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. Kellee holds a professional teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education. She is currently in her second year of graduate school, studying at Antioch University- New England pursuing her Masters in Education. Kellee has completed the Waldorf Administration and Leadership course, the Explorations into Waldorf Education course, as well as numerous other trainings through the Center for Anthroposophy and Sophia’s Hearth Family Center.
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 is our Operations Manager for Spring Hill Children’s Center.
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 Cora (4 years old) and Lucy (2 years old). They live on a farm with their dog, Murphy, their cat, Milo and chickens! Their favorite family activities are hiking, biking and swimming.
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.
Samantha England- Birch Class Lead Teacher
Samantha was inspired to move to New England to enjoy a simple, natural life. She holds a Masters of Education in Transdisciplinary Healing Education from Antioch University and has a special interest in therapeutic modalities including art, gardening and balanced nutrition. She is a student of Spiritual Science and Ayurveda and believes Self-knowledge is the pathway to freedom and joy. She is grateful to be part of children’s lives and to provide a healthy, loving space where they can be the truest versions of themselves.
Ali Killgren- Birch Class Associate Teacher
Ali initially began caring for young children as a nanny and in 2020 started a Waldorf-inspired home childcare in Peterborough. Working with families brings her immense joy and a sense of purpose. Since moving to Keene July 2023, Ali has been working to develop a meaningful connection to the community through her reverence for the nature of young children and her love of learning. She quickly felt drawn to Spring Hill after her son Shamus joined the Hemlock Class.
Ali was originally hired to assist with summer camp and substitute, and is thrilled to be working at Spring Hill Monday through Friday. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in mental health, and is currently completing her Child Development Associate training. She has an undying interest in the human experience and is passionate about connection. In her spare time, she enjoys family bike rides, delicious meals with family and friends, hikes with her dog, hand sewing, and photography.
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.
Scarlett Craven- Willow Class Associate Teacher
Zine Akgul- Floating Afternoon Assistant
Zine [zee-nee] is incredibly excited to be working at Spring Hill Children's Center. Almost 20 years ago, she was enrolled in Waldorf to learn and play in the exact same classrooms, exploring the same woods and fields. She's new to teaching Waldorf education but is extremely enthusiastic to learn. Zine is also a licensed massage therapist with an office in downtown Keene, NH. In her spare time she likes to cook, crochet, knit, read, sew, and take walks with her dog, Brim.