Ellen Grudzien
FOUNDER OF LET’S GROW OUTSIDE NH
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS
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.
The Amherst Preschool Full Day Guides
Emily Grudzien
Director of Full Day Program
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.
Jamie Pixley
Full Day 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, their two children, and their dog, Athena! Her oldest son is a freshman at the University of New Hampshire and she also has a sophomore at Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative High School. When she is not in the classroom, Jamie enjoys cooking, spending time in Maine with her family, and watching her son play basketball for WLC.
Isabel Cullen
Full Day Associate Guide
Isabel (Izzy) joined The Amherst Preschool in the fall of 2023 as she began navigating her journey toward becoming an educator.
While taking courses in early childhood education Izzy interned in a variety of classrooms serving children ages three to six years old. Izzy has also acted as a substitute occasionally in the absence of a classroom teacher. The children love her, and her presence has been so wonderful.
​
Izzy grew up in Amherst where her family still lives. In her free time, she loves being outdoors, spending time with friends and family and often cares for children of families in the area.
The Amherst Preschool Three and Four's
Coming soon
Preschool Lead Guide
Bio coming soon​
Kayleigh Pearl
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.
The Amherst Preschool Pre-K Program Guides
Ruthie Gordon
Pre-K Lead Guide
Ruthie joined The Amherst Preschool in 2012 and has enjoyed many roles. Being a teacher in the pre-k program has been one of her greatest joys. Ruthie believes that watching the children explore and grow throughout the school year is perhaps the greatest reward of this profession.
Ruthie holds a bachelor of arts in psychology and a master of education in guidance and counseling.
Ruthie and her husband Joel have made Amherst their home for the past 32 years. They raised their three children in this community that they truly love.
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 lived in Amherst for most of her childhood and now resides in Nashua with her husband and three children. In her free time she enjoys sewing, crafting, and traveling with her family.
Lindsy Faucher
Lead of Special Programs, Floater
​
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.
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.
​
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
Bio coming soon...