Founding Board of Directors
Andreea Dersidan
Ben Samuels:
Originally starting life at Acorn Glen Cooperative Preschool in the capacity of parent, Ben Samuel has grown into the role of the preschool's PM Co-Facilitator. Ben's passions include community organizing, free thought, and acceptance of all people, and it is those passions and values that he encourages in all Acorn Glen Programs. Though his previous professional experiences are made mostly of administrative and management positions, his love of education bloomed after changing roles in life and choosing to stay at home with his daughter Quincy. Now a preschooler at Acorn Glen, Quincy continues to inspire Ben to take action as a thinker, learner, and organizer. He holds a degree in Political Science from Warren Wilson College where his study was focused on citizenry, stewardship, and the management of intentional community. Ben lives in Ann Arbor with his lovely and brilliant wife Pamela, his beautiful daughter Quincy, four chickens, and two dogs.
Danielle Cassetta:
As a mother of two with a background in education and child development Danielle Cassetta knew that current popular models of preschool and K-12 education simply weren't going to meet her needs. Valuing an education for her children that is based on freedom, love of learning, finding one's passion in life, and maintaining strong and positive relationships, she sought other models. In 2011 Danielle founded the Acorn Glen Cooperative Preschoo . "I want my children to stay happy and healthy and full of life, and have chosen to create a place for them and others to do just that. Acorn Glen has proven to be an unbelievably special place for all involved, and I know The Center for Self-Directed Learning will, as well. I can't wait to see it happen!"
Moonbeam Frye:
Moonbeam Frey is a fun-loving mother of one! She holds an AS in Child Development from Washtenaw Community College. She is also a Certified Babywearing Educator and trained Doula. Moonbeam loves to work with children and enjoys being a life-long learner. She has always been passionate about alternative education, and that love has especially ramped up since the birth of her son, Ferris. She currently works in a nature program in Ann Arbor and is so excited about the opportunities that the CSDL will bring the children of the community. In her spare time she enjoys writing comedy, cooking and baking, spending time with family and pets, and performing.
Nuola Akinde
Sally Gillespie
Stefanie Weyand:
Stefanie Weyand graduated from a Democratic School in 2002 and has been a self-directed life-long learner ever since! After earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the San Francisco Art Institute she gave birth to Quin Jones in Oakland, CA at their home. His birth encouraged her to start thinking about Freedom and Agency and she is determined to make a difference in the way we as a country view education. She has self-studied many forms of progressive education since 2000 and has visited and been inspired by many different models all over the country. In 2015 she started her Master's degree program at Prescott College where her focus is progressive education in general and the Sudbury Valley School model in particular. She is also curious about how we can use certain aspects of progressive education styles in more conventional settings. Quin is an avid reader and snow adventurer. He loves creating his own comic strips and is inspired by Calvin and Hobbes. He recently started playing Minecraft and has a "pretty sick house" so far. We are both passionate about the education revolution and look forward to the journey!
Ben Samuels:
Originally starting life at Acorn Glen Cooperative Preschool in the capacity of parent, Ben Samuel has grown into the role of the preschool's PM Co-Facilitator. Ben's passions include community organizing, free thought, and acceptance of all people, and it is those passions and values that he encourages in all Acorn Glen Programs. Though his previous professional experiences are made mostly of administrative and management positions, his love of education bloomed after changing roles in life and choosing to stay at home with his daughter Quincy. Now a preschooler at Acorn Glen, Quincy continues to inspire Ben to take action as a thinker, learner, and organizer. He holds a degree in Political Science from Warren Wilson College where his study was focused on citizenry, stewardship, and the management of intentional community. Ben lives in Ann Arbor with his lovely and brilliant wife Pamela, his beautiful daughter Quincy, four chickens, and two dogs.
Danielle Cassetta:
As a mother of two with a background in education and child development Danielle Cassetta knew that current popular models of preschool and K-12 education simply weren't going to meet her needs. Valuing an education for her children that is based on freedom, love of learning, finding one's passion in life, and maintaining strong and positive relationships, she sought other models. In 2011 Danielle founded the Acorn Glen Cooperative Preschoo . "I want my children to stay happy and healthy and full of life, and have chosen to create a place for them and others to do just that. Acorn Glen has proven to be an unbelievably special place for all involved, and I know The Center for Self-Directed Learning will, as well. I can't wait to see it happen!"
Moonbeam Frye:
Moonbeam Frey is a fun-loving mother of one! She holds an AS in Child Development from Washtenaw Community College. She is also a Certified Babywearing Educator and trained Doula. Moonbeam loves to work with children and enjoys being a life-long learner. She has always been passionate about alternative education, and that love has especially ramped up since the birth of her son, Ferris. She currently works in a nature program in Ann Arbor and is so excited about the opportunities that the CSDL will bring the children of the community. In her spare time she enjoys writing comedy, cooking and baking, spending time with family and pets, and performing.
Nuola Akinde
Sally Gillespie
Stefanie Weyand:
Stefanie Weyand graduated from a Democratic School in 2002 and has been a self-directed life-long learner ever since! After earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the San Francisco Art Institute she gave birth to Quin Jones in Oakland, CA at their home. His birth encouraged her to start thinking about Freedom and Agency and she is determined to make a difference in the way we as a country view education. She has self-studied many forms of progressive education since 2000 and has visited and been inspired by many different models all over the country. In 2015 she started her Master's degree program at Prescott College where her focus is progressive education in general and the Sudbury Valley School model in particular. She is also curious about how we can use certain aspects of progressive education styles in more conventional settings. Quin is an avid reader and snow adventurer. He loves creating his own comic strips and is inspired by Calvin and Hobbes. He recently started playing Minecraft and has a "pretty sick house" so far. We are both passionate about the education revolution and look forward to the journey!
Young Learners
Facilitators
The CSDL is seeking passionate and innovative adults to collaborate with children, families and board members in creating this inspiring new community. We need adults who lead invigorated and fulfilling lives and who will share their love of learning and community building with the youngest among us.