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.