Lisa Burris

Lisa Burris is the Founder and Executive Director of Turn Back Time. She has five children and is the adoptive mother of two children with special needs. It is through her children that Lisa first recognized the fantastic effects that nature has as a great equalizer and healer. It is from this reckoning that Lisa has created the concept of the nature based education program for children of all abilities, building the infrastructure and business plan to make that a reality.

Lisa started the farm preschool back in 2012 with just three kiddos, a red shed, and a vision. She says it has been a true pleasure to watch as the program has expanded from there. In May 2017, Lisa received a Masters certificate of completion from Antioch University for Nature Based Education and Forest Kindergarten through their Early Childhood Education Department. Lisa holds a degree in Human Resources and has 30 years of experience in the field, as well as in business, administration, accounting.

Katie Baker

Kathryn Hunt Baker has taken the role as  Director in charge of operations at Turn Back Time, as well as Lead Teacher in our Kinderkamp program. She is an early childhood educator with a passion for emergent curriculum and play-based learning. Throughout her early career Katie was blessed with strong role-models who excelled in understanding the developmental needs of young children. She prides herself in her ability to guide children in their individual growth and her knack for designing spaces that encourage engagement in learning. She has achieved a MEd in Foundations of Education, a BS in Early Childhood Education, an AA in Liberal Arts, a Masters Certificate in Nature-Based Education and is a licensed teacher in the state of Massachusetts. Katie has worked in the field of Early Childhood Education for over a decade and owned and operated The Neighborhood Playroom, a nature-based daycare program in Leicester, MA.

Katie lives with her husband and two sons in Leicester Massachusetts.  While at home, Katie enjoys perennial and water gardening, watching wild birds, and reading with her children. The Baker family loves to explore New England in their camper, and spends much of their time at their family homes in Maine. Katie is a life-long learner and is often engaged studying her interests and taking classes at Antioch University.

Veda Bleau

Veda Bleau is Assistant Director at Turn Back Time. She is diving whole-heartedly into nature-based education by pursuing her Master’s in Nature-Based Early Childhood Education at Antioch University. She graduated from Holyoke Community College and Worcester State University and has taught in both private and public school settings in Western and Central Massachusetts. Passionately teaching underserved and at-risk kids developed her professionally, but finding Turn Back Time’s nature-based early education program has allowed her to bring her unique perspective and skills to the table in a holistic way, forming genuine connections with kids in all the exciting ways nature can provide. Veda is committed to working with nature to discover endless opportunities for kids to learn and grow, and provide a strong emotional and social foundation for overall confidence and relationship building. Veda is enthusiastic, vivacious, loud and committed. She is a talented and passionate cook, fiber artist, and outdoor enthusiast who loves to immerse herself in the New England seasons by camping, kayaking, hiking and snowboarding. She runs The Bleau Pig with her husband, Brad, selling their artwork, custom clothing and vintage treasures they score from scouring flea markets, thrift shops and old barns.

Katrina Smaltz

Beth Preston

Beth Preston is a Preschool Teacher, Garden Educator and Farm and Animal Care Coordinator at Turn Back Time. A Hubbardston native, Beth graduated from Notre Dame Preparatory School in Fitchburg and attended Assumption College in Worcester. She worked for many years in restaurant management and as a Title Examiner before taking time to raise her family. She settled in Holden with her four children and volunteered in their classrooms, PTA events and Youth Football Snack Shack which fostered her love of young children and their excited, natural sense of adventure. Beth encourages independence in her students by being positive, encouraging and level-headed. She loves facilitating her students’ connection with the world around them and helps kids recognize their own unique strengths and abilities through nature exploration. Working at Turn Back Time fits perfectly with her love of the outdoors and her firm belief that spending time with nature has a therapeutic effect on humans. When she’s not working, she farmsteads at her home where she has goats, chickens and a donkey. She loves landscaping and has a vegetable garden and a greenhouse. Her quiet time is spent reading or going on long hikes.

Gabriela Ramirez

Gaby has been a dedicated early childhood educator for several years. She has always loved getting to know each child as an individual and watching their curiosity, personality, and confidence grow. After being introduced to Reggio Emilia, she became inspired by its child-led philosophy and the creativity and learning it encourages. Gaby enjoys following children’s interests and questions and creating opportunities for them to learn through play, exploration, and discovery.

Gaby has always enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially camping and discovering new trails with her three dogs. After becoming a mother, she discovered an even deeper appreciation for the way children can immerse themselves in nature and the endless opportunities it provides for learning, imagination, and connection. During her son’s baby and toddler years, you could often find her walking on trails with her son alongside her, riding his balance bike, or enjoying the view from her back. These experiences strengthened her belief that some of the most meaningful learning can happen when children are given the freedom to wonder, get curious, and experience the natural world firsthand.

Outside of the classroom, Gaby enjoys finding new places to explore with her family, trying new art hobbies, and spending time with her dogs. Fun fact: her family are big Patriots fans! They recently adopted their newest dog at this year’s Patriots training camp and named her Maye as a tribute to the Patriots and the way football brings their family together.

coming soon

Josie Brennan

Hi, I’m Josie! I’m so excited to be joining the preschool team and to have the opportunity to learn, grow, and make special memories with your little ones. I have a background in child development, and I’m currently finishing my Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology.

I’ve previously worked as a Literacy Tutor, where I developed a passion for helping children build confidence and develop a love for learning. I especially enjoy creating fun, engaging experiences that allow children to explore, be creative, and learn at their own pace.

Outside of the classroom, I’m a mom to two wonderful children, so I know firsthand how important it is for children to feel safe, supported, encouraged, and cared for. When I’m not working or studying, I love spending time outdoors with my family, especially hiking, exploring new places, reading, and enjoying time in nature.

Brielle Daoust

Brielle is a Preschool Teacher with a strong love for children, animals and the outdoors. Growing up on a dairy farm, she developed a deep appreciation for nature and learned the importance of caring for animals from a young age. In high school, Brielle participated in her school’s preschool program, where she discovered her passion for working with young children and helping them learn and explore the world around them. She went on to attend Quinsigamond Community College, where she earned her degree in Early Childhood Education.

Brielle enjoys creating positive, engaging experiences that encourage children’s curiosity, independence and love for learning. Her background growing up on a farm has shaped her belief in the importance of hands-on experiences and connecting children with nature and animals. When she’s not at school, Brielle enjoys taking her cats on walks, thrifting and spending time with her family.

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