About Our School
At The Farm School, we believe that children learn best by playing, experiencing, and interacting with the world around them.
The first years of life create a strong foundation for success in school and beyond. We blend a traditional preschool model with on farm experiences to nuture your child’s heart, mind, and body.
Meet our staff!
Brittany McKenzie
teacher
Brittany has spent much of her life working with young children as a preschool teacher, home visitor, behavior consultant, program administrator, au pair, and mother. She loves to weave literacy, math, science, nature, and building social and emotional skills into activities that spark each child’s creativity, sense of wonder, and foster a strong sense of self-worth and belonging.
Brittany holds a Bachelors degree in Child Development and Family Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Masters of Education degree (Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood Special Education emphasis) from the University of Montana. She uses her personal, professional and other life experiences to guide her teaching.
As a child, Brittany developed a strong love of nature exploring the mountains, rivers, lakes and trails around Bozeman Montana. As an adult, she and her son have spent many summers volunteering on the farm and she has seen, first-hand, the positive outcomes from their time there. She strongly believes in the magic of childhood and is committed to creating experiences and an environment that honor that magic.
Lindsey Merkel
assistant teacher
Lindsey brings over a decade of experience working with children in preschool, education, theraputic coaching and childcare settings. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development with a minor in Elementary Education from Metropolitan State University in Denver and is a Certified Positve Parenting Coach.
Lindsey is passionate about helping children build confidence, independence, and meaningful relationships through connection, play, outdoor exploration, and hands-on learning. She believes children are naturally curious and capable learners and loves creating environments where they feel safe, supported, and encouraged to grow.
Outside of school, Lindsey can usually be found somewhere outside with her son, Cash. She is excited to be part of the Farm School community and looks forward to a year filled with fun, discovery, adventure, and learning!