My name is Sarah Drowne-Surrette. I have been a primary educator for over 18 years. I absolutely love working with children and watching them enjoy experiences in the classroom and in our natural environment. I graduated Plymouth State University with a BS in Childhood Studies with a focus in both reading and integrated arts. I went on to teach private kindergarten in Bedford, NH at the Bedford Village Morning School. I had the privilege to teach 1st grade in Gilford, NH for 8 years. Within that time I had the opportunity to collaborate with NH Fish & Game to align our math and science curriculum with the state standards. This was the beginning of my journey in outdoor education. For 4 years I had a wonderful experience teaching first grade in Hopkinton, NH. Currently I am working toward completing a master’s degree in Nature-Based Early Childhood Education at Antioch University as well as build a rich, high-quality natural learning experience for young children in our community.

Ms. Kassie has been an educator at CSNL since Winter 2017. She has 10 years experience in education with ages 12 months through 5 years and graduated from Keene State College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Development and Education. She is passionate about creating a loving, supportive environment where children feel safe taking risks and growing into independent learners. Her favorite aspect of teaching in a Nature-Based program is mud exploration in the spring! There is nothing better than making mud pies and walking barefoot in the mud! Outside of school, she enjoys going on hikes and exploring new trails with her husband, Adam, and her dog, Hanzo!

Hi I’m Caroline! I started here at Chesterbrook in the Spring of 2024! I graduated from Keene State College in May of 2022 with a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Psychology. My fiancé (Marc) and I love hiking, camping, cooking, and spending time with our pets. I have a cat named (Hazel), a dog named (Winnie), two leopard geckos (Leia & Sno), aquatic frogs, and fish! Ms. Caroline hopes to add a classroom pet to Chesterbrook this year. I’m looking forward to learning and growing in the forest with the Chickadees and Coyotes!

Ms. Kitty joined CSNL fall 2020 as an assistant educator. You may have heard a tale or two about her science class. Kitty comes to us from the realm of homeschooling where she has been teaching at resource centers and co-ops for over a decade. Previously, Kitty has been an outdoor educator at educational farms in New York and Colorado, an AmeriCorps volunteer, writer, firefighter/EMT, and farmer. Kitty acquired her BS in Animal Science and MS in Extension Education from Colorado State University. Kitty’s love of children and passion for alternative education have brought her here to CSNL. She feels privileged to spend her days on this beautiful campus working with creative women and learning from her incredible students.

Hi! My name is Tina, I am the Community Coordinator at CSNL. While I have spent the last 20+ years in corporate business settings my interest has been gravitating toward the field of education. I attended UNH, Durham and earned my B.S. in Business Administration in 2003. I live locally in Hampstead with my husband and teenage boy / girl twins. I have been passionate about specialized education and unique learning styles since their premature birth. I love being active in nature and feel children thrive when spending time outside playing & learning. I have always experienced a magical feeling when arriving to drop my children at CSNL summer camps and am honored to welcome new children to the school as part of the admission team.

Ms. Caitlin has spent the past 15 years working with children ranging in age from 5 months to 18 years. During that time she has worn many different hats including tutor, after-school care coordinator, preschool teacher, nanny and children’s yoga instructor. She has a Masters in Elementary Education from the University of NH – Durham as well as training in the Montessori method and ChildLight Yoga. Ms. Caitlin loves when learning happens naturally through experiences, play and thoughtful conversation. Her favorite part about working at a Nature School is showing children that there is fun to be had outside no matter the weather. When not at school, Ms. Caitlin enjoys woods walks with her husband and his service dog, Buddy, and anything on the water, especially kayaking. Her goal for summer 2021 is to learn to waterski!

Ms. Grace is a passionate educator with a diverse background of experience. She has a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of NH- Manchester as well as training in Trauma Informed Care and English for Speakers of Other Languages. She is an experienced classroom teacher, working with high school students all over New Hampshire and abroad in Budapest, Hungary. More recently she worked as a librarian fostering a love of learning in children of all ages. In addition to being a homeschool cooperative Forest Leader here at CSNL, she also enjoys working behind the scenes as our social media and marketing manager. Her favorite part about teaching is getting to know each student as an individual and watching them grow as learners and as people.

My name is Liana Thomas and I am excited to be joining the Chesterbrook School of Natural Learning community this year! With over 14 years experience educating and coaching, from high school math classes in Chile and Fiji to the pool deck at the local YMCA, I have always had a passion for working with children. I love spending time with my family- adventuring and hiking around NH and abroad. I look forward to bringing that love for adventure and the outdoors to CSNL as part of the Pioneer Homeschool Cooperative.