Rebecca says of teaching, “I have learned that somehow ‘teaching’ isn’t something that I do; not really. Teaching is more like something I don’t do.  I relate; I offer insight, I listen and encourage and I act as a guide on the children’s learning journeys.   I strive to bring passion, excitement and joy to the relationship of learning.”   

Rebecca has owned and taught at early childhood programs in the metro area for 24 years. Her research into educational theory and approaches, along with considerable time working with young children, was the foundation for excitement when a colleague introduced her in 1997 to the work being done by teachers in the early childhood programs of Reggio Emilia, Italy.  Rebecca, like many other teachers, was very much inspired by Reggio Emilia philosophies and it gave her an additional framework upon which to base her own program, which had already evolved into something very different from traditional preschools.

When the program moved into its current location in 2004, Rebecca began to weave her personal passion for the outdoors into the curriculum. Rebecca is an avid outdoors person, a seasoned backcountry camper, birder, hiker and self-taught mid-Atlantic ecologist and wildlife researcher. Today, Discovery Woods offers a fully integrated nature-based curriculum and program.

Rebecca was also in her past a fire medic in Fairfax, a rescue medic in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina,
and a former CPR instructor for the American Heart Association, so she brings significant emergency

Andrew Stoddard
Co-Founder, Teacher and Master Gardener

Andrew is a part time teacher at Discovery Woods and husband to Rebecca. As a partner in Discovery Woods, Andrew has the same commitment to early childhood education in a positive atmosphere, rich in the natural world. Rebecca and Andrew are passionate about developing a community that is caring, warm, and devoted to educating our children in a positive and creative environment.

Andrew's life revolves around his family. He is most comfortable when in the company of his children. He and Rebecca have a combined family of "hers, his, and ours", with 4 grown children and 4 school age children.

He grew up in Chevy Chase, Maryland and has lived in Virginia for most of his adult life. He went to Green Acres School in Rockville, Maryland from age 3 through 5th grade learning in a mostly outdoor environment with a focus on nature, arts, and science. This progressive educational foundation helped him make it through some mundane years at public school before attending the Edmund Burke School in Washington, D.C. and the George Washington University.

Andrew's career started in horticulture, working with high-end landscaping companies which lead him to a position as Chief of Horticulture in 1991 at the country club where he has worked for 10 years as Chief Engineer. That was a big switch but also followed Andrew's path of exploring the physical world and in particular, how things work. Primarily a mechanic (Andrew began taking apart blenders and toasters at age 3), he is one of those people who can fix anything.

Andrew has worked on three farms, two were his own, and has experience working with horses, farming apple orchards, row crops, and wine grapes. He spends every spare moment working on the school campus and microfarm with his family, installing the sod houses, gardens, and fences, caring for the animals, and playing in the sandbox. 

Sue Stone-Helmke
Teacher

Sue was born and raised in Indiana and moved to the DC area about 25 years ago.  She lives in Lorton with her youngest daughter, who is a senior in high school.  Her middle child is currently attending college at VCU, and the oldest is an Environmental Science teacher at the relatively new Howard Gardener School in Alexandria.   Sue is an experienced teacher who spent over six years as a team teacher in the three year old classroom at the Beverly Hills Church Preschool, which is a Reggio inspired school in Alexandria, VA.  Prior to that, she was a co-oping parent there for nine years.  As a parent she served on the Board, and as its President for the last 2 yrs her children were there.  She also taught at Emmanuel Lutheran as a kindergarten teacher.

Like Rebecca, many of Sue’s interests are nature focused; she loves gardening, being outside, kayaking, and trail walking. She also volunteers with Animal Allies – feeding and rescuing and setting up shelters for feral cats.  She also co-manages and owns an antique booth in Del Ray.  Sue holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from College of the Potomac, and she recently studied at Lesley University in their Early Childhood Program.  

Laura Champe Mitchell
Administrative and Enrollment Coordinator

Laura Champe Mitchell is the parent of one current Discovery Woods student – Champe, almost 5, and one rising “freshman” – Caden, almost 2.  Laura handles all new family enrollments, marketing, scheduling, and much of the school’s administrative work.  She works approximately 10-15 hours per week for the school.  She also owns her own business, Xcapacity, and does similar work for businesses that help children all over the metro area.  She has over 20 years of experience in the business & people world in client relations, business development, change management, and leading operations. 

Laura’s interests include planning and organizing things, reading, writing, music, all sorts of travel, blogging, movies, hiking, and camping.