.  I live in Stratham with my husband,  three dogs and a cat. Travel, hiking, gardening, tennis, skiing, and reading good books are my passions. I  always look forward to meeting all the old and new "nuts" at Acorn School! 

Kathryn Swenson
Enrichment & Extended Day, substitute teacher

Jill Berry
Enrichment, substitute teacher
Hi, my name is Jill and I have a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, a M. Ed. in Education Curriculum and Instruction, specializing in Technology in Education, as well as a K-12 Technology in Education Certification and a K-6 Elementary Education Certification, all from Lesley University. After changing careers, I taught fifth grade for three years in Acton, MA. I was the technology coordinator at Nottingham School for one year. I left to have two wonderful daughters, now 8 and 6, and contracted part-time helping with technology integration. I am grateful for my time with my husband and our two girls for the past eight years as a stay-at-home mom. I have been and continue to be an active volunteer on many committees in our community and in the Newmarket Schools. My passions are children, learning, being outside and being active. I am thoroughly enjoying my time as an enrichment teacher and substitute at Acorn as I transition back into teaching!