Ella Wallace and Rachel Savage Lead Mount Desert Nursery School into the Future
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Choco-Latté Café.
NORTHEAST HARBOR—Ella Wallace and Rachel Savage grew up on Mount Desert Island. Now, they are back and ready to make a difference for one of the major staples in their community: a staple that is there every month of the year.
“As we know, the abundance that this island provides in the summer does not span all year long,” Wallace said.
That has impacted the Mount Desert Nursery School, which has been an educational foundation for many island kids for approximately the past four decades.
The nonprofit was established by people in Mount Desert for its children.
“Our sole mission has always been to serve our island community by providing exceptional early childhood education,” the school’s website reads.
But it’s not always easy.
“At Mount Desert Nursery School, a beloved cornerstone of the Northeast Harbor community, we’re working through one of the toughest chapters in our history—facing very low enrollment, limited resources, an unsteady budget, and an uncertain future,” Wallace said, “but instead of closing our doors, our board made a bold and hopeful decision. They hired two young locals—me, Ella Wallace, and Rachel Savage—as the new leadership team to reimagine what’s possible here at the school.”
Both women graduated from Mount Desert Island High School in 2020, in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which was a challenge of its own, Wallace said.
Then they both headed to the University of Maine at Orono.
“Instead of leaving the island after college, we chose to return and invest in its future. We’re passionate about early childhood education, community connection, and creating a place where local families can thrive,” Wallace said.
Wallace started as director of administration and development in September and was promoted to executive director this June, and Savage begins as program director this August.
“We’ve stepped into these roles fresh out of college, filled with energy, ideas, and an unwavering love for this place,” Wallace said. “It’s not every day that two twenty-somethings take the reins of a nursery school with such deep roots. But we believe in the importance of accessible childcare and the well-being of young families who are trying to make a life here, despite the immense challenges.”
Those challenges relate to the changing demographics of Mount Desert Island, lower birth rates throughout the country, and the need for financial support. It also relates to the need for connections and opportunities for housing and socializing for young professionals in the area.
Wallace is convinced that they and the nursery school are going to make an impact, not just on the kids and their families, but on the entire community.
That’s a passion and a mission for the two women who grew up here and who are choosing to stay.
“We’re not just keeping the lights on for the sake of childcare—we’re rebuilding, reconnecting with families, and reimagining what the future of childcare can look like on the island, mainly as we are located in a tranquil corner of the island,” Wallace said.
When Wallace moved back, she hadn’t planned on staying longterm, but when the position at the school opened up, she said, something instantly shifted.
“The chance to begin my career at such a cornerstone of the community I love felt like an incredible privilege. Child development and the empowerment of children have always been close to my heart, so the opportunity to channel that passion right here at home felt perfect,” Wallace said.
The job opportunity also gave her a chance to stay on the island because it also provides housing. The Peggy Rockefeller Farm manager, also a young woman, finds herself in a similar position. She’s able to stay because she has a stable place to stay, she said earlier this summer.
“Before this job opportunity, staying here would have been nearly impossible for me. I’m deeply independent — I love my family, but I value having my own space — and finding housing on MDI is an enormous challenge,” she said. “This position made it possible by including housing in my package, and I feel incredibly fortunate. That stability not only allows me to thrive in my role but also fuels my belief that tackling the housing crisis is essential to bringing more young people back to the island. Plus, being surrounded by nature every day keeps me grounded and energized to give the best version of myself to the school.”
And Wallace really wants to stay.
“Mount Desert Nursery School has quickly become one of my favorite places on Earth. When I was promoted to executive director in June, my connection to the school only deepened,” she said. “I love the intimacy of our learning environment, the dedication of our board, and the trust they’ve placed in me to revitalize the school’s vision. I also love how deeply embedded this school is in the island’s story — nearly everyone with roots here has a personal connection to it.”
Those roots matter to Wallace and Savage. Part of what happens at the school is building from them in ways that can empower more children that go there.
According to UNICEF, “The years from birth to five are critical for a child’s long-term health, development and wellbeing. Particularly for children who are at risk, high-quality early childhood education and care can help ensure the best start to life possible.”
The State of Maine is also focused on creating more “public pre-k programming for all 4-year-old students,” according to its website, which the MDI Regional School System has been addressing in each town.
Making sure local kids have the best start possible is important to the women and their nursery school staff.
“But most of all, I love the children. They inspire me daily to be authentic, to lead with passion, and to grow alongside them. I also love the freedom to create new traditions and guide us to new learning of real life skills,” Wallace said.
The school has had a long impact on the community and had a celebration of 30 years in 2007. Virginia Phelps and other volunteers began the school. The Ellsworth American has a brief saying that it opened in July 1978.
“Empowering our children is one of the most important investments we can make as a community. When we give them confidence, curiosity, and the tools to navigate the world with kindness and resilience, we’re not just preparing them for school — we’re preparing them to live as functional community members, which is essential wherever their lives may take them. This is our primary goal here at Mount Desert Nursery School, and I cannot wait for our community members to feel the new energy given to our beloved space,” Wallace said.
There will be an open house on Wednesday, August 20, from 4-7 p.m. so that people can meet Wallace and Savage and learn more about the school and feel that new energy.
”The school has had an immense impact on this island for decades, and I think our board’s bold yet passionate and caring decision should be shared to inspire other young people to seek out and preserve the beauty of this island, which we are privileged to call home,” Wallace said.
The positions have also had a positive impact on the two island woman.
“It’s deeply affirming. Achieving such a significant career milestone early on — and doing it in the community that raised me — has been both humbling and empowering. The trust from our board and the support from the wider community have shown me what’s possible when people believe in you. It has made me fully believe in myself. Giving back here feels not only right, but necessary,” Wallace said.
Giving back includes looking toward a new future.
“I’m envisioning the future of Mount Desert Nursery School as a place that not only prepares children for pre-k or kindergarten, but also strengthens the entire community. That means expanding curriculum that fosters curiosity, confidence, and creativity; deepening partnerships with local organizations and artists; and finding ways to make our programs more accessible for working families,” Wallace said. “With our small number of students, it is so important to me to learn all of their niches. Learning at an early age what sparks children’s passion is such a fantastic stepping stone for helping each individual child grow their confidence, feel empowered, and most of all feel loved and cherished. I also want our school to be a hub where generations connect — where grandparents, alumni, and neighbors all have a role in nurturing the next generation and feel proud to share their talents with. We also partner with the Mount Desert Chamber of Commerce, so I have visions of us being an entertaining and interactive part of the events they hold!”
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Acadia Brochures of Maine.
LINKS TO LEARN MORE
mountdesertnurseryschool@gmail.com
ella.w@mountdesertnurseryschool.org
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