- All Staff
- Administration
- Forest Toddlers
- PreK
- Kindergarten
- Lower School
- Middle School
- Special Subjects

Jennifer Gresens
Head of School
[email protected]M.S. Education, Hunter College; B.A. Art History and Psychology, University of New Hampshire
“Spend time with people who make you feel good, seek out ways to pursue your interests, and don’t sweat the small stuff.”

Lynn Schuster
Director of Academics and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
[email protected]M.S. Elementary Ed., College of Saint Rose; B.A. Political Science, SUNY at Albany
“Know that you have something to say and wisdom to share, no matter your age.”

Matt Thornton
Director of Admission
[email protected]M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction, Lesley University; Non-Profit Leadership Cert., Georgetown University; B.A. Biology, Hamilton College
“Have fun, find ways to do work that is meaningful to you, and keep a journal so you’ll remember everything later.”

Andrea Hartman
Director of Communications
[email protected]B.A. English, University of Iowa; BA Theater Arts, University of Iowa
“You don’t have to be perfect to do well in school. Try new things and discover what you love, not just what you’re good at.”

Michele Ridgeway
Pre-K
[email protected]B.S. Special Education, Certified Early Intervention Specialist SUNY Geneseo, M.F.A.Studio Art, Maine College of Art
“You’ll make friends, I promise!”

Sarah Notaro
Pre-K
[email protected]BA SUNY Cobleskill, Early Childhood Education, M.Ed SUNY
“Don’t let anyone tell you you’re bad at math.”

Charlene Hoffay
Pre-K Assistant
[email protected]“You’re amazing just the way you are.”

Hannah Rose
Pre-K Assistant & Before Care
[email protected]“Be gentle with yourself, be true to yourself, and let your heart shine through all obstacles.”

Leigh Augustine
Kindergarten
[email protected]M.S.Ed Early Childhood Education, Brooklyn College; B.F.A. New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University
“To thine own self be true.”

Suzi Kim
Grades 1-2
[email protected]“Don’t be afraid to speak up. Your words have power.”

Debbie Hoffman
Grades 1-2 Assistant
[email protected]“It’s okay if you get a big blob of food on your shirt. That happens to everyone.”

Ashley Saupp
Grades 3-4
[email protected]“Just remember that in this moment, you’re exactly who you’re supposed to be.”

Ian Marvinney
Grades 5-8 Language Arts
[email protected]M.S. Education ELA, St John’s University; B.A. English, SUNY Binghamton
“Say ‘hi’ to everyone. They’re mostly nicer than you think.”

Katie Thornton
Grades 6-7 Language Arts
[email protected]M.Ed. Harvard University; B.A. Sociology, Boston College
“Relax and be just who you are.”

Rose Nolan
Grades 5-8 Math
[email protected]M.S. Education, Sage Graduate School; B.S. Business Administration, Marist College
“Don’t let anyone ever tell you your dreams are out of reach.”

John Sherry
Grades 5-8 Science
[email protected]B.S.,Environmental Science and Policy, Clarkson University
“Being unique is much more important than fitting in.”

Derek Fox
Grades 5-8 Social Studies
[email protected]M.S., Secondary Education, University of New England; B.A. History Education, College of St. Rose
“Take a breath.”

Claire Sherwood
Grades K-8 Art
[email protected]M.F.A. University of Maryland; B.F.A. Bowling Green State University
“Stand up tall, laugh loudly, and believe in your work”

Sara Feltes
Grades K-8 Music
[email protected]M.M. The Hartt School at University of Hartford; B.S. Music Education, College of St. Rose
“Don’t ever be afraid to shine.”

Darcy DeMaria
Grades K-8 Physical Education and Health, Athletic Director
[email protected]BS Physical Education, Sage College
“Pay attention more!”

Leiana Hawkins
Grades K-4 Science, Forest Toddlers
[email protected]M.Ed. in Science Education, North Carolina State University; B.S. Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
“Let people see your whole, true self. It’s the only way to find the place where you genuinely belong.”

Jennifer Baker
Grades K-8 Spanish
[email protected]Ph.D. Spanish, SUNY Albany; M.A. Latin American and Caribbean Studies, SUNY Albany, B.A. Spanish, Wells College
“You are a name and not a number.”

Laura Salisbury
Librarian
[email protected]MLS Information Science and Policy, School Media Specialist SUNY Albany; BA English Literature, SUNY Albany; AAS Livberal Arts, SUNY
“It is never a mistake to be kind.”

Michelle Hefernan
Executive Assistant & Front Office Manager
[email protected]“Live your life like a comedy, not a drama.”

Kristen Koehler
Comptroller
[email protected]“Try your best to enjoy each day and what it brings. Time passes much quicker than you realize.”

Carol Turnbull
Book Keeper
[email protected]“Always believe in yourself – you can do it!”
Additional Staff
Wanda Budesheim -- Facilities Manager
Aponi Glover -- Aftercare Coordinator- [email protected]
Rebecca Everett -- APCSD Nurse