Meet Our Staff
The staff at Lupine Community School care for the spaces, animals, and everyday experiences that help our community thrive. From tending to the health and well-being of our animals and guiding meaningful interactions between children and animals, to building, maintaining, and thoughtfully improving the spaces where children learn and play, their work is woven into the rhythm of daily life at Lupine.
Through care, creativity, and stewardship, our staff help create a safe, welcoming environment where children can build meaningful connections to animals, the land, and the community around them.
Animal Care & Engagement Coordinator
Mary Neese
Hello! My name is Mary Neese (she/her) and I originally hail from Miami, Fl. I’ve been living and working in the Piedmont of NC for 18 years. I grew up riding horses at a hunter/jumper farm and developed a love for equines that has never faded.
My main responsibilities at Lupine are to ensure all animals have what they need to lead peaceful and enriching lives surrounded by loving humans. I adore witnessing the interactions between the animals and the children at the farm - they learn so much just by being around them. It is a joy to be a part of this school community.
In my free time, I am hanging out with my family and probably still outside. We enjoy walking the trails by our house, birding, gardening, and cloud watching. I also enjoy reading, baking, and naps.
Building & Grounds Specialist
Luis Morales
Hi! I'm Luis Morales and I serve as the Building & Grounds Specialist at Lupine Community School. I bring a background in construction and electrical work, along with a lifelong interest in farms, animals, and creating spaces that are both functional and welcoming.
Amy and I originally met while working at a local farm, and that connection eventually brought me to Lupine. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to help restore and improve the school’s buildings and grounds, tackle everything from repairs and maintenance to larger building projects, and help bring new ideas and creative spaces to life for the community.
One of the things I enjoy most about this work is seeing how the spaces we build and care for become part of the children’s everyday experience. I’m excited to continue helping Lupine grow, creating a safe, beautiful, and engaging environment for students, families, animals, and staff alike.