Sarah Onion Alford
Owner, Blueberry Teacher
I grew up in Gilmanton, New Hampshire, and much of my passion for getting children outside stems from my childhood spent in the New Hampshire lakes and woods, and gardens. I attended Kenyon College, and majored in Religious Studies. I continued on at Pacific Oaks College, getting my Master's degree in Human Development, with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education. I have been teaching since 2001! I gave birth to twin daughters in November of 2010, and motherhood (especially as the mother of twins!) has given me yet another perspective of child development. My family lives in York, and we enjoy the beaches, live music, and having adventures.
Celine Wheeler
Blueberry Teacher
I grew up in Ireland and was able to travel extensively due to my dad’s job. After finishing secondary school, I took some time traveling alone. I moved to the United States and continued my training with Northeastern University to become a paramedic. After several years in this field, I took time off to be a full-time mom to my daughters, Jayna and Maya. I met Sarah when Maya was in her class at the Herne School. Sarah urged me to consider working with young children, and I started working at the Gazebo School in 2009. That was when I rediscovered my love for teaching - especially in the Blueberry Classroom. I really enjoy giving the children the support, guidance, love, and encouragement they need to help them grow and learn through play.
Maya Wheeler
Blueberry Teacher
I’ve lived in Kittery for most of my life and was part of Sarah’s first class at Gazebo School. I always loved visiting the school and was able to do an internship with Sarah and my mom Celine in the blueberry room my junior year of high school. For my senior capstone project I created a preschool curriculum for 2-3 year olds with Penny as my mentor. I’ve found a passion for early childhood education and am continuing to learn all about it in college.
Penny ElLIS
Fiddlehead Teacher
As an early childhood educator and outdoor enthusiast I have found my place at Gazebo School. I believe combining nature and education is setting the foundation for a life of learning! I have a BA in early childhood special education and have been teaching for over 15 years.
Kate Smith
Fiddlehead Teacher
Kate grew up in Massachusetts and attended the University of New Hampshire, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Studies. Before finding the warm, vibrant, creative, Nature-based program at Gazebo School, she was an organic farmer’s apprentice, nanny, Family Support Specialist, Developmental Therapy Preschool teacher, and Toddler teacher. Kate believes that children learn through play and she greatly values outdoor experiences as part of this learning. She is thrilled to be joining the Fiddlehead classroom this year and continuing to build relationships with the Gazebo community. Kate lives in York, and outside of school, she enjoys baking, reading, hiking, and having adventures with her husband and two children.
Stacey Bridges
Acorn Teacher
I graduated from Wheelock College in 2007 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with a focus on children and family studies. I strongly believe children learn best through play, especially in nature! I live in South Berwick with my husband Jared and our two children Carly and Hunter.
Babette Edy
Acorn Teacher
I have a degree in Environmental Science and Education from the University of New Hampshire, and over 20 years of experience in nature-based education. I strive to share the sense of peace, joy, wonder, and connection that I was able to experience growing up in rural Vermont with my students. My happy places are in a kayak or in my garden during the warm months, and cross country skiing in a snow-filled forest in the winter. I live in South Berwick with my husband, two kids, and our giant cat Frank.