Brambles

Who We Are

McKinley Pierce

(she/her/hers)
Qualified as: Teaching Assistant
Experience with Children: 3yrs

McKinley was born in raised in the Mad River Valley. She has lived in Massachusetts, California, and New Zealand. After McKinley graduated from Harwoord, she went on to obtain her Personal Training Certificate with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She is currently continuing her studies at the Community College of Vermont where she is studying psychology. She has been coaching and counseling children since she was a teenager in dance and ninja warrior classes. In her free time, McKinley likes to do ninja and compete, travel, hike, do anything involving movement and sunshine, read, and drink coffee. McKinley has been featured on the sports entertainment competition TV show, American Ninja Warrior!

Raya Berenback

(she/her/hers)
Qualified as: Lead Teacher
Experience with Children: 5yrs

Raya grew up in Vermont and has lived here all of her life. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Vermont. She loves to snowboard, go camping in the summer with her dog, Koda, and fiance, Ben, and tend to her garden. Raya has worked in various child care and school settings as both a teacher and behavioral interventionist. She loves everything outdoors and is excited to be a part of a community that shares those similar values!

Patty Kirpan

(she/her/hers)
Qualified as: Lead Teacher
Experience with Children: 45yrs

Patty lives in Moretown,Vt. Patty recieved her Bachelor's Degree from Trinity College in Human Services/Early Education and Master's in Special Education from Johnson State University. She has been a licensed preschool and Kindergarten teacher in local schools for over 40 years. After officially retiring in 2012 and raising 11 kids, she couldn't resist jumping right into the MECA program with Moie whom she has known before birth. When not at NOW, Patty enjoys swimming, kayaking, downhill skiing and traveling.