Tell me and I’ll forget; Show me and I may remember; Involve me and I’ll understand
Enabling learning in an outdoor setting nurtures curiosity, compassion, creativity, confidence, and connection with the natural world.
Star Child is built upon the belief that children require freedom of movement, exploration, discovery, and play to develop physically, laying a robust groundwork for subsequent emotional and cognitive learning.
Experiences at Star Child are multi-sensory, authentic, open-ended, and non-judgmental.
Meet the teachers who make it all possible.
All Star Child teachers are CPR, AED and First Aid Certified
Melissa Roth-Sheppard
Founder/ Director
3—5-year-olds Class Teacher
4-turning-5-year-olds Class Teacher
Adult/Pediatric BLS CPR/First Aid certified
Melissa has her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management and attended William Paterson University for Early Childhood Education. She found her passion while working in daycare and preschool settings and obtained her CDA (Child Development Associate Credential). After falling in love with Waldorf education she and began her journey towards becoming a Waldorf Early Childhood Educator completing her Foundations Studies at The Waldorf School of Princeton and graduating from both LifeWays North America and the Sophia Institute with her ECE Teacher Certificate and Waldorf Education ECE Teacher Certification respectively. Melissa planned to teach at the Waldorf School of Princeton but decided instead to bring nature-based education to the children in her area starting Star Child Nature School out of her home in 2017.
Melissa is a Third Level Nature Based Educator certified with the Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools (ERAFANS), and a National Geographic Certified Teacher. She fully believes in the benefits of a nature immersive program and what it offers children physically and emotionally. She founded Star Child Nature School to offer children a place they are respected, can embrace the fleeting years of childhood and connect to nature through imaginative and creative learning that develops the whole child.
Kelly DelPalazzo
Co-founder
4-turning-5-year-olds Class Teacher
Adult/Pediatric BLS CPR/First Aid certified
Kelly joined Star Child in 2018. She holds her Associates of Science in Nutrition and is a Certified Holistic Health Coach graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Kelly is CDA (Child Development Associate Credentialed) and a First Level Nature Based Educator certified with the Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools (ERAFANS).
A believer in the importance of the outdoors, nature and free creative play in the lives of young children, Kelly is a natural teacher bringing a nurturing and calm disposition and the ability to ask perfectly open-ended questions that promote thought, wonder and imagination. Providing the scaffolding, her class is child-led allowing her students the space to discover, explore and create based on their interests.
Allison Vogel
Program Assistant
Adult/Pediatric CPR/First Aid certified
Allison joined Star Child in 2021 and attended Rider University where she played Division 1 field hockey and focused her studies on early education and liberal arts. Her love for teaching young children began with coaching summer camps and helping guide elementary aged players both on and off the field. After taking time off from her studies to travel, she found a new love for teaching and connecting with children through the practice of yoga.
In 2017, Allison completed her 200hr Yoga Teacher Training as well as 25 hours of focused study on teaching babies and children ages 0-5. Alongside her husband, she owned Zephyr Yoga studio in New Egypt where she fulfilled her passion in teaching kids’ yoga and meditation as well as co-facilitating a child and caregiver program called Growing Minds for young toddlers. Through the studio, they were able to offer children the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities, mindfulness and develop an early love for learning. As a mother of two toddlers, Allison has developed a deep passion for child-centered, nature-based education. She believes all children, and all humans, can thrive from spending more time immersed in nature and that children are natural learners when given the space and freedom to explore, connect with and observe their natural surroundings. Nature has proven to be the best classroom and playground for her own children as she strives to teach them about emotional and physical awareness. Allison plans to further her studies in Nature Based Education as well as continue to explore the field of conscious connection through connected play with children. She believes it is part of her life’s purpose to offer any child she crosses paths with the space to feel seen, heard and loved.
Alyssa Huston
5—6-year-olds Class Teacher
3—5-year-olds Friday Class Teacher
Adult/Pediatric CPR/First Aid/AED certified
Alyssa graduated cum laude from Holy Family University in Philadelphia with a bachelor’s degree in Early and Special Education. (Graduated in 2014). Alyssa has over 10 years of experience in the educational field with a variety of ages and abilities.
Previously Alyssa has worked as an Applied Behavior Analysis Therapist/Registered Behavior Technician and Preschool Teacher. She also obtained her 200 hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training Certification in 2019. In her spare time Alyssa enjoys spending time with her 4 year old son and husband, hiking/camping, and reading.
Andrea Bryan
3-turning-4-year-olds Class Teacher
Adult, Child and Baby First Aid/CPR/AED certified
Andrea has a Bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education and a Masters degree in Reading from Saint Joseph’s University. She is a certified Reading Specialist, K-12. She taught 6th grade English in Philadelphia for years before moving to New Jersey and working in Camden as a learning specialist in a co-taught inclusive English classroom. After having children of her own she took time away from the classroom to be a full-time mom.
Andrea has always loved the outdoors and knows the positive effects of going outside. She grew up on a farm in Maryland spending endless hours outside. Family trips were camping and visiting national parks. Very quickly she saw the need to instill these values in her own children. Andrea loves being around children and seeing their eyes light up when they discover something new. She knew she wanted to be a teacher as far back as she can remember. In her spare time Andrea enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 kids, being in Cape May, and listening to audio books while taking walks.
Andrea Hipple
3-turning-4-year-olds Class Teacher
Adult/Pediatric CPR/First Aid Certified
Andrea is a strong advocate for child-led activities and believes in the power of play for both learning and development. Andrea is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she earned her Master’s in Social Work from Stockton University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rutgers University.
Her love for teaching grew after having her first daughter. And now with three kids, Andrea is always finding ways for learning to take place in everyday life with her kids. Whether cooking in the kitchen and learning to measure out ingredients, naming all the blue cars they see on their drive, or having her kids help pay for items at the farmer’s market, Andrea finds endless opportunities to embrace learning in everyday moments. She is passionate about fostering independence and confidence in children through hands-on learning experiences.
Andrea is dedicated to creating an environment where children can thrive and grow by providing them with opportunities to explore, create, and imagine. She understands the importance of allowing children the freedom to learn through their own experiences and believes this is key to fostering a love of learning and a sense of autonomy. Andrea believes in letting kids be free to discover, play and learn in a messy, fun, creative and curious environment. She strives to instill a deep sense of wonder and respect for nature in her students. In Andrea’s class, children are encouraged to follow their interests, ask questions, and engage in self-directed learning experiences that allow them to grow at their own pace. Andrea finds joy in spending time outdoors with her three amazing children and wonderfully supportive husband: whether it’s hiking, gardening, caring for their backyard chickens, or embarking on new adventures with her family. She believes that cultivating community is essential for fostering connections and learning from one another, and she values the power of shared experiences and collaboration. Passionate about holistic healing and living, Andrea is constantly seeking to expand her knowledge in this area and explore new ways to promote wellness and balance in her life and lives of those around her. As an avid cook, she delights in experimenting with new recipes and flavors, often welcoming her children into the kitchen to share in the joy of cooking and creating together.
Andrea Manka
7—10-year-olds Class Teacher
Adult/Pediatric CPR/First Aid certified
Andrea joined Star Child in 2022 and has a Bachelor’s Degree from The College of New Jersey in Mathematics Education and a Master’s Degree from the University of Houston in Curriculum and Instruction. Andrea has previously volunteered as a Forest School facilitator and as a daycare classroom assistant.
Additionally, she has taught high-school mathematics as well as designed curriculum for a variety of courses. Andrea has over 15 years of experience working with students ranging in age from 2 years old through adulthood. In her off time, Andrea enjoys creative projects, hiking, reading and traveling. As an educator she has witnessed the benefits of time in nature on students’ engagement and learning. Further, she looks forward to the opportunity to witness the children’s growth first hand.
Bri Barton
5—10-year-olds Home School Class Teacher
Adult/Pediatric CPR/First Aid Certified
Bri Barton is an educator, artist, parent, and gardener. She has been an early childhood educator since 2005, and a garden manager and nature educator since 2012. In those years, she has developed a holistic style of teaching rooted in connection, curiosity, and respect for all living things. She celebrates each child as a complex, growing person and supports them as they construct their understanding of the world and develop their sense of self. She is an enthusiastic teacher in awe of the natural world. In the garden and in the forest, Bri teaches young learners literacy, math, history, and science. Through play and exploration, she supports her students’ gross and fine motor skills and social-emotional development. She believes in the power of nature-based learning to shape future generations into thoughtful stewards of our planet.
Bri loves climbing trees, swimming, biking, and hiking. Her favorite food is soup and her favorite books are sci/fi and fantasy. Her ideal way to spend an afternoon is canoeing with her partner, Ethan, and kiddo, River. When not outside, Bri can be found playing board games, cooking big dinners for friends, quilting, and loving on her cats, June Berry and Paw Paw.
Cassie Burns
3—5-year-olds Class Teacher
Adult/Pediatric BLS CPR/First Aid Certified
Cassie joined Star Child in 2021 and attended Camden County College where her studies included early education and child psychology. After college, she worked as a Project Manager helping develop and maintain registration/data collection systems for late-stage clinical trials for a clinical research organization. She has also worked as a specialist at a conference planning organization, specializing in duties on both the planning and registration side of the business. In addition to her professional work, she has also volunteered with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program having always felt an inherent ability to not only understand, but to also connect with children.
After the birth of her first child, Cassie decided to take a break from her professional life and re-focus on her family. While exploring educational options for her son, she began doing research regarding different educational models and philosophies. The idea and benefits of play-based education really resonated with her and she began her search for schools that aligned with those values.
In 2017, Cassie visited Star Child and instantly feel in love with Melissa’s teaching model and philosophies. With the discovery of nature-based education, Cassie began to implement these values and learning methods into her own life. Wanting to continue down this path and educate herself further to promote these values, she received her First Level Nature-Based Teacher Certification from the Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools (ERAFANS).
Cassie will focus on providing a nurturing environment where children will feel comfortable expressing their true selves. While play-based learning will be an important part of her curriculum, she will also encourage your child to love and appreciate not only their own uniqueness, but also ensure they promote the same kindness towards others through their words and actions. Her students will also be taught to show love for the Earth and experience all the wonder and magic that nature has to offer.
Ces Martin
5—6-year-olds Class Teacher
Spanish Teacher
Yoga Teacher
Adult/Pediatric CPR/First Aid certified
Ces joined Star Child in 2020. She graduated Rider University with a Bachelor’s Degree majoring in Liberal Studies and minoring in Psychology, Ces comes to us with more than 20 years of experience working with children in varying degrees. She’s worked as a Teacher’s Assistant in daycare settings, a one-on-one Aide and eventually Program Coordinator for an inclusive recreation program for children with disabilities. Ces taught Spanish at Urban Promise summer programs for those ages 5-10 and co-led retreats for adolescents and young adults ages 11-19. Most recently she lead Spanish, Yoga, Art, Latin Dance, Junior Warriors (exercise/obstacle course training) and Music classes for children 3-10 years old.
Ces is a First Level Nature Based Educator certified with the Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools (ERAFANS) and is most excited to use this training to further encourage, support and foster children’s instinctual connection and desire to explore and wonder in a natural setting.
She is truly inspired and energized by teaching alongside children and does so in a fun and compassionate way.
Corinne Lomsky
2-turning-3-year-olds Class Teacher
Adult/Pediatric CPR/First Aid Certified
Corinne went through many different schools as a child, experiencing Montessori, Quaker, homeschool, co-op and public school curriculums and philosophies. While in high school Corinne found BCA, an alternative school based on credits so she graduated with a high school diploma a year and half early to quote her, “because of that wonderful program”.
Deciding to leave home after graduation, at 16 she went to live and work in upstate New York at Omega Institute for Holistic Studies. She was able to take courses on health, wellness, mind body connection, all while living on an intentional community. She began traveling across country up and down the west coast, through the WOOFing program living outside and working on organic farms. At age 18 Corinne went to Maui, Hawaii living at Hale Akua Garden Farm for one year training in permaculture and living on the land. She then went to Kauai and fell in love with a community farm focusing on biodynamics living off grid with no electricity in a tent for five years.
Corinne is very passionate about biodynamics and was introduced to Waldorf schooling at that farm because both are created by Rudolf Steiner. The farm had multiple children on it ranging from age 8 to the youngest born in the tent next to her. Corinne got to see this child grow for three years. While not a “teacher” and not yet a mom she learned the essence of “it takes a village” and that all of life is a learning experience, on that farm. She loved having children help with the harvest and farmers markets and cooking dinners. They made the farm, and everyone on it made the children a priority, they were to be involved in all aspects. Corinne stayed on Kauai another five years getting her yoga teacher certification. She also worked on a horse and cattle ranch as a tour guide. Corinne loved being able to share her extensive knowledge about the native plants trees and flowers with tourists. Embracing all weather with people that worked 9-5 jobs and kids that had never hiked in their lives, she set the tone making their experience fun. All the while being sure the behind the scenes safety protocols were being met. Corinne started teaching yoga at resorts and then after ten years on Kauai left to explore New Zealand and work on many different farms there.
Corinne loves being outside, loves to get down on the same level as kids and lives for the present moment. She is playful, fun, loves plants, growing food and foraging and fully embracing all that life has to offer from a non-dualistic mindset.
Emily Flowers
7—10-year-olds Class Co-Teacher
Adult/Pediatric CPR/First Aid Certified
Emily graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, and a heavy course load in Biological Sciences. After graduation she worked as a Laboratory Supervisor and Project Manager in various clinical virology studies, most recently managing a study in West Africa focused on public health and education. While working, she went on to earn a Masters of Arts in Religion at Westminster Theological Seminary simply because she loves to think and learn about her faith.
As these chapters of her life ended, Emily found herself a mother to two girls, one neurodivergent child, and one neurotypical child (both in Star Child’s Owl Class!). Having spent her entire life with a family that prioritized the outdoors for leisure, fun, and restoration, Outdoor Nature School seemed like the absolute best fit for her children when it turned out that homeschooling was no longer a viable option for her family. Her family joined Star Child in 2022 and Emily is thrilled to let her roots grow deeper into the community this year as one of the Owl Class teachers.
Emily brings years of experience tutoring students in a one on one setting, developing curriculum for adult education, and personal experience with, and a lot of love for, spirited children. While Emily does not have formal training in the behavioral sciences, Emily has applied her life-long-student-mentality to raising her neurodivergent daughter and is committed to meeting each student where they are, to thinking outside of the box to overcome difficulties, and to celebrating the beautiful differences that each child brings to the table. She hopes to be a safe place for children to explore and be challenged to meet their own unique potential. Emily has one dog, one cat, and one bearded dragon. She loves books, tea, teaching and practicing yoga, and cleaning her house.
Faith Twarowski
3-turning-4-year-olds Class Teacher
Lunch Class Lead Teacher
Adult/Pediatric CPR/First Aid Certified
Faith joined Star Child in 2022 and has been working with children as a nanny for many years. She has a love for nature and connecting with children of all ages. She is a mother of two, an aunt to 4, a plant mom, dog mom, and cat mom. She devotes her time to taking her kids outdoors and exploring no matter the weather. You’ll see her in the dirt, mud, and jumping in puddles right alongside the children. If it’s summer time, you can find Faith and her kids at the beach or hiking. She’s passionate about holistic health care, arts and crafts, and podcasts. Faith has a calming presence and connects to everyone.
Jennifer Galati
5—10-year-olds Home School Class Teacher
Adult/Pediatric CPR/First Aid certified
Jennifer joined Star Child in 2022. She holds a Master’s Degree in Art and Education from Tyler School of Art, Temple University. Jennifer’s passion and respect for the outdoors was discovered after a month long backpacking trip as an adolescent and during her undergraduate studies at Ithaca College where she lived in beautiful Central New York. There she worked with many nature preserves and wildlife refuges to enhance classroom opportunities for her students. Jennifer’s art has always been inspired by nature and during her eleven year public school teaching position in Burlington County she heavily integrated math and science into the curriculum. She believes nature and art are both great vehicles for learning and is deeply passionate about facilitating experiential learning opportunities that weave curriculum content into a child’s innate expressivity. Jennifer disembarked from mainstream education in order to provide an alternative learning experience for her daughter. She currently resides in Salem County on a mini farm raising chickens and tending to her large-scale garden where she hopes to explore more aspects of homesteading with her family.
Jennifer VanBarriger
2–3-year-olds Class Teacher
4–5-year-olds Class Teacher
Adult/Pediatric CPR/First Aid Certified
With over 20 years of experience working with children both in and out of the classroom, Jen brings a heart-centered, nature-loving spirit to every part of her day. She holds a Master’s degree in Education, a Bachelor’s in Psychology, is a certified elementary teacher, and a holistic health coach—blending traditional knowledge with a passion for whole-child learning.
Jen began her journey in traditional education, but over time felt a deep pull toward more holistic health and living as well as alternative, play-based, and nature-inspired methods.
Feeling the pull to homeschool when she had a child of her own, she stumbled upon Star Child thru a friend and immediately fell in love for her son and eventually herself as well. Jen began as a substitute over the winter and feels grateful for the chance to grow even more rooted in the community this upcoming year with two classes of her own. Her classroom will cultivate a space of wonder, creativity, and connection where community is deeply valued and curiosity leads the way. When she’s not teaching, Jen loves spending time exploring the outdoors with her husband, son, and their beloved dog. She’s an avid reader, lifelong learner, and can always be found knee-deep in a creative project or craft.
Jess Durdin
Child and Caregiver Class Teacher
Adult/Pediatric CPR/First Aid Certified
Jess is thrilled to be joining the Star Child community this year leading the Child and Caregiver classes. With a variety of experiences in and out of the classroom, she looks forward to applying what she has learned to support the community of the youngest explorers and their families in the Child and Caregiver class. From a young age Jess has been drawn to the beauty of the outdoors and its impact on a person’s development. From her first teaching experience volunteering abroad at English camps or leading a VBS class at her local church to pursuing a formal education, she knew teaching was something she felt passionately about. Jess graduated from Eastern University with a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education with a minor focus in ESL. After graduation she taught in private schools for 7 years in the classrooms supporting Kindergarten, Pre-K and then Preschool. In the last classroom she led, Jess supported the preschool team in building an outdoor-focused and play-based program until she had a little one of her own. She became even more passionate about the joy and importance of these factors in the growth and development of all learners and carries that practice in her parenting journey. Jess loves time with her family, traveling, reading, digital artwork, the beach, ice cream and music! She, her husband and daughter can often be found going on hikes, bike rides, swimming or off on some adventure. Jess looks forward to the adventure of joining the team and growing with the community.
Sarah Birney
3-turning-4-year-olds Class Teacher
Adult/Pediatric CPR/First Aid certified
Sarah joined Star Child in 2021; after a short hiatus she returned back in 2024 and we are so glad to have her! Sarah’s journey in childcare began at the age of 17. Throughout the years, she experienced teaching and assisting in both traditional preschool and nature school settings. Before returning to Star Child Sarah began obtaining her Bachelor’s in Educational Studies in Elementary Education. The fire behind furthering her education is her love of working with children and striving to never stop learning and growing. Providing a safe and loving space is most important to Sarah. She feels there is no other experience like Star Child and feels immensely blessed to be part of such an amazing movement and can’t wait to meet you! In her free time Sarah likes to craft (anything and everything), find local events to attend and also loves trying new and challenging recipes to make.
Stephanie Sottolano
3-turning-4-year-olds Class Teacher
4-turning-5-year-olds Class Teacher
Adult/Pediatric BLS CPR/First Aid certified
Stephanie joined Star Child in 2022. Along with all of her accumulated knowledge as an herbalist, forager, gardener, multidisciplinary artist, and lover of holistic health, she also brings with her the credence that nature wants to heal us. Mom to four snails, two cats, a dog, and a home full of plants, Stephanie is a natural caretaker and aspiring Strega Nona who won’t rest until the needs of everyone are provided for. A staunch believer in connecting with the inner child, she knows the power that lies in the curiosity of children and is perpetually chasing that sense of wonder that allows her to see the world the way kids do: with no judgment and endless empathy.
Steve Schulze
5—10-year-olds Friday Home School Class Teacher
CPR/First Aid certified
Steve joined Star Child in 2025 and has a Master of Science degree in Biology. He has developed and implemented environmental science curricula and has worked as a scientific demonstrator, lecturer, and researcher. Steve has ten years’ experience working with children, teens, and adults in and outside of the classroom.
In his spare time, Steve enjoys kayaking, woodworking, and traveling. He looks forward to the opportunity to engage with children and observe their growth and development.
Taylor Smith
2-turning-3-year-olds Class Teacher
3-turning-4-year-olds Class Teacher
Adult/Child/Pediatric CPR/First Aid certified
Taylor is a dedicated and nurturing teacher who brings a unique blend of business acumen and heartfelt passion for early childhood education. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Rutgers University but found her true calling through motherhood and her deep connection with nature.
As a mom to a toddler boy, Taylor embraces a lifestyle rooted in outdoor exploration, holistic living, and learning through play. She strongly believes that nature is the answer—that children thrive emotionally, physically, and intellectually when given the freedom to learn and grow outdoors. Her teaching philosophy is influenced by Montessori principles, gentle parenting, and positive reinforcement.
Before entering the classroom, Taylor gained valuable hands-on experience as both a short-term and long-term nanny, as well as a trusted babysitter. She continues to support families in these roles alongside her work in early education. Becoming a mother reshaped her worldview, inspiring her shift from a traditional upbringing to a more mindful, organic approach to parenting and teaching.
In her free time, Taylor enjoys hiking, traveling the world, and spending quality time outdoors with her son and their dog.
Taylor is excited to be a part of your child’s journey and looks forward to nurturing a love for nature, curiosity, and joyful learning in the classroom.
Tori Smith
2-turning-3-year-olds Class Teacher
Adult/Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED certified
Tori is a Mom of three and a lifelong explorer of the outdoors. With degrees in biology and chemistry, she loves blending science with hands-on learning to help kids connect with the world around them. Whether turning over logs to see who’s living underneath or testing the pH of a nearby stream she believes every day holds a new discovery.
At home, Tori is surrounded by her favorite crew: her three children, her husband, two adventurous huskies, and plenty of muddy boots by the door. Her goal is to spark curiosity, nurture confidence, and make learning feel like an adventure — rain or shine. Tori truly believes that the best learning happens outside.