Amanda Hochschartner
Founding Director and Teacher
Amanda Hochschartner is both director and teacher (more info).
Ashley Hyatt
Lead Teacher
Ashley Hyatt is a local Suffield artist and art instructor. She comes to Granby Nature Preschool with a M.Ed. in Elementary Education and a B.S. in Architecture, many years of experience teaching in public schools, and a passion for the outdoors. She has thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, Mountain biked the Continental Divide, and paddled the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. She believes that there is no better way for children to learn and develop than through exploration of the natural world.
Liz Pidgeon
Assistant Teacher
Liz Pidgeon joins Granby Nature Preschool with a Bachelors Degree in Art Education and a background in child care. After many years of nannying, teaching in a daycare and working with children in Costa Rica she believes that utilizing a child’s natural curiosity and their inclination to explore, experiment and problem solve can be the greatest way to reinforce concepts to children that are fundamental to their development. Liz often spends weekends with her daughter, husband and their dog, Bowie, exploring the outdoors and traveling.