Staff & Board

Meet Our Staff

  • I am the Director of Acorn School, TimberNook certified, and one of the Mighty Oak teachers and I also work with the Extended Day team. I have a B.S. in Occupational Therapy from the University of New Hampshire with more than 30 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.

    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!

  • I am a graduate of UNH, passed the PRAXIS in 2002 and was the permanent sub at Main Street School in Exeter for 20 years. I love all animals (especially horses as I started riding at age 9) and I sing, play guitar and the piano! I was in a female acappella group (Mamapella) for 10 years and plan to sing with the Rockingham Choral Society this year.

  • 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 assistant with 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!

  • I have an art education background certified in K-12  and have taught art classes in both public and private settings over the past 20 years.  I love that Acorn School is fully committed to being outdoors year round and dedicated to developing a strong curiosity and love for the natural world.

  • 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! This year I will be the lead teacher for the Woolly Bear classes and the assistant teacher for the larger Chipmunk classes. This is my 5th 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.

  • My name is Jody MacBride and I help with Club Acorn. I received my BA degree in Child Psychology and my Masters Degree in Elementary Education, both at UNH. I have taught second, third and fourth grade, and recently retired from full time classroom teaching. I live in Stratham with my husband and two dogs, where we raised our three kids, who now have families of their own. I love hiking, snowshoeing and pickleball, as well as reading and drawing. I am really looking forward to the year at Acorn!

  • I am a Chipmunk lead teacher as well as an assistant in the Mighty Oak classroom. I live in Newfields with my husband, son and daughter, who attended Acorn as a Tadpole and Mighty Oak. 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.

    This is her 5th year at Acorn School and she has loved exploring and learning with the children in their outdoor environment. She looks forward to welcoming your children into her class this year. 

  • Hi! My name is Kelly O'Hearn and I will be teaching the 3 year old Chipmunk classes at Acorn. I earned my masters in elementary education from Boston College and have taught for 15 years in early childhood classrooms mostly in Boston, a few years in Switzerland, and a summer in Ghana. 

    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.

  • I received my Masters of Science in Reading from Wheelock College in 1992. I also received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education with a major in Special Education from Wheelock College in 1981. My teaching experience over the years has included 4 year olds, kindergarten, first grade, second grade and children with special needs. I live in Newfields, NH with my husband and we have two grown daughters who also attended Acorn School many years ago. When I am not teaching I enjoy reading, traveling, time with my family and friends and being at Squam Lake.

  • I am the assistant teacher for the pre-K Chickadee and Tadpole classes at Acorn School. I hold a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy and am a licensed occupational therapist in New Hampshire. I also have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Special Education. I am a TimberNook certified teacher and am passionate about bringing child-led, nature-based programming to life here at Acorn.

    What I love about Acorn School is its commitment to nurturing the whole child during the magical early years. It’s a place where children are supported to grow in ways that honor their individuality and are inspired to develop a lifelong love of learning through play, meaningful education, social-emotional growth, and connection with nature. I also love how Acorn’s engaging outdoor spaces offer just-right challenges and spark creativity, curiosity, imagination, and joy.

Board of Directors

Meet Our

  • I joined this wonderful board in spring of 2021 during my daughter’s first year as a Chipmunk. We fell in love with this school as soon as we visited and I am so happy to give back to this community in some way. I live on the Seacoast with my husband and three children. During my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors with our hound shepherd mix, cooking and playing the violin. I look forward to seeing the Acorn students thrive over the next few years!

  • My name is Eli Skovron and this is my third year as Board Vice President.  My oldest son, Prescott, is an Acorn Alumni and my youngest son, Scout, is currently a Mighty Oak.  I work as an office manager for a company on Pease and I also coach field hockey at Exeter High School.  My husband, my kids and I live in Stratham, NH with our two cats, Frances and Ella, our dog, Molly and our large crew of chickens.  I’m honored to be part of the Acorn School Board so that I have the opportunity to give back to this wonderful community.

  • My name is Debra Grott and I have been on the Acorn Board of Directors since September 2014 serving as Treasurer. Two of my three children were lucky enough to be Chipmunks and Woolly Bears at Acorn School. Some of their closest friends were from their years at Acorn School. I am honored to be a part of the same strong traditions, educational concepts and loving environment which our family experienced over 25 years ago. I currently work as a CPA in the Seacoast area, as well as, a Field Hockey coach at Exeter High School. I live in Rye Beach, NH with my family and our dog Poppy. Most importantly I have 5 grandchildren!

  • I joined the Acorn Board in 2023, when my oldest son, Wyatt, was a Chipmunk. My husband Ben, and kids Wyatt, Sam and Hattie live in Exeter. I do some freelance strategic communications consulting, and love to play tennis, cook, and read when I can!

  • I am an Acorn School alumni, Acorn School enthusiast, and an Acorn alumn parent. I moved back to the Seacoast with my son, Jack. I am passionate about trauma informed parenting, sensory development, and foster care. My son and I enjoy spending time with family, playing outside, and traveling. I am a Nurse Practitioner at OHSU in Portland, Oregon, where I work remotely.

  • My name is Kari Daigle, I had the honor of joining the Acorn Board in October of 2021. My daughter, Vivienne, attended Acorn as a Chipmunk and Chickadee and absolutely LOVED it. My daughter Ellie is presently a Chipmunk. I have been a part of the healthcare field since I was very young, I’m a Registered Nurse at Portsmouth Regional Hospital where I worked as a bedside nurse and followed my passion as an educator where I co-developed the Licensed Nursing Assistant Program and am the co-instructor & educator. I love being part of the Acorn Community and having the opportunity to work behind the scenes of the magical workings of Acorn. I knew that I wanted to be part of Acorn’s growth and amazing impact on the community and all children who attend!

  • Hello! My name is Daniele (Dee) Hosser and I joined the Acorn School Board of Directors in July 2023. I discovered Acorn School when I was looking for a preschool program for my daughter Olivia in 2021. From the moment I pulled into the school for my tour, I knew it was a very special place. Olivia is now a proud Acorn Alumni, and my son Jack is in his Mighty Oak year. I joined the Board to help Acorn continue to thrive and grow so other seacoast families have a chance to experience the Acorn way. I live in Hampton, NH with my husband, two kiddos and our dog, Hank. I love exploring and traveling with my family, and you can find me at the beach, no matter the season.

  • I joined the Acorn School Board of Directors as an ex officio member in February 2023 and as a full member in July 2023. My daughter was a Chipmunk and then a Chickadee and she blossomed in the supportive, nurturing, and unique learning environment of Acorn. My son is currently a Mighty Oak. I earned my MPA in 2020 and currently direct operations for a small civics education nonprofit in NH. My goal is for my professional experience and personal fondness to collide in service of Acorn School. It truly is a magical place for children.

  • My name is Patricia Turmelle and I joined the Acorn board in 2023. My oldest daughter attended Acorn as a Chipmunk and Woolly Bear, my middle daughter is currently a Woolly Bear and I have a future Chippy! My husband and I live in Stratham with our three girls. In my spare time I love reading, doing puzzles, playing board games and wakesurfing. I am a former seventh grade math teacher and have stayed home with my girls since they were born. I am very passionate about education. I believe Acorn School is a wonderful place for children to begin their educational journey and I look forward to giving back to this amazing community!

  • My name is Jamie Walker (he/him) and I joined Acorn School’s Board of Directors in July 2023. My family and I have been a part of the Acorn Community since my oldest son became a Chipmunk in 2021. After a brief career in Environmental Consulting, I have spent the last thirteen years working in nature and place based education creating community through the exploration of our connections to self, others and the natural world. I enjoy spending time outside with my family in all forms. I am privileged to live, work and play in N’Dakinna, the traditional ancestral homeland of the Abenaki, Pennacook and Wabanaki Peoples past and present. I am an active learner and sharer of Indigenous Lifeways and am currently working to decolonize my learning to bring greater diversity, equity and inclusion to the outdoors. I hope to use these skills and passions to support the mission and vision of Acorn School in the years to come! 

  • Like many families, we immediately fell in love with the school and what it had to offer. Our oldest son spent 2 wonderful years at Acorn and still speaks so fondly of his time there. We also have a future Chipmunk, although he has to wait another year before he can create his own memories! Our family loves being outdoors, exploring new places and hosting driveway get-togethers.  I have become a strong advocate of play/nature centered education programs and by joining the Board hope to help continue the vision and  pass down Acorn values to future students.

  • I am a proud Acorn School Alumni, current Acorn School Parent, and Lifetime Acorn School Believer. 30 years ago my family was immersed in the Acorn Lifestyle, and I couldn’t be happier to be back in the action, with the opportunity to pay it forward by contributing to the Board of Directors. My husband Jake and I, and our two sons Henry, and Max, live in the woods of East Kingston with a handful of animals. We are passionate about experiencing and serving nature, and have enjoyed working with groups such as SELT, the Surfrider Foundation, UNH Co-op, and Nature Groupie. I know that when students need to be stripped of soaked, muddy gear and a towel and trash bag are involved…it’s been a great day at school.

  • My name is Kate Raucci and I joined the Acorn Board in 2024. I live in North Hampton with my three children. My career has been focused in the technology space working with large organizations to solve complex problems. When I am not working or chasing my children I enjoy skiing, hiking, being outside and spending time with my family (including chasing my children). My two boys were both fortunate enough to be a part of the Acorn School as both Chipmunks and Woolly Bears. They thrived during their respective two years and I witnessed, first hand, the enormous impact the school, the curriculum and the staff had on the development of my children. Coraline is presently a Chipmunk, experiencing the same smile inducing and muddy learning experiences. As a parent whose children are alums and one currently enrolled, I am privileged to give back to the School that has given so much to my family.

  • My name is Molly Van Rossum and I am honored to be a part of the Acorn School Board. I hold a B.S. in Geology, an M.S. in Accounting, and I spent several years working with a local non-profit. I love that Acorn provides a safe and nurturing environment for a play based early education. My son, Wyn, is currently a Mighty Oak and my daughter, Lennon, is a future student! We live in Hampton with our cat, Benny, and a Shepard mix, Mildred. I am excited to share my experiences to help support the wonderful Acorn community.