Ellen Grudzien
FOUNDER OF LET’S GROW OUTSIDE NH
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ellen has been working in the field of early childhood education for over 30 years and has a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Springfield College.
Her experience as an early childhood educator and a preschool director led her to open The Amherst Preschool in 2009 and expanding to operating and managing the Joppa Farm and Forest School in 2021. Ellen believes children learn best in an environment where they are nurtured and respected and can experience long periods of time in nature. She has designed the programs at Lets Grow Outside NH with the philosophy that children can be trusted to explore their environment while leading their own learning. Ellen also believes a child-led play focused environment supports all areas of growth and development.
Through her love of yoga, Ellen became a certified Child Light Yoga instructor in 2015. Ellen lives in Amherst with her husband where they have raised two children. She has served on The Amherst School Board and is actively involved in the community.
Emily Grudzien
DIRECTOR
PRE-K LEAD GUIDE
Emily holds an undergraduate degree from St. Lawrence University and a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning from University of Southern Maine. With a solid foundation in education, Emily began her teaching career as a middle school teacher in Maine, where she honed her skills and developed a deep commitment to student growth and development.
Her dedication to education extends to beyond the classroom, for the past few summers Emily has led wilderness/canoe trips as a trip leader for Camp Chewonki. Her role at Chewonki has allowed her to share her love for the outsoors and teach valuable skills in a hands-on environment. Additionally, Emily is certified as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR), ensuring safety and well-being of her kids during their adventures.
Emily lives in Bedford with her boyfriend, Tom. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, exploring new places and traveling.
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The Amherst Preschool Full Day Program
Jamie Pixley
DIRECTOR OF FULL DAY PROGRAM
LEAD GUIDE
Jamie has been in the Early Childhood Education field for over 20 years. She holds a Lead Teacher Certification from Nashua Community College. Her time at The Amherst Preschool began as a parent when her two children attended TAP and then as a teacher. Being in the classroom is where Jamie is happiest as every day is a new adventure! She firmly believes in the child-led philosophy and is excited to bring her enthusiasm to the full-day program.
Jamie lives in Wilton with her husband and their two children. When she is not in the classroom, Jamie enjoys cooking, spending time with friends and family, and watching her son play soccer and basketball at the high school level.
Roann Burgess
FULL DAY LEAD GUIDE
Roann has experience with a variety of classrooms, philosophies, and age groups. From infants and toddlers to a before and after school program for Kindergarteners to 6th grade. She truly believes that the child led environment is where a child learns best, and it is a joy to watch them learn and grow.
Roann holds an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Nashua Community College, and has been in the Early Childhood Education field for over 25 years.
Roann recently moved back to her hometown of Brookline, NH. She enjoys spending time reading, painting, making cards, cooking, hiking, hunting, fishing and kayaking.
The Amherst Preschool Three and Four's
Kayleigh Pearl
DIRECTOR OF PRESCHOOL PROGRAM
PRESCHOOL LEAD GUIDE
Kayleigh joined The Amherst Preschool as a parent in 2022 and quickly came to love the program. She is excited to join the teaching team as a Leader at JFFS for fall of 2023!
She holds an associates degree in Early Childhood Education and has 15 years of experience working with young children.
Kayleigh lives in Amherst with her husband and three kids (and two dogs, two goats, 25 chickens and a bunny!). They spend their time doing various outside activities, getting together with friends and family and love going up to the lake.
Lindsy Faucher
PRESCHOOL LEAD GUIDE
Lindsy joined TAP in 2020, however she has been teaching in a preschool setting since 2011. She has a BA from Quinnipiac University and received her lead teacher certification from MCC. She believes children learn best while exploring the world around them. She loves to watch them use their natural curiosity to experiment and problem solve. She is excited to join the Amherst Preschool team and be a part of the Let’s Grow Outside NH movement.
Lindsy lives in Amherst with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys cooking, going to the beach, and spending time with loved ones.
The Amherst Preschool Pre-K Program Guides
Emily Grudzien
PRE-K LEAD GUIDE
Emily holds an undergraduate degree from St. Lawrence University and a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning from University of Southern Maine. With a solid foundation in education, Emily began her teaching career as a middle school teacher in Maine, where she honed her skills and developed a deep commitment to student growth and development.
Her dedication to education extends to beyond the classroom, for the past few summers Emily has led wilderness/canoe trips as a trip leader for Camp Chewonki. Her role at Chewonki has allowed her to share her love for the outsoors and teach valuable skills in a hands-on environment. Additionally, Emily is certified as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR), ensuring safety and well-being of her kids during their adventures.
Emily lives in Bedford with her boyfriend, Tom. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, exploring new places and traveling.
Kim Lafluer
PRE-K ASSOCIATE GUIDE
Kim joined the staff as an Associate teacher in the fall of 2023 after being a permanent substitute from January through May. She is excited to continue to grow as a guide in the child led Pre-K classroom.
Kim has an associate's degree from Manchester Community College, has experience in the Montessori model and has been a nanny for several families.
She is a mom to two grown daughters and enjoys adventuring on the weekends.
Kaitlyn joined Let’s Grow Outside NH the fall of 2024 as the Operations Manager. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Vermont in 2018. Since then she has spent time working in Human Resources, has been a stay at home mother and stays active in the community through volunteer work. Her role at LGONH encompasses something new every day, including designing our marketing materials, managing tuition processes and sharing our magic on social media.
Kaitlyn resides in Amherst with her husband and three children. In her free time she enjoys sewing, crafting, and traveling with her family.
COMING SOON
LEAD OF SPECIAL PROGRAMS
FLOATER
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BIO COMING SOON
Kaitlyn Ajaka
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Joppa Farm and Forest School Guides
Kat Kausch
CO-GUIDES
Kat joined The Amherst Preschool in 2022 and has a tremendous appreciation for the natural world and a deep understanding of child led play. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology and a minor in Studio Art.
Prior to being a stay at home parent she has taught Environmental Science, Biology, and Marine Biology at the high school level and has shared her knowledge in Herbalism and Foraging with the community.
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Kat lives in Amherst with her husband, two daughters, and dog. They spend their time exploring the woods, hiking mountains, camping, and creating art.
Amanda Poza
CO-GUIDES
Amanda joined Let’s Grow Outside NH in 2024 and has spent her time at both the Joppa Farm and Forest School and The Amherst Preschool. She has a deep love and appreciation for nature and the farming community. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Conservation and a minor in Animal Behavior. She has enjoyed learning so much about what it means to be an early childhood educator and support the smallest of humans as they take their first steps into the social world. Her favorite thing about being a preschool teacher is helping each child discover how much they can do independently!
Amanda is pursuing a Masters in Occupational Therapy with the hopes of becoming a pediatric occupational therapist. She lives in Bedford with her family and her myriad of animals and prefers to spend her time on her hobby farm, riding horses, and being outdoors in quiet spaces.