About Us

Green Gables Play School is a WOSB (Woman Owned Small Business) serving Golden, Wheat Ridge, Arvada and the surrounding Denver area.  Green Gables Play School provides Waldorf inspired early childhood education, afternoon grades enrichment programs, and summer camps. 

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Rachel Cooper- (Director/Owner)

Rachel Cooper is an advocate for children, avid gardener (farmer at heart), nature lover and mother of 3 boys. Rachel has been working in Early Childhood for 25 years. She has worked in many different ECE settings including Montessori and traditional. She discovered Waldorf education 17 years ago, as a young mother, and was compelled to dedicate her time and energy to bringing Waldorf education to the children and parents in her community.

Nathan Ballenger- (Educator/ Head Custodian)

Nathan Ballenger is an educator and husband to Rachel Cooper.  Nathan is a builder, outdoor enthusiast, circustician, Waldorf Math/STEM Teacher, Nationally Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and caretaker of Green Gables.  Nathan has been running our afternoon enrichment program for 1st – 4th graders, and co-facilitates the summer camps. Nathan offers a unique outdoor experience for all young children.  Nathan can be seen high in the trees, doing the dirty jobs, and finding the mysterious natural phenomena around the Green Gables landscape.