Our Teachers & Staff

Meet Our Team

Shannon Morrissey

PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR

As an early childhood professional, I have worked in a variety of educational settings over the last 15 years and feel incredibly fortunate to have landed here at Cairn Hill. How lucky are we that the environment we find ourselves in offers so much to teach and inspire us?!? 

Since being able to experience outdoor learning, I have come to strongly believe that children’s exposure to nature in early childhood fosters a curiosity and appreciation of the earth.  Some of my favorite things about being at our nature preschool is our surroundings. With the sounds in the trees and our fascinating turkey and other feathered friends, all of which make our daily experiences even more special. I also enjoy observing each child’s free exploration and play where they are given the chance to lead and use their imagination. 
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My goal, no matter the program or age of people I am working with, is to share and develop a deeper curiosity and love of learning. I can’t wait to explore and discover with you and your family!

Lyndsay LeBrun

LEAD TEACHER

As the second oldest of seven children, I have spent most of my life working with and nurturing the growth of young children. Beginning in high school and continuing through college I worked part time at preschools in my down time; and shortly after graduating from middlebury college in 2009, I began the journey of making it my life's work. Today, I have been a full time preschool teacher for close to 15 years. I spent ten years teaching at the same preschool before relocating to Salem in 2022 and found this wonderful community at Cairn Hill. I intend to be here for the long haul and have grown to appreciate the wonders and values of nature when it comes to helping young children grow. One of my favorite teaching mantras I try to live by is: 'children may not remember what you said or what you taught them, but they will forever remember how you made them feel'. I remember this each and every day I endeavor to teach children because it is so very true.   ​

Laura Coleman

LEAD TEACHER

Laura has over 10 years of experience as a preschool teacher, and found one of the most joyful and rewarding aspects of being a teacher is helping children navigate the world around them, and instill a sense of purpose and gratitude. 

She wishes to use her skills and education  alongside her co-teachers to help children at Cairn Hill Preschool expand their minds and emotional well being. Laura is most excited to explore the space that surrounds the school, and use our senses while gardening in the flourishing garden beds. When Laura is not at Cairn Hill, she enjoys gardening, walking the beach, and finding new recipes. She is also Reiki Certified and a Licensed Massage Therapist.

Cory Plassmann

ASSISTANT TEACHER

As a behavioral technician I have worked in many different settings with autistic children and adults. From the classroom to recreational parks, nature trails and even farms. This work has been a privilege to be part of. Everyone deserves the right to learn and discover themselves in a positive and empathetic environment. There’s always a positive teachable moment waiting to be discovered.

Al Nocie

ASSISTANT TEACHER

As a student of forestry and professional illustrator I find working with children to be a creative and fulfilling endeavor. I have two years of experience as an au pair in Spain and I am currently in the process of getting my Bachelor of Science degree in natural resources with a specialization in education. 
My interest in teaching was really inspired by my grandparent’s approach to my own development. They were kind, patient, and tolerant, which are attributes that I now fortunately embody. In application of Waldorf ideas: I try to focus on allowing a child space to explore, a helpful prod in the right direction, and questions that allow them to discover the answer for themselves! 

Margaret Ris

Waldorf Specialist 

Margaret co-founded Cairn Hill Educational Collaborative in 2012 with the goal of bringing high quality programming to diverse young learners. She has 30 years of experience teaching Waldorf Early Childhood and  Parent /Child classes and has enjoyed mentoring Waldorf teachers throughout new England since 2006.   “I love the richness, joy and gentleness the Waldorf approach offers young children and the understanding it provides teachers and parents in their journeys with children.   Bringing this nature and arts rich approach to a broader population has been my lifelong dream."