MEET OUR TEAM
Mari Linnman, Founder of The Art Farm Hamptons, The Art Farm in the City, The Riders and The Green School.
Growing up in Sweden, Mari spent every summer on her family’s farm helping with the farm animals. This was an experience essential in who she became and is part of her soul today. At 19 she came to the United States to spend a year here as an au-pair. As you may guess, she never left. At 29, after several years studying to become a physical therapist Mari felt a calling and decided to open up a summer camp in Bridgehampton. The Art Farm was founded that year, in 1995, with a box of crayons, a horse, sheep, ducks, a barn... and three little campers. Its philosophy, back 23 years ago, was an organic, whole-child approach with a program of animal/human connection, farm-to-table food and organic gardens with a nature, discovery based curriculum. The camp grew to 400 campers/day and 100 employees. At 32 she had her first son, Jonas. The midwife had never seen anything like it, when she informed Mari that she had to schedule her for delivery, Mari answered, “I can be there Saturday, not tomorrow, I’ve got to pay my employees and come up with an art project for Monday’s camp.” She called one of her counselors, asked her to cover Monday, as she was going to Stony Brook Hospital to deliver her baby over the weekend, but planned to be back by Tuesday. Jonas is a remarkable boy, he took his first steps on his first birthday, where else, in the chicken coop. In 2001, with Jonas as her 2-year old helper along with her business partner, Valentina VanHise, the Art Farm in NYC opened its doors, a nature-focused children’s educational center offering farm animals and reptiles in the middle of New York City. During 2001 until 2005, as a single mom, Mari moved 6 times in 6 years, in order to afford living on the East End of Long Island. She kept her focus on her dreams and in 2005 Mari designed and built her Swedish Country House (Carl Larsson inspired). In the following years she added paddocks, a barn, and a garage and watched her dream turn into reality. At 38, back in 2006, she started her non-profit, today helping children both internationally and locally. Jonas, her oldest son was only 6 years old when he participated at a charity event in Costa Rica bringing down 200 soccer balls and handing them out to the local children. Part of who she is shows through all her businesses as a vital part of its philosophy is giving back. At 41, in 2008, Mari gave birth to her second son Mattias. In 2009, The Green School was born, a picturesque cozy classroom in her barn constructed from 4 horse stalls. Her son, along with 11 other lucky children, started Pre-nursery and attended through Pre-K at The Green School. This year The Green School is celebrating 10 years. Mari has raised both her boys as a single mother. Jonas today, is 19 and studying at Pitzer/Pomona college in California. Pitzer/Pomona is known for its premiere environmental science program. Her younger son attends 4th grade at Sag Harbor Elementary School. For the last 5 years they have spent their winters in Costa Rica where they all surf together and enjoy the simplicity of a small surf town in the jungle. Mari believes in holistic medicine, organic food choices when possible, nature, and lots of time spent outdoors. “Her older son Jonas at his senior high school midterm at The Ross School, shared that his biggest inspiration is his mother!” |
Lesley Gold, Pre-School / Kindergarten Teacher
My name is Lesley Gold and I’m looking forward to creating and teaching an incredible and unique Kindergarten program at The Green School. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Education specializing in Special Education
Through my years of experience, I’ve seen that children learn best in a supportive, nurturing and positive environment.
I enjoyed teaching Pre-K at The Green School for four years before having my son, Grayson, who is thriving, especially in school. I spent two years as a one-on-one which allowed my son to have his preschool years at The Green School.
During our free time we love to spend time outdoors and stay active. During the warmer months we spend a lot of time at the beach, biking and kayaking. In the colder weather we like to ice skate, ski and go on hikes.
My name is Lesley Gold and I’m looking forward to creating and teaching an incredible and unique Kindergarten program at The Green School. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Education specializing in Special Education
Through my years of experience, I’ve seen that children learn best in a supportive, nurturing and positive environment.
I enjoyed teaching Pre-K at The Green School for four years before having my son, Grayson, who is thriving, especially in school. I spent two years as a one-on-one which allowed my son to have his preschool years at The Green School.
During our free time we love to spend time outdoors and stay active. During the warmer months we spend a lot of time at the beach, biking and kayaking. In the colder weather we like to ice skate, ski and go on hikes.
Kiera Anne - Animal Educator
I'm Kiera Anne, and I was born and raised in Sagaponack. My family has a background in the restaurant industry, and I have extensive experience in vegan cooking, organic gardening, composting, and creating vegetable juices. Growing up surrounded by woods, freshwater ponds, and oceans, I developed a deep knowledge of local flora and fauna.
During the pandemic, I further explored my passion for animals by raising chickens. My small backyard flock led me to the Green school in November 2021. I am excited about the opportunity to share my joy for nature and inspire kindness towards animals and with your kids!
I'm Kiera Anne, and I was born and raised in Sagaponack. My family has a background in the restaurant industry, and I have extensive experience in vegan cooking, organic gardening, composting, and creating vegetable juices. Growing up surrounded by woods, freshwater ponds, and oceans, I developed a deep knowledge of local flora and fauna.
During the pandemic, I further explored my passion for animals by raising chickens. My small backyard flock led me to the Green school in November 2021. I am excited about the opportunity to share my joy for nature and inspire kindness towards animals and with your kids!
Megan Elizabeth - Assistant Teacher
Hi, my name is Megan Cunningham. I have been a preschool Teacher Assistant for 11 years, the last 5 of which have been spent here at The Green School. These past 5 years, I have grown so much here at The Green School. In addition to being a teacher assistant I am also in charge of lesson planning and spend some days in our office! The first time I stepped into a classroom I knew, in that moment, I could not picture my career taking me anywhere else other than alongside children. Being given the opportunity to watch and be a part of my students’ growth and accomplishments has been so rewarding. However, I am most humbled by how much my students have taught me through the years and what growth they have spawned in me. I love being able to be outside with my students to teach and breathe in the fresh air! I am hopeful each of my students’ days are effortlessly and enthusiastically filled with learning, laughter, and memories. I am looking forward to working with and learning alongside your children in our community!
Hi, my name is Megan Cunningham. I have been a preschool Teacher Assistant for 11 years, the last 5 of which have been spent here at The Green School. These past 5 years, I have grown so much here at The Green School. In addition to being a teacher assistant I am also in charge of lesson planning and spend some days in our office! The first time I stepped into a classroom I knew, in that moment, I could not picture my career taking me anywhere else other than alongside children. Being given the opportunity to watch and be a part of my students’ growth and accomplishments has been so rewarding. However, I am most humbled by how much my students have taught me through the years and what growth they have spawned in me. I love being able to be outside with my students to teach and breathe in the fresh air! I am hopeful each of my students’ days are effortlessly and enthusiastically filled with learning, laughter, and memories. I am looking forward to working with and learning alongside your children in our community!
Stephanie Yanes - Art Director / Assistant Teacher
My name is Stephanie Yanes and I am the Art Director and one of the assistant teachers at The Green School! Working with children has always been a huge passion of mine. I come from a huge family, hence working with children and helping them has always been a huge part of who I am. I was born and raised in East Hampton and graduated from Stony brook University with a degree in Psychology and Biology. Soon after graduating, The Green School became my new home which has given me ample opportunities to support the students that come here become more in tune with the environment, our animals, and more importantly, with themselves. I appreciate a challenge and growth and I have taken on a much bigger role and now also work in the office. There is not a day that goes by where I am not thankful for the ample of opportunities I have received here at The Green School, I look forward to my fourth year at The Green School.
My name is Stephanie Yanes and I am the Art Director and one of the assistant teachers at The Green School! Working with children has always been a huge passion of mine. I come from a huge family, hence working with children and helping them has always been a huge part of who I am. I was born and raised in East Hampton and graduated from Stony brook University with a degree in Psychology and Biology. Soon after graduating, The Green School became my new home which has given me ample opportunities to support the students that come here become more in tune with the environment, our animals, and more importantly, with themselves. I appreciate a challenge and growth and I have taken on a much bigger role and now also work in the office. There is not a day that goes by where I am not thankful for the ample of opportunities I have received here at The Green School, I look forward to my fourth year at The Green School.
Emma Beudert - Animal Educator
Hi my name is Miss Emma! I am the “Animal Educator “ at the Green School. I am a lifelong learner and lover of animals. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work at the Green School Camp this past summer with our amazing staff, campers and animals. My parents were both educators in the East Hampton School District and my nephew Ethan and niece Estelle attended the Green School in the past. In my free time, I like to volunteer at ARF and go fishing. Before working at the Green School, I had a career in hospitality which I believe has been the perfect parlay into working with children. I have learned as much from the kids as they have learned from me and I am excited to continue this journey into the school year!
Hi my name is Miss Emma! I am the “Animal Educator “ at the Green School. I am a lifelong learner and lover of animals. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work at the Green School Camp this past summer with our amazing staff, campers and animals. My parents were both educators in the East Hampton School District and my nephew Ethan and niece Estelle attended the Green School in the past. In my free time, I like to volunteer at ARF and go fishing. Before working at the Green School, I had a career in hospitality which I believe has been the perfect parlay into working with children. I have learned as much from the kids as they have learned from me and I am excited to continue this journey into the school year!
Zebulan Kinney - Assistant Teacher
My name is Zebulun Kinney and I am very grateful to be able to work with your kids in this upcoming school year. I have worked with kids throughout my life, whether that be in Sunday school, or my own family as the eldest of six. I have also worked as a substitute teacher and currently lead the youth group at Hamptons Christian Fellowship church in Sag Harbor. It has been a tremendous blessing to be able to transition from Summer Camp to now working in the "classroom". Looking forward to teaching and loving all of our students and being a part of their lives. I am a local, born and raised in Sag Harbor, and have always loved the water. Swimming, kayaking, hiking, have all been awesome ways to stay active and to enjoy the outdoors. Now I get to experience it in a new way by working with different animals on a daily basis but one of the greatest gifts I have been given is seeing the wonder and joy that it brings the kids.
My name is Zebulun Kinney and I am very grateful to be able to work with your kids in this upcoming school year. I have worked with kids throughout my life, whether that be in Sunday school, or my own family as the eldest of six. I have also worked as a substitute teacher and currently lead the youth group at Hamptons Christian Fellowship church in Sag Harbor. It has been a tremendous blessing to be able to transition from Summer Camp to now working in the "classroom". Looking forward to teaching and loving all of our students and being a part of their lives. I am a local, born and raised in Sag Harbor, and have always loved the water. Swimming, kayaking, hiking, have all been awesome ways to stay active and to enjoy the outdoors. Now I get to experience it in a new way by working with different animals on a daily basis but one of the greatest gifts I have been given is seeing the wonder and joy that it brings the kids.
Stephanie Montwill- Animal Educator/ Riding Instructor
My name is Stephanie I have been around horses for over 25 years; horses are my absolute passion! I have 1 horse that’s a Mustang straight from the wild, named Magnolia “Maggie “and 1 donkey named “Tito.” You can find my horse and I competing in dressage and jumping shows, doing liberty work or “tricks”, hitting the trails and riding on the beach. Teaching has always been a passion for me; it’s a way I can give back to others! When not with horses my passion is working in heavy equipment, playing the piano, going for hikes with my beagle “Lulu” who also loves to go paddle boarding with me and being in nature any chance I can. My famous quote I always live by is “one must simply have courage and be kind” I have also worked on a farm and have experience with farm animals. I am very excited about having this opportunity to join the team and I cannot wait to meet our students this fall.
My name is Stephanie I have been around horses for over 25 years; horses are my absolute passion! I have 1 horse that’s a Mustang straight from the wild, named Magnolia “Maggie “and 1 donkey named “Tito.” You can find my horse and I competing in dressage and jumping shows, doing liberty work or “tricks”, hitting the trails and riding on the beach. Teaching has always been a passion for me; it’s a way I can give back to others! When not with horses my passion is working in heavy equipment, playing the piano, going for hikes with my beagle “Lulu” who also loves to go paddle boarding with me and being in nature any chance I can. My famous quote I always live by is “one must simply have courage and be kind” I have also worked on a farm and have experience with farm animals. I am very excited about having this opportunity to join the team and I cannot wait to meet our students this fall.
Jacqueline Gravina-Wohlleb - Program Planning and Community Outreach
I’m Jacqueline Gravina-Wohlleb and my passion is being and teaching outdoors. I grew up in New York, in a family of teachers, so education is in my blood. I earned a Masters in Education and I have over 20 years of teaching experience. I’ve traveled and lived in many places, finally settling on the East End as my home. Learning alongside children brings me joy, and I’m always excited to spend time with students and guide them through the learning process. The curiosity and laughter of children makes anything engaging, and I’m full of ideas!
I’ve happily taught toddlers through high school students, and can appreciate what each age group brings. My son, currently in elementary school, inspires me to test new projects and keep growing. I’ve been watching his love of outdoor play and it makes me proud that he’s embraced being outside. We like to hike in the woods and ride bikes. One of my goals is to teach students how to grow their independent skills and learn the capabilities of their bodies and minds, while making educated choices.
Over the years, while I’ve found my strengths lie in teaching STEAM, cooking, environmental and outdoors topics, and physical fitness, I really do love the variety of teaching a little of everything. It keeps things interesting, and I also love to learn.
I work hard to authentically connect with students and get to know their families. Community bonds and conversations drive a strong sense of connection between people and makes life more meaningful. I bring many years of experience running a community center, growing programs and connecting with local schools, organizations and groups to the Green School, where I will continue my work.
As an avid runner, you may spot me jumping into the trails or camping in a tent, where I truly feel at home. My heart is happy in the woods, and that’s how I know the Green School is the place I want to be.
I’m Jacqueline Gravina-Wohlleb and my passion is being and teaching outdoors. I grew up in New York, in a family of teachers, so education is in my blood. I earned a Masters in Education and I have over 20 years of teaching experience. I’ve traveled and lived in many places, finally settling on the East End as my home. Learning alongside children brings me joy, and I’m always excited to spend time with students and guide them through the learning process. The curiosity and laughter of children makes anything engaging, and I’m full of ideas!
I’ve happily taught toddlers through high school students, and can appreciate what each age group brings. My son, currently in elementary school, inspires me to test new projects and keep growing. I’ve been watching his love of outdoor play and it makes me proud that he’s embraced being outside. We like to hike in the woods and ride bikes. One of my goals is to teach students how to grow their independent skills and learn the capabilities of their bodies and minds, while making educated choices.
Over the years, while I’ve found my strengths lie in teaching STEAM, cooking, environmental and outdoors topics, and physical fitness, I really do love the variety of teaching a little of everything. It keeps things interesting, and I also love to learn.
I work hard to authentically connect with students and get to know their families. Community bonds and conversations drive a strong sense of connection between people and makes life more meaningful. I bring many years of experience running a community center, growing programs and connecting with local schools, organizations and groups to the Green School, where I will continue my work.
As an avid runner, you may spot me jumping into the trails or camping in a tent, where I truly feel at home. My heart is happy in the woods, and that’s how I know the Green School is the place I want to be.