Sarah Amason

Cook, Gardener, Substitute Teacher

and House Parent

"One of the most important parts about working with teenagers is to excite within them thier own hidden gifts and passions. I can't imagine a better place for someone this age to be. AMS is helping change the world one life at a time."

Tal Galton
Gardener

B.A. History, Haverford College

 Stuart Jeckel  

Teacher, Houseparent

B.A. Economisc/Spanish, UNC Chapel Hill

"Students of all ages learn best when guided through a voluntary process of discovery. It's easy to have fun with middle school students while facilitating that learning process."

Todd Kindberg
House Parent, Maintenance Coordinator

B.A. Environmental Studies, Warren Wilson College

Hannah Levin

House Parent, Teacher

BA Studio Art, Kenyon College

MAT in Art, K-12, Western Carolina University

"As an AMS alumni I wanted to give back what I had been given as a student here.  I feel like I can be the teacher and community member I want to be at AMS."

Meghan Lundy-Jones
House Parent, Teacher

B.A. Outdoor Education, Warren Wilson College

"There are lots of things I consider to be true about educating middle schoolers. One is that it can't be done without developing honest, loving relationships with one another. Also, you have to be flexible, spontaneous and a quick thinker in order to match their energy. Mostly though, they have to laugh to learn."

Susan Mason-Bouterse

Development Coordinator
B.S. Nursing, University of North Carolina, Greensboro

Brian Oesch
Kitchen Coordinator, Teacher

B.A. Wilderness Leadership/ Experiential Education, Brevard College

Shannon Oesch
Academic Coordinator, Teacher

B.A. Environmental Studies and Ecology, Brevard College

Irene Purser

House Parent, Finance Clerk

BA Psychology, UNC Asheville

Primary Certification, Montessori Institute of Atlanta

Elementary Certification, Montessori Institute of Milwaukee

Michelle Rehfield
House Parent, Teacher

B.A. World Literature and Cultural Studies, UC Santa Cruz

Guiding Philosophy on Education of Middle School students:

"Allow students to explore, to follow their passions, and give them the tools to do so. I love working with young people; especially 7th - 9th graders. They have so many questions, so much energy and so much hope."

Lisa Schultz

Clerk, Teacher
B.A. English Literature, University of New Hampshire;
Primary Teaching Certificate, Montessori Institute Northwest

"Adolescence is a fascinating and critical transition stage in life. I like the challenges and joys it presents to both student and teacher. The program at AMS is based on a real appreciation of adolescent developmental needs."

Jason Sterling

House Parent, Teacher

BA English/Drama, University of Georgia

INTERNS

Elliot Smith

AMS alumni, High School Graduate, Extensive Outdoor Resume'

"I believe in the school and its power to help inspire growth in young teenagers. I enjoyed my time here when I was a student."

Molly Martin

Attended Skidmore College through Junior year studying art and women's studies

"I believe that learning can and should be a life-style. At AMS we concentrate on this connection; applying what we learn in the classroom to how we live."