Our Teachers & Staff
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Shannon Morrissey
PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR As an early childhood professional, I have worked in a variety of educational settings over the last 15 years and feel incredibly fortunate to have landed here at Cairn Hill. How lucky are we that the environment we find ourselves in offers so much to teach and inspire us?!? Since being able to experience outdoor learning, I have come to strongly believe that children’s exposure to nature in early childhood fosters a curiosity and appreciation of the earth. Some of my favorite things about being at our nature preschool is our surroundings. With the sounds in the trees and our fascinating turkey and other feathered friends, all of which make our daily experiences even more special. I also enjoy observing each child’s free exploration and play where they are given the chance to lead and use their imagination. My goal, no matter the program or age of people I am working with, is to share and develop a deeper curiosity and love of learning. I can’t wait to explore and discover with you and your family! |
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Lyndsay Bache
LEAD TEACHER As the second oldest of seven children, I have spent most of my life working with and nurturing the growth of young children. Beginning in high school and continuing through college I worked part time at preschools in my down time; and shortly after graduating from middlebury college in 2009, I began the journey of making it my life's work. Today, I have been a full time preschool teacher for close to 15 years. I spent ten years teaching at the same preschool before relocating to Salem in 2022 and found this wonderful community at Cairn Hill. I intend to be here for the long haul and have grown to appreciate the wonders and values of nature when it comes to helping young children grow. One of my favorite teaching mantras I try to live by is: 'children may not remember what you said or what you taught them, but they will forever remember how you made them feel'. I remember this each and every day I endeavor to teach children because it is so very true. |
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Laura Coleman
ASSISTANT TEACHER |
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Mikayla Bishop
ASSISTANT TEACHER Growing up on the north shore (Agawam and Naumkeag land— modern day Beverly and Salem), I am grateful to have been raised by both the forest and sea, which instilled in me a deep reverence for nature and our beautiful planet. Inspired to share this love of mama Earth with children, I pivoted my 10+ years of elementary school education to nature education. Children have an innate sense of wonder and a desire to learn, and I’ve witnessed firsthand how using the natural world as a teacher inspires confidence, resilience, and above all, compassion. I have a background in Waldorf education and theatre arts, weaving the two together to bring storytelling, song, and movement into the classroom so students can connect with curricula on a visceral level. Using this dynamic method of teaching, I lived in Spain from 2017-2019 on a Fulbright scholarship, working in the Spanish public school system. ¡Entonces, hablo español! and sometimes I bring Spanish into the classroom to encourage an appreciation for different languages and cultures. Spending time with children fills my heart and brings me so much joy. It is a blessing to work at Cairn Hill and inspire the next generation of confident and compassionate earth warriors! |
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Mary Beth Melton
WALDORF SPECIALIST Mary Beth Melton, master Waldorf nursery teacher, enriches the classroom twice a week with her lively songs and stories. She has been been authoring and composing for little ones for over 30 years at the Lexington Waldorf School. |
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Paula Jordan
NATURE SPECIALIST Paula Jordan, she/her, is a Nature-Based Early Childhood Educator, naturalist and children’s yoga teacher. She lives with her family near Boston, Ma on the land of the Pawtucket and Massachusett Tribe. She currently works in a community garden space in Somerville supporting nature and place-based learning, and play opportunities for children, youth and families. She believes that working for equity and increased access to nature-based education is extremely important. |