About Us
Forest Path is a registered charity providing early childhood education. We offer family drop-ins; camps; and a preschool program, all free of charge. We are led by two experienced Early Childhood Educators and report to a Board of Directors.
The Seed That Started It All
Forest Path Preschool began as a long-held vision of founder Lyra Howell, an artist and educator with a passion for Early Childhood Education. Early in her Montessori training, Lyra encountered the work of Dr. Montessori and was inspired by its roots in serving children without access to care. She wrote a manifesto in the end pages of her book, outlining a tuition-free school open to all. That tiny seed, planted in 2016, was never far from her thoughts.
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In summer 2025, the idea began to take shape. Lyra reconnected with Gwen Beal, a former YMCA colleague who shares her passion for early education. In 2026, they launched Forest Path Preschool, hoping to pave the way for many more schools of its kind. Even the smallest seed, they believe, can grow into the most beautiful tree.
Our Mission
At Forest Path Preschool, our mission is to nurture a deep and meaningful connection between children and the natural world while supporting their growth as confident, capable, and compassionate individuals. Our mandate is to make this accessible by removing all fees, making the program 100% free for all participants.
Meet Our Team
Lyra Howell
Founder & Co-Educator
Lyra’s passion for early childhood education began over 20 years ago. Fresh out of art school, she spent several years teaching at a children's art studio, where she soon realized that working with young children was her true calling. She returned to school to study Early Childhood Education, earning a diploma from George Brown College, and subsequently a diploma from The Foundation for Montessori Education and a Bachelor's of Education in Early Childhood Studies from the University of New Brunswick
Gwen Beal
Program Director & Co-Educator
Gwen Beal is a teacher, artist, and advocate for high quality early learning. Originally from Toronto, she relocated to Saint John in 2021 and quickly became involved in the local early learning and creative communities. Gwen holds a Bachelor of Education (Primary/Junior), a Bachelor of Child and Youth Studies, and a Diploma in Early Childhood Education.
Our Board of Directors
Forest Path Preschool is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors made up of volunteers from across the country, including members of our local school community.
The Board brings together diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and a shared commitment to early childhood education to provide governance, oversight, and strategic direction to support the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability.
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Meeting quarterly, the Board acts with integrity, care, and accountability in the best interests of children, families, educators, and the community, ensuring the preschool remains accessible, inclusive, creative, and focused on meaningful early learning.
Marlee Learmonth
Board Chair 2026
Marlee is a mother of two energetic preschool girls and enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family. She loves finding creative ways to make life feel magical and helping others enjoy meaningful experiences on a budget.
Elisabeth Le Guin
BOARD SECRETARY 2026
Elisabeth has been living part time in Saint John after retiring from UCLA, where she taught for 24 years. She is excited about bringing her passion for the arts and social justice to the Forest Path project, and about learning lots of new things along the way.
Wes McClintock
BOARD TREASURER 2026
Wes McClintock has made a lifelong career of expressing the magic and unpredictability of life through original music and comedy. He looks forward to promoting the spirit of artistic exploration at FPP through song, play, and good old-fashioned organizational support.
Teri Saydak
Advisory Board
Teri has worked in non-profit fundraising for community-led development in Latin America for 15 years. She is excited to be a part of this effort to make quality education more accessible and rooted in the surrounding environments.
Jen Orenstein
Board Member
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Jen is an event specialist and mother of two living in Toronto. She is happy to bring her experience in both of these capacities to the Forest Path Preschool. Jen loves to get out into nature whenever possible and is thrilled to be part of a place that believes in the importance of getting outside to appreciate and interact with the natural world.
Thea Barber
Board Member
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Thea is a lifelong designer and co-founder of the Paul Barber Foundation. She brings her experience in the charitable sector, while also creating Forest Path's website, branding, and contributing to the online user experience. As the parent of a curious pre-schooler, Thea is excited to contribute to the school's mission.
Candace Bell
Board Member
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Candice is a holistic wellness professional, nutrition teacher, and artist. She is thrilled to bring her love of plants, connection, and creativity to Forest Path.
We are located on the unceded and traditional territory of the WÉ™lastÉ™kewiyik (Maliseet/Wolastoqiyik) people, within the broader Wabanaki territory, which also includes the Mi’kmaq. For generations, they have cared for and protected these lands, waters, and forests. We are grateful to learn and play in these natural spaces, and we honour their enduring connection to this land. We are committed to fostering respect through environmental stewardship, relationship-building, and age-appropriate, place-based learning that includes Indigenous perspectives and supports respectful understanding of the land and its histories in our daily practice.