DIRECTOR, ACRES OF FUN

With over 20 years of experience in early education, degrees in both Early Childhood Education and Business Management, and certification as a Red Cross Instructor, I’m passionate about creating a safe, nurturing environment where children can explore, grow, and thrive. My greatest joy is supporting families and teachers while inspiring children to develop a lifelong love of learning.

goodpickinliz@gmail.com

LEAD TEACHER, SUNSHINE CLASS, ACRES OF FUN

I take an individualized approach to learning, focusing on each child’s interests while building independence and self-help skills. In my free time, I love hiking, kayaking, spending time with the goats, and writing poetry—and I’m excited to use our beautiful farm trails and resources to create a magical learning experience for all our children this year!

TEACHER, SUNSHINE CLASS, ACRES OF FUN

Im grateful to be a part of the Acres of Fun family. I am a lover of nature, dance, psychology and any holistic or naturalistic approaches to life. Becoming a mother inspired me to hone my focus on working with children. I have experience in outdoor and child led play with children as well as having worked in a clinical setting with children as a Behavioral Therapist. I look forward to seeing all that we can learn together on this journey!

TEACHER, SUNSHINE CLASS, ACRES OF FUN

I’m thrilled to be starting my first year at Acres of Fun! I’m excited to get to know each of the children and help make this a fun, engaging school year. Outside of teaching, I love caring for my many pets—including a cat named Boo, a crested gecko named Cannoli, two bunnies named Simba and Jiggy, and two frogs named Pistachio and Kukui.

LEAD TEACHER, ACORN CLASS, ACRES OF FUN

My journey in early childhood education began in high school, and I’ve loved working with all age groups while creating a warm, safe space for children to play and thrive. As a mom of two, I look forward to getting to know your family and supporting your child’s growth this year.

TEACHER, ACORN CLASS, ACRES OF FUN

I joined the Acres family last year and I am excited to return for my first full school year! My passions revolve around all things nature, whether it’s hiking, camping, kayaking, or bringing out my camera to photograph wildlife. I have always dreamed of working outdoors, and after spending a year working for Disney as a Photographer, I also developed a passion for working with kids. When I found Good Pickin’ Farm, I knew this type of education would be a great fit. This year, I am eager to integrate my passions and share my experiences to not only help our students grow but to truly learn from what nature can offer them!

TEACHER, ACRES OF FUN

After a 30-year career as a SPED assistant I am now loving watching children’s excitement as they learn and grow, especially in a nature-rich environment. My husband and I raised our four children on a small farm in Shirley, MA, and now enjoy sharing our love of animals and the outdoors with our grandchildren.

DIRECTOR, FARM TO FOREST

I’m a certified Early Intervention therapist with a BA in Child Development and over 20 years of experience working with children and families in schools, preschools, and wilderness programs. I’m passionate about creating experiences that spark curiosity and creativity, while supporting children at their own pace. I believe nature offers powerful therapeutic benefits, and I’m excited to bring that philosophy to Farm to Forest.

michelle.farmtoforest@gmail.com

DIRECTOR, WILD & WISE

I have spent most of my life involved in the outdoors in some way - maple sugaring as a kid, hand building a log cabin, working at farms and nurseries, and finally here managing the greenhouse, vegetable, herb and flower gardens. You can find me equally at home with plants, animals, and power tools. I enjoy keeping the new farm shop stocked with fresh produce and always jump at the chance to collaborate with the kids on garden related projects and learning. I am excited to be teaching Wild & Wise, bringing children in contact with nature and environmental education through hands-on experiences. You can often find me fixing gates, munching tomatoes, and snuggling the sheep.

CURRICULUM DIRECTOR

I’m an experienced teacher and concert pianist with a background in music, dance, and theater, including running my own children’s performing arts school. At Good Pickin’ Farm, I love teaching academic skills through the arts—singing, movement, painting, and theater—while nurturing each child’s unique talents and passions. I live on a lake in Lunenburg with my golden retriever Kenzie, and you’ll often see us both out and about on the farm!

TEACHER, APPLE SHED ACADEMY

I grew up in Acton, and got my degree in Psychology with minors in Philosophy and Education from Ithaca College. I’ve been at Good Pickin’ since 2020 and I love it! When I’m not at the farm I’m usually hiking with my golden retriever Wesley!

MUSIC INTEGRATION TEACHER, APPLE SHED ACADEMY & ACRES OF FUN

I am a music and movement specialist with 13 years of public school experience teaching students in grades K–8. I love inspiring and centering student creativity in my work. I have dreamed about working in an arts-integrated setting for years, and I can’t wait to help students discover connections between themselves, the arts, and the world. I have a fierce passion for inclusion, and my interests include adaptive instrument education for people with physical disabilities and learning about neurodivergence. I hold a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of New Hampshire, a Master’s in Music Education with Kodály Emphasis from Holy Names University, and Orff-Schulwerk Certification from George Mason University.

ARTS INTEGRATION TEACHER, APPLE SHED ACADEMY

I’m an artist and art educator with experience teaching all ages, both in classrooms and museum galleries. Working primarily in oil paint and pastels, I draw inspiration from history, nature, and the people around me — often turning to a personal collection of black-and-white family photographs as inspiration for new work. While my references may sometimes be black and white, I love to capture color and emotion. My hope is to inspire young artists to learn about art history, create from their hearts, and observe the beauty in the world around them. 

ELA TEACHER, APPLE SHED ACADEMY

I’ve been teaching at the farm since 2023 and I’m always excited to meet new students and reconnect with returning friends. I grew up in New York and have been in Massachusetts for 20 years, with over 25 years of experience teaching literature and writing—from college to elementary students. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, baking, gardening, reading, and spending time on my lake with family and friends.

CERTIFIED ORTON-GILLINGHAM PRACTITIONER

Hi! I'm a local mom, a certified PreK–3rd grade teacher, and a passionate literacy educator with more than 15 years of experience as both a classroom teacher and reading interventionist.

I hold a Master's degree in Literacy Curriculum and Instruction and am a Certified Orton-Gillingham Practitioner as well as a CERI Certified Structured Literacy/Dyslexia Interventionist. I specialize in helping young learners build strong reading and writing skills through evidence-based, individualized instruction.

I offer sessions at the Apple Shed Academy and am happy to provide excellent credentials and references upon request.

Emily’s Website

AFTER SCHOOL ADVENTURES TEACHER, MOOTILDA/MOOLISSA BUS DRIVER

I grew up in Georgia and went to school in Ohio, where I majored in Environmental Science. I love using the megaphone here at the farm, spending time with the animals, and enjoying every moment with the children. I also embrace being a “Jill of all trades” around the farm—being outside in the sun, chatting with the kids on the bus, and, of course, getting to moo Mootilda. I’m excited to spend time with the children during the after school program and make each day fun and memorable!

liz.goodpickin@gmail.com

FOUNDER, ADMINISTRATION

I’m one of the founders of Good Pickin’ Farm. I studied painting and photography in Syracuse and spent 15 years as a wedding and portrait photographer before following my dream of having my own farm. Today, I’m living that dream—raising goats, caring for five dogs, two cats, and three kids—and I absolutely love creating a place where children and families can connect with nature, animals, and each other.

goodpickinfarm@gmail.com