Melissa West is a Teacher, Director, and Founder at The Mayapple School, where she shares her love of reading and adventure with students and campers. She holds a B.S. from Radford University for Interdisciplinary Studies and has earned a Virginia teacher’s license for General Education, Pre-K through 8th grade. She is currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Natural Science and Environmental Education program at Hamline University. Previously, Melissa West has worked as a resident camp counselor for Girl Scouts of all ages, an environmental educator, preschool teacher, and farmhand on organic farms. Melissa West grew up on Long Island, New York, and came to the New River Valley after falling in love with the mountains during her thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail.

After two years substitute teaching at The Mayapple School, Lauren Lemcke now teaches regularly (W - F). At The Mayapple School, she experiences the excitement of discovering and exploring alongside those who do it best—your little ones, our Mayapplings! Lauren earned her M.S.W. from Radford University and has worked with children of all ages and in many different settings, beginning with babysitting and nannying, working in day-care centers, serving as a camp counselor, and through social work in schools, homes, and communities across the New River Valley. After moving frequently growing up, Lauren loves travel and adventure, but found her true home and happiness in Blacksburg, where she lives with her husband, two children (and Mayapple alums!), dog, and kitties.

“Ms. MK” is a recent graduate from Virginia Tech with a B.S. in Ecological Restoration. She joins us as a preschool educator this school year on Mondays and Tuesdays, sharing her passion for how everything in nature is so connected. Co-currently, MK is also the Lead Naturalist at Claytor Lake State Park, where she first fell in love with environmental education. She spends her free time reading, drawing or painting, listening to any and all kinds of music, or hanging out with her two cats. Originally from western North Carolina, she grew up playing in the creeks and forests; now, she is an avid camper and hiker in our Appalachian Mountains of southwest Virginia.

Isabelle Porter is the lead summer educator at The Mayapple School. She is also studying Special Education at Radford University and is a special education paraprofessional at Montgomery County Public Schools. Her background in outdoor education includes founding a nonprofit nature preschool in Seattle and working at an outdoor elementary school in Virginia. Isabelle is a certified Virginia Master Naturalist and loves engaging children in the natural world. Isabelle grew up on a boat in Mexico, where her family ran a nonprofit serving remote communities, and later worked with at-risk youth in Peru. She now lives with her two children in the New River Valley and enjoys sewing, reading, spending time outside, and making messy art.

Annabelle Muriano joined The Mayapple School for the 2025/2026 school year, and is now a cherished substitute teacher. She holds a B.S. in Fish and Wildlife Conservation from Virginia Tech. As a student, Annabelle interned at SEEDS Nature Center, which sparked a passion for nature-based education. After graduating, she pursued that interest by working as a Naturalist Educator at the Blue Ridge Discovery Center. In her free time, she enjoys adventuring, reading, volunteering, and learning more about this great big world.

Alicia Van Winkle is a substitute at The Mayapple School with a passion for supporting children’s social-emotional growth and development. She graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech in Kitchen & Bath Design and settled locally in the area with her now husband. After working and enjoying her experiences in the professional field she became a stay at home mother to her two children (both Mayapplings). She enjoys spending time outside with her family, reading, exercising, and playing chef in the kitchen. We’re cheering her on for her first triathlon.

Heather Heins is a substitute teacher at The Mayapple School, where she enjoys guiding children in intentional play and project based learning. She is a Registered Nurse at Lewis Gale Hospital Montgomery, where she has managed care of patients of all ages since 2010 and leads “Stop the Bleed” classes. Heather Heins holds Bachelors degrees in Biology and Religion from University of Mary Washington and an Associate Degree in Nursing from New River Community College. She lives in Blacksburg with her husband and two daughters, both of whom have attended The Mayapple School.

“Farmer Fry” is a land steward and educator at The Mayapple School. He is the creative force and action behind The Mayapple School’s 1/8 acre educational garden, and he believes deeply in the immense power that comes from connection with growing food and living in harmony with the land. Andrew has over a decade of experience as a farmhand, leader, student, and educator on organic farms across the United States. He lives in Blacksburg with his wife and their three young boys.