Our Team

Our dedicated team of educators has been creating learning experiences for kids for decades.  We combine this depth of experience with implementation of the latest research about how kids learn best in our 21st century environment.  

We have been building the Birch School learning community since 2012.  In those years we have evolved and grown. We observe, ask questions of our learners, and we adapt.

Our teachers are able to know each student in the learning community. We customize learning plans and lesson delivery, as well as support individual projects.  We enjoy getting to know students and guiding them on their learning path. 

Kate Fox

Founder, Director and Teacher

Kate has more than 30 years experience working with children at all management levels in urban and rural school districts, in grades preK – 12. Her expertise extends from teaching and curriculum development to regulatory compliance, licensing, staff supervision and training.

After receiving an LRNG/John D. Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation grant in 2015 for Birch’s Maker Rings project, Kate became involved with the LRNG/National Writing Project’s teacher network. From 2018 – 2020 she worked with Workspace Education/100Roads and Microschool Revolution to deliver Microschool Founders’ Trainings for their Incubator. She completed Education Reimagined’s Learning Lab for practitioners in June 2019, and participated in their ILX, learning exchange, focusing on student-centered elementary school programs.

She has a BA in English and earned her MA in Environmental Conservation Education at NYU. Her thesis focused on teaching techniques that promote understanding of interconnections and systems thinking. She strongly believes these are essential skills in a changing world.

Kate was the owner and Director of Free Spirit Nature Camp for over 20 years.  This dynamic childrens’ summer daycamp was held on a local historic organic farm, and focused on appreciation for the natural world and Indigenous ways.

As part of her graduate studies she participated in research for the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies creating and testing curriculum focused on climate change using animated simulations. She is an experienced homeschooler, with two grown children.

Kate believes strongly in the power of play, in the process of discovery, and in students’ strong participation in defining their own learning plan and goals. Kate currently teaches English to several learning levels, offers consultations for homeschoolers, and coaches High School Seniors for their Capstone Projects.

Ed Helbig

Co-Founder And Teacher

Ed teaches history, civics, geography, social studies and math. He holds an MAT in History and Geography, and a BFA in Music. He earned NYSED Permanent Certification and the NYSED rating “Highly Qualified Teacher”. Ed has taught at all grade levels from pre-school to college. He taught for 10 years in public school before concluding that a new approach was necessary.

He believes strongly that connection with nature is essential for learning. Kids learn better outdoors. They are happier when they can run free and play. Ed works to create learning experiences of all kinds for students that keep them  learning with joy.

Ed has participated in education conferences and institutes at the National Archives, the Smithsonian Institution and the National Geographic Society. He was  a fellow at the National Endowment for the Humanities, the George Washington Mount Vernon Association Institute, a member of the Teacher Advisory Council of the National Constitution Center, and a participant in Facing History.org Reconstruction History Seminar.

Rita Epstein

Vice Principal

Rita has worked in both public and private education for over 50 years as a classroom teacher, and administrator. She has her Bachelors, Masters and pre Doctoral work in Education, Administration, Special and Gifted Education and is permanently NYS Certified as a public school teacher. She believes that our job as educators is to provide all children with the confidence and ability to build on their strengths and celebrate the unique qualities in themselves and each other.

Melissa Capps

 Math and Science Teacher

Melissa is passionate about STEM education and loves supporting students through hands-on, student-led learning that celebrates curiosity, problem-solving, and multiple ways of thinking. With over 20 years of teaching experience, including private school classrooms and piano studios, she strives to create a math and science environment that is engaging, inclusive, and responsive to each learner’s unique strengths.

Before joining The Birch School, she wore many hats as a military spouse—everything from stable hand to government program manager—which taught her adaptability and reinforced her belief in the value of alternative education. Now rooted on her mini-farm in New York (and done with cross-country military moves!), she’s thrilled to be part of a creative, collaborative school community. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and Counseling and loves helping students discover not just how to solve problems—but how to think for themselves.

Harry Sweet

Technology Teacher/Mentor

Harry supports students in technology and computer programming. Harry is retired from public school teaching, where he was the technology and shop teacher in a local high school. He holds an MS in Instructional Communication. and a BS in Industrial Arts. He is an advocate of Open Source technology and teaches it to students when possible. Harry teaches drafting, electronics, CAD design and 3D printing, Python programming, and how to build things using the Arduino and Raspberry Pi platforms. He is also skilled at building and woodworking. In addition, Harry plays the fiddle with his band Madárka, a Gypsy, Balkan, Klezmer band. He also manages the network.

Ronnie Yastion​

Science Teacher

Ronnie believes in learning by doing, hands-on experimentation, interdisciplinary integration and the importance of making learning fun.  She hopes to inspire a love of the natural world and a wonder for all things biology. In addition to teaching science, Ronnie offers electives such as Psychology, World Religions, Ecology and more.  Prior to teaching at the Birch school she taught sciences to grades 6-12 at private schools in NYS.  In her spare time, she enjoys teaching pottery lessons and making ceramics inspired by the natural world, running in the Mohonk Preserve and drumming with the Drumsong Orchestra.  She is an avid environmentalist and proponent of simple and sustainable living and calls a self built strawbale house in New Paltz home.

Ella Goodwin

Classroom Facilitator

Ella (she/they) provides student support and mentorship as the Classroom Facilitator at the Birch School. Ella has developed a passion for supporting student’s educational and creative exploration through 9 years of working with youth in schools, aftercare programs, and summer camps. Holding a BA in Sociology and Gender & Sexuality Studies, Ella believes deeply in the transformative power of community-oriented, student-led learning. Ella also teaches Fiber Arts, Guitar, Forest Exploration, Physical Education and Health classes at the Birch School.

James VanGelder

Arts Instructor

Jim offers art for all students at all levels.  Jim is a life-long artist who brings enthusiasm and a keen eye to help students love art. Jim had the great fortune to study watercolor painting with John Groth at the Art Students League in NYC, and at other times and places with Fredrick Franck and Milford Zornes.   https://www.jamesvangelderart.com/

Shannon Schoenherr

Administrative Assistant and Student Support Facilitator

Shannon has been supporting The Birch School for more than ten years – as a school parent, as a teacher in our elementary, as a teacher in our Forest School, and as our Attendance Officer and Front Desk Attendant.  She has worked in Montessori education before coming to Birch.  Shannon’s management skills keep us running and allow us to maintain an emotionally aware campus.  When you call on the phone, you will most likely talk to Shannon.