Founder/Teacher:  Rachelle Laster

Hi! My name is Rachelle and I am the founder of and head teacher at Sweet Pea. I have worked in the early-childhood field with children (infant to 10 years old) for the last fourteen years. I have an Applied Science and Associate of Art Degree and I have completed courses in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. I also have CPR and First-Aid. I recently have found my passion of teaching children in a natural, outdoor environment. Being able to witness first-hand the growth and confidence that takes place on a daily basis pushes me into a deeper pursuit of connecting children with nature. Beyond my love for teaching I enjoy gardening and have incorporated a gardening program into Sweet Pea. I have a knack for canning, baking, hiking, x-county skiing, and enjoy spending time with my husband and all of our animals. I feel honored to be a part of this wonderful community and have enjoyed getting to know all of the beautiful people that inhabit it.

Maria England: Lead Preschool Teacher

Hi my name is Maria! I grew up in the mountains of the Flathead Valley. I was fortunate to have the Swan Mountains as my back door. I have had the wonderful opportunity to raise my two children in the same environment and education system that I was raised in. I have been working with younger children for eight years. I enjoy the energy that children bring, and being able to be outside with them makes for a perfect classroom. I am very passionate about the program at Sweet Pea. The growth that I see happen each year is absolutely amazing. On top of being an Early Childhood educator I teach a pre-k gymnastic dance class. My goal is to continue provide a positive educational learning experience for all the children that I have in my classroom. Thank you for trusting me to care for them.

Summer Camp Leader & Substitute Teacher: Jennifer Pete

Hello! My name is Jennifer Pete. I was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where I spent a lot of my time exploring nature with my family and friends. This love for the outdoors guided me to following my passion and obtaining my Bachelor’s degree in Conservation Management from Upper Iowa University. I have worked seasonal positions in many different areas of conservation, and the one part that always brought me the most joy was leading programs and tours, educating children about all different aspects of nature. I came to Montana in 2017 with my twin sister for the summer to take on a new adventure as a raft guide on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, which led me to my certifications in CPR, Wilderness First Aid, and Swiftwater Rescue. That first summer out here I met my husband, Justin, and made Montana my home. We have two kids, Maria and Calvin. Our family loves to be outside hiking, camping, rafting, and running 5K’s together. I’ve been working at Sweet Pea as a substitute and summer camp teacher since 2018, and it has been an absolute delight. Seeing firsthand the growth that comes through interaction between a child and nature, as well as the interaction between the children is truly inspirational. I love watching all the kids grow and learn, and I am so excited to continue to learn and grow alongside them!