Meet the Educators
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Jenna Hull
Founder, Executive Director Jenna has worked in early childhood education, as both a teacher and director, for the last 17 years. She holds a bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Lesley University and a master’s degree in educational psychology and early literacy with a specialization in the Reggio Emilia approach from the University of Colorado, Denver. While obtaining her Master's degree, Jenna worked and studied the Reggio Emilia approach extensively at the Boulder Journey School in Boulder, CO. Jenna has experience teaching all ages within the early childhood sphere, from infancy through second grade, and appreciates the many wonders of each age group. Her particular passions in teaching lie in the co-construction of curriculum with children and families |
discovering children’s interests and facilitating their research is the major reason she has made teaching her career. She focuses on parental engagement and involvement within the classroom structure and is passionate about advocating for children’s capabilities and rights as citizens.
Most recently she has focused on developing educator professional developments and opened and run local preschools and after-school programs in the area. Jenna was the founder of Fawn Children's Group in Bedford, MA and was a co-founder and educator at Woodland Nursery School in Carlisle, MA.
Her passion for fostering children and families’ relationships with nature has led her to partner with Clark Organic Farm and all of the amazing educators you see here to create Community Farm School in Carlisle, Massachusetts. Jenna truly believes that an ideal school setting is created when you work in harmony with the land you’re on and with the collaboration of educators, community, and children.
In her time outside the “classroom”, Jenna enjoys gardening, reading, knitting, and spending time on her “hobby farm” with her seven year old son, husband, multiple dogs, cats, and pet goats.
Her passion for fostering children and families’ relationships with nature has led her to partner with Clark Organic Farm and all of the amazing educators you see here to create Community Farm School in Carlisle, Massachusetts. Jenna truly believes that an ideal school setting is created when you work in harmony with the land you’re on and with the collaboration of educators, community, and children.
In her time outside the “classroom”, Jenna enjoys gardening, reading, knitting, and spending time on her “hobby farm” with her seven year old son, husband, multiple dogs, cats, and pet goats.
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Mary Liz Veling
Farm Director & Educator Mary Liz Veling is Community Farm School’s Farm Director and agricultural curriculum coordinator. With thirteen years of farming experience and a deep background in organic agriculture, Mary Liz brings a wealth of practical knowledge, curiosity, and care to the school’s farm- and nature-based curriculum. Before joining the CFS faculty, Mary Liz spent nine years as Assistant Manager of Clark Organic Farm, where she helped care for the land, grow food and flowers, and create meaningful opportunities for the community to connect with local agriculture. |
She continues to serve as Clark Organic Farm’s Flower Manager. Mary Liz played an integral role in launching Community Farm School at the farm in 2023 and has had her heart in our growth and her hands in the soil since our inception.
Mary Liz is passionate about bringing her love of agriculture into partnership with educators, children, and families. She delights in sharing the knowledge she has developed through years of working closely with the land while remaining open to the questions, discoveries, and new perspectives children bring to every experience.
She believes some of the most meaningful learning happens when children are trusted to participate in the real work of a farm—planting seeds, tending gardens, caring for animals, harvesting food, observing seasonal changes, and contributing to the care of their community.
As Farm Director, Mary Liz weaves agriculture into the daily life of the school through seasonal curriculum, greenhouse education, garden work, food exploration, animal care, and daily farm stewardship. Through these experiences, she helps children understand where food comes from, recognize the connections among living systems, and experience the joy and responsibility of caring for the land together.
Mary Liz is also the parent of a current CFS student and a CFS alum, giving her a deeply personal connection to the school and its community. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and camping with her family.
Mary Liz is passionate about bringing her love of agriculture into partnership with educators, children, and families. She delights in sharing the knowledge she has developed through years of working closely with the land while remaining open to the questions, discoveries, and new perspectives children bring to every experience.
She believes some of the most meaningful learning happens when children are trusted to participate in the real work of a farm—planting seeds, tending gardens, caring for animals, harvesting food, observing seasonal changes, and contributing to the care of their community.
As Farm Director, Mary Liz weaves agriculture into the daily life of the school through seasonal curriculum, greenhouse education, garden work, food exploration, animal care, and daily farm stewardship. Through these experiences, she helps children understand where food comes from, recognize the connections among living systems, and experience the joy and responsibility of caring for the land together.
Mary Liz is also the parent of a current CFS student and a CFS alum, giving her a deeply personal connection to the school and its community. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and camping with her family.
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Liz Briody
Co-Educator, Pines Classroom Liz brings almost 20 years of experience in elementary education and a passion for hands-on, inquiry-based learning. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Merrimack College and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Lesley University. At her previous school, Liz created and implemented a comprehensive STEM curriculum for students in grades K through five. She is excited to work with younger learners, whom she believes are natural scientists and engineers. Liz loved connecting with PreK learners during lunch and recess over the years, before welcoming them into her STEM program as kindergartners. Her commitment to |
early childhood education was deeply influenced by her own children’s experience at an outdoor farm preschool—an inspiring and magical time during which they grew into kind, empathetic, and capable young students.
Liz is thrilled to bring her background in STEM and her love of nature-based learning to the Community Farm School. She’s happiest when outside (as long as she has the right gear!) and proudly claims she never says, “It’s too hot out!” Liz lives in Bedford with her husband, Chris; their children, Poppy (almost 13) and Harry (almost 11); and their sheepadoodle, Otto (almost 5). When she’s not teaching, she enjoys reading, gardening, and especially baking for friends and family. Her passion for baking even led to a side hustle called Petite Mama’s Sweets!—a name lovingly chosen by her mom and kids. Liz earned her black belt in karate last year and enjoys practicing self-defense with Poppy and Harry, who are also black belts. As a family, they enjoy swimming, playing pickleball, and taking walks with Otto.
Liz is thrilled to bring her background in STEM and her love of nature-based learning to the Community Farm School. She’s happiest when outside (as long as she has the right gear!) and proudly claims she never says, “It’s too hot out!” Liz lives in Bedford with her husband, Chris; their children, Poppy (almost 13) and Harry (almost 11); and their sheepadoodle, Otto (almost 5). When she’s not teaching, she enjoys reading, gardening, and especially baking for friends and family. Her passion for baking even led to a side hustle called Petite Mama’s Sweets!—a name lovingly chosen by her mom and kids. Liz earned her black belt in karate last year and enjoys practicing self-defense with Poppy and Harry, who are also black belts. As a family, they enjoy swimming, playing pickleball, and taking walks with Otto.
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Emily Shephardson
Co-Educator, Daylilies Classroom Emily has been an early childhood educator for more than 15 years and brings warmth, creativity, and a deep respect for children’s ideas to her work. She has spent the past six years teaching in Reggio Emilia–inspired learning environments, where children’s curiosity, relationships, and natural desire to explore guide the learning process. Emily began her studies at a local technical high school, focusing on nursing and child psychology. She is currently continuing her education by pursuing a degree in elementary education at a local college. Her background has shaped her thoughtful, whole-child approach and her commitment to nurturing each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. |
She believes children learn best when educators listen closely, build upon their questions, and provide meaningful opportunities for discovery. She thoughtfully scaffolds children’s wonder and curiosity, helping them develop new skills while remaining confident and joyful participants in their own learning. She especially enjoys creating rich experiences through sensory exploration, cooking, art, nature, and open-ended loose-parts play—all of which invite children to experiment, collaborate, imagine, and create.
A lifelong learner herself, Emily loves discovering new things, particularly about cultures, traditions, and the many ways families experience the world. She is proud of her Swedish heritage and looks forward to sharing Swedish words, phrases, songs, and traditions with the children and families of Community Farm School.
Outside of the classroom, Emily enjoys tending to plants in her greenhouse, exploring thrift stores with friends, listening to great music, researching true crime and unsolved mysteries, traveling near and far, crafting in just about every form, and spending time in nature. Most of all, she treasures time with her girlfriend, Sam, her family, and her dog, Lucy.
A lifelong learner herself, Emily loves discovering new things, particularly about cultures, traditions, and the many ways families experience the world. She is proud of her Swedish heritage and looks forward to sharing Swedish words, phrases, songs, and traditions with the children and families of Community Farm School.
Outside of the classroom, Emily enjoys tending to plants in her greenhouse, exploring thrift stores with friends, listening to great music, researching true crime and unsolved mysteries, traveling near and far, crafting in just about every form, and spending time in nature. Most of all, she treasures time with her girlfriend, Sam, her family, and her dog, Lucy.
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Karen Cowan
Co-Educator, Pines Classroom Karen has been teaching preschool-aged children for nearly a decade. Her passion for early childhood education began when she became a mother and deepened as she watched her own children learn through play—first at home and later in their emergent-focused preschool. Inspired by these experiences, she pursued her Master of Education in Early Childhood Education at Lesley University, following her Bachelor of Arts from Brandeis University. One of Karen’s greatest teaching passions lies in the co-construction of inquiry-based curriculum. An astute observer of children, she shows deep respect for their voices and interests by creating curriculum that grows directly from their natural curiosities and wonderings. She believes in honoring what children bring to the |
classroom and enriching their learning through experiences rooted in what already excites and engages them.
Karen is dedicated to fostering play-based learning, encouraging children’s natural exploration of the world around them, and building strong, trusting relationships with both children and their families.
Outside the classroom, Karen enjoys spending time with her husband, their two children, and their cat. She also loves running, swimming, and gardening.
Karen is dedicated to fostering play-based learning, encouraging children’s natural exploration of the world around them, and building strong, trusting relationships with both children and their families.
Outside the classroom, Karen enjoys spending time with her husband, their two children, and their cat. She also loves running, swimming, and gardening.
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Rebecca Hagopian
Co-Educator, Pines Classroom Rebecca has worked in classrooms as a speech and language pathologist with preschool and elementary aged children for more than 12 years. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Sargent College at Boston University and her Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Emerson College. Through her teaching experiences and professional development course work, Rebecca brings a wealth of knowledge in speech sound development, phonological awareness, language development and social communication. She values interweaving the natural environment and a child’s interest to promote language and social emotional development. |
While in the classroom, Rebecca finds inspiration in utilizing the sensory richness and diversity of a nature based setting to create meaningful, authentic, and engaging learning opportunities to enhance the complexity of a child’s language and development. She values the open-ended, dynamic objects found in nature for their ability to organically promote an inclusive setting that allows children at different language and developmental stages to create shared experiences and build community.
In her free time, Rebecca enjoys hiking, skiing and exploring with her three school-aged children and husband, reading and sipping hot, though usually just warm, cups of coffee.
In her free time, Rebecca enjoys hiking, skiing and exploring with her three school-aged children and husband, reading and sipping hot, though usually just warm, cups of coffee.
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Karen Paskiewicz
Co-Educator, Maples Classroom Karen Paskiewicz has worked in the field of early childhood education for more than 25 years as both a teacher and program administrator. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Westbrook College in Maine and her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of New England. Karen has worked with children of all ages from infancy through kindergarten, which has allowed her to build her deep understanding of childhood development. Her teaching philosophy is grounded on the educational philosophies around relationships, social learning, and play-based curriculum. |
The teachings of the Reggio Emilia Approach and Magda Gerber have shaped who she is as an educator, holding strong values of responsive caregiving and the rights of every child.
Her past administrative roles have offered invaluable opportunities to foster her collaborative skills while working with colleagues, parents and local area educators. Within these roles she has developed a commitment to the importance of partnership within every interaction.
During her time as both an educator and administrator at the Infant Toddler Children’s Center in Acton, Karen experienced the value of nature in early education. She saw children thrive while outside in a supportive environment that fosters a love of nature. An expert in the field, Karen has spent recent years sharing her knowledge and experiences by developing and presenting professional developments to area educators.
In her personal time, Karen enjoys spending time with her two daughters, husband and dog, going for walks and enjoying some leisurely time relaxing with her loved ones.
Her past administrative roles have offered invaluable opportunities to foster her collaborative skills while working with colleagues, parents and local area educators. Within these roles she has developed a commitment to the importance of partnership within every interaction.
During her time as both an educator and administrator at the Infant Toddler Children’s Center in Acton, Karen experienced the value of nature in early education. She saw children thrive while outside in a supportive environment that fosters a love of nature. An expert in the field, Karen has spent recent years sharing her knowledge and experiences by developing and presenting professional developments to area educators.
In her personal time, Karen enjoys spending time with her two daughters, husband and dog, going for walks and enjoying some leisurely time relaxing with her loved ones.
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Nicole Morrison
Co-Educator, Maples Classroom Nicole has been in the Early Childhood Education field for over fifteen years and has been fortunate enough to have extensive work experience in the Reggio Emilia approach. Through her experience as a former Preschool Program Coordinator and Lead Teacher at a local non-profit center, Nicole has grown to respect and embrace the Reggio Emilia approach and Constructivist theory. She has an inspirational expertise of developing emergent curriculum in partnership with her students, which allows children to learn through their life experiences, play, and interests, being true protagonists in their learning. |
Nicole recognizes and honors each child’s interests by cultivating a thoughtfully age-appropriate curriculum, which is then captured through observation and documentation. She believes the home-school connection is a crucial aspect of all children’s educational experiences, and fosters this crucial connection through partnerships and collaboration with the families she works with. She believes these relationships are essential to the success of a child’s development and an important component of a holistic approach to education.
Nicole has earned her Master of Science in Care and Education in Early Childhood Settings and completed coursework allowing her to become Director II certified by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). In addition, Nicole is a certified children’s yoga instructor and cannot wait to practice some poses with all the little yogis!
When Nicole is not learning alongside children in a school setting, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, husband, and two wild yet lovable cattle dogs. She enjoys camping, hiking, gardening, yoga, and of course, some quality lounging time when the opportunity presents itself.
Nicole has earned her Master of Science in Care and Education in Early Childhood Settings and completed coursework allowing her to become Director II certified by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). In addition, Nicole is a certified children’s yoga instructor and cannot wait to practice some poses with all the little yogis!
When Nicole is not learning alongside children in a school setting, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, husband, and two wild yet lovable cattle dogs. She enjoys camping, hiking, gardening, yoga, and of course, some quality lounging time when the opportunity presents itself.
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Meg Nero
Co-Educator, Daylilies Classroom Meg's passion for early childhood education began in high school when she first stepped into a preschool classroom. This passion led her to Tufts University, where she pursued a degree in Child Study and Human Development. During her time at University, she interned at a Reggio-inspired children’s center in her hometown of Acton, MA. After graduating, Meg returned to the same center as a full-time teacher, dedicating nearly a decade to nurturing and educating children. Her experience spans from working with preschool and school-age children to focusing on infants and toddlers. Meg believes deeply in the power of relationships in a child’s education, recognizing how vital connections are in fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment. Her commitment to this philosophy has shaped her approach to teaching and caring for young children. |
Outside of her professional life, Meg enjoys a peaceful and active lifestyle. She shares her home with her boyfriend and their beloved dog, and much of her free time is spent walking with her canine companion. She also finds joy in reading, running, and visiting family. As she embarks on her journey at Community Farm School, Meg is excited to bring her experience, enthusiasm, and dedication to this new chapter in her career.
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Julyana Porto
After School Program Co-Educator Originally from Brazil, Julyana Porto has lived in the United States for more than a decade and now resides in Acton, Massachusetts, with her partner and their two dogs. Her career in early childhood education has given her the opportunity to support the field from several perspectives—as a nanny, classroom teacher, and advocate for early educators and program leaders. Julyana’s classroom experience includes working at a Reggio Emilia–inspired cooperative preschool, where she began as a float teacher before becoming a full-time infant and toddler educator. Working closely with the school’s youngest children shaped her understanding of early development and taught her to notice and respond to the many ways infants and toddlers communicate, build trust, test ideas, and make sense of their surroundings. |
She developed a particular appreciation for the role of unhurried play, consistent caregiving, and carefully prepared spaces in helping school-aged children feel secure enough to explore.
Most recently, Julyana worked with Neighborhood Villages, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening early childhood education and advocating for its workforce. There, she helped teachers and center leaders connect with resources and professional supports that enabled them to grow in their roles. This experience expanded her perspective beyond the classroom and reinforced her belief that excellent early education depends on educators who are respected, supported, and given meaningful opportunities to develop professionally.
Julyana brings a warm, grounded presence and a broad understanding of the early childhood field to her work. She values strong partnerships with families, careful observation, and the everyday moments through which children develop confidence, relationships, and a growing understanding of themselves and their world.
Most recently, Julyana worked with Neighborhood Villages, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening early childhood education and advocating for its workforce. There, she helped teachers and center leaders connect with resources and professional supports that enabled them to grow in their roles. This experience expanded her perspective beyond the classroom and reinforced her belief that excellent early education depends on educators who are respected, supported, and given meaningful opportunities to develop professionally.
Julyana brings a warm, grounded presence and a broad understanding of the early childhood field to her work. She values strong partnerships with families, careful observation, and the everyday moments through which children develop confidence, relationships, and a growing understanding of themselves and their world.