About
The Mayapple School offers nature based programs that take place in The Mayapple School’s 1/8 acre educational garden. The program also includes Dairy Camp at Keffer Dairy as one of its unique offerings. These programs follow The Mayapple School’s mission to nurture creativity, curiosity, and a deep connection with the world through hands-on exploration and discovery that supports social, emotional, and academic skills.
The Mayapple School’s leadership team includes Melissa West as Teacher, Director, and Founder; Annabelle Muriano as Assistant Teacher; Isabelle Porter as a summer educator and administrative assistant; Ashton Keffer as a former teacher and current substitute teacher; Heather Heins as a substitute teacher; and Andrew Fry as 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. Ashton Keffer holds a B.S. in Psychology from Radford University.
Last updated January 18, 2026.
The Mayapple School’s leadership team includes Melissa West as Teacher, Director, and Founder; Annabelle Muriano as Assistant Teacher; Isabelle Porter as a summer educator and administrative assistant; Ashton Keffer as a former teacher and current substitute teacher; Heather Heins as a substitute teacher; and Andrew Fry as 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. Ashton Keffer holds a B.S. in Psychology from Radford University.
Last updated January 18, 2026.
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