Our Staff
Committed to fostering a deep connection between students and the natural world, our team of educators brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and enthusiasm to every aspect of our nature-based curriculum. Each member of our staff has been carefully chosen for their profound passion for the environment and their expertise in various fields. With their diverse backgrounds and qualifications, our staff members enrich the learning environment, inspiring students to explore the wonders of the natural world.
Maren Peterson
Founder/Director
At the helm of our institution is our visionary school director, Maren Peterson. With her unwavering dedication to education, Maren has shaped Stepping Stones into a beacon of sustainable learning. She spearheads our efforts to provide an immersive and transformative experience for each student, ensuring that they develop a lifelong love and respect for nature. Maren’s journey to establishing Stepping Stones Nature School has been decades in the making. While growing up in northern Indiana, Maren was always outdoors. She developed a deep appreciation not only for nature, but also for the relationships one can develop while enjoying nature together with peers.
Maren earned a B.S.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from Indiana University. After graduation she taught children ranging from toddlers to first grade. While continuing to develop her educational perspectives, Maren received Orton-Gillingham training through Farleigh Dickinson University.
While homeschooling her three children, Maren’s teaching philosophy truly took shape. She was reminded of the importance of the joy of learning, which can lead to a deeper understanding of content and a desire for lifelong learning.
Maren is certified in the state of New Jersey to teach toddlers-3rd grade. She is CPR/BLS certified.
Hope Long
2.5-4 year old Teacher
Hope is excited to be teaching at Stepping Stones Nature School for a second year. She earned her B.A. from Stockton University with a degree in environmental studies. She earned a certificate of completion for the Cedarsong Way Foundations Course, which is the first forest kindergarten accreditation program in the United States. This past year she earned her certificate in children’s yoga.
Prior to joining Stepping Stones Nature School, she was a preschool teacher at Star Child Nature School for three years and before that an environmental educator at Project H.E.A.L. Hope believes that the most important aspects of childhood are play, cooperation, kindness, and developing a love of the natural world. She fosters these in her personal life by taking walks often, meditating daily, reading, working out, and spending time with her loved ones. Children in school deserve a calm, slow, loving environment and she works hard at creating a space that provides just that each day.
Jennifer Weiner
2.5- 4 Year Old Teacher
Jennifer Weiner is excited to be joining Stepping Stones Nature School as an assistant teacher. Jennifer is happy to bring with her a diverse background and experience. Her academic pursuits led her to attain an Associates Degree in Animal Science from Camden County College, which subsequently paved the way for her decade-long career as a Graduated Veterinary Technician, encompassing four years of service within an exigent emergency veterinary hospital setting. Jennifer also graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelors in Psychology with an emphasis on child and adolescent development. Currently, Jennifer shares her love of the outdoors with her two children, boy/girl twins. She is raising them with a love of nature and animals. Jennifer looks forward to sharing that love with the students at Stepping Stones!
Randi Behr
Elementary Teacher
Randi obtained her Bachelor's degree from Rider University, majoring in Elementary Education and Psychology, with a minor in Special Education. Her professional experience encompasses roles as a Kindergarten teacher and Special Education Inclusion teacher across various grade levels including 3rd, 4th, and 6th grades. Subsequently, Randi made the decision to transition from her educational career to devote her time to nurturing her three sons at home.
Central to Randi's educational philosophy is the belief that children should be afforded the opportunity to fully embrace their childhood, and as such, she employs an approach grounded in developmental appropriateness. As she embarks on the next chapter of her journey, Randi eagerly anticipates an enriching and productive year at Stepping Stones.
When not busy teaching, Randi dedicates the majority of her time to her three sons, aged 5, 3, and 1, as well as her husband and dog. Randi and her family often gravitate towards outdoor activities, frequently visiting a nearby lake. The activity of these three spirited boys has reinforced her conviction in the value of unstructured play in nature.
Brielle Betts
2 1/2-4 Year old Teacher
Brielle has her degree in Elementary/Early Childhood Education from Kutztown University. From 2009-2016 she taught Kindergarten in West Deptford.
In 2016 when her son, Bennett, was born she became a stay at home mom. Her focus became library time, music class, playground hopping, and enjoying every day with him!
Bennett started nature school at 3.5 years old and was lucky enough to have Ms. Maren as his teacher for Kindergarten and First Grade. :-) After Bennett transitioned to public school for Second Grade she started substitute teaching at his school.
In her spare time, she likes to volunteer at Bennett’s school, read mystery books, enjoy family time, and watch or play sports. Basketball is her favorite sport to play and this year she will be coaching Bennett’s basketball team!
Rae Feldcamp
Preschool Teacher /Music Teacher
Rae has a rich background in child care and education, having worked as an in-class aide, household manager, nanny, and music teacher. She has experience with children of all ages, from toddlers to teens, and focuses on fostering independence, self-confidence, and respect.
Rae holds a Bachelor of Music from Curtis Institute of Music and has pursued additional studies at McGill University. Committed to continuous learning, she actively reads and researches to bring a well-informed and well-rounded approach to her work. Outside of her professional life, Rae enjoys spending time with her family and taking quiet morning walks.
Christina Kissane
2.5-4 Year old Teacher
Christina received her Bachelor’s from Rowan University. After becoming a mother to her daughter Molly, Christina chose to stay home and focus on raising her family, which sparked her passion for working with children. Over the years, she has gained hands-on experience through various roles including caretaking of children toddler through age 6, room parent, running club volunteer and other various child-centered activities. These experiences have brought Christina immense joy and a deep sense of fulfillment, solidifying her commitment to creating a nurturing and engaging environment for young learners. Her love for children and dedication to their growth and well-being make her an incredible addition to our team.
Christina is excited to bring her energy, creativity, and heart to Stepping Stones!. She can’t wait to get to know each child and family, and to help make every year memorable for everyone!