Jessie Gonzalez

Jessie Gonzalez was born and raised in California. It wasn't until 2011 that she discovered her infinite love for the Pacific Northwest.

She lived on Orcas Island for 5 years teaching and getting to know the families that lived there. She has worked at YMCA Camp Orkila, Children's House, Salmonberry, Orcas Montessori, Orcas Elementary as a paraprofessional, and the Funhouse as an after-school program coordinator. For the last four years, she spent most of her time as a student and an indoor youth rock climbing instructor.

She recently graduated from college with a degree in Early Childhood Education and received three teaching certificates. Jessie has over 10 years of experience working with children of all ages and in many different types of settings. Whether it's in the classroom or outdoors, she finds joy in working with children.

Jessie keeps busy during the school year and has worked summer camps on Vashon for the last three years and gotten to know the island and families that live here. She spends a lot of her free time doing arts and crafts, listening to music and getting lost in nature.

Jessie feels at home in the Vashon Art and Nature School Community doing what she loves the most, fostering creativity and sharing her love for the great outdoors.

Dylan Lynch

Dylan has lived on Vashon Island for most of her life and has fond memories of frolicking in the woods catching bugs, grubbing in the dirt, and enjoying the many intrigues that nature has to offer.

She has a B.S. in Biology and is working towards an M. Ed. in Elementary Education, with a passion for educating younger children and supporting all learning styles and needs. She is so thrilled to be teaching with the community that helped make her into who she is today!

In her free time, Dylan loves to hike, camp, kayak, bird watch, and anything else that allows her to spend time outside. She is excited to be working and playing alongside your kids as they explore nature’s playground and discover the marvels of the natural world while simultaneously developing the skills and values needed to grow into positive and wonderful humans!

Aurora

Aurora Schroeter grew up in a small town in Southern Oregon surrounded by nature with lots of room to explore. Growing up in a natural environment sparks so much excitement for Aurora to continue her career in education at Vashon Art and Nature School. Aurora obtained a B.S. in Psychology with a focus in early childhood from Portland State University. Aurora is a passionate educator who brings 10+ years of experience working with children. Aurora’s experience ranges from working in childcare facilities as a teacher, supporting children with disabilities and behavior challenges through behavior intervention, working as a trauma counselor for adolescents, and most recently working as a director for a large before and after school program, as well as a mentor and Field coach for other site directors across the Portland metro area. Aurora loves to immerse herself in nature through paddleboarding, hiking, and gardening. Her love of nature and passion for working with children has led her to Vashon Art and Nature School where she is excited to make a difference in the community and the lives of the families she serves.

Ginger (Krinsky) Rushford

Ginger (Krinsky) Rushford is a lifelong resident of Vashon Island, and knows how important it is to make a special effort to create fun while learning.

Ginger earned a B.A. in early childhood education at The Evergreen State College in 2014 with a focus on sustainability. During college, She completed an internship at Cedarsong Nature School, where she ended up working for three years; receiving a level 4 forest kindergarten teacher training. Ginger then moved on to teach at Starbreak Montessori School.

During the summer months Ginger created a nature immersion program called Vashon Roots and has enjoyed great success in its 13 years of operation. Vashon Roots then grew into a year round program, Vashon Art and Nature School.

Her teaching experiences have fueled a strong belief for outdoor nature immersion mixed with Waldorf and Montessori style education. Ginger strongly believes that this mix of influence provides a rich educational experience that reinforces the benefits of slowing down to maintain the “sense of wonder” that helps children thrive.