Ms. Nicole

Lead Teacher/Center Director

Nicole brings a great deal of experience and positive energy to her role as Gale River's Director and Lead Teacher. She focuses on meeting her students where they are and helping them to grow. Nicole is passionate about play and about children spending time in nature. Both a parent of two Gale River Preschool alumni, and the previous President of the Board, Nicole intimately knows and cares deeply about the school. Nicole holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and is working toward a Masters in Early Childhood Education. Nicole has also worked as a private childcare provider and is NH ECE credentialed.  

Ms. Olivia

Associate Teacher

Olivia brings an upbeat, positive attitude and a love of learning to Gale River Cooperative Preschool. Her Bachelor’s Degree in therapeutic recreation from Utica College has helped her to think outside of the box when it comes to learning. She has experience individualizing goals for each child through her work in equine therapy and applied behavior analysis. Her passion for recreational activities only increased during her time at Copper Cannon Camp, where she saw tremendous growth each week using recreation, team building activities, positive social interactions and much more. She is currently working towards a NH ECE credential. Outside of GRCP, Olivia spends her time reading, snuggling with her cat Jacob, and coaching basketball and field hockey.

Ms. Crystal

Lead Teacher

Crystal brings a deep appreciation for the magic of early childhood and a love for the Gale River experience to her role as the 4 and 5 year old teacher. In 2005, Crystal joined a like minded group of parents to found Gale River Cooperative School. She served on the GRCP board until becoming the lead teacher and eventually the director. In her 7 years at GRCP she worked to create a rich exploratory program with a focus on play, connections to nature and community. Following her time at Gale River Crystal taught at Woodland Community School for three years. Crystal returns to Gale River hoping to share her special interests in early literacy and math, social emotional learning, STEM and art to the outdoor classroom. Crystal studied education at Castleton University and early childhood education at WMCC and is NH ECE credentialed.

Ms. Emma

Naturalist/Assistant Teacher

Emma is passionate about introducing children to the natural world and creating opportunities for exploration and growth. She is thrilled to continue her work as an environmental educator at Gale River Cooperative Preschool. Emma grew up on the North Shore of Massachusetts and she holds a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies and English from St. Lawrence University. She fell in love with the White Mountain Region while working in the Appalachian Mountain Club's Hut System and is excited to join the local community. Emma has worked with children while interning at a Waldorf preschool, as a Naturalist in the AMC huts, and as the Education and Outreach Assistant at Green Mountain Conservation Group. She loves to spend her free time outdoors and enjoys baking, knitting and games. 

Ms. Kesley

Assistant Teacher

Kesley is from the small town of Sugar Hill. She graduated from Profile High School in spring of 2020 and is currently working towards her Associates Degree in Health Science at White Mountains Community College. Studying from home and online has opened up a wonderful opportunity for Kesley to also join the team of teachers at GRCP. She loves to learn and engage with the students and  her colleagues. While she has worked with many children in our community during school events and in-family babysitting, it is through her time at Gale River that she found a passion working with children in the outdoors. She loves to spend her free time baking, walking, exploring the outdoors, and enjoying time with family and friends.