Team
Jessica Jensen
Guide
Jessica Jensen has a deep commitment to early childhood and elementary education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Studies from Chestnut Hill College and brings over 13 years of experience creating engaging, child-centered learning environments. Influenced by the work of Dr. Maria Montessori, her approach honors each child’s individuality and supports them in following their own unique path. She believes learning should be purposeful, hands-on, and connected to the world around us.
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At Quest Microschool, Jessica plays a key role in program development and operations management. She designs and implements systems that support both learners and guides, including health and safety protocols, training materials, and core program structures. She also helps shape and maintain the physical environment, thoughtfully selecting and organizing materials to support independence, creativity, and meaningful work.
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A self-described jack of all trades, Jessica has worked as a music teacher, Montessori classroom assistant, homeschool parent, and forest school guide. These experiences inform her holistic understanding of how children learn through exploration, creativity, and meaningful connection.
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She holds an Early Childhood Diploma from the North American Montessori Center, a 6–12 Orientation Certificate from Association Montessori Internationale, and an Advanced Professional Certificate in General Music Studies from Berklee College of Music. Jessica is also a Certified Level I Music Together educator.
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In her spare time, she enjoys singing, watercolor painting, fiber arts, and creating warm, welcoming home spaces.
Kimberly Meloy
Guide
Kimberly Meloy is a homeschooling mom of two, with 20 years of experience in early childhood education, and a background in Waldorf methodology. She has assisted and worked closely with children in a variety of settings; from outdoors in a forest school location to more traditional classroom learning spaces.
Kimberly holds a BA in English Language and enjoys sharing her love of all things words and writing with her children.
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She is passionate about the importance of imaginative, unstructured play and free time spent in nature. Allowing children autonomy and the ability to explore their passions at their own pace is a core value of Kimberly’s approach to instruction.
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Kimberly and her family love reading, gardening, cooking, practicing bushcraft and primitive skills, hiking, and exploring new destinations.
Renee McDade
Guide
You know when you go to a party and that one person is hanging out with the kids (or the dogs)? Well, that’s Renee. Though she does like and value adults too.
Renee studied elementary education in undergrad but realized she wasn’t made for the traditional classroom. The majority of her teaching experience is in museums. Renee went on to get her Masters in Fine Art.
When Renee is not working with children she fills her days with time in the forest, gardening, baking, and playing in her art studio.
Melissa Wilkes
Director
Melissa has over 20 years of experience planning and executing meetings and events for a wide range of clients. She has owned and operated an event planning business and served on the board of her family's non-profit organization.
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She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ.
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Having experienced the drawbacks and limitations of the traditional education system, both in her own life and with her eldest son, Melissa felt called to create a school that takes more of a child-centered and holistic approach to education.
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She enjoys reading or listening to anything and everything on health and wellness, taking walks in nature, as well as traveling and spending time with the boys (her husband and two sons).
