Little Peaks Staff

Lead Teacher

Catherine Ramirez

Catherine Ramirez (she/her/ella) has lived in the Adirondack Mountains ever since she was 3 years old. From the very beginning she has loved the wild forests and trees and the cozy sheltering moments in winter followed by the joyful explosion of green and warmth in spring. Catherine was homeschooled for middle and high school, which highlighted small scale  homesteading, community volunteering, and interest-based learning. Catherine is a Waldorf teacher, a path of study which began with volunteering at Northern Lights School, filling the role of assistant teacher in Lakeside School's Sprouts program, and pursuing Waldorf teacher training through Sophia's Hearth Birth-7 program. Catherine is a Nuyorican (New York Puerto Rican) and shares her Hispanic heritage through a love of storytelling and song.

Lead Teacher/UPK

Farrah Whitney

Farrah currently lives in Jay with her husband and 3 children - Autumn, Josie and James (all Little Peaks graduates). She graduated with a Master's Degree in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment from Walden University in 2005. Prior to working at Little Peaks, Farrah was an Early Head Start Home Visitor in Lake Placid and later Lead Teacher/Site Supervisor at Early Bridges (a collaborative program with Head Start and Boquet Valley Central School). Farrah loves to read and be in nature. She also enjoys spending time with her family, baking for them, and walking to their camp on John's Brook. She is excited to be a part of the Little Peaks family again!

Lead Teacher

Stephanie Trumbull

Stephanie Trumbull grew up in Jay, NY and graduated from Au Sable Valley High School. For the past 30 years combined she has owned and operated her own in-home daycare and served children in the Adirondack Community Action Programs Head Start Preschool. In her spare time she enjoys spending time hiking, camping, kayaking, gardening, snowshoeing and spending time with friends. Most importantly she loves spending time with her lovely family and is excited to be part of the Little Peaks team, sharing her passion for working with children.

Lead Teacher

Alexis Jackson

Alexis has spent almost her entire life immersed in the stunning beauty of the Adirondacks, encouraging an appreciation for nature and community. She attended and graduated from Indian Lake Central School. Driven by a passion for understanding the human mind, Alexis then earned an associate degree in psychology. And shortly after gaining this accomplishment, she began work as an infant-toddler teacher. This new journey has fueled her desire to go further and she acquired her Child Development Associate (CDA). Next, she plans to go on to earn a Bachelor's degree in child psychology. Alexis wants to help others and promote well-being within the community, specifically the youngest of learners. When not in the classroom, Alexis loves to stay active with hiking, soccer, basketball, running, and going for walks. Known for her kindness and compassion, Alexis always strives to uplift those around her, looking to make a positive impact on the children and the community.

Assistant Teacher

Katelyn Lincoln

My name is Katelyn and I'm from Jay, NY. I’ve always loved creating safe and loving spaces for children and helping them to learn and grow. I have a lot of experience in childcare and as I continue working with children I know more & more that it’s what I am passionate about! I am going to be a sophomore at SUNY Plattsburgh in Fall 2026 and I'm studying social work. I’d like to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and do children’s therapy/play therapy one day. I’m very excited to further my experience with children at Little Peaks. 

Kitchen Associate / Flex Teacher

Emma (Mimi) McGivney-Woltner

Mimi grew up in the North Country in a large family with 7 siblings! She enjoys hiking, camping, boating, and gardening. She traveled to Europe, Israel, and Turkey as a young adult and has climbed our local Poco and Hurricane Mountains multiple times. Mimi holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's of Science in Special Education. She settled in Keene, NY after meeting her late husband, Ed, at the Noon Mark Diner! Mimi and Ed raised their two daughters in Keene and as a family they enjoyed hiking and skiing. Mimi has worked with children and families for over 34 years. Most recently she worked at Headstart, with roles in food service, as a Family Worker, a Floating Teacher, and as Site Director. She also taught children's skiing at Whiteface and Sunday School at the Keene Valley Congregational Church, and volunteered with Four Winds Hands-on Science & Nature Program.

Food & Garden Coordinator

Jenny Mugrace

When not at Little Peaks you can find Jenny playing in the mountains with her dog or tending to her lovely garden. She is passionate about many outdoor adventure activities or just strolling through the woods identifying plants. Jenny is continually learning and immersing herself in the natural environment and values sharing that with others. In addition to receiving a Bachelor's degree in Recreation and Leisure studies Jenny has over 20 years of experience as a licensed guide and training in Wilderness First Aid. Outside of sharing her love of the outdoors with others she is a lifelong enthusiast of creating homemade nutrient-dense food. Jenny is excited to cultivate a love of nutritious eating habits with all the new Little Peakers.

Education Support Specialist

Katherine Norman

Katherine E. Norman is an educator, researcher, and theatre-maker dedicated to building joyful, play-based learning spaces for all. She holds a PhD in Educational Psychology and over a decade of teaching experience, and is excited to bring her expertise in early childhood development and pedagogy to Little Peaks. Katherine also currently works as a Research Scientist with a University of Wisconsin-Madison education lab focused on playful learning, climate education, and curiosity in children’s museums. She recently partnered with Pendragon Theatre in Saranac Lake as their Education Coordinator and is looking forward to collaborating with teachers all over the North Country to support arts integration in classrooms. She and her husband are recent arrivals in the Adirondacks and are loving getting to know this wonderful community. 

Substitute Teacher

Linnae D'Auria

Linnae D’Auria grew up in the beautiful nature of Keene and is incredibly excited to continue reveling in the magic and wonder of the area alongside the children of Little Peaks. Linnae holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from College of the Atlantic in human ecology with focuses on holistic education, writing, and art. She has been working with children for many years through babysitting, being a part of programs such as the Lakeside Farm and Forest Summer Camp and more. She is also a 200hr Yoga Alliance certified yoga teacher and holds a great passion for guiding children in the cultivation of self-care practices through yoga, music, art, and exploring nature. She looks forward to holding spaces and being a part of the caring, joyful, gentle, nature-based and play-centered spaces at Little Peaks.

Center Director

Dillon Prime

Dillon Prime is a lifelong educator with a deep commitment to learning and community. Originally from Elizabethtown, Dillon's teaching journey began as a 2007 Teach for America Corps member in the Bronx, NYC. He holds masters degrees in education and educational administration from Pace University and Baruch College. In 2012 Dillon became the founding principal of Bronx Park Middle School, where he focused on a project-based curriculum and robust social-emotional learning. His leadership earned him a promotion in 2017 to Educational Executive Coach in the NYCDOE Office of Leadership, where he coached over 70 new school principals citywide. Dillon returned to the Adirondacks in 2021 as an Educational Consultant. He and his family co-own the Trails End Inn in Keene Valley, where they embrace North Country life. Dillon lives there with his wife and three children, taking full advantage of local hiking, trail running, skiing, and gardening. He is excited to bring his collaborative and transparent leadership approaches as well as his educational philosophies of experiential and play based learning to the Little Peaks Community.

Substitute Teacher

chris sarkis

Chris Sarkis is a New Hampshire native who has found his home in the Adirondacks. He is an avid skier, climber, hiker, and paddler, as well as a classically trained musician. Chris attended the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education. He spent three years teaching middle and high school chorus in Champlain, before moving to Keene to be closer to the mountains and his favorite hobbies. He now teaches music lessons privately in voice, guitar, and piano. Chris enjoys working with children in various settings including summer camp, ski instructing, beginner piano lessons, and of course, occasional appearances as a substitute here at Little Peaks!

Operations Manager

Cindy Summo

Moving up from Long Island, Cindy has been living in Keene with her husband, Patrick, and children, Jesse – KCS Class of 2015, and Alyssa – KCS Class of 2020, for about 20 years. Cindy enjoys sewing, gardening and especially loves to spend time with family, dogs and cat, and chickens. When first moving to Keene, Cindy worked at a bank in Lake Placid and then at Keene Central School, where she worked for about 15 years. Since 2022, she has been exploring various opportunities and had excitedly landed at Little Peaks in February 2024! Between working in the office and popping into the classrooms at times, she is very happy to be a part of Little Peaks as the center continues to grow and nurture children in a positive and caring environment.

Assistant Teacher/UPK

Sadie Thompson

Sadie Thompson grew up in Lewis, New York and graduated from Boquet Valley, the Elizabethtown–Lewis, Westport School District, in the year 2022. She has always had a strong love for children and knew she wanted to pursue teaching from a young age. After graduation, she took the courageous steps to furthering her education. Sadie started at SUNY Adirondack in 2022 studying Early Childhood Education and is anticipated to graduate with her Associate’s in the Spring of 2025. Her plan of study is to continue onto her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Care and Management, in hopes of one day opening her own daycare. Here at Little Peaks, Sadie’s role as the Preschool Assistant Teacher is to provide a nurturing and welcoming environment for the children. She loves to join in on activities and group work, while also doing her best to figure out each student and connect with their families. One-on-one time for Sadie is very important, it can sometimes be difficult in a setting like this, but Sadie most definitely puts her best effort towards achieving that.

Assistant Teacher

Jennifer Ulicnik

Jenn is originally from Texas and comes most recently from Troy, NY, where she was a member of the residence faculty at Emma Willard School. An education major with 25+ years at the elementary and high school levels, Jenn has always looked for the teachable moments in her informal interactions with students. A former summer camp director and a nature enthusiast, Jenn enjoys getting out to explore by kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, or geocaching. Jenn teaches Nia (a sensory-based movement practice), enjoys working in her stained glass studio, and is ready with a packed bag for any travel opportunity that comes her way.  

Assistant Teacher

Emily Whitney

Emily was born and raised here in the ADKs. Growing up, her family always had animals of all shapes and sizes. Emily feels lucky to live in a place where she could grow up on a farm. Her passions from a very young age were horses and caregiving to others. She started riding at the age of 3 and has continued ever since. Emily attended Keene Central School, K-12, and also enrolled in an animal science program during her 11th and 12th grade years. Emily was a camp counselor for the Keene Youth commission program teaching swim lessons throughout many summers! Following high school she became a CNA working with elders, and also worked with large animals in the field as a veterinary assistant. She currently owns her own business on her farm, boarding horses and teaching riding lessons to ages 4+! Emily is looking forward to her journey with Little Peaks and continuing to work with young and playful humans!

Assistant Teacher

Shannon Dauphin

Shannon Dauphin joined the Little Peaks team in October 2026 and proudly calls Clintonville, New York, home. Shannon’s greatest pride and joy are her two adult children. She brings a wealth of caregiving experience and a genuine passion for supporting others. After earning her Child Care Development Diploma from Champlain Valley Educational Services in 2000, Shannon provided private daycare services for more than five years. She has also spent several years assisting adults with disabilities, helping them navigate and manage their daily needs. A hands-on and proactive educator, Shannon is passionate about helping children learn, grow, and discover their place in the world. She loves creating meaningful experiences that support children’s development and takes great joy in starting each day with the bright smiles of Little Peaks’ youngest stars. Outside of work, Shannon enjoys crafting, spending time outdoors, and appreciating the natural beauty of the Adirondacks.