Sarah McIntire, Founder/Director and Lead Teacher
Sarah has been working with children in some capacity her entire adult life. From running a small, family home daycare, to becoming a private nanny and then following her dream of forest school and becoming a preschool teacher, all the while raising her own 3 children for the past 24 years! Sarah has taken many early childhood education classes at Hancock Community College in Santa Maria, Ca as well as Flathead Community College in Kalispell, MT, slowly working toward an EDEC degree. She has successfully completed the level one forest kindergarten teacher training with the Academy of Forest Kindergarten Teachers in Santa Barbara, CA and would have continued had she not moved to Big Sky Country but she considers this the best family decision they've ever made and is proud to call Montana home.
Sarah is passionate about nature and helping children foster a deep connection and love for the land they live on. She is well educated in herbal studies and offers herbal remedies to the community through From the Root Herbals and incorporates herbs into every class at Under the Cedars. Sarah believes in the power of play and wonder in early childhood, that songs and stories can teach many lessons and community is the glue to a happy and healthy life.
When she's not at forest school, you can find Sarah in the garden, hiking, camping or reading books about gardening, hiking and camping! She is nestled on her OneAcreWood with her tribe-of-5 in the Cabinet Range of the Rocky Mountains of Montana.
Meet the Teachers!
Katelynn Hamby
Assistant Teacher
Katie has spent most of her life working with children. Her background in preschool education and her numerous adolescent development certificates foster a supportive environment for children at Under the Cedars to thrive in.
After taking time to focus on her family as a stay-at-home mom, she is ready to get back to her passion of working with kids and assisting in teaching the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts. Katie is excited to bring her knowledge and skill to the forest setting.
Vanessa Ramsey
Guest Educator, S.T.E.M.
Vanessa is a dedicated and accomplished educator with over 22 years of experience teaching science. A life-long resident of the Pacific Northwest, Vanessa has devoted her career to inspiring curiosity and a love for learning in her students. She is a National Board Certified teacher (2010–2020) and was honored as the Washington State Middle School Science Teacher of the Year in 2011.
Currently, Vanessa serves as the director of the Noxon School annual STEAM Showcase, where she combines her passion for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to engage students and the community. She brings extensive experience as a former coordinator of the Puyallup School District STEAM Showcase, further showcasing her leadership in interdisciplinary education.
In addition to her classroom excellence, Vanessa served as the Science Department Chair at her previous schools and a seasoned mentor to fellow educators. Her guidance has supported the professional growth of many teachers, contributing to a culture of collaboration and innovation.
Vanessa’s love for the outdoors fuels her curiosity about life, people, and the world. Whether hiking through the stunning landscapes of the Pacific Northwest and Montana or exploring new ideas, she embodies the spirit of a life-long student and strives to pass that enthusiasm on to those around her.
Dyan Schecterson
Guest Educator, Montana History
Dyan Schecterson has just retired from 26 years of K-12 Special Education and General Education instruction. Students are engaged because she figures out what motivates them and uses that to push and pull them through learning. With a passion for history, Dyan wants our children to learn about and love our great state. Through creative lessons and crafts, she will teach about all things Montana.
