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 two decades 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. She is a Level IVA on the Northern Lights Career Ladder and holds a Step Two Director Credential from Northern Lights as well as a Level I Professional Educators License through the Vermont Agency of Education.

Kate Bourneuf - Assistant Director

Kate began her career as an educator 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. Kate is a level IVB on the Northern Lights Career Ladder and holds a Level I Professional Educators License through the Vermont Agency of Education.

Ellen Wines

Originally from Iowa Ellen joined RBCS after beginning her Early Education career at a farm school in New York. Ellen has worked in both Waldorf and Montessori settings incorporating outdoor education with children preschool through age 14. As an avid learner herself, Ellen’s love of questions, joyful imagination, deep observations and gentle spirit infuses her classroom with the spark that drives us all to want to discover more about our world.

Ellen is an accomplished musician, talented photographer and an inventor of the silliest jokes. She has a variety of courses under her belt from DMACC, University of Iowa and Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota.

Cathy Casey

Cathy has almost 30 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 RBCS. 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 IVA Certificate from Northern Lights.

Tina Clark

Tina started her ECE career running a registered home center; she served children from 5 weeks to 12 years with inventive and diverse learning opportunities for an incredible 14 year years. From there Tina has worked in Head Start and in the public school systems. She brings all her varied experience and knowledge with her to her RBCS classroom and can always be found with a crowd of entranced students.

Tina holds an Associates Degree in Human Services from CCV and a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Vermont State University. She is a level IVA on the Northern Lights Career Ladder and holds a level I Professional Educators License through the Vermont Agency of Education.

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.

Ilana Scharoun

Ilana has over 11 years in the Human Services field. Ilana is a certified yoga teacher and brings her flexibility (literally and figuratively) to her work with children!

Ilana has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Northern Vermont University and is currently working towards a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of the Cumberlands. Before working for RBCS Ilana was the Director of Home Intervention for Washington County Mental Health Services.

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.

Yun Me Me Zaw

Yun is a talented artist and a passionate environmentalist. She smoothly blends these two parts of herself into an educator who highly values connecting children with the natural world. She does this with such joy and finesse it is a wonder to see.

Yun holds a Bachelor of Arts with a dual focus in Ecology and Environmental Humanities from Sterling College.

Work with us!

At RBCS we value the vital role Early Childhood Educators play in creating a healthy, thriving, culturally rich society. Whether you have an established ECE career or are just starting out in the field we would love to be a part of your journey as an educator. Contact us if you are interested in joining our community of dedicated educators, we want to meet you!

OUR TEACHERS