ROCKPORT — Riley School welcomed five new teachers to its faculty this fall. The school experienced a recent leadership transition, with long-time head of school Rebecca Greenleaf-Clapp retiring and new head Annie Hasselgren assuming the role.

“The Riley legacy, established in 1972 by Glenna Wade Plaisted, is stepping into a new chapter of growth and learning for its students and welcome experienced faculty to its team to further facilitate that mission,” said the Riley School, in a news release.

Leah Percy comes to Riley from Camden-Rockport Middle School, where she taught 8th-grade Chemistry and Physics for 6 years. Percy is an energetic and passionate educator with a love for hands-on learning and the outdoors. On her extensive list of things to do with students this year are building a trebuchet and exploring the chemistry of cooking. Percy holds a B.S. in Geosciences and an M.A. in Education, both from the University of Southern Maine. Percy was a counselor with SunDogs Outdoor Expeditions and a teaching assistant in Ecosystem Field Studies in Akumal, Mexico. She loves to travel and spend time with her husband and two dogs.

Nellie Rogers joined the Riley community to teach English/Language Arts after relocating from New York, where she was teaching at the Roberts Field School. Rogers has a diverse background in sustainable food and farming, mindfulness, Spanish, and more. She holds a B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Education from UMass-Amherst and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Mount Holyoke College. Rogers also taught camp at the Langlais Art Preserve this summer, where she got to know another new Riley hire, Shannon Webb.

Shannon Webb is a co-teacher in the school Magnolias program for 2- and 3-year-olds and has 10 years of experience working with young children. She holds a B.A. in Art History and Education from Hampshire College and also taught at the school’s early learning center during her studies. Webb was an apprentice carpenter for Matthew Alcorn Builders in Portland and has many years of experience in Reggio Emelia-inspired education.

Sarah Esty also relocated to Rockland recently and joins the faculty as a Lower School Assistant, EdTech, and Arts/Ceramics teacher. Esty holds a bachelors in Inclusive Elementary Education from Hartwick College and is skilled at 1:1, small-group, and differentiated instruction. She was a specialty ceramics counselor at Racquette Lake Girls’ Camp in New York and brings those skills to Riley students.

Caitlin Schick is a returning Riley faculty member who worked at the school from 2015-2018 and then took a teaching hiatus to explore other passions. Having missed theater and working with children, Schick was excited for the opportunity to return to Riley and its commitment to arts education. She has a deep background in non-profit work, including The Telling Room in Portland and Youthlinks in Rockland. Schick holds a Bachelors of Performing Arts with a concentration in Education and Psychology from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley College.

Riley School held its first full day on September 9 to launch its 52nd year.

Founded in 1972, Riley School challenges children to express themselves and develop their own intellectual and creative capabilities through hands-on discovery. We foster a sense of responsibility towards our natural world, our community, and each other. We value cooperation over self, and honor the balance of social, emotional, physical, and academic growth. Riley School trusts children as learners and value the uniqueness of the individual.