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Lauren Samuels is thrilled to join the GAP community this year! 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.
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.
Luke Ritter is an educator who, throughout three years in the field, has done a little bit of everything. From teaching middle school English to designing film and woodworking electives, to serving as a campus caretaker, he has loved discovering more and more about what makes schools tick and how students best develop and learn. Having recently graduated from UVA with a Master’s in Teaching, he is incredibly excited to start this new chapter in his career by accompanying students in the same kind of outdoor, place-based educational experiences he loved as a young learner. Beyond the classroom, you’d find Luke either building or playing various stringed instruments, kayaking the Rivanna river in search of rope swings, or unsuccessfully attempting to parent his cat Cricket (tips welcome!).
Elijah Edwards is a first-year Educator and excited to be part of the 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.
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. Corrie is looking forward to another year with the Emerald Flock.
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 fourth 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. This is Ryans fourth year at GAP.
Virginia Gary is so excited to be joining the GAP Team 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 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!
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920 Camp Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902
