About Acornly
A small centre with deep roots
We opened in 2012 in a converted garden cottage and have grown one room at a time. Today we care for babies through pre-K, still in the same building, still among the same oaks.
Our story
We began with one room and a vegetable patch. Families asked us to keep going, so we added an infant room, then a garden classroom, then a woodland corner.
What we believe
Children are capable, curious and kind when they feel safe. Our job is to notice, listen and set up spaces that invite them to explore.
Where we are
Millbrook Hollow is a small town of oak-lined streets. Many families walk or cycle to drop-off, and neighbours often stop to wave at the garden.
The team
Teachers you will get to know
Every teacher is first aid and CPR trained. Most have been with us for years.
Ruth Hale
Centre director
Ruth opened Acornly after two decades teaching and directing. She still spends every Friday morning in a classroom.
Early childhood leadership credential
22
years teaching
Amara Johnson
Infant room lead
Amara believes babies learn best when they feel known. She keeps a notebook of every baby’s favourite songs.
Infant and toddler care certificate, infant CPR and first aid
6
years teaching
Maya Reyes
Toddler room lead
Maya turns everyday routines into games. Ask her about the toddler parade that happens at every tidy-up.
Early childhood degree, infant CPR and first aid
9
years teaching
Lucia Torres
Atelier and Twos teacher
Lucia runs our art studio, where paint, clay and found objects are always on the table.
Early childhood degree, art education coursework
11
years teaching
Dev Raman
Outdoor learning lead
Dev takes every group outside, rain or shine, and knows the name of every bird that visits our oak trees.
Nature-based education certificate, first aid
12
years teaching
Kenji Mori
Pre-K lead teacher
Kenji coaches our oldest children toward kindergarten with garden projects, nature journals and a lot of patience.
Early childhood degree, first aid
8
years teaching
Parent stories
Words from our families
Drop-off used to be the hardest part of my day. Now my daughter runs to the door, and her teacher always has one small story from the morning ready for me at pick-up.
Hannah B.
Parent of a Toddlers room child
The daily notes are specific, not generic. I know she dug for worms, painted with beet juice and finished a puzzle all by herself. That is what I wanted to know.
Marcus T.
Parent of a Preschool room child
We toured five centres. Acornly was the only one where the director knew every child’s name before we left the hallway.
Priya S.
Parent of an Infants room baby
Our son loves garden days. He now asks for kale at dinner, which we did not see coming.
Daniel R.
Parent of a Pre-K room child
Having the same teacher greet us every morning has made the move to two days a week so much easier for our whole family.
Mei L.
Parent of a Twos room child
Visit us
Come and see which room feels like home
Tours take about 30 minutes and run on weekday mornings and Saturdays. Pick a room on the right and we will show you the classroom, the garden and a typical day.
Which room is your child in?
Infants
Toddlers
Twos
Preschool
Pre-K
