Bradleigh Olson
Full Time Teacher and Co - Director
Bradleigh grew up in a small farming town in Virginia and attended very ordinary schools. A few standout teachers, however, provided learning experiences that were anything but. It was those educators that ultimately kickstarted her passion for learning and eventually a career in education, where that passion could be shared. She attended Christopher Newport University, a liberal arts school in Newport News, Virginia, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Teaching. Eight years of teaching 4th grade in the Virginia public school system provided Bradleigh with numerous learning opportunities, a chance to work with students from multiple nationalities and backgrounds, and a better understanding of what it takes to provide a quality education. In 2019 she moved to Vermont with her husband and sought a place that would provide an abundance of green space and access to outdoor activities. She taught at Mountain River School, a small outdoor-focused place-based education school, for four years. There she gained experiences that gave her the autonomy to teach to the whole child. She felt joy in being able to be part of children’s growth academically, socially, and emotionally. She is very excited to continue her teaching journey at LVFFS, cultivating lifelong learners in an environment that encourages whole child growth. She greatly enjoys spending time in nature, from day hiking to overnight backpacking, kayaking, cycling, skiing and many other outdoor adventures.
Genevieve Larocque
Director and Part - Time teacher & Naturalist
As the founder and director of LVFFS, Gen Larocque brings a unique blend of educational expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and community-building passion to the realm of nature-based education.
With a background in early childhood education, Gen initially embarked on their journey in the educational field while pursuing their studies. Following this, they transitioned into a full-time role as a yoga instructor, where they honed their skills as an entrepreneur, educator, and community leader.
During her tenure as a yoga instructor, Gen cultivated a thriving community, trained numerous teachers, and fostered deep connections among participants. Through this experience, they discovered the profound impact that immersive, experiential learning in natural environments can have on individuals of all ages.
Driven by a desire to combine their passion for education, nature, and community, Gen founded LVFFS. In this role, they lead with a vision to provide children with enriching experiences in nature, fostering curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love for learning.
With Gen's dynamic leadership, LVFFS has become a beacon of innovative education, where children are empowered to explore, discover, and thrive in the natural world. Through hands-on activities, outdoor adventures, and collaborative learning, she is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards and compassionate global citizens.
Outside of LVFFS, Gen continues to inspire and empower communities through her involvement in various initiatives aimed at promoting holistic well-being, environmental conservation, and educational innovation.
As the director of Lamoille Valley Farm and Forest School], Gen remains steadfast in their commitment to providing a transformative educational experience that cultivates a deep connection to nature and fosters a lifelong love for learning.
Ali Brown
Curriculum consultant
Ali Brown is an experienced educator, coach, and facilitator who works with teachers and instructional leaders to support them in developing the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to transform learning experiences and outcomes for students. Ali has a deep passion for transforming teaching and learning and grounds her work in her best teachers: the students in the Bronx, Harlem, and Kentucky who challenged her to become the best educator she could be. As an education consultant, Ali has worked with numerous schools, districts, and two state educational organizations (New York and New Hampshire) to support their efforts in providing the highest possible quality of education to students. Each year she coaches approximately 40 leaders and teachers across the country with BetterLesson.
At LVFFS, Ali serves as the curriculum director. In collaboration with the founder and teachers, Ali helped to design the academic program for students, which integrates innovative teaching approaches with some of the nation's most highly rated, research-based curricular resources. Ali works closely with LVFFS teachers to monitor student progress in learning, as well as ensure that students have access to the highest quality learning experiences possible. As the mother of a current kindergartener at LVFFS, she is inspired daily by the powerful social, emotional, and academic gains her son Hugh is making.
Ali grew up on a large apple tree farm in Indiana and spent much of her youth working on the farm or wandering the surrounding forests. She began her career in education in 2002 as a middle school teacher in the Bronx, NY. Before moving on to leadership roles in education, Ali taught for six years and was a founding teacher of two middle schools. She was also a founding instructor and curriculum writer for the Relay Graduate School of Education and Southern New Hampshire’s Competency-Based Masters Graduate Program. Ali served as a Senior Achievement Director at Achievement First, reaching a network of more than 30 schools for eight years. Ali has a Masters of Science in Teaching and a BA from Indiana University, where she triple majored in philosophy, sociology, and religious studies.