Preschool
Through interactive lessons, imaginative play and loose parts exploration, children get a bit of everything.
Ages: 2 1/2 years — 4 years old
Children must be 2 1/2 by September 1, 2026
Schedules
MWF (3 days) or M-F (5 days)
8:30-11:30am
8:30-1:00pm
8:30-3:00pm
8:30-5:00pm
Teachers
Annika Ziervogel
Maple Classroom Teacher, Preschool
Annika has been with The River School since 2022.
Annika is passionate about helping children develop a deep sense of confidence and joy in who they are. Originally from Germany, she brings a love of creativity, nature, and childhood wonder to her teaching. A certified middle and high school teacher in physical education and English, Annika discovered her true calling working with preschoolers.
Guided by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, she believes that the most meaningful learning happens through curiosity, exploration, and imaginative play—especially outdoors. Whether crafting with natural materials or following a child’s discovery of a bird’s nest, Annika delights in learning with the children and watching their excitement unfold.
Her German preschool experiences—rich with art, hands-on projects, and Waldorf-inspired traditions—continue to influence her teaching today. Annika hopes the children in her care will one day look back and remember the joy, creativity, and magic they experienced in these early years.
Ariel Ruiz-Fuller
Maple Classroom Teacher, Preschool & Assistant Director
Ariel has been with The River School since 2021.
Ariel brings her openness, love of reading, and joy for seeing children develop their passion for learning into the classroom. Watching young children explore the world around them and begin to ask questions is beautiful to watch every day.
Having worked with children since she was a teenager and discovering the excitement of early childhood education early on, Ariel cannot imagine working with a different age group.
Ariel loves being able to allow her students to spend a great deal of time outdoors, where they get to challenge themselves, and build independence and confidence. She also loves the freedom of following children’s interests, which has led to such an enriching classroom environment. Ariel lives in Yarmouth with her husband, son, and their dog (Bella). They love going for walks around the neighborhood, hiking, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying everything the state of Maine has to offer.
Michelle has been with The River School since March of 2025.
Michelle is a dedicated Nature Preschool teacher with 25 years of experience inspiring young learners. She studied Early Childhood Education in England, where she developed a deep appreciation for child-led learning and the importance of nurturing each child's natural curiosity.
Michelle believes that children learn best through hands-on exploration, play, and connection with the outdoors. She loves watching her students grow in confidence as they discover new skills and reach developmental milestones in a supportive, nature-rich environment.
In addition to teaching, Michelle enjoys art, reading, and traveling, passions that often enrich the creativity and wonder she brings into her classroom each day!
Before joining the River School team, Miranda worked in both international and special education settings. She lives in Falmouth with her husband and daughter, who also attends River School. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, practicing yoga, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.
Michelle LeClair
Maple Classroom Teacher, Preschool
Nicole Re
Birch Classroom Teacher, Preschool/Intro to School
Nicole has been with The River School since 2021.
With a background in Waldorf education, mindfulness, yoga and holistic nutrition, Nicole's presence in the classroom is entirely gentle.
Nicole embodies her commitment to children's free exploration in nature, the importance of uninterrupted imaginative play, and a sincere love and respect for young children as human beings.
Nicole also brings her love for the tradition of oral storytelling, a welcome return to an age-old tradition of teaching valuable lessons directly from adult to child. This brings forth opportunities for inquisitive minds to listen intently, inquire spontaneously, and respond joyfully alongside their friends.
Wendy Edwards
Birch Classroom Teacher, Preschool/Intro to School
Wendy has been with the River School since 2021.
She finds immense beauty in the imagination of childhood and nurtures it as a pathway for growth and discovery. She delights in guiding children as they explore their own passions and curiosities. Wendy embraces both the Waldorf philosophy of experiential, play-based learning and the Reggio Emilia approach to child-led exploration, believing that nature itself is one of the greatest teachers. She takes deep pride in supporting the social and emotional development of young children and in fostering meaningful connections between children, teachers, and peers.
A Portland native, Wendy now lives in Sanford with her husband, two children, and their beloved dog, Ruby. She brings a strong sense of community to all she does—both in the classroom and beyond. Outside of school, she shares her joy for movement and connection by teaching Salsa and Bachata and organizing local dance socials. Wendy carries that same vibrant, life-filled energy into The River School classroom each day.
Miranda has been with the River School since April 2025.
Miranda is a native Mainer with a lifelong passion for nurturing and caring for young children. From an early age, she was fascinated by child development, a curiosity that led her to a career in international education. Over time, her work expanded to include early elementary special education, where she deepened her belief that early childhood is a sacred and foundational time in life.
Miranda’s path into education began with the realization that no matter where she was in the world, children share a universal language of play. She is continually amazed by the ways children can teach and expand the consciousness of the adults around them—if we are open to learning from them.
Before joining the River School team, Miranda worked in both international and special education settings. She lives in Falmouth with her husband and daughter, who also attends River School. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, practicing yoga, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.
Miranda Bellefountaine
Birch Classroom Teacher, Preschool/Intro to School