About
The Mayapple School offers nature based programs that include hands-on exploration and discovery. Children spend time in The Mayapple School’s 1/8 acre educational garden, with a focus on connecting with growing food and living in harmony with the land.
The Mayapple School’s mission states that its nature based programs nurture creativity, curiosity, and a deep connection with the world around us, and develop social, emotional, and academic skills through hands-on exploration and discovery. The leadership team includes Melissa West (Teacher, Director, and Founder), Annabelle Muriano (Assistant Teacher), Isabelle Porter (summer educator and administrative assistant), Alicia Van Winkle (substitute), Heather Heins (substitute teacher), and Andrew Fry (land steward and educator). Melissa West holds a B.S. from Radford University in Interdisciplinary Studies, has a Virginia teacher’s license for General Education Pre-K through 8th grade, and is enrolled in the Master of Science in Natural Science and Environmental Education program at Hamline University. Annabelle Muriano holds a B.S. in Fish and Wildlife Conservation from Virginia Tech. Isabelle Porter is a certified Virginia Master Naturalist and studies Special Education at Radford University. Heather Heins is a Registered Nurse at Lewis Gale Hospital Montgomery and holds Bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Religion from the University of Mary Washington and an Associate Degree in Nursing from New River Community College. Alicia Van Winkle holds a Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech in Kitchen & Bath Design.
Last updated July 18, 2026.
The Mayapple School’s mission states that its nature based programs nurture creativity, curiosity, and a deep connection with the world around us, and develop social, emotional, and academic skills through hands-on exploration and discovery. The leadership team includes Melissa West (Teacher, Director, and Founder), Annabelle Muriano (Assistant Teacher), Isabelle Porter (summer educator and administrative assistant), Alicia Van Winkle (substitute), Heather Heins (substitute teacher), and Andrew Fry (land steward and educator). Melissa West holds a B.S. from Radford University in Interdisciplinary Studies, has a Virginia teacher’s license for General Education Pre-K through 8th grade, and is enrolled in the Master of Science in Natural Science and Environmental Education program at Hamline University. Annabelle Muriano holds a B.S. in Fish and Wildlife Conservation from Virginia Tech. Isabelle Porter is a certified Virginia Master Naturalist and studies Special Education at Radford University. Heather Heins is a Registered Nurse at Lewis Gale Hospital Montgomery and holds Bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Religion from the University of Mary Washington and an Associate Degree in Nursing from New River Community College. Alicia Van Winkle holds a Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech in Kitchen & Bath Design.
Last updated July 18, 2026.
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