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At GAP School, our educators are more than teachers: they’re guides, collaborators, and co-learners. Rooted in inquiry and connected to nature, our team is passionate about nurturing curiosity, building meaningful relationships, and creating learning experiences that grow the whole child. Every educator brings their own spark—and together, we light the way for joyful, hands-on learning.
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 learns 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 taught English & math 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.
Lauren Samuels is thrilled to be back for a second year at GAP School! She holds a BA in Environmental Studies and Land Use Planning from University of Hawaii and taught place-based education in Colorado public schools before returning to the Hawaiian maritime to teach coastal ecology and stewardship. Her passion for teaching led to her MA in Montessori Education where she researched the influence of MBSR practice and its relation to reconnecting youth with our natural environment. Lauren is a credentialed ESL and K-12 educator in CA and VA. She believes that our reconnection with living systems and our communities will enable large-scale sustainable practices. She is passionate about citizen science, zero-waste projects, and action-based research. When she's not here you can find her running trails and picking mandolin.
Elijah Edwards is kicking off his second year as an part of the GAP team! Elijah grew up living in Virginia, Florida, New York, and the Bahamas. As an educator, Elijah fosters curiosity, enthusiasm, and wonder—especially when it comes to reading, writing, and nature! He earned his B.A. in English and Creative Writing at Hampden-Sydney College. He also studied literature abroad at Oxford, led outdoor nature programs in the Outer Banks, and interned with NatGeo to learn community-focused, place-based storytelling. During college, Elijah coached public speaking, diverse genres of writing, and creative projects. He adores the process of helping students gain the skillsets and hands-on experience needed to explore their passions. To encounter Elijah in the wild, look for him birding, kayaking the Rivanna, reading poetry in a dappled glade, or exploring the world with his partner.
Sapna Amin loves to learn. She comes from the beautiful forests and caves of Missouri and is so excited explore the mountains and coasts of Virginia. Sapna has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a sustainability certificate from the University of Missouri. She is a first year teacher, who fosters a welcoming learning environment full of curiosity, kindness, and creativity. Sapna feels deeply connected to the environment and loves spending time in nature. She leads with love and seeks understanding. They love to share their passion for nature and learning with the wonderful children they work with. Sapna is eager to spend time in the Virginia outdoors and share their knowledge with their 1st and 2nd grade students.
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. Furn is excited to continue working with the Silver Flock at GAP School.
Emily Kubeshesky Emily is entering her fifth year as a GAP educator! Emily grew up in the state of Michigan and moved to Virginia in 2021 after falling in love with the Appalachian mountains. She works with our Kindergarten and first grade learners and specializes in English Language Arts. Emily loves to use gamification while teaching to make learning fun and memorable. With a background in dance and yoga, Emily incorporates movement and enthusiasm into daily routines and practices. Some of Emily's favorite things are mashed potatoes, summer camp, listening to music, yoga, nature walks, cooking, and reading.
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. This will be Rachel's fifth year at GAP School!
Ryan Rothenberg has spent his life exploring and learning from the hills, forests, streams, and meadows of Charlottesville. Ryan attended Alderleaf College in Oregon. Ryans unique background of permaculture skills, traditional technologies, and the inner workings of Triple C Camp make him the perfect GAP School Projects Educator. Ryan loves to build, create, explore, and problem solve.
Virginia Gary is so excited to be back at GAP this year! She is a Charlottesville native who graduated with her Master’s in Elementary Education from UVA in 2022. She spent two years teaching first grade in Louisa County. Outside of teaching, she loves to sing and is a member of the Oratorio Society of Virginia, a community choir. She also loves playing and hiking with her dog, Birdie! Virginia will be spending most of her time with the Yellow Flock this year, teaching math & science.
Janelle Murray first joined the GAP family as a parent, now as an Educator Janelle is excited to work with all GAP learners as the social emotional learning educator. 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, executive functioning, and social skills. Her nature-based approach is rooted in kindness and compassion, a perfect fit for GAP!
