River Oak Teachers
Stacy Niemiec
Founder, Executive Director, Teacher
Stacy has worked with children and families in a variety of contexts for all of her adult life. She has been a museum educator, developmental therapist, nanny, and teacher. She has spent the last handful of years focused on creating developmentally appropriate, fully outdoor experiences for preschool aged children. River Oak is a culmination of those efforts!
Stacy has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from UIC, and a Masters of Science in Child Development with a focus on preschool aged development from the Erikson Institute. Stacy loves to hang with her son Levi, ride bikes, camp, and adventure outdoors!
Sarah Bethel
Founder, Former Director, Former Teacher
Sarah has worked in environmental education for the past decade. Her experience in nature-based learning, garden education, and all-weather fun have led to her desire to create River Oak! Sarah has a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from the University of Oregon and a Masters of Education from Antioch University.
Sarah has since relocated to CT where she continues her work in outdoor early childhood education!
Haylee Sherlund
Teacher
Bio coming soon!