Kellee O’Shea- Program Director, Hemlock Class Lead Teacher
Kellee first began teaching young children 30 years ago, teaching in preschools and kindergartens in her hometown of Memphis, TN. Her journey took her to New England where she taught special education for many years, with a focus on autism. Kellee found Anthroposophy, and Waldorf education, 15 years ago and was a Waldorf homeschool parent for over a decade.
Kellee’s undergraduate work is in both Early Childhood Education and Leadership Development. She holds a professional teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education as well as a Waldorf teaching certificate from Antioch University New England . Kellee has completed the Waldorf Administration and Leadership program through the Center for Anthroposophy. She also recently completed an advanced two year training called Understanding Different Developmental Needs with The Denver Center for Anthroposophic Therapies.
Kellee lives in Keene with two of her four children and when she is not teaching or studying you will find her immersed deep in the forest- usually camping in the summer or hiking through the deep, snowy winters.
Laurie Szogedi -Operations Manager
Laurie has worked in early childhood education environments for the bulk of her career. Originally from Connecticut, Laurie was the teacher and Director of a Bright Horizons in both Wilton, Connecticut and Stamford, Connecticut for seven years. Previously Laurie worked as an assistant teacher at a Montessori School for three years.
Laurie lives in Marlborough with her husband, Scot and her two daughters. They live on a farm with their dog, Murphy, their cat, Milo and chickens! Their favorite family activities are hiking, biking and swimming.
Brianna Draeger-Birch Class Lead Teacher
Brianna first began her endeavor of influencing young minds at the age of 17, where she was an assistant teacher at a preschool in Gardner, MA. Since then, she pursued her passion of seeking growth within her students when she enrolled into Worcester State University to pursue her double major of Elementary Education and Psychology.
During her schooling, Brianna worked as a behavior therapist with children ages 2-22 diagnosed with Autism and other developmental disabilities. Brianna graduated in 2022 with her bachelor’s degree, where she continued to work with disabled children long after. In 2023, Brianna had the opportunity to work alongside a student with Autism at a local outdoor preschool twice a week. This school gave Brianna such a different perspective on how nature can shape a child’s ability to learn safely and within their own means.
Brianna resides in Jaffrey with her husband. When she is not in the classroom, or in the yard barefoot, you will find her preparing for her next race, whether that’s a foot race or a triathlon, running Wachusett Mountain with her friends, fishing, and canoeing in the summer, meditating in her yard in the early hours, or spending her time snowboarding and snow shoeing in the winter
Scarlett Craven- Birch Class Associate Teacher
Scarlett has been with Spring Hill since the 2023/2024 school year. She successfully completed her associate credentials in child development through a program offered at Keene High School. Her passion for Waldorf Education is deeply personal, rooted in her own childhood experiences filled with imagination and ample time spent outdoors, remarkably close to our school. Outside of her professional life, Scarlett enjoys fishing, cooking, and various needle felting and sewing projects.
Looking ahead, Scarlett is committed to continuing her professional development. .Scarlett is enrolled in classes through Sophia’s Hearth Teacher Training.
Jessica Baker- Willow Class Lead Teacher
Jessica was absolutely thrilled to begin her Waldorf teaching career at Spring Hill fall of 2022. Jessica has two Bachelor's degrees, one in Elementary Education and one in Studio Art from Keene State College. Jessica grew up on the NH / Maine border and she moved to the Keene area in 2007. She was blessed to become a mother to two beautiful children, River and Ridge, who have both been in a Waldorf school since they were 6 months old. When she is not in the classroom she is enjoying time with her children, family and the magical area they call home.
Melissa is excited to be part of the Spring Hill community, where both she and her daughter get to share in the wonder of nature-inspired learning. Melissa holds a professional early childhood CDA. and is enrolled in classes at Sophia’s Hearth Teacher Training.
She finds joy in spending time outdoors hiking, camping, and simply exploring nature with her family and their dog, Basil. At home, she delights in creating with her hands- especially baking, painting, and needle felting- as ways of slowing down, noticing beauty, and fostering imagination. She feels deeply grateful to be part of a school where nature, imagination, and community are celebrated every day.
Melissa Danneker- Willow Class Associate Teacher
Jeronima Carral- Hemlock Class Associate Teacher
Jeronima first learned about Waldorf Education before starting a family and found it very fitting to her beliefs and values. Some of her best friends are Waldorf teachers, so it was easy to learn and love this way of teaching and caring for children. After completing her degree in Bachelor of Communication in Mexico City where she was raised, she joined a non profit who takes underserved children for a week of summer camp and worked there as a counselor/volunteer for 10 years. Year after year, she could see the positive impact that a screen free, nature and art based environment can have on children and adults. She moved to San Antonio Texas with her husband and had two daughters there. Without any Waldorf options in San Antonio, she often visited the Austin Waldorf School and took a course on Early Childhood Education to care for her young girls. In 2019 she and her family moved to New Hampshire inspired in part by the big Waldorf community in the area. In her free time Jeronima enjoys the outdoors, photography and baking. Miss Jero holds a professional early childhood CDA and is enrolled in classes at Sophia’s Hearth Teacher Training.
Kristin Little- Floating Associate Teacher
Miss Kristin holds a BA from Lyndon State College, a professional early childhood CDA, and completed her Waldorf early childhood teacher training at the Sacramento Waldorf School. She is currently enrolled in supplemental classes through Sophia’s Hearth Teacher Training. You may already know her as a mom from the Hemlock Class!