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Cedarcrest Center logo featuring heart icon, representing community care and support for individuals with special needs.

Meet Our Certified Special Educators

Amanda Coe, M.Ed

Head of School

Hello! I’m Amanda Coe, and I have been part of the Cedarcrest community for over 20 years—first as a Special Educator for 18 years and now as Head of School. I hold a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and psychology from Westfield State University, a General Special Education license from New England College, and a master’s degree from SNHU. I am passionate about fostering a collaborative and supportive school environment where both students and staff can thrive. 

I live in Keene with my husband and son. Outside of work, I love spending time with family and friends, exploring the outdoors through backpacking, camping, and kayaking, and chasing sunrises and sunsets. I also have a love for the ocean and the thrill of amusement parks. 

Amanda Coe, Head of School at Cedarcrest, smiling in a professional setting, wearing a black and white polka dot blouse, emphasizing her commitment to special education and fostering a supportive learning environment.

Elaina Waibel

Specially Designed Instruction Teacher​

I’m Elaina Waibel and after 14 years in the classroom I have recently transitioned from the Peach Classroom Teacher to my new role as the Specially Designed Instruction Teacher. Now I get to work with all of our students as they reach their academic and vocational goals!

I grew up in New Hampshire and earned my degree in Early Childhood Education from Keene State College. My very first job was at a residential school working with children with autism, and that’s where I discovered my passion for supporting students with special needs. Since then, I’ve earned certifications in both Early Childhood Special Education and General Special Education. I’m excited to dive into this new chapter and work one-on-one with students in all three classrooms.

I live in Marlborough with my husband and any chance we get we love to relax at the ocean! I also enjoy traveling (especially to visit our kids), baking, and going for long walks.

I’m so excited for the year ahead and can’t wait to help our students learn and grow!

Nadja Stinson, Cedarcrest teacher, smiling in a yellow floral blouse, showcasing her commitment to special education and inclusive classroom environments.

Nadja Stinson

Teacher

Hello! My name is Nadja Stinson, and I am the teacher for the Yellow Room (High School) here at Cedarcrest. I recently earned my Special Education certification from the University of New Hampshire, and I am thrilled to be part of such a wonderful school community. I have been at Cedarcrest for five years, initially working as a Child Care Assistant and Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA), before transitioning into my current role as a teacher. I am passionate about creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment where every student, educational assistant, and LNA feels supported and valued.

Originally from Brazil, I hold a bachelor’s degree in English as a Second and Foreign Language, and I spent three years teaching English to students from Kindergarten to 12th grade before moving to the United States. I am fluent in Portuguese, my native language, and I also speak some Spanish. I live in Keene with my husband and son. We enjoy spending time outdoors, and we try to visit my home country whenever we can. We also love exploring new restaurants and cultures, always eager to try different cuisines.

Kelly Robinson

Teacher

I love my job as a special education teacher and I will never do anything else. I am relentlessly dedicated to advocating for my students with the mission of maximizing their autonomy by identifying and honoring each learner’s unique communication profile. 

Raised locally, in West Chesterfield, I love spending time with my three children enjoying local hiking, skiing, and any other outdoor activities.  I have 3 great kids and they keep me busy outside of work! I have been serving eclectically for 20 years in education; including general education, special education, ABA, and homeschool cooperative. I hold a B.A. in elementary education, history, and psychology and a M.Ed. in Special Education. From my first day here as a Cedarcrest volunteer in 1995 to my new position in the Green room, I am not afraid to say I love being a part of this team!

Nicole Clark

Teacher

Hello! My name is Nichole and I am the newest teacher in the classroom with the youngest learners. I graduated from Keene State College with my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education. I have been a Special Educator for the past seven years. I have worked in a variety of settings mainly with Preschool-age students. My last role was as a Preschool Special Educator and I also worked with students up to third grade with communication and behavioral interventions.

I live in Keene with my husband and daughter. We enjoy being outside in our yard playing with our daughter, going to the lake, apple picking, and many other places when the weather is nice. We also enjoy spending time with both of our families since both sides of our imitate family are local. My husband and I very into our health and enjoy exercising.