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. My son, Grayson, is now 6 and 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. My son, Grayson, is now 6 and 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.
Julia Malmsten - Administrator / Marketing & Event Coordinator
My name is Julia Malmsten, I'm 23 years old and from Gothenburg, Sweden. I came to New York 4 years ago to explore a new place and I have stayed since! I am a senior working on my Bachelor's Degree in Marketing & Communications. I have spent time at The Green School since day one in New York four years ago and I have loved every second of it! When I am not studying or spending time on the farm I love traveling. Every year I go to Cape Town, South Africa where I run a non-profit organization supporting an orphanage with school tuition. I also love surfing and therefore, I travel to Costa Rica every year which I call is the surf-paradise! With the owner and founder of The Green School being Swedish and the school is partially inspired by the country, it has always felt like home being there!
My name is Julia Malmsten, I'm 23 years old and from Gothenburg, Sweden. I came to New York 4 years ago to explore a new place and I have stayed since! I am a senior working on my Bachelor's Degree in Marketing & Communications. I have spent time at The Green School since day one in New York four years ago and I have loved every second of it! When I am not studying or spending time on the farm I love traveling. Every year I go to Cape Town, South Africa where I run a non-profit organization supporting an orphanage with school tuition. I also love surfing and therefore, I travel to Costa Rica every year which I call is the surf-paradise! With the owner and founder of The Green School being Swedish and the school is partially inspired by the country, it has always felt like home being there!
Megan Elizabeth - Assistant Teacher
Hi, my name is Megan Cunningham I am 27 years old.
I am extremely excited to join The Green School team as an assistant teacher. I have been a preschool Teacher Assistant for 10 years, the last 4 which have been spent here at The Green School. The first time I stepped into a classroom I knew, in that moment, I could not picture my career taking me anywhere else then alongside children. Being afforded 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.
As the walls of the classroom are less defined in environmental educational learning, we will interact with nature and the world around us while developing and further refining skills, wellness, and awareness. I am hopeful each of my student’s 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 am 27 years old.
I am extremely excited to join The Green School team as an assistant teacher. I have been a preschool Teacher Assistant for 10 years, the last 4 which have been spent here at The Green School. The first time I stepped into a classroom I knew, in that moment, I could not picture my career taking me anywhere else then alongside children. Being afforded 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.
As the walls of the classroom are less defined in environmental educational learning, we will interact with nature and the world around us while developing and further refining skills, wellness, and awareness. I am hopeful each of my student’s 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 Coordinator at The Green School! Working with children has always been a huge passion of mine. To be able to give children the opportunity to self express themselves in their art work and see where their creativity takes them is a huge blessing!
I have been around children my whole life. I come from a huge family hence working with children and helping them has always been a huge part of who I am today. I am born and raised in East Hampton and graduated from Stony brook University with a degree in Psychology/Biology. Soon after graduating, The Green School became my new home in which has given me ample of opportunities to help the children that come here become more in tuned with the environment, our animals and more importantly with themselves.
I love being able to share my love for art and teaching the children, seeing their smiles is what truly makes all the hard work worth it. The Green School allows children to tune into their emotions and understandings of what it means to heal the environment and themselves with the art we do, to the science we incorporate and the teachings we implement. A big part of why The Green School is not just a school but a place where creativity thrives and individuality is born. I look forward to my third year with The Green School.
My name is Stephanie Yanes and I am the Art Coordinator at The Green School! Working with children has always been a huge passion of mine. To be able to give children the opportunity to self express themselves in their art work and see where their creativity takes them is a huge blessing!
I have been around children my whole life. I come from a huge family hence working with children and helping them has always been a huge part of who I am today. I am born and raised in East Hampton and graduated from Stony brook University with a degree in Psychology/Biology. Soon after graduating, The Green School became my new home in which has given me ample of opportunities to help the children that come here become more in tuned with the environment, our animals and more importantly with themselves.
I love being able to share my love for art and teaching the children, seeing their smiles is what truly makes all the hard work worth it. The Green School allows children to tune into their emotions and understandings of what it means to heal the environment and themselves with the art we do, to the science we incorporate and the teachings we implement. A big part of why The Green School is not just a school but a place where creativity thrives and individuality is born. I look forward to my third year with The Green School.
Krista Cordon - Animal Educator/ Horse Instructor
My name is Krista and I am one of the animal educators and assistant teachers at The Green School. I am an equestrian and have a passion for horses, so getting to spread that passion during our riding to our students is truly the best! I love being able to integrate animal education into the curriculum, helping young children develop a deep appreciation and understanding of the natural world. Watching kids grow and develop deep, loving relationships with the animals here makes my day. The Green School is a wonderful community to be a part of and I am excited for another year of growing, learning, and caring for the animals and students.
My name is Krista and I am one of the animal educators and assistant teachers at The Green School. I am an equestrian and have a passion for horses, so getting to spread that passion during our riding to our students is truly the best! I love being able to integrate animal education into the curriculum, helping young children develop a deep appreciation and understanding of the natural world. Watching kids grow and develop deep, loving relationships with the animals here makes my day. The Green School is a wonderful community to be a part of and I am excited for another year of growing, learning, and caring for the animals and students.
Brianna Wilds - Lead / Assistant Teacher
My name is Brianna Wilds, I am 25 years old. I am so excited to start this new adventure at The Green School. I was born and raised in Hampton Bays which is where I found my love for the outdoors like the beach. I am currently finishing my bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science with a focus in Early Childhood Education at Mercy University. I started my journey with kids when I was 14 years old working at local camps and babysitting and since then have fallen more and more in love with the development of children and the different ways of teaching education. Education has helped me realize the broad spectrum of learning for children and it doesn’t have to be at a desk with books but learning beyond traditional aspects and looking forward to discovering different avenues at the green school. I’ve been a teacher assistant for 4 years, camp coordinator for 3 years & counting, and most recently a preschool/nursery lead teacher for the last 2 years. I have learned so much from my previous students and take all the moments, adventures and love with me in every classroom I enter. The most important moment I have gathered from my students was enjoying every little moment big or small, there is always a fun and exciting adventure in your future. I am so excited to see where this adventure leads and the growth that comes with it. I can’t wait to engage and learn from the kids and aspects of the farm.
My name is Brianna Wilds, I am 25 years old. I am so excited to start this new adventure at The Green School. I was born and raised in Hampton Bays which is where I found my love for the outdoors like the beach. I am currently finishing my bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science with a focus in Early Childhood Education at Mercy University. I started my journey with kids when I was 14 years old working at local camps and babysitting and since then have fallen more and more in love with the development of children and the different ways of teaching education. Education has helped me realize the broad spectrum of learning for children and it doesn’t have to be at a desk with books but learning beyond traditional aspects and looking forward to discovering different avenues at the green school. I’ve been a teacher assistant for 4 years, camp coordinator for 3 years & counting, and most recently a preschool/nursery lead teacher for the last 2 years. I have learned so much from my previous students and take all the moments, adventures and love with me in every classroom I enter. The most important moment I have gathered from my students was enjoying every little moment big or small, there is always a fun and exciting adventure in your future. I am so excited to see where this adventure leads and the growth that comes with it. I can’t wait to engage and learn from the kids and aspects of the farm.