I grew up in Michigan, studying journalism at Central Michigan University, where I was a full-time reporter and editor on the school newspaper. I had a short run in the political world as a committee aide in the Michigan House of Representatives before going to photography school at the International Center of Photography. I have practiced photography as an artist ever since studying at the ICP and worked commercially for many years as an architectural photographer. I was on the faculty of the New York School of Interior Design for eight years, teaching graduate and undergraduate students. In 2017 my wife, Laura, and I relocated to Montpelier where we live quite happily and are raising our son, Emerson, who is in his third year at Turtle Island and thriving there! Since moving to Vermont I have been involved with Burlington City Arts, and currently serve as BCA's Photography Studio Manager. In addition to managing BCA's digital and black-and-white photo labs, I teach adult photo classes and summer arts camps for kids.

Becca Gentile is a special educator and 504 coordinator at Montpelier High School. She has a BA in biology from Colorado College and an MBA from Leeds School of Business at CU Boulder. She previously worked at LivelyHoods, a small international nonprofit in Kenya but changed careers when she realized that teaching was her passion. Becca lives in Montpelier with her partner and three children: Sage, Kade, and Juniper.

Katrina has been at Turtle Island since 2018. She taught preschool for many years in the Cave classroom. After completing her masters degree in Early Childhood Special Education from UVM, Katrina transitioned into the role of Director of Student Support Services. She is passionate about supporting children with diverse needs and creating inclusive learning environments for all children. Outside of Turtle Island, Katrina enjoys spending time in nature, reading, and coaching Special Olympics soccer. She is also a proud aunt of her two nephews and niece! 

Jennifer Rotblatt works as an Administrative Services Coordinator at the State of Vermont Department of Vermont Health Access. She has almost 15 years of executive-level administrative support experience in Olympia, Washington and Vermont within the non-profit and public sectors. Jennifer lives in Berlin with her husband and two children, one is a TI alumnae and the other a current TI preschooler.

Joffrette spent her childhood in a special place on Lake George, NY, where she fell in love with being in nature. She has an Early Childhood degree from SUNY Oneonta and has been in the field for over ten years. Her experience as a ski instructor at Pico and as a Natural Resource Instructor for Green Mountain Conservation Camp also fueled her passion for working with children outdoors. Joffrette found Turtle Island in 2017, was instantly inspired and has been a preschool teacher here since.

As a parent and community member, Emma is passionate about providing quality childcare and wants to do everything she can to help bring our mission to life. She received her Master of Science in Leadership from Norwich University in 2021. Her expertise includes training and development, leadership best practice, and worksite wellness. Emma's career has spanned across various sectors, including special education, higher education enrollment management, and worksite wellness programs. Her work has brought her worldwide to places such as Vietnam, Sweden, Latvia, and Norway. Emma lives in Barre with her husband, daughter, and dog.

I am a retired pediatrician from Burlington, VT and grandmother of several current students and graduates. Turtle Island is a wonderful unique children’s center and I am excited to be able to help it grow and continue to serve local children and families.

Summers Long works as an Asbestos Inspector at Asbestos Inspections of Vermont. Prior to starting this company in 2020, he worked as an Environmental Consultant/Scientist in North Carolina. He has a BA in Environmental Studies from the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado, with a minor in Geology. He lives in Montpelier with his wife and two children.

Brian Senecal works as an Operations and Project Manager for Kroll Business Services where he oversees the implementation of a variety of technology solutions in the Enterprise Architecture group. He has previously worked for ABC News, The Blackstone Group, Angelo, Gordon & Co., and as a middle school English and assistant Special Education teacher. He holds a BS in Journalism from Boston University and lives in East Montpelier with his wife and daughter.

Sarah grew up in Akron, Ohio. She earned a B.A. in History from Carnegie Mellon University in 2000, a Juris Doctorate from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 2004 and M.Ed from Johnson State College in 2013. As an attorney, Sarah's practice has always been exclusively focused on family and juvenile law. Sarah has significant non-profit experience as a board member, volunteer and employee. Sarah worked as a Case Manager at Washington County Diversion and Capstone Community Action before opening The Law Office of Sarah R. Miller five years ago. She contracts with the State of Vermont to represent children and parents in delinquency and child protection cases in Orange, Washington, Lamoille and Caledonia Counties. 

Sarah lives in Barre with her spouse, Bradley and their child, Harrison. They joined the Turtle Island family at the beginning of this school year and could not be happier with the Turtle Island experience! Sarah, Bradley and Harrison love outdoor adventures and exploring the splendor of Vermont. 

​Hannah has been working at TI since January of 2018. She has taught in many different classes, spending the last few years co-creating the Adventure/Forest Preschool program. She feels very grateful to do work she loves every day, helping to foster in children a deep connection to nature. Hannah got the chance to spend several years traveling and living in Central America, and hopes to someday travel more. In her free time she enjoys gardening, hiking, reading, and dabbling in different kinds of fiber art. Hannah currently lives in Cabot with her husband, Onel, and their dog, Ramona.