I am the Director of Acorn School, TimberNook certified, and one of the Mighty Oak teachers. I have a B.S. in Occupational Therapy from the University of New Hampshire with more than 35 years of experience working with preschoolers and kindergarteners guiding them along their developmental path of acquiring social, emotional, physical and academic skills through Acorn’s science and social studies curriculum. All four of my children attended Acorn School and now I have grandchildren that attend.

My goal and desire for every Acorn student is to develop an “I can” attitude, to understand it is okay to make mistakes and to love to learn.

Hello! I am Kim Williams.  I wear a few hats at Acorn School.  I work with Sue in the Acorn office, teach yoga to the Mighty Oaks and enjoy lunch with morning Chipmunks on Tuesdays.  I started with Acorn when my 2 sons were young.  I was on the Acorn Board for a few years and then moved into the office position. 

I worked as a nurse after completing my BS in Nursing at UNH.  I also am a certified YogaLight yoga instructor. The wonderful staff and community of Acorn make it a special place!

Hello Acorn families! My name is Leigh Daley and I am a graduate of UNH majoring in English and Journalism. I got into teaching when I began subbing after my children were all in school. I passed the PAXIS in 2002 and became the permanent sub at Main Street School in Exeter, where I taught all grades and specials for 20 years.I After retiring from MSS I joined the staff at Acorn as a lead teacher for the 3’s and assistant teacher for the 4’s. Needing to transition to part time, I accepted the position of Music teacher in 2022. I have been part of many singing groups and am currently with Rock My Soul out of South Berwick, Me. Playing guitar and singing with 3-6 year olds is the best job ever!

two of my three sons attended Acorn as Chipmunks, Woolly Bears and Mighty Oaks, and I am very grateful for the full circle experience of working with this wonderful community.

Hello Acorn families! My name is Lauren Cady and I am teaching the AM Chipmunks(12) for a second year. I will also be assisting with the Rhythms in Nature extended Day program.

I first became part of the Acorn School community six years ago as a parent. All three of my children have thrived at Acorn with its rich outdoor play experiences, engaging curriculum, and kind and caring teachers. Now that my own children have graduated I feel so fortunate to remain a part of this magical school, working alongside such a dedicated and skilled group of educators. 

I have a B.S in Elementary Education and Neuroscience from The College of William and Mary and an M.Ed. in Reading and Literacy from Boston College. I am also certified as a Montessori Lower Elementary teacher, and spent 8 years teaching in Montessori classrooms before taking some time to stay home with my children.

I am an alumni parent who has transitioned into being the primary staff for the Extended Day Programs.

I am the lead teacher of the Mighty Oak kindergarten class. I received my BS Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Child Psychology from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. I have been involved with Education for 30+ years teaching all grades from kindergarten through sixth grade as well as being a literacy tutor and serving on several boards, including Acorn School. I am one of the Co-Founders of the Seacoast Charter School which was a direct result of the experience at Acorn School for my four children as well as myself. I truly enjoyed my time as a parent at Acorn School and am so thankful to be able to be part of this teaching community.

I live in Exeter and when I am not teaching I enjoy gardening, running, skiing, reading and traveling with my family.

I am one of the Mighty Oak kindergarten teachers. 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 a chance. I live in Newfields with my husband and have 3 grown sons.

My roots run deep here at Acorn! All three of my boys were Chipmunks, Chickadees and Mighty Oaks many years ago and now I have been teaching at this wonderful little school for over 20 years.

Hello Acorn Community!  I am Shelly Gordon and I am the lead teacher for the Chickadees (am) and Tadpoles (pm) four year old classes.  I also get to be the co-lead teacher for the Chipmunks - 3 year olds in the smaller classes (10).  I have a degree in elementary education, a background in environmental education and am a TimberNook certified teacher here at Acorn School. 

My favorite parts of Acorn School are the warm and long lasting connections to families in our community, the freedom and creativity to teach emerging curriculum from student interests, to share my passion for the wonders of our natural world and of course the fantastic students! My two college-aged children also attended Acorn many moons ago.

My name is Melissa Guy and I’m so excited to be back in the Mighty Oak classroom as an assistant teacher. Both of my girls attended Acorn as Chipmunks, Woolly Bears and Mighty Oaks, so I know how special this school is. I spent many years as a fourth grade teacher & have a MEd degree in Elementary Education. 

I live in Exeter with my family and Golden Doodle, Parker. It’s going to be a great year!

Hello friends! I am the lead teacher for the Woolly Bear classes . This is my 6th year teaching at Acorn school, but I have been in education since I graduated in the 90’s. My degree is in Elementary Education, but I have also taken lots of classes in Early Childhood, Outdoor Education, Learning Styles, Art, and Communication.

I love how much we are outside at Acorn, where the children can be loud, run, and move their bodies as they are meant to do. We honor the whole child and see the value in play. I love watching the children discover the world around them and my job is to guide them, see them, and help them be brave.

I am so excited to be in my 6th year at Acorn as one of the Mighty Oak teachers. I live in Newfields with my husband , son and daughter and many animals. My daughter attended Acorn as a Tadpole and Mighty Oak and I knew then it was the right teaching home for me. I earned my BS in Elementary Education from the University of Maine Orono. When not at school I enjoy cooking, gardening, playing games and adventuring with my family.
I love exploring and learning with the children in our outdoor environment and look forward to welcoming your children into the Mighty Oak class this year.

I am Miss Tracy’s assistant teacher in the 4 year old Woolly Bear classes and this will be my 3rd year teaching at Acorn. I taught middle schoolers and adults for many years before becoming Montessori Lower Elementary certified and starting a 1st-3rd program in Norfolk, Virginia where I lived before relocating with my family to Stratham 10 years ago. When our youngest child left for college, I re-entered the work force at Acorn, right down the road from our family farm run farm.

I love working with the 4 year -olds at Acorn because they are becoming more independent, yet are still amazed by every new experience we are able to provide for them. 

My favourite thing about Acorn School is the wonderful and friendly community of both the staff and the families attending. The partnership makes for an enriching environment where children are offered unforgettable childhood experiences.

Hello! I am a lead Mighty Oak teacher. I live in Hampton Falls with my husband, 3 kiddos, and our pupper: Arlo. I earned my Master’s in Education from the University of New Hampshire and have spent many years teaching and learning alongside children of all ages. I love reading and spending time with my family. I’m excited to be part of the Acorn community and look forward to a wonderful year of exploring, learning and growing together.

Hi, my name is Rima Sawyer and I will be a Chipmunk teacher this year! I live in Greenland with my husband, two daughters who are both Acorn alum. I have a BS in Family Studies as well as an MEd in Elementary Education, both from UNH. Prior to staying home with my girls, I taught 2nd grade and 4th grade in the Dover school system. I’m excited to be a part of this special community again this year and help your children learn and grow!

I provide a weekly nature-based extended day program at Acorn School.

I hold a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Special Education, and I am a TimberNook certified teacher. Outside of Acorn, I work as a pediatric occupational therapist in my private practice.

Acorn has been a special part of my family’s life, with both of my children beginning their learning journeys here. I have also had the privilege of working as a staff member and serving as a board member. I especially value Acorn’s commitment to nurturing the whole child and the way its outdoor spaces invite creativity, curiosity, imagination and joy.

I joined this wonderful Acorn community when my daughter started a s Woolly Bear last Fall. Watching her confidence and curiosity grow over the past year has been truly incredible, and it’s all thanks to Acorn School. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences from UNH and previously worked in education before staying home to be with my daughter. I live in Southern Maine with my husband, our daughter and our dog. I’m truly excited to learn and grow alongside you and your children this year as the assistant teacher for the Chickadee and Tadpole classes!