The teachers at Appletree School favor an experiential, hands-on approach to teaching preschool, believing that this is the best way to meet the needs of body, mind and spirit.
Appletree's child-centered program is built by our experienced teachers
to fit the ever-changing developmental, emotional, and academic needs of our students. We have the gift of our outdoor classrooms, as well as bright and engaging indoor learning spaces.
Our independent status invites creativity and joy into our curriculum, allowing us to focus on the arts, science, literacy, math and the whole child through a play and nature based curriculum.
Our independent status invites creativity and joy into our curriculum, allowing us to focus on the arts, science, literacy, math and the whole child through a play and nature based curriculum.
Pamela (She/Her/Hers) - Appletree Founder
Pamela grew up on a family run dairy farm in Kittery, Maine. She often shares stories of life growing up in a Swedish family of 9 children; 7 brothers and 1 sister. She learned early on how the head, heart and hand together help to form the whole child. Pamela's happy childhood memories help to supply her with a fountain of energy and joy that bubbles continuously.As a child care provider since 1988, Pamela laid the foundation for a nature based program that brings learning and discovery along with adventurous fun.
Her deep farming roots are an integral part of the basis of Appletree School. Due to her own farming experience, she promotes opportunities that engage young people in outdoor activities and raises awareness about local farming and the natural world around us. Additionally, Pamela's ingenuity and resourcefulness are coupled with a sense of play and enthusiasm which she brings to her interactions with both children, parents and staff.
Pamela enjoys family time with her two grown daughters, spending time in downeast Maine, tending gardens and hard work. She is very proud of Appletree School!.
Pamela enjoys family time with her two grown daughters, spending time in downeast Maine, tending gardens and hard work. She is very proud of Appletree School!.
Carrie (She/Her/Hers) - Director
Carrie has over 40 years of early childhood experience. Starting her career at The Children’s Museum, Carrie continued her work at The University of Southern Maine and University of New England as both Head Teacher and college instructor to student teachers. Carrie has taught in a variety of settings from the Head Start classroom to Parent Cooperatives.
Carrie is both a teacher and a student. Carrie works with children and families in the spirit of the "Reggio" Way, respecting and nurturing their interests. She listens, reflects and uses the environment as a tool for teaching and lengthening a child's natural curiosity.
Carrie believes Appletree School is the ideal school for both the teacher and young children. It is here that children will be surrounded by beauty and new experiences. The physical setting naturally peaks the imagination and wonder in Maine seasons and love of the outdoors. The outdoor educational environment is important to Carrie, where she is able to foster the love of nature, learning and building healthy character and relationships with young children.
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Amy (She/Her/Hers) - Assistant Director
Amy has been a teacher at Appletree School since 2003. Growing up in Freeport, she spent many years working with children in the community and decided to focus on early childhood education, graduating with an Early Childhood Degree.
Amy loves being part of the multi aged program that Appletree offers. She believes the multi aged classroom helps nurture childrens flexibility, social emotional development and friendships. She also loves the philosophy of having the outdoor classroom accessible for children to explore in, create in and work in. The outdoor setting and natural environment at Appletree brings so much curiosity and wonder to young children.
Amy loves being part of the multi aged program that Appletree offers. She believes the multi aged classroom helps nurture childrens flexibility, social emotional development and friendships. She also loves the philosophy of having the outdoor classroom accessible for children to explore in, create in and work in. The outdoor setting and natural environment at Appletree brings so much curiosity and wonder to young children.
Amy brings Spanish into the curriculum as well as mixing literacy with cooking and exploring recipes with our "Cooking with a Book” days. She believes immersing children in rich learning experiences is important in early childhood. Amy lives in Portland with her husband Geoff and their 2 children Caleb and Chloe, who attended Appletree School through their preschool years.
Nikki (She/Her/Hers)
Nikki grew up in New Hampshire and moved to the Portland area 8 years ago. She graduated from Keene State College with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and Antioch University with a certificate as an Autism specialist. Nikki has been a dedicated preschool teacher since high school and has a heart full of warmth and compassion. With two energetic boys of her own, she brings a deep understanding of child development to the classroom.
Nikki has always enjoyed the outdoors. Her absolute favorite places to be are at the beach with her boys or at her family camp in the White Mountains. She enjoys hiking, biking, camping and exploring all the wonderful landmarks. Nikki is very excited to be working within the Appletree community where she can continue to grow and learn as an educator!
Colleen (She/Her/Hers)
Colleen joins the Appletree team bringing over 20 years of experience working with children. She has spent 12 years teaching in a variety of educational settings including Montessori, place and project-based, and traditional schools. She played a key role in founding a place and project-based school in Colorado. Most recently Colleen has worked with families in the Cape Elizabeth community. Many of the children she has cared for are Appletree graduates.
Colleen earned a master’s degree through Lesley University, where she was part of the Ecological Teaching and Learning program, a study focused on connecting
students with their natural environment and their local communities. This experience deepened her understanding of how meaningful place-based learning can shape a child’s sense of self and belonging. She is excited to join Appletree where her background in place-based education complements the schools focus on growth, discovery, and curiosity in an outdoor, play-based environment.
Outside of work, Colleen enjoys spending time with her husband, Zach, and their son, Ollie, gardening, biking, and taking advantage of the many outdoor activities that Maine has to offer.
students with their natural environment and their local communities. This experience deepened her understanding of how meaningful place-based learning can shape a child’s sense of self and belonging. She is excited to join Appletree where her background in place-based education complements the schools focus on growth, discovery, and curiosity in an outdoor, play-based environment.
Outside of work, Colleen enjoys spending time with her husband, Zach, and their son, Ollie, gardening, biking, and taking advantage of the many outdoor activities that Maine has to offer.
Phyllis (She/Her/Hers)
Phyllis is from the Passamaquoddy Reservation in Indian Township, Maine, and has a strong connection to the land and its cultural heritage. After studying at the University of Maine in Orono, Phyllis taught at the Leadership School with Kieve-Wavus Education in Midcoast Maine, where she focused on outdoor education and social and emotional learning. She also spent four summers as an art director and teacher in Southampton, NY, where she fostered creativity and expression in campers.
Phyllis is a dedicated educator who brings a deep appreciation for nature and wildlife into the classroom. She believes that working with children offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with our inner child, reminding us of the pure, authentic human experiences we once had. With a passion for both art and nature, Phyllis is committed to helping young learners explore and grow in ways that are both fun and meaningful.
Jessie (She/Her/Hers)
Jessie grew up in rural Vermont and spent her childhood playing in nature and hiking all over New England (including in Acadia National Park- one of her favorite places!).
Jessie earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Vermont, where she studied Communication Sciences and Disorders as well as Special Education. Since graduating, she has worked in various schools and summer camps in Vermont, with children ages 3-12. She believes that compassion and patience are key when working with children, and
Jessie earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Vermont, where she studied Communication Sciences and Disorders as well as Special Education. Since graduating, she has worked in various schools and summer camps in Vermont, with children ages 3-12. She believes that compassion and patience are key when working with children, and
loves to see their personalities grow and expand over the school year as they get comfortable and gain confidence. She also appreciates the way that nature supports children's emotional well-being and creativity, and is looking forward to helping cultivate the relationship between the children and nature. She enjoyes being immersed in nature at Appletree, and especially looks forward to snowy days!
Ronan (They/Them/Theirs)
Ronan is a creative, theater maker, and lover of learning based in Portland, Maine. They grew up in midcoast Maine: often exploring the coastline and engaging playfully with the outdoors by building fairyhouses or creating new games. Raised by a literacy educator, Ronan found their voice in storytelling at an early age through reading, writing, and soon enough, theater. Ronan has been a part of the greater Portland theater community since 2023 and most recently has found themself in works based in nature that center community and self expression both in subject matter and production.
Theater is the foundation of empathy that guides Ronan’s work with children. They believe that storytelling through play is integral to childrens’ unique expression. Ronan is excited to join a group of educators that feel strongly about letting children experience the world in whatever ways feel imaginative, curious, and true to themselves. They hope to gain insight into the ways that nature can ground and challenge us; and know that the outdoors are a great avenue for all kinds of learning!
Melinda (She/Her/Hers)
Melinda grew up in the Pacific Northwest, where a love for the outdoors and a creative spirit were nurtured from an early age. With degrees in both Art & Design and Woodworking & Furniture Design, she brings a rich background in hands-on, creative exploration to her teaching.
She enjoys bringing a childlike sense of wonder into her work, encouraging curiosity, confidence, and connection. Melinda creates a warm, welcoming environment where children feel safe to follow their interests, discover their voices, and grow through play and exploration.
She enjoys bringing a childlike sense of wonder into her work, encouraging curiosity, confidence, and connection. Melinda creates a warm, welcoming environment where children feel safe to follow their interests, discover their voices, and grow through play and exploration.
Grounded in a deep commitment to family, friendship, and community, she believes that learning happens best when children are supported, heard, and free to explore the beauty of the world around them. Just as with her own daughter, she wants to see children discover their own voices and find joy in their natural curiosity.
Sara (She/Her/Hers)
Sara is often your first point of contact, and she welcomes your inquiries. As a parent to three adult Appletree alumni and a former teaching assistant, Sara holds a deep connection to the school. Her children still credit much of their love of nature to the years spent in the outdoor spaces at Appletree.
Sara believes in collaboration, openness and thoughtful observation as the base to building a solid community of teachers, young learners and family members. She has a heartfelt connection to the ocean in all sesons, enjoys cooking for others and growing a wild and adventurous garden during our spectacular Maine summers.
Sara believes in collaboration, openness and thoughtful observation as the base to building a solid community of teachers, young learners and family members. She has a heartfelt connection to the ocean in all sesons, enjoys cooking for others and growing a wild and adventurous garden during our spectacular Maine summers.