As Learner's develop projects and ideas additional experts will be consulted to add depth to the classroom experience. Our Learner's take a lead with determining the course of action, as our Educators are the guides to help facilitate deeper thinking, offer questions, and help find the best solutions. The community aspect of learning opportunities help to enhance empathy and respect amongst the children.
Melissa Laurie is the product of a childhood full of imagination and exploration. At an early age Melissa fell in love with environmental education and discovered that she learned best with a hands-on approach. Melissa has been an outdoor educator and camp director in New York and California, she co-founded Deciduous Learning Network in 2016 and opened the first Wisconsin Forest School. Prior to relocating to Virginia, Melissa operated a small homeschool co-op where the focus was child-led learning and project based curriculum. She has also taught English with 5-12 year olds. Melissa believes that children learn best when they are having fun, engaged, and following their passions. Melissa has a degree in Political Science & Environmental Studies from Niagara University.
Max Myers is a longtime environmental educator. He has taught in traditional and alternative classrooms in the Bahamas, Ohio, New York, California, Wisconsin, and now Virginia. Max has a passion for guiding students through developing interests, identifying teachable moments, and creating community amongst his students. After spending time working in a traditional classroom setting, Max set out to discover methods that inspire and enhance a child's learning experiences. Max has developed curriculum for Outdoor Schools across the nation, has participated in intensive trainings on inquiry-based learning, and has participated in research with the University of Wisconsin. Max has a degree in Science Education from Miami University.
Naomi Whiteley is a passionate teacher and lifelong learner who has been guiding children for 13 years. She is certified in the Waldorf Education pedagogy and has also taught in Montessori schools and project-based learning environments in Afton, VA, Gainesville, FL and Cape Cod, MA. In 2015, she founded the Meadowlark Farm School at her sheep/goat farm in Palmyra, VA. There, she ran a sweet little educational program including homesteading, gardening, herb studies, heritage crafts and animal husbandry for preK and grades 1-6. She is now settled at Lake Monticello in a quirky octagonal “spaceship treehouse” with her amazing partner Jeremy and their collective three boys ages 16, 13 and 6 and daughter, 14. Some of her passions include singing, dancing, drama, painting, sculpting and swimming/paddling on the lake - she has also studied yoga for many years and enjoys having yoga-ish playtime at school. She is now undertaking new studies of mushrooms, trees and wildflowers…and thanks her dad for igniting her love of the nature! She is delighted to be joining the educator team at Green Adventure Project!
Sarah Vest grew up in Central Virginia where she fell in love with the mountains, streams, and air. She was inspired from a young age to work with children in an outdoor setting. Starting her teaching career as a third and fifth grade teacher in both Florida and Virginia. Sarah is passionate about helping children connect with their role in the world. She is especially focused on developing the whole child, sharing her focus on academics as well as social emotional learning. When Sarah is not inspiring our future generations you can find her on a hiking trail, camping on top of a mountain, or fishing from her kayak on any body of water. Sarah holds a National Geographic Educator Certification and has a Masters in Elementary Education from James Madison University.
Corrie Shellnut, after teaching for four years in Pristina, Kosovo Corrie was happy to return to her home state of Virginia. The daughter of an elementary school teacher, she discovered her passion for education at an early age. Corrie earned a Bachelor’s in American Studies from Mary Washington University and a Master’s in Teaching from the University of Virginia. She worked as a farm assistant at a permaculture farm in Florida, an oral history archivist at the Smithsonian, a lifeguard in Virginia Beach, and an English teacher in Spain (Ella habla español también!). Her inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning provides students the opportunity to explore the world around them and share their learning with others in a meaningful way. An experiential learner herself, she promotes hands-on activities where students learn by doing and discovering “Aha!” moments. On the weekend you can find Corrie hiking, reading fiction, making fresh meals, swimming, creating artwork, and visiting museums.
Educators
Our Educators bring their wealth of experiences, variety of interests, and passion for alternative education to create a unique learning environment where Learners thrive.
Ana Furnari (also known as Furn!) grew up playing and learning along the Musconetcong River in New Jersey. Furn pursued her passion for the environment at Franklin and Marshall College and later moved to southeastern Minnesota where she began her career in environmental education. During her time in the midwest, she fell in love with teaching outdoors, and is excited to bring this love to Charlottesville! Furn has a degree in Biological Foundations of Behavior and Environmental Studies, as well as a certificate in Environmental Education. She enjoys cooking without recipes, listening to music and podcasts, laughing with friends, learning new skills, and winding down with a good TV show. She looks forward to guiding and growing with the learners at G.A.P!
Emily Kubeshesky grew up in the Metro Detroit Area of Michigan and graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in Child Development. Her love of mountains, outdoors, and education brought her to Charlottesville to work for The Green Adventure Project. Emily has been working as an early childhood educator since graduating college. Emily is inspired by the children she works with, and enjoys helping to build their confidence in learning. Emily often uses yoga and mindfulness in her classroom and is a certified yoga teacher. She has taught yoga to both adults and children since 2018. Emily is thrilled to be bringing her teaching experience, love of nature, and passion for experiential education to GAP School.
Rachel Rubenfeld is originally from New Jersey/New York and is happy to now call Charlottesville home. Rachel started her GAP career as a science Educator and is now excited to be the GAP Coordinator. Rachel attended the University of Minnesota, graduating with a bachelors degree in Forest and Natural Resource Management. Rachel spends her free time hiking and camping, playing her ukulele and guitar, crocheting, playing video games, watching hockey games, and hanging out with friends! Her favorite food is potato and her favorite color is yellow.
James Mayo-Pitts is a longtime educator and lifelong learner. James has taught in various schools across Virginia. James and his wife raised their three sons in their own outdoor paradise where they were able to explore river, forest, and meadows. James believes the outdoors can have an incredible impact on a person's wellbeing. James is excited to join the GAP team as a Silver flock and ELA Educator. James has spent time as a classroom teacher and most recently a behavior interventionist. When James is not exploring the outdoor classrooms at GAP you might find him reading by the river, adventuring with his family, or utilizing his carpentry skills to create beautiful things. James received his Masters in Education from Old Dominion University.
Kyle Full is from Buffalo, NY and discovered found his love for the outdoors while on a 6-month stint teaching outdoor education in Rocky Mountain National Park. After spending time in both a traditional classroom and outdoor classroom, Kyle decided he wanted to continue learning about the outdoors while helping others see all the beauty there is to offer. Kyle is excited to bring his love of math to GAP School's outdoor classrooms. Kyle spends his free time camping, hiking, running, rock climbing, playing video games and building Lego. He has a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Alfred University. His favorite color is purple and you will always hear him telling jokes with a big smile on his face!
Janelle Ryning first joined the GAP family as a parent, now as an Educator Janelle is excited to work with the Yellow Flock. Janelle is a trained Occupational Therapist with a Masters Degree from Philadelphia University. Janelle's passion is finding tools to help children succeed. When Janelle is away from school you can often find her exploring with her own children, caring for stray animals, or turning ordinary daily tasks into extraordinary adventures. As a GAP Educator Janelle will be working with Learners on fine-motor skills, emotional regulation, and social skills. Her nature-based approach is rooted in kindness and compassion, a perfect fit for GAP!
