Our Teachers

As River Branch teachers we believe children are curious and competent. We follow their interests and ensure their voice is heard and valued. We encourage creativity and exploration in all of its messy forms. We utilize play and the natural world to teach skills that last a lifetime. We support risk taking and understand the value of failure on the road to success.

Clara Wootton - Executive Director

Clara has over ten years of experience as an early childhood educator and administrator. Her expertise lies in designing developmentally appropriate curriculum for young children, observing and mentoring teachers, facilitating meaningful communication with families, as well as utilizing systemic approaches to scheduling and planning. She is an experienced and dedicated outdoor educator who believes in the power of the natural world as “the third teacher.”

Clara holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from Marlboro College, a Level IIIB Certificate and Step One Director Credential from Northern Lights, and a vast amount of coursework in childhood nutrition, infant and toddler development, children’s literature, curriculum design and supporting children with diverse abilities.

Kate Bourneuf - Assistant Director

Kate began her career as a teacher over ten years ago. She has worked in elementary schools, preschools and with toddlers! She is a knowledgeable and dedicated nature based educator. As a preschool teacher and as Assistant Director Kate’s passion for outdoor education can be felt throughout our program.

Kate has a Bachelor of Arts from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in English Communications and Writing, and took an additional semester for a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She is lead teacher certified through a national credentialing program, as well as certified in Teaching Strategies Gold, a developmental assessment tool.

Ellen Wines

Cathy Casey

Cathy has over 26 years of experience as an early childhood educator, most of which has been with River Branch as she has been a pillar of the program since it was a part of Ben and Jerry’s Inc! She has been transformative in the growth, resilience and spirit of River Branch. Cathy has made forming connections with children and parents an exquisite art. She is dedicated to building relationships based on trust, empathy and open communication.

Cathy has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from UVM and a level IV certificate from Northern Lights.

Lily Bradshaw

Lily is a deeply skilled educator whose passion for creative curriculum can be seen daily in her classroom. Whether she is reading stories, digging in the garden, whipping up a batch of something new and gooey or simply observing, Lily is always profoundly connected with the developmental needs and interests of the children in her care.

Lily is in the process of earning her Associates in Early Childhood Education from CCV and is a Level IIIA on the Northern Lights Career Ladder.

Heather Maclay

Heather comes to us with a background as a Behavioral Interventionist working with teenagers. She is quick with a song, forever ready with a hug and a smile and is always prepared for whatever game the children have just invented. She is a deep well of patience and good humor that easily earns the trust of children and adults alike. Heather brings a love of animals, broad knowledge of building skills and an endless curiosity to her work as an educator.

Heather holds an Associate’s in Science Degree in Animal Sciences from Becker College and holds a Northern Lights Level I certificate.

Shelby Brice

Shelby is a passionate and creative early educator. You can often find her thinking up new materials to explore, carefully curating new art experiences and getting right into the thick of it with the children. Shelby shares her love of adventure and fun while also grounding them with a sense of community and teambuilding.

Shelby holds a BFA in Film and Animation from the Rochester Institute of Technology and a Level I Certificate from Northern Lights.

OUR TEACHERS