Annabelle brings a lifelong connection to education and a deep passion for creating joyful, safe, and meaningful learning experiences for children. Homeschooled through middle school, she experienced firsthand the value of an individualized approach to learning—an experience that continues to shape her teaching philosophy and helps explain why she feels so connected to Hope Harbor's child-centered approach. Education has always been a part of Annabelle’s life, with her mother homeschooling her and her siblings and her father serving as a director, principal, and professor. Growing up in a family centered around education fostered in her a lasting love and appreciation for learning.

Annabelle has worked with and led youth in a variety of settings, including nature programs, classrooms, and as a head swim coach. These experiences have deepened her passion for working with children and taught her the importance of creating spaces where they feel safe, supported, and empowered to grow. She also spent several years working in memory care and end-of-life care, which taught her the importance of presence, patience, connection, and appreciating each stage of life—lessons that continue to shape how she works with children.

At the heart of Annabelle’s teaching philosophy is a belief in understanding each child as an individual: how they learn, think, and experience the world around them. She strives to create an environment where children can learn with curiosity and confidence while building a foundation of joy and lasting understanding. Currently continuing her education in early childhood learning, Annabelle is excited to continue growing as an educator and to see where her passion for education takes her at Hope Harbor.