Crystal Porter
Crystal is the founder, owner, and head teacher of the Mary Elizabeth Farm School. She is a mother of two and holds Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology and Elementary Education. She has maintained a teaching license (K - 6th grade) for the last 17 years.
Crystal has been recognized by Linda Wellings of Shelburne Farms and was awarded the Visionary Award in 2012 at the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC).
“I value my traditional roots that come from a childhood spent on my grandparents’ dairy farm. This is my home, I was raised here. I have always wanted to teach and it has always been my dream to house the Mary Elizabeth Preschool on my farm. Over the past 13 years, as the director of the Preschool, I have learned not only the importance of early education, but the importance of community. It has been one of the greatest experiences of my life.
I want to thank all of you who have trusted me to look after your children.
It is my hope that the farm will continue to grow and evolve as a home for the Mary Elizabeth Farm School. ”
Sebastian Poutre
Sebastien holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics and a Secondary Education Licensure (Middle and High School) from Johnson State College. Soon after graduation, he participated in Waldorf training at the Rudolf Steiner Institute.
As owner/operator of Fountainhead Designs, Inc. he has been involved in home building, carpentry, tile installations, and decorative concrete fabrication.
His role with the Mary Elizabeth Farm School has been multi-faceted and includes administrative work, property management and restoration of the Barn, substitute teaching, science and outdoor lessons with the preschool, project manager for the construction of the Yurt preschool space, and the day to day operations on the Farm.
Suzanne Taylor
Sue graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Liberal Arts. Early career explorations took her to Oregon and Alaska where she fought wildfires and surveyed timber stands. Later, Sue spent years learning carpentry picking up skills which she’s ever thankful for. While living in Switzerland with her husband and sons, Sue became interested in wool as a medium. Today her fiber studio continues to be one of her favorite places. She has worked in both private and independent school settings, giving instruction in Art and Language Arts over the years. She says, “My goal is to offer children experiential learning opportunities through both work and play. I am ecstatic to be steward at the Mary Elizabeth Farm School, in this picturesque valley.”
Teresa Bobel
Teresa is a jeweler, jewelry teacher, and mom of two- the youngest of whom is a Mary Elizabeth alumna. Her family loved their experience with Crystal and the school so much that Teresa wanted to help out as her own children became teenagers, and has spent several years in a supporting role.
One of her specialties is teaching French in as many fun ways as she can think of, including songs, games, simple conversation, and naming things. If you come across a Mary Elizabeth student from the past few years, ask them to count in French! Teresa loves giving young children a foundation in foreign language and having a good time in the process.