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.
Sarah (Assistant Preschool Teacher)
Hello! My name is Sarah Christensen, and I’m so excited to be joining the Mary Elizabeth Farm School community this year as a full-time assistant teacher. I bring hands-on classroom experience from First Roots Underhill, where I cared for and taught children from infancy through age three. Before moving into early childhood education, I spent ten years working in product management, which gave me strong skills in organization, collaboration, and problem solving. Over time I discovered my true passion is in early childhood education — helping young children learn and grow through exploration, play, and a strong sense of community. When I'm not at Mary Elizabeth, you can usually find me out gravel or mountain biking, or skiing the slopes and enjoying the outdoors.
Gabby (Assistant Preschool Teacher)
Hi families! My name is Gabby, and I’m so happy to be starting my third year at Mary Elizabeth Farm School. Before joining MEFS, I ran my own daycare for 14 years and bring that hands‑on experience to the classroom. I hold a degree in Elementary Education, and working with children and helping them grow has always been my passion — I feel very lucky to be part of this warm, supportive community. When I’m not at school, I’m usually busy keeping up with my four kids and shuttling them to and from their many sporting events. I’m looking forward to another wonderful year of learning, play, and community together.!
Lakota (After-school Instructor)
My name is Lakota Worthington. I am 15 years old and currently enrolled in online high school. I believe children should have more opportunities to grow and learn in nature to broaden their creativity and imagination. I have experience teaching children’s snowboarding and ski lessons, and I am currently instructing children’s martial arts. I look forward to building strong, positive relationships with each and every one of your kids.