Meet The Team
Founder & Instructor
Walter Lamont, Jr.
Favorite tree: Horn Beam
Favorite tool: Chainsaw
Super Power: Manifesting
Walter grew up in the town of Montville, Maine, alongside his sister Missy. His family made their living renovating houses and working in the woods industry, which provided him with an early education in resourcefulness and versatility. These skills were absorbed through keen observation. At Camden High School under the mentorship of Mort Strom and Dan Richards, Walter discovered a deep passion for Industrial Arts. Walter attributes much of his growth to the accessibility of tools, the trust placed in him by his mentors, and the freedom to create. These formative experiences laid the foundation for his future endeavors in building log and timber structures, site development, and fieldstone installations while raising his family.
He believes that giving young people the opportunity to enrich their developing minds opens the door to limitless possibilities. Riverside Learning Center, in partnership with a skilled community eager to share knowledge, will provide a safe, instructional space where these opportunities can flourish. Ultimately building a stronger, more connected community.
“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” - Albert Einstein
Executive Director & Instructor
Columbia "Coco" Bullion
Favorite tree: Tamarack
Favorite tool: Japanese Pull Saw
Super power: Impervious to Fire
Coco spent her youth in the woods and waters of Maine. After many years away, she has returned with the skills and vision to bring The Learning Center to life–generating curriculum, teaching skills, and laying the foundations for ecologically-driven, community supported programming here in Midcoast Maine. A builder, designer, mechanic, gardener, potter, and master of none, Coco brings a youthful exuberance to all that she does. A big kid herself, she believes that creating spaces where learning and play come together can lead to self-discovery and self-determination.
“I believe the children are our future/Teach them well and let them lead the way.” - Whitney Houston
Instructor
Jake Hanin
Favorite Tree: Cedar
Favorite Tool: My Hands!
Super Power: Tetris
Jake is a lifelong student. He attended Colby College (BA, English), the New School for Social Research (MA, Sociology), and University of Southern Maine (MS, Education). He is passionate about making things and minimizing waste, which makes him a perfect addition to the Tree to Table team. He is a tinkerer--experimental--willing to fail until getting it right, which gives him the patience to explore and problem solve through life's challenges. Jake is on loan from the Ecology Learning Center in Unity where he teaches English.
"Whatever you are, be a good one!" - unknown
Board Member
Avary Otis
Favorite Tree: Sugar Maple
Favorite Tool: Impact gun
Super Power: Multitasking
With a deep passion for building—not just homes, but futures—Avary is dedicated to helping youth find growth and purpose in the carpentry trade.
Growing up on construction sites and renovating homes with her family, she developed a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, hard work, and the elements that truly make a house a home. This hands-on experience led her to a career in real estate, where she now helps others find, create, and transform homes that meet their unique needs.
As a board member and mother of three, Avary is a strong advocate for fostering opportunities that empower youth, strengthen the community, and inspire the next generation of builders and innovators.
"Do something; lead, follow, or get out of the way"
Board Member & Librarian
Skip Klein
Favorite Tree: Acacia
Favorite Tool: Camera
Super Power: Predicting the future
Skip is a collector of many things. With his camera and a keen eye for beauty and function, he has surrounded himself with objects and people that enrich his life, our founder Walter Lamont is among them. Skip believes deeply in the mission and people behind RLC. As our librarian, he curates the deepest layer of learning: theory. He knows that curiosity and dedication to craft can bring us light in the darkest of times.
"First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out/Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out/Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out/Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out/Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left/To speak out for me" - Pastor Martin Niemoller
We're hiring!
Riverside Learning Center is seeking a part-time instructor for youth carpentry classes ages 8-12 beginning Summer 2025. Our Phase 1 development focuses on teaching 8-12 year olds basic tool use and shop and tool safety in our beautiful 36x80 ft facility in Searsmont. Instructor must have workshop experience on all hand and power tools. Episodic instructors are welcome to apply. Possibility for the right candidate(s) to move into a full-time salaried position in leadership within the non-profit. Teaching experience is a major plus and an affinity for children paramount. The ideal candidate will also have a desire to engage with long-term program development as we continue to expand our age range toward an apprenticeship model. Ability to lesson plan, lead with curiosity and compassion, and follow instructions toward deliverables desired. Web development, graphic design, public engagement, written communication skills all a plus. We are building our team! Looking for someone who wants to grow with us across our planned expansion to foster youth in the trades.
Tell us about yourself, your skills, your experience, and your desire to join our team!