Dream Team
Ms. Shelly Gow-Sullivan, M.Ed.
Head of School/Founder | Literacy Specialist | Advocate for Nature-Based Learning
Shelly Sullivan founded Groton Farm School with the vision of creating a mindful learning community where children grow through movement, discovery, and meaningful connection to the natural world. While the farm’s forests, meadows, and orchards provide a rich backdrop, the heart of her work is grounded in the Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies, cultivating an educational experience where curiosity, creativity, and hands-on exploration guide learning.
With advanced degrees in education and a career as a literacy specialist, Shelly has spent decades empowering children to become critical thinkers, divergent problem solvers, and confident, joyful readers, writers, and creators. Her current passion lies in the science of movement and the brain, exploring how physical activity strengthens cognitive growth and supports deeper learning.
The inspiration for Groton Farm School is both personal and professional. Shelly and her husband raised their children on the farm, immersed in caring for animals, exploring the woods, and learning responsibility through daily farm life. Today, one is a Dean’s Fellow in law school and the other leads a successful business career in Boston. Their journeys affirm Shelly’s belief that children thrive when they are trusted, challenged, and supported in becoming independent, resilient, and mindful learners connected to both the earth and themselves.
Shelly’s leadership is guided by the conviction that education should be vibrant, collaborative, and deeply rooted in nature, giving every child the opportunity and time to flourish in school and in life.
Ms. Jennifer Ligor, M.A.T
STEM Specialist
Jennifer Ligor brings decades of experience in public education to her role as STEM Specialist at Groton Farm School. She has served as a classroom teacher, math interventionist, and STEM curriculum coordinator. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching with distinction from Simmons College and a B.A. in Psychology from Boston University, along with multiple teaching licenses and administrator certifications in Massachusetts and California.
When asked what she teaches, she always responds with, “I teach children—and I learn from them too.” Jennifer is passionate about creating hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences which help students discover the joy and relevance of STEM in their everyday lives. The nature-rich, one-room schoolhouse feel of Groton Farm School is a dream come true for her! As a child, she transformed her backyard shed into a classroom and taught neighborhood kids to read, write, and explore science.
Jennifer lives in Groton and loves spending time with her three grown children, all raised in nearby Westford. In her free time she enjoys nature walks, digging in the dirt of her flower and veggie garden, reading on the Libby app, and relaxing at her mom’s home on Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester. Jennifer is absolutely thrilled to join the Groton Farm School community, where her lifelong love of teaching, nature, and integrated learning, can truly come to life.
Ms. Amy Cabelus, M.Ed.
Creative Arts Teacher
Amy brings a passion for art and teaching to Groton Farm School. She believes every child has a story to tell, and art provides the canvas for creativity, imagination, and self-expression.
Amy earned her master’s degree in Elementary Education from Lesley University and continued her artistic studies at the Boston Architectural Center and the deCordova Museum. As both an elementary educator and lifelong artist, she brings creativity, encouragement, and a love of learning to every classroom. Her favorite artistic mediums include sculpture, sketching, colored pencil, oil pastel, and acrylic painting. Amy is also currently writing and illustrating her first children’s book series.
Outside the classroom, Amy enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, horse, dog, and guinea pigs. Whether she’s creating art, writing stories, or spending time outdoors, she finds inspiration in the beauty of the natural world.
Ms. Emma Kenney, B.S.
Teacher Assistant | Spanish Teacher
Emma brings a unique blend of experiences to Groton Farm School, with a background in environmental science, outdoor education, Spanish, and mindful movement. She is passionate about nature-based, child-led learning and creating opportunities for children to learn through exploration and discovery. She holds a B.S. in Environmental and Ecological Science from Elon University, with minors in Biology, Environmental Education, and Creative Writing. Emma has a strong foundation in the Spanish language and looks forward to teaching students through vocabulary, conversation, and engaging activities.
Emma’s approach to teaching has been shaped by immersive experiences from studying in a forest classroom at Elon to living in an Australian rainforest while conducting hands-on ecological research. She believes outdoor education empowers children to follow their curiosity, take meaningful risks, and discover the joy of exploration.
As an outdoor trip leader at Elon, Emma guided kayak-camping adventures, mountain biking trips, and yoga hikes designed to build confidence and connection to the natural world. As a certified yoga teacher, she also incorporates mindfulness and movement into daily routines, helping children feel grounded, focused, and present.
Outside the classroom, Emma enjoys hiking, traveling, mountain biking, skiing, reading, and writing. Whether she’s exploring a trail, curled up with a book, or crafting stories, she continues to find inspiration in the world around her.
Ms. Amy Brewis, M.Ed.
Founder of Brain FUNdamentals, Movement-Based Neurodevelopmental Education for Children
Amy Brewis brings over 18 years of experience in education and a deep commitment to helping children grow through movement-based neurodevelopmental learning. She earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from Elmira College and an M.Ed. in Educational Technology from Framingham State College. In addition, Amy is a licensed Brain Gym® Instructor/Consultant, with specialized training in reflex integration.
As the founder of Brain FUNdamentals in Westboro, MA, Amy works with children to strengthen the vital brain-body connection through movement, Brain Gym®, and reflex integration activities. Her work supports students in overcoming challenges such as dyslexia, anxiety, ADHD, and sensory processing issues, while building emotional regulation, focus, and confidence.
One of Amy’s most rewarding experiences was working with an 11-year-old boy who came to her struggling with dyslexia, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Within just a few months, his reading improved by two grade levels, his school counselor began calling him a “leader,” and most importantly, he rediscovered belief in himself. This kind of transformation reflects Amy’s philosophy: every child has unique strengths waiting to be unlocked.
Through Brain FUNdamentals, Amy has seen countless children gain resilience, self-esteem, and the skills they need to thrive in school and in life. She is grateful to share her passion and expertise with the Groton Farm School community, where movement, nature, and play are celebrated as powerful tools for learning. Outside of work, Amy enjoys hiking with her dog, spending time with her family, and connecting with friends.
For more information about BrainFUNdamentals, visit www.brainfundamentals.com.
Ms. Nan AK Gibbons, M.Ed., M.A.
Music Teacher
Nan AK Gibbons is passionate about building musical communities that foster support, learning, artistic excellence, and a sense of belonging. She is an accomplished composer and arranger, as well as a storyteller, visual artist, and spiritual director. She holds an M.Ed. in Music from Lesley University and an M.A. in Theology and the Arts from Andover Newton Theological School, with a concentration in Pastoral Care. Recently, Ms. Gibbons completed a two-year teaching fellowship with the Massachusetts Cultural Council, focusing on accessible musical instruction and developing a collaborative resource website.
In addition to her role at Groton Farm School, Nan teaches music and movement at Nashoba Montessori School and specializes in piano lessons for neurodiverse students at the Joy of Music program. Ms. Gibbons also directs the Shir Joy Jewish Chorus in Westborough and the Aspire Choir for neurodiverse singers with the Seven Hills Foundation. Her work extends to providing music for Children’s Music and Sunday Fellowship at West Concord Union Church, as well as leading rhythm circles for Minuteman ARC group homes. She previously spent twelve years teaching in the New York Metropolitan Opera Guild’s Urban Voices Choral Initiative.
Beyond her musical endeavors, Nan runs writing groups for Ninja Writers International and creates videos and websites for various organizations. She also enjoys painting, weaving, leading drum circles, and exploring unique musical instruments.
Ms. Amy Lovell Kelly, M.P.A, Advanced Orton-Gillingham Certified
Advanced Orton-Gillingham Practitioner
Amy Lovell Kelly brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the Groton Farm School community. She holds a B.A. in International Relations from Tufts University and an M.P.A. in Education and Healthcare Policy from Harvard University. Inspired by her youngest daughter’s diagnosis with dyslexia, Amy delved into understanding language-based learning disabilities. She pursued both initial and advanced certifications in Orton-Gillingham from the Children’s Dyslexia Centers.
Amy operates a private Orton-Gillingham practice in Groton, where she supports students ranging from preschool to high school. Her commitment extends to serving on the Board of Governors for the Children’s Dyslexia Centers in Nashua, NH, and consulting for Groton Community School. Additionally, Amy has held leadership roles as President of the Parent Boards at Groton Community School and Lawrence Academy.
Outside of her professional life, Amy enjoys playing the piano, singing, and spending quality time with her family and dogs. For more information about Amy, please visit www.kellyedservices.com.
Ms. Reema Prakash, M.Sc., CCC-SLP
Speech Pathologist
Ms. Reema Prakash M.S., CCC-SLP is an ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist and the Founder of Resonate Therapy Solutions LLC. (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association). She earned her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Northeastern University. She has over 18 years of experience conducting comprehensive assessments and providing speech therapy in various medical and academic settings. Over the years, Reema recognized the importance of a client-centered therapy experience, in a fun, motivating, goal-oriented environment which inspired her to establish Resonate Therapy Solutions LLC. Through Resonate, she strives to bring quality-driven speech therapy services to a variety of settings (at-home, at-school, virtual therapy) using evidence-based practice, while promoting a growth mindset and celebrating inclusiveness and diversity every step of the way. Reema resides in Dunstable, MA with her husband and two children. She is always in pursuit of the perfect reading nook! For more information about Reema, visit www.resonatetherapysolutions.com.
Ms. Jacquie Waters (aka Strega Mama), B.A.
Interactive Storyteller
Ms. Jacquie, also known as “Strega Mama” to our students, comes to Groton Farm School with an enthusiasm for reading like no other! She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Education and Fine Arts at Bridgewater State University. As an Interactive Storyteller, Jacquie has worked and continues to perform in a number of local libraries and schools, including The Groton Public Library (every Tuesday!). “Strega Mama” has been working with children for many years, bringing her enthusiastic energy and creativity to the classroom. Her story times are a fun-filled experience for all ages, including lively readings, interactive games, laughter yoga, sign language, and singalongs. In Jacquie’s spare time, she likes to go on adventures with her three daughters, read, and create art! If interested, follow the fun with Strega Mama at 
Facebook.com/StregaMama or 
Instagram.com/Stregamamastories
Ms. Holly Tonnessen, M.Ed.
School Administrator
Holly Tonnessen earned her Masters of Education in Training and Development from North Carolina State University. She comes to Groton Farm School with a background in corporate training and course development. Holly is in charge of Admissions/Enrollment and managing administrative tasks. Besides staying active outdoors with running and hiking, she loves traveling with her husband and daughter.
Mr. John Sullivan
Director of Finance
Mr. Sullivan is a graduate of Providence College, R.I. He brings his 30 years experience in business, sales, and finance as Vice President of World Wide Sales for several software security companies.
Molly Sullivan, D.O.G.
Chief Canine Officer (CCO)
Meet Molly Sullivan, Chief Canine Officer (CCO). Molly is the energetic overseer of all things fun and organized on the farm. Whether she’s sprinting through fields with boundless enthusiasm, orchestrating epic play sessions, or ensuring the kids stay corralled and on track, Molly is always on the move. Her watchful eye and playful spirit make her the ultimate farm companion, proving that a little dog can manage a lot of action. Her motto? “Run fast, play hard, and keep everyone in line—one wag at a time!”
Hazel Sullivan, D.O.G.
Chief of Treat Security and Snuggling (CTSS)
Meet Hazel Sullivan, Chief of Treat Security and Snuggling (CTSS). With a nose for detecting treats from a mile away and a heart as big as her appetite, Hazel takes her role very seriously. She’s on constant alert, ensuring that no treat goes unaccounted for, while also providing top-tier snuggles to everyone in her domain. Her motto? “If there’s a treat to be had or a lap to be warmed, Hazel’s on the job!”