Meet Our Certified Special Educators
Amanda Coe
Head of School
Hello! My name is Amanda Coe. I was delighted to become Head of School in early 2023 after teaching the high school classroom at Cedarcrest for 18 years! I received my bachelor’s degree from Westfield State University for elementary education and psychology. I later obtained my General Special Education license from New England College, and am currently pursuing a master’s of education degree from Southern New Hampshire University (SHNU). I am committed to maintaining a school environment that supports collaboration and growth of each student and team member.
I live in Keene with my husband, son, two cats, and two turtles. In my spare time I enjoy outdoor fun: backpacking, camping, kayaking, chasing sunrises and sunsets, and being at the ocean. I also very much enjoy amusement parks and going on new adventures with my family.
Elaina Waibel
Teacher
Hello! My name is Elaina Waibel and this will be my 13th school year at Cedarcrest in the Peach Classroom! I am from New Hampshire and received a bachelor’s degree from Keene State College in early childhood education. My first job was working with children with autism in a residential school setting and decided then that my passion was serving children with special needs. I went on to acquire teaching certification in early childhood special education and am currently working on obtaining my General Special Education Certification. Over the past 30+ years I have held a variety of education positions and I am so happy to be a classroom teacher again! I have a true passion for working with our youngest students! Working closely with our entire classroom team and helping each child progress in all areas of their development and reach their fullest potential is a challenge that I am honored to accept daily.
I live in Marlborough with my husband and we love to spend time at the ocean relaxing on the beach. I also enjoy traveling (especially to visit our children), baking, and spending time with family and friends.
Mary Hatch
Teacher
Hello! My name is Mary Hatch, and I am proud to be the Green Room Teacher at Cedarcrest School. I was born and raised in Florida, but I have lived and worked in the Monadnock Region for just over 20 years now. I received a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and mathematics from Keene State College, and my Master in Education in curriculum and instruction with a content focus in mathematics from Concordia University in Portland, Oregon. I have my Experienced Educator License and I am currently working as a special education teacher under an intern authorization as I work and go to school to obtain my special education certification. Prior to joining the teacher team at Cedarcrest in 2020, I worked in a local public school for six years.
Personally, my husband, daughter and I live in a small town just outside of Keene with our dog Porter and two cats, Lexi and Luna. As a family we love spending time on the lake, hiking in the woods, and vacationing in Southern Maine. I have a passion for teaching and especially enjoy working with students with special needs. I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures student growth in a positive, fun environment.
Nadja Stinson
Substitute Teacher
Hello! My name is Nadja Stinson, and I am the high school, or Yellow Room, substitute teacher. I am currently in the process of obtaining my special education certification through the University of New Hampshire. I have worked at Cedarcrest for four years, first as a Child Care Assistant, then as a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) and now as a teacher. In the classroom, it is important to me to create a positive and inclusive environment where every student, educational assistant, and LNA feels valued and supported.
I am originally from Brazil, where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English as a Second and Foreign Language. I used to teach English to levels K – 12 for three years prior to moving to the United States. I am fluent in Portuguese, my native language, and I can speak some Spanish as well. I am also currently learning American Sign Language (ASL). In my free time, I enjoy outside activities with my husband and my toddler son, and we travel to my home country whenever possible. We also love trying new restaurants and learning about new cultures and cuisines.
Stephenie Konopka
Specially Designed Instruction Teacher
My name is Stephenie Konopka and I recently joined the Cedarcrest team as the Specially Designed Instruction teacher, making the transition from general education to special education. As a mom of three wonderful children, one of whom faces the challenges of Noonan Syndrome with Multiple Lentigines, both my parenting journey and my career have fueled my dedication to inclusive education. I am a Keene State College graduate and a certified early childhood educator. Currently, I am enrolled at the University of New Hampshire in the College of Professional Studies working toward my special education credential.
My husband and I live in Swanzey with our son and our dog, Penny. Our two adult daughters also live and work in the Monadnock region. We love spending time as a family outdoors, whether it’s hiking with Penny, downhill skiing, or enjoying a round of golf. When we’re not outdoors, chances are you’ll find us in the kitchen, exploring our love of cooking!
