Liz Beaven

Liz Beaven has been actively involved in Waldorf education since 1985 when she first walked into a Waldorf school as a new arrival in New York City. Her experience spans class teaching, school administration and leadership, Board and College of Teachers membership, adult education, lecturing, writing, and research. Plus, important in her experience, she is the parent of two Waldorf alums and is now viewing Waldorf education and the future through the lens of a grandparent. Liz took an early interest in the expansion of US Waldorf education into public schools. She has been engaged there in teacher education, professional development, Board and parent workshops, research, writing, conference presentations, and school development.

Liz was the President of the Alliance Board of Directors for several years and now serves as the first Executive Director. Liz is also involved in advocacy for equitable access to quality early childhood education through membership of the Trust for Learning’s Ideal Learning Round Table. Liz holds a certificate in Waldorf School administration and a doctorate in Educational Leadership. Her dissertation focused on the explicit and implicit lessons of schools and student sense-making of Waldorf education.

Delana Hill

Delana Hill is the Principal at Seaside Charter School North Campus in Jacksonville, Florida. Serving over 500 diverse students at North Campus, Ms. Hill's goal is to integrate the Waldorf-Inspired philosophy and a standards-based curriculum to create equitable outcomes for all students. 

A critical thinker, Ms. Hill feels confined by the ways of traditional education and works to bring her passion for life to the students, families, and staff to inspire them to push forth into the world with empathetic hearts and critical minds in order to make positive change for our future.

Ms. Hill has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky, and a Masters of Arts in School Administration from California State University, East Bay. She has been participating in Waldorf training and professional development for fourteen years and received her formal Waldorf training from Kentahten teacher training in Louisville, Kentucky. In addition, Ms. Hill has a passion for equity and has had training from the National Equity Project and Zaretta Hammond's Culturally Responsive Teaching. 

Ms. Hill has teaching experience in grades 1 - 8 in Waldorf-Inspired settings in Louisville, Kentucky, and Oakland, California. Prior to becoming Principal, she served as Director of Curriculum at Community School for Creative Education in Oakland and Seaside Charter Consortium in Jacksonville. She has also worked as a teacher coach, Summer School Principal through Building Educated Leaders for Life, and Director of Special Education. 

Rainbow Rosenbloom

Rainbow Rosenbloom received his Waldorf certification from Emerson College, Forest Row, England. After teaching in every grade from 1st to 12th in private Waldorf schools, he attended Harvard Graduate School of Education, studying multiple intelligence theory with Howard Gardner. He received an Ed.M and was hired as Director of Alternative Education for a small school district on the central California coast.

Rainbow helped to craft a resource center for homeschoolers, bringing Waldorf classes and parent education opportunities to families from 21 different public school districts. Soon after the charter law passed, Rainbow helped innovate a public Waldorf charter school in Monterey, CA and became its administrator. During that time, recognizing the need to support homeschoolers with Waldorf materials, he developed Live Education! with colleague Bruce Bischof in 1997.

Live Education! has served over 5,000 families internationally, as well as teachers in over 125 Waldorf schools. Imagining the strong potential for explosive growth in the public sphere, he helped to found the Alliance for Public Waldorf Education in 2005 and continues to serve on the Executive Committee as vice president. Rainbow continues to consult with both private and public Waldorf schools, convinced that the cultural revolution will be fueled by creative and inspired thinkers, many of whom will come out of the Waldorf movement.

Teresa Woods

Teresa discovered the gem of Waldorf education in 1983 while working for Oak Meadow School, and throughout her career, has woven together her callings in both education and natural science. Her teaching experience spans the elementary, secondary, undergraduate, and graduate levels, and she has earned award recognition for teaching as well as research and curriculum development. Through significant grant awards, Teresa has initiated and led several innovative educational programs focused on equity in science education, teacher licensure, and social-emotional learning. Waldorf pedagogy and phenomenological science form the core of her practice, and she’s been fortunate to integrate these approaches both inside and outside the Waldorf movement.

Teresa has served Waldorf schools in many capacities, as office staff, class teacher, board member, mentor, teacher educator, professional development specialist, and school leader. She’s been especially dedicated to help grow and support the public Waldorf movement. She was a STEM program coordinator at K-State, then Assistant Professor at Fort Hays State University, before moving to Colorado Springs to become school leader at Mountain Song Community School, a public Waldorf-inspired K-8 charter school. She served Mountain Song for six years before retiring in 2024, and continues to consult with the school to ensure completion of the major capital renovation and expansion project she initiated.

Teresa earned her B.A. (environmental education) at Prescott College; Waldorf certification at Emerson College in England; M.S. (biology - plant ecology) and Ph.D. (curriculum and instruction– science education), both at Kansas State University.

Sarah Arnold

Sarah Arnold is a lifelong educator. She has an undergraduate degree from Harvard in French Language and Civilization and a Master’s in Elementary Education from Lesley University. Sarah has taught in the elementary grades in Massachusetts and Nevada. She was drawn to Waldorf education through seeking a developmentally aware early childhood program for her own children. This yearning led to her participation in the founding of Evergreen Garden Playschool (EGP). Sarah completed her Waldorf Early Childhood teacher training at Sunbridge Institute, becoming a teacher and later the Director of EGP.

Through a desire to bridge the worlds of Waldorf education and public education, Sarah became active in the work of the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America, eventually joining the Board and becoming the Public Policy and Outreach Coordinator for WECAN. Sarah was active in this work from 2015-2020.  In this role, Sarah became a member of the Ideal Learning Round Table (sponsored by the Trust for Learning) in 2017. The work with WECAN, the Ideal Learning Round Table, and the Alliance for Public Waldorf Education led to the founding of the Waldorf Associations Working Group, which is a forum for communication across the three North American Waldorf Associations: WECAN, the Alliance, and AWSNA.

This same desire led to Sarah enrolling at Wheelock School of Education, Boston University, in a Doctor of Education program focusing in Human Development - Language and Literacy in 2015. The onset of COVID-19 in the Spring of 2020 brought many changes to Sarah’s life. Sarah’s dissertation research was put on hold by the closing of schools, and the opportunity to join Northeast Woodland Chartered Public School as the initial Head of School arose.

Sarah worked with the founding board of Northeast Woodland to successfully open the school in the Fall of 2020. The school welcomed 130 students at the opening, meeting its initial goal, and was able to stay in person for the entire year. The school serves children in pre-k through 8th grade. Northeast Woodland is now finishing out its third year of operation. The school currently has 168 students enrolled, 9 teachers engaging in Waldorf teacher training through Antioch, New England, and has developed an exciting Outdoor Education program for students in Grades 1 through 8.

Roel Op t' Ende

Roel op ’t Ende brings over 15 years of Waldorf teaching and leadership experience to Sebastopol Independent Charter School. He began his journey in the Netherlands, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history—graduating cum laude—from Leiden University. Roel also completed a Master’s in History and Civics Education at Leiden’s Graduate School of Teaching. His Waldorf teacher training took place in-house at the Rudolf Steiner College in Rotterdam—the same school he attended as a student himself.

Roel has taught high school humanities at both the Rudolf Steiner College in Rotterdam and Credo High School in California. He also served as a class teacher and team lead for grades 3 through 8 at Wasatch Waldorf School in Utah, where he supported colleagues through mentoring and evaluation.

Most recently, Roel served as the Education Director at Credo High School, a public Waldorf charter school, where he oversaw curriculum development and teacher support. In addition to his classroom work, Roel teaches for Gradalis Waldorf Teacher Education, offering summer courses in “Teaching as an Art” and leading curriculum webinars throughout the school year.

Roel is deeply committed to the living principles of Waldorf education and is excited to return to the classroom, bringing his love of learning, mentorship, and collaboration to the middle school students and community at SICS. Outside the classroom, he enjoys spending time in nature, practicing meditation, and exploring holistic approaches to education and well-being. 

Kelly Ruse

Kelly Ruse has served as Interim Director of Madrone Trail Public Waldorf School for the past year and is now stepping into the role of Director of Operations. She brings more than two decades of experience in education, leadership, and organizational development. Her background includes founding and directing a private K–8 school and an after-school tutoring center, where she focused on creating student-centered learning environments that support both academic achievement and personal growth.

With a deep commitment to whole-child education and a thoughtful approach to school operations, Kelly combines practical leadership with a strong understanding of child development and community building. As a former Board President and active parent within the Madrone Trail community, she is dedicated to supporting students, families, faculty, and staff while helping the school remain grounded in its mission, values, and vision for the future.

Mary Ruud

Mary Ruud has more than 30 years working in Waldorf Education. She has degrees in Eurythmy from Spring Valley Eurythmy School and the Eurythmy School in Nurnberg, Germany. Mary has a  Masters in Liberal Studies from the 21st Century Studies Department at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Mary taught for many years at the first public Waldorf School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is on the core faculty of the Great Lakes Teacher Institute and has also taught teachers through Transformational Teaching, Kenthaten Teacher Training, Louisville Kentucky, Lifeways Early Childhood Teacher Training in Milwaukee and Alaska, and Arcturus Teacher Training in Chicago. She has adult grandchildren in the military and in social work. Mary is a certified Therapeutic Horsemanship instructor. 

Michele Conyers

Michele Conyers graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a BFA in dance and from the Waldorf Institute of Southern California with a certificate in Waldorf education. She then completed an 8-year journey with a class at Journey School, a Waldorf-inspired charter school, and concurrently earned her California Teaching Credential. She continued her academic strivings and earned a Master’s Degree in Waldorf Education from Touro University through Bonnie Rivers, Dr. William Bento and Eugene Schwartz and is currently completing her certificate in Remedial Education. Michele joined Stone Bridge in 2010 and has worked with students as a lead teacher, recorder/choir teacher, and Music Director. 

Zoe Wilcox

 Zoe Wilcox is a founding teacher of Sun Mountain Community School. With 15 years of experience in Waldorf education, Zoe has taught students from Kindergarten through 8th grade across the U.S., Mexico, and Zambia, and in four languages: English, French, Spanish, and Bemba.

Zoe’s path as an educator is rooted in a passion for language, the land, and creative learning. She holds extensive training in Waldorf pedagogy and a background in permaculture and writing. She played a key role in shaping Sun Mountain’s vision, serving as the lead author of its charter application.

Zoe believes deeply in the transformative power of Waldorf education to nurture capable, compassionate, and visionary young people. When she’s not in the classroom or leading the school, she enjoys cooking, gardening, and traveling. Her warmth, humor, and sense of possibility inspire students and colleagues alike.

Karin Meadow

Karin serves as a Business Manager at YRCS since 2018. She studied philosophy as an undergraduate and holds certifications in Montessori education, Spacial Dynamics (Waldorf Movement Training), and as a Charter Business Officer. 

She finds joy in the rhythms of the school day, from the morning bustle as students and staff arrive to the quiet, reflective moments of sunrise and sunset on campus. Originally from the Peninsula, she spent twenty years in Atlanta before settling in Northern California. Outside of work, she enjoys caretaking for land, small construction projects, and artistic endeavors like watercolor and sewing. 

Mehelle Horning

I am the principal at Alice Birney TK-8 Public Waldorf School in Sacramento, California. We belong to the urban Sacramento City Unified School District and are not a charter school. I have served this community for 17 years as principal. Prior to earing my California Administrator Credential,  I was a California Credentialed elementary and middle school classroom teacher. I have taught and administrated in Waldorf teacher and administrator training through Rudolf Steiner College and SCUSD. I found my passion for Waldorf education while I was earning my Masters at in CSUS and took elective classes at RSC. 

Joey Huber

Joey Huber joined Circle of Seasons in 2022 after relocating to the Lehigh Valley from Boston Massachusetts, where he spent over a decade in a public Montessori school as a teacher, program coordinator, and administrator. He holds a BA in Elementary Education and a Masters of Education in School Leadership with his Principal Certificate. Mr. Huber’s passion for holistic education with a student-led focus drew him to Circle of Seasons, and he has embraced Public Waldorf education with open arms and an eager mind. Outside of the school day, Mr. Huber enjoys reconnecting with lifelong friends in the area and spending time with his wife, young daughter, and beloved family dog. 

Ben Klocek 

Ben Klocek is a web designer and teacher, and a Sacramento Waldorf School alum. He has worked in technology for more than 20 years while studying how screen use shapes our lives. For over seven years he taught technology and woodworking at a public Waldorf charter school. He is the father of two children, ages 14 and 17, and enjoys spending time as a naturalist, artist, and gardener. 

Mary Ruud

Mary Ruud has more than 30 years working in Waldorf Education. She has degrees in Eurythmy from Spring Valley Eurythmy School and the Eurythmy School in Nurnberg, Germany. Mary has a  Masters in Liberal Studies from the 21st Century Studies Department at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Mary taught for many years at the first public Waldorf School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is on the core faculty of the Great Lakes Teacher Institute and has also taught teachers through Transformational Teaching, Kenthaten Teacher Training, Louisville Kentucky, Lifeways Early Childhood Teacher Training in Milwaukee and Alaska, and Arcturus Teacher Training in Chicago. She has adult grandchildren in the military and in social work. Mary is a certified Therapeutic Horsemanship instructor. 

Erin Schirm 

Together, with the community where I was raised, my education at Syracuse University and experience as an Orienteering Specialist as well as being mentored by Founder of Transformative

Movement Education and Meristem, Maureen Curran Turtletaub, I have effectively supported and implemented Meristem’s vision dedicated to preparing young adults on the autism spectrum for a life of greater independence and fulfillment throughout his career. As the Executive Director of Meristem, I am committed to Meristem’s philosophy and implementation of these philosophies using 5 pillars - Land, Craft, Movement, Life Skills and Work

Skills - that make Meristem’s program offerings uniquely different from similar programs. The

Meristem program is designed to meet the developmental needs of a holistic human being. Each

piece of the program has a specific purpose and application that meets a particular part of the

human being. Students engage with the material to transform themselves in the process both

inwardly and outwardly. We employ both a process of specialization and well roundedness which in

turn offers skills that are then transferable to any setting a student chooses to enter into. Meristem’s

goal is to support our students to develop and achieve their individual goals.

Willow Mata

Willow Mata attended Summerfield Waldorf School in Santa Rosa, California from kindergarten through 12th grade, and holds a Ph.D. in Education from UC Berkeley. She has worked in education policy; research; and teaching; and most recently spent the better part of five years at an international edtech startup. Willow currently teaches creative writing part-time and writes about AI, creativity and more on her blog, Third Room Letters. Fluent in Spanish, Willow has lived in Spain with her family for eight years and is in the process of relocating back to Sonoma County where her three children will attend public Waldorf schools starting in fall 2026.  

Jacob Carr

Jacob Carr is an author, international keynote speaker, and Educational Technology Coach with the Butte County Office of Education, where he specializes in the healthy adoption of artificial intelligence. A Public Waldorf veteran, Jacob holds a California single subject English Language Arts credential, and his Waldorf teacher certification and Master’s in Education from Rudolf Steiner College. Along with other positions, he spent a decade at a California Waldorf charter school as a classroom teacher, music teacher, and founder of its independent study program. With diverse teaching experience spanning grades 1–12, he excels at bridging holistic pedagogy with modern innovation, helping educators thoughtfully integrate AI and EduProtocols to boost engagement, inspire creativity, and enrich the learning experience. To connect with Jake, check out: popl.co/card/MSKRWGqE/2/dash 

Kat McFee

Kat McFee is the founding principal of Valley Vista Public Waldorf School, a TK–8 dependent public Waldorf school within Petaluma City Schools. She brings over 30 years of experience in public and Waldorf education, with a career dedicated to expanding educational opportunity, strengthening inclusive school communities, and supporting students from diverse cultural, neurodiverse, and linguistic backgrounds.

Kat's commitment to educational equity began in Topeka, Kansas, in the early 90s where her career began in USD 501, the school district forever connected to the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision. Working in a district shaped by the legacy of Brown, affirmed her belief that access, belonging, and opportunity for all students are central to the purpose of public education.

She transitioned from public to Waldorf during her years in Lawrence, Kansas, at an innovative university-affiliated elementary school serving families representing more than 35 nationalities. There, she developed a deep appreciation for culturally responsive education and the power of diverse communities to enrich learning for all students. The experience from these golden years in public education was carried into founding, transitioning, and well-established Waldorf schools. Kat is a first-generation Brazilian immigrant and first-generation college graduate with two Waldorf trainings; one from the East Coast and one from the West.

At Valley Vista Public Waldorf School, Kat is helping shape a model of Public Waldorf education that brings together academic excellence, equitable access, community partnership, and a deep commitment to ensuring every child feels seen, valued, and welcomed.

Rick Pinchot

I grew up in Pennsylvania and graduated from the Pennsylvania State University.  When I finished college, I joined the United States Navy where I worked as a Supply Corps Officer with deployments on the USS Coral and The USS Independence.  After I resigned, I worked as a restaurant manager for several years.  I finally started my education career in 2000 as a special education teacher in a Jacksonville, FL public school.  I held positions of special education, teacher of the gifted, school math coach and district math coach while working for Duval County Public Schools.  I then spent a year working for the state of Florida as a school improvement specialist.  In 2012, I started my career with the Seaside School Consortium.  At Seaside, I have held the positions of math coach, dean of students, principal and I am currently the superintendent of our three schools in the Jacksonville area serving about 1500 students. 

Chris Topham

Chris joined Sebastopol Charter in 2013. Prior to arriving, Chris served as the Lower School Coordinator at Summerfield Waldorf School, an administrative role that he stepped into after 15 years of teaching which included teaching a class grades 6-8 and another class grades 1-8. He began his teaching career as a Waldorf class teacher at Novato Charter School when the school was founded in 1996 and where he taught a class 4th to 8th grade. Chris has a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Pepperdine University, Master of Arts in Education Leadership from Sonoma State University, a California Public School Teaching Credential from Dominican University, Waldorf Education Teaching Credential from Rudolf Steiner College and an Education Administration Services Credential from Sonoma State University.

Delana Hill

Delana Hill is the Principal at Seaside Charter School North Campus in Jacksonville, Florida. Serving over 500 diverse students at North Campus, Ms. Hill's goal is to integrate the Waldorf-Inspired philosophy and a standards-based curriculum to create equitable outcomes for all students. 

A critical thinker, Ms. Hill feels confined by the ways of traditional education and works to bring her passion for life to the students, families, and staff to inspire them to push forth into the world with empathetic hearts and critical minds in order to make positive change for our future.

Ms. Hill has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky, and a Masters of Arts in School Administration from California State University, East Bay. She has been participating in Waldorf training and professional development for fourteen years and received her formal Waldorf training from Kentahten teacher training in Louisville, Kentucky. In addition, Ms. Hill has a passion for equity and has had training from the National Equity Project and Zaretta Hammond's Culturally Responsive Teaching. 

Ms. Hill has teaching experience in grades 1 - 8 in Waldorf-Inspired settings in Louisville, Kentucky, and Oakland, California. Prior to becoming Principal, she served as Director of Curriculum at Community School for Creative Education in Oakland and Seaside Charter Consortium in Jacksonville. She has also worked as a teacher coach, Summer School Principal through Building Educated Leaders for Life, and Director of Special Education. 

Andrea Akmenkalns

Andrea Akmenkalns, Credo High School's Executive Director, joined Credo as an Assistant Director in 2015 and became the Executive Director in 2019. She is one of the founders of Live Oak Charter School and became a Waldorf teacher in 2004. She came to Credo from Woodland Star, where she taught first through fifth grades and also served as a board member, finance committee member, and mentor. She earned her Waldorf teaching certificate from Rudolf Steiner College, her MA. Ed in Waldorf Education and teaching credential from Touro University, and her Administrative Services credential from Sonoma State. Prior to her career in education, Ms. Akmenkalns worked as a manager in the software industry. She is the mother of two K – 12 Waldorf graduates.  

Karina Haedo

Karina Haedo is a Waldorf School graduate, having attended a Waldorf School from 2 through 12 grade. She went to Oberlin College and completed her BA in Liberal Studies, Magna Cum Laude, at Purchase College. She completed her Waldorf Elementary Teacher Training, as well as a Waldorf Remedial Education Masters Degree at Sunbridge College. She holds a California Multiple Subjects Credential through the Dominican University of California and her Administrative Credential through North Coast School of Education. Karina has worked in education as a teacher, remedial teacher, and administrator for over 25 years.Karina’s family is originally from Argentina. Spanish was her first language, and she is proud of her LatinX heritage. She works with intentionality in the realm of Diversity and Equity. Karina is the mother of four children ages 10 through 26, and is also a grandmother. She loves to hike, backpack, cook, read, craft and spend time with family and friends! 

Leslie Martinez

Leslie Martinez has been in Waldorf Education for 18 years at Mariposa School of Global Education in Agoura Hills, Ca. a district Waldorf school in the Las Virgenes School District.   She was a teacher in the 1st - 3rd grade loop at Mariposa for 7 years and stepped in as principal in 2015. Before coming to Mariposa she taught in a traditional classroom for 10 years.  Last year Leslie and her team went through the self study process with the Alliance of Public Waldorf Education.  She is passionate about Waldorf education for all, parent education, and slow-technology/screen free activities to preserve childhood.  In her spare time Leslie is an avid reader, gardener, chicken mama and knitter. 

Hellene Brodsky

Hellene has been a Waldorf Early Childhood Educator for over 26 years.  She has served in the Public and Independent movements working with both children and adults.  She has a Master’s in Waldorf Education with a background in School Psychology and Clinical Psychology.  Hellene has presented at numerous conferences, and has provided instruction at Rudolf Steiner College, Mira Costa College and Chapman University.  She brings the combination of concurrently leading a mixed aged Kindergarten classroom at Journey School while mentoring and teaching adult education across the country.  Hellene has three grown children who have all been educated in her presence while homeschooling or at Public Waldorf Schools. She has a passion for social justice, providing short-term housing for LGBTQ+ youth, swimming, being in nature, fostering animals, playing in her garden, going to the ocean and physical activities. 

Ellinoa Blake

Ellinoa Blake was shaped by her Waldorf education in K-8, and went on to attend Humboldt State University where she earned a B.A. in Critical Race, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Sparked by an interest around the intersection between equity and education she continued her studies at Northern Arizona University earning an M.Ed. in Counseling and Student Affairs. Currently she serves as an Instructor for Western Governors University, supporting students in developing skills to navigate through their degrees. She cares deeply about social justice, and applying an intersectional approach to social and educational issues. 

Sindhuja Gopal

Sindhu is a dedicated early childhood educator with over a decade of experience in Waldorf education. She holds an M.Ed in Mindfulness for Educators from Antioch University New England and has specialized training in developmental movement and music through a two-year program focused on Wilma Ellersiek's movement and gesture games. She continues to train under her mentor, Lynn St. Pierre, to deepen her practice and understanding of Wilma Ellersiek’s work. She recently shared her specialized knowledge of Ellersiek movement and gesture games at Great Lakes Waldorf Institute and is enthusiastically looking forward to teaching for the Alliance of Public Waldorf Education. Sindhu holds additional certifications in puppetry, storytelling, yoga and Social Emotional Learning. She currently serves as a preschool teacher at Country Day Little School in the Bay Area in California, where she has been teaching for the last ten years. One of her primary areas of interest is in fostering children’s sensorimotor integration and imagination through songs, stories, and rhythmic games including Ellersiek games.

Tania Polllard

My name is Tania Pollard originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania. I graduated from Jacksonville University with a Bachelor's and master's degree in Elementary Education. I have had the privledge of being a Kindergarten Teacher for seven years and have taught at Seaside Charter Consortium. I have a deep love for early childhood and literacy development. 

Lee Goldstein

Lee (she/her/hers & they/them/theirs) grew up in San Diego and made their way up north to attend Humboldt State University, where they received her B.A. in Critical Race, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Lee began working in gender-based violence and LGBTQ+ advocacy during this time and found a passion for educating and supporting her community. She went on to receive an MSW from the University of Washington and currently supports LGBTQ+ mental health via their work as a mental health therapist. Lee is a proud queer and gender-fluid person. Lee's passions in life include the ocean, various creative endeavors, her dog Stevie, and spending time with loved ones. 

Kris Boshell

I discovered Rudolf Steiner’s work in 2003 through my two children through Waldorf Education. I earned my certificate for Anthroposophical training for Waldorf Grades Teaching and Remedial Education from Rudolf Steiner College (RSC) in 2009, and M.A. in Psychology from Sonoma State University in 2013. From 2007 I was a private contractor and instructor in Northern California for Waldorf private and public charter schools, and RSC Waldorf teacher training programs. Currently I am a Learning Support Consultant for Waldorf Schools in the U.S & Learning Support teacher at DaVinci Waldorf School where I have had the opportunity to develop Extra Lesson in the classroom with whole classes of students. As Manager and Core Instructor for Waldorf Learning Support, LLC, I consult internationally as a mentor, evaluator, teacher training instructor and conference presenter for learning support for individual and classroom work. I serve on the Core Group and teach for the Waldorf Teacher Institute of Chicago and am a member of the Anthroposophical Society in America. 

Anna Rainville

A Waldorf educator since 1978, Anna travels widely to mentor and teach. Her experience as a class teacher, a kindergarten teacher, and with adult learners continues to delight and deepen her interest in Waldorf education. Whether in classrooms, living rooms, zoom rooms, conferences, teacher training centers, universities or forest schools, Anna enjoys supporting teachers, both new and seasoned. Anna lives in California and works nationally and internationally, including the Philippines, Estonia, the West Bank, Ireland, and India. Special interest in learning through movement and sensory integration led her to complete remedial training. Her book, Singing Games for Families, Schools and Communities, is cherished by early childhood teachers. 

Cheryl Grant

Cheryl has been committed to the Waldorf educational movement for over 20 years, 18 of those as Kindergarten teacher in the Maple Rose Class at Blue Oak Charter School in Chico, CA.  She continues to be awed and inspired by the gifts of pure joy and presence in the moment that young children bring to the world. She is passionate about preserving and protecting the magic and wonder of childhood, and strives to bring love, warmth, beauty and joy to her children and the program. 

Mary Ruud

Mary Ruud has more than 30 years working in Waldorf Education. She has degrees in Eurythmy from Spring Valley Eurythmy School and the Eurythmy School in Nurnberg, Germany. Mary has a  Masters in Liberal Studies from the 21st Century Studies Department at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Mary taught for many years at the first public Waldorf School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is on the core faculty of the Great Lakes Teacher Institute and has also taught teachers through Transformational Teaching, Kenthaten Teacher Training, Louisville Kentucky, Lifeways Early Childhood Teacher Training in Milwaukee and Alaska, and Arcturus Teacher Training in Chicago. She has adult grandchildren in the military and in social work. Mary is a certified Therapeutic Horsemanship instructor. 

 Breonna Greer

A little bit about me, I have been working in the public Waldorf school arena going on twelve years. I discovered Waldorf education through my family and was drawn to the warmth, the curriculum, and the passion that I saw living within the educators. I have taught in grades 1-5 as my focus and training has primarily been to serve the lower school. I received my training through Rudolf Steiner College and have had the opportunity to teach at Waldorf schools in California, Alaska and Oregon. I currently reside in Oregon where I am about to journey with my class into second grade. I am excited to delve into all things first grade with you!   

Anna Tosick

Anna raised her son on the Big Island  of Hawai'i where she was one of the founding teachers at Kona Pacific Public Charter school, the first Title 1 Waldorf Charter school in the country. She looped with her first class from grade 2- 8, taught  a 3-4 loop, served as the Teacher Support Specialist as well as taught kindergarten for one year.She worked closely with the local community to create a place-based, culturally relevant framework for teaching main lesson blocks. Before moving to Hawaii, Anna earned a masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Indiana University. She received her Waldorf certification through Kula Makua Waldorf training in Honolulu. She first came to Waldorf Education in 1999 when she started working as a nature teacher at the Greenwood School in Mill Valley, CA. She returned to the Greenwood School in 2018 to teach fourth grade before the school closed permanently.  She currently teaches fourth grade at the Bolinas School in beautiful West Marin and enjoys teaching adults in the summer when she is not racing outrigger canoes.  

Adam Kilcollins

Adam grew up in Windsor Nova Scotia Canada. His first teaching job was as a downhill ski instructor. After graduating from Acadia University with a degree in Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Education, Adam moved to Vermont and spent two years working as a Park Ranger. He then fled the snow and moved to Santa Cruz California and taught 5th and 6th grade Environmental Science for five years at Walden West Outdoor School. During this period of his life he found and fell in love with Waldorf Education. He completed a year and a half of his Waldorf Teaching Certificate at the Bay Area Center for Waldorf Education and then moved to Sydney Australia and completed his certificate there. He then moved back to California  and worked as a class teacher at the Waldorf School of San Diego for 11 years where he completed a class grades 1-8 cycle, taught upper grades science main lesson blocks, and more. Adam then  gained his California Public School Multiple Subject Teaching Credential while spending three years at Willow Tree as a main lesson teacher. Finally, during the height of the Covid Pandemic, Adam found his 1st grade class at Journey Charter School. Currently finishing up his 23rd year of teaching, and 18th year as a Main Class Teacher.  Adam is one of the 4th Main Class Teachers at Journey and also serves on the Pedagogical Committee. 

Tomasa Mendoza

Tomasa Mendoza is a seasoned Waldorf teacher with over 17 years of experience in public Waldorf schools. She holds a Waldorf Teaching Certificate from the Rudolf Steiner Teacher Training Program and has taught grades four through eight across multiple class loops. After 15 years at Ocean Charter School, she now teaches a 4–5 loop at Mariposa School of Global Education. In addition to classroom teaching, Tomasa leads parent workshops, mentors new teachers, and contributes to curriculum development; her specialties include building strong classroom community, fostering independence and resilience in students, effective classroom management, and using movement to prepare children for learning. Outside of school, she enjoys sunshine and spending time with her daughter. 

Kristi Kilcollins

Kristi grew up in Northern California, down the road from the Sacramento Waldorf School and Rudolf Steiner College where she would later attend training and receive her Waldorf teaching certificate and MEd with Waldorf Emphasis.  In college, she studied English and wrote for UC Santa Barbara's award winning Daily Nexus.  She has published fiction as well as written for the Waldorf magazine Renewal. While pursuing her Waldorf certificate, she taught traditionally underserved students in San Diego. She has worked in independent and public charter Waldorf schools in both the grades and high school. Additionally, she spent two years in the Seminary of the Christian Community of North America deepening her study of Rudolf Steiner's teachings. This is her 21st year as an educator. 

Shari Thierry

Shari Thierry has been teaching in Waldorf education for almost 20 years. Shortly after graduating from Cal State Northridge with a degree in history, Shari's first child was what led her to seek out Waldorf education. Upon learning about Steiner's methods, she enrolled in the Waldorf Institute of Southern California and completed her training in 2009. Shari took an assistant position at Highland Hall in Northridge, California, and soon became a class teacher.

In 2011, she and her family moved to Sonoma County, and Shari joined the faculty at Sebastopol Independent Charter School in Sebastopol, California in 2012. She has been there ever since, first as a resource assistant and, in 2017, taking her first class. After graduating her class, with an interest in middle school and the curriculum, she is currently teaching in the 6th-8th grade loop. Shari has been a member of the school's leadership committee for many years and has mentored numerous faculty members. When Shari is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two adult children, attending Pilates classes, and traveling. 

Roel Op t' Ende

Roel op ’t Ende brings over 15 years of Waldorf teaching and leadership experience to Sebastopol Independent Charter School. He began his journey in the Netherlands, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history—graduating cum laude—from Leiden University. Roel also completed a Master’s in History and Civics Education at Leiden’s Graduate School of Teaching. His Waldorf teacher training took place in-house at the Rudolf Steiner College in Rotterdam—the same school he attended as a student himself.

Roel has taught high school humanities at both the Rudolf Steiner College in Rotterdam and Credo High School in California. He also served as a class teacher and team lead for grades 3 through 8 at Wasatch Waldorf School in Utah, where he supported colleagues through mentoring and evaluation.

Most recently, Roel served as the Education Director at Credo High School, a public Waldorf charter school, where he oversaw curriculum development and teacher support. In addition to his classroom work, Roel teaches for Gradalis Waldorf Teacher Education, offering summer courses in “Teaching as an Art” and leading curriculum webinars throughout the school year.

Roel is deeply committed to the living principles of Waldorf education and is excited to return to the classroom, bringing his love of learning, mentorship, and collaboration to the middle school students and community at SICS. Outside the classroom, he enjoys spending time in nature, practicing meditation, and exploring holistic approaches to education and well-being. 

Kate Fingerson

Kate has been a teacher for 24 years and is in her ninth year of being a Waldorf teacher. Kate specializes in the world of middle school and is currently getting ready for her third time through eighth grade with her class. She is also an actor, singer and dancer and loves to infuse those passions into her teaching. Kate  received her Waldorf certification through Antioch University and is thrilled to be a part of the Alliance program this summer.   

Debbie Spitulnik 

With over 30 years of experience as a Waldorf educator and founder of The Art of Speech Collective, Debbie Spitulnik has been a leader in advancing pedagogical speech, helping educators develop their voice for the classroom. She teaches at institutions such as Antioch University, Center for Anthroposophy, Association for Healing Education, and the Waldorf High School Teacher Education Program. She also mentors educators nationwide at multiple charter and private schools. Debbie's passion for Creative Speech, combined with her deep understanding of the daily realities of teaching, infuses her work. Her courses provide teachers with practical tools to enliven curriculum with drama, storytelling, and poetry.  To explore her speech courses or private lessons, visit The Art of Speech Collective at theartofspeech.org 

Sara Parrilli 

Sara Parrilli is an artist, published children’s book illustrator, and art teacher for grades 5-12 at the Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School, in Ghent, NY. She specializes in watercolor painting and observational drawing. Watercolor is her preferred medium for capturing the colors of the natural world, from the bold and bright to the subtle and nuanced. Sara holds a BA from The Fashion Institute of Technology, and has attended Nottingham Trent University in the UK. Her continued interest in artistic training and adult education has taken her through the Free Columbia Art Course, The Alkion Center, and The New York Botanical Gardens’ courses on botanical illustration. She is a graduate of the Green Meadow Waldorf School in Spring Valley, NY. 

Rick Tan

Rick Tan is an artist, musician, and educator with a passion for creativity, craftsmanship, and lifelong learning. A former Waldorf teacher, he is the co-owner of Syrendell, where he and his wife offer workshops, retreats, consultations, and educational experiences that foster meaningful connections to the arts, nature, and community.

Rick earned a B.A. in Biological Sciences from UC Davis, an M.D. from the University of the East in the Philippines, and a Waldorf Teacher Certificate from Rudolf Steiner College. He brings a unique blend of scientific understanding, artistic practice, and Waldorf pedagogy to his work with children, families, and educators.

Rick lives in Davis, California, with his wife. Together they have four children, ages 15 to 29. Through their children's experiences in Waldorf education, homeschooling, and public schools, Rick and his wife have come to value creativity, independent thinking, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning as essential foundations for student success and human development. 

Amy Schlatter

Amy Schlatter lives in Hailey, Idaho where she's been a public and Waldorf- inspired teacher for 25+ years.  She takes great care to weave beauty into all content and enjoys working with teachers to further this skill. When not in school you'll likely find Amy playing in the mountains, gardening, or trying to keep up with her three teenagers. 

Elizabeth Seward

I have been teaching handwork for 40+ years in private, public, and homeschool settings, and teaching teachers. In 2018 I published a book "Teaching Through Stories: Jane and Jeremy Learn to Knit", which gathers as much as I could from my experiences teaching knitting in the early grades. It's been very well received by teachers and homeschoolers. For more information: www.ElizabethSewardAuthor.com I am now working with Shellie Smith and offering international online conferences, professional development, skills classes, and handwork teacher education, among other resources. You and your colleagues may be interested in our summer conferences - check under "Events" at www.WaldorfHandwork.org I feel like a 'granny' supporting newer teachers, and I LOVE this work! Visit our website for more information at http://www.WaldorfHandwork.org, or email me at Elizabeth@WaldorfHandwork.org. IG: @ElizabethSewardHandwork and @Waldorf_Handwork_Educators. 

Monica Alexandra

Monica Alexandra taught at Green Meadow Waldorf School for

twelve years before leaving to co-found a Waldorf-inspired public

school in New York City. She later helped found a Waldorf-

inspired Charter school in Oakland, CA. She has been an adjunct

faculty member at Sunbridge College, and has taught in the

Waldorf Approach in the Public School Classroom at Rudolf

Steiner College. She has a burning interest in sharing Waldorf

education with the countless students unable to afford a private

education. She has an M.S. Ed. in Special Education, a Multiple

Subject Teaching Credential, and is a Registered Nurse. She’s a

Waldorf alumna and the mother of four Waldorf graduates.

Jen Tan

Jen Tan is a Southern California native and has been an educator for over 15 years. She earned a BA in Anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles, and her MA in Literacy and Language Arts from Loyola Marymount University. She is both a California Multiple Subject and Art Subject Credentialed Teacher. She earned her Waldorf Practical Arts Certificate through the Waldorf Institute of Southern California (WISC). 

She spent her early years at both the UCLA Lab School and at the Chadwick School. Her introduction to Waldorf education came through her three children, where she discovered a deep connection not only to its deeply held traditions and values, but to Handwork- a way of bringing an awareness of the whole child, while strengthening the intellect and academic capacities, through beauty. Her teaching is rooted in empowering young people with the idea that through their own will, they can create something meaningful. After all, once you’ve had the experience of working with head, heart, and hands, what can’t you do? The possibilities for the future are limitless!

Jen teaches Handwork at Ocean Charter School and Maple Village Waldorf School and is the founder of Handwork Club, where she shares her passion for traditional fiber arts. Beyond her work, she enjoys cooking, making, and hiking with her family of seven, including her two German shepherd huskies, Clover and Opal. 

Helen Lubin

Helen Lubin has been working with Waldorf schools, Waldorf teacher education programs for

early childhood and grades, and therapeutic speech arts for 40 years. She founded Speech Arts

in Waldorf Schools in North America in 1994 to develop collaborative connections between

Waldorf schools and professional speech artist-educators, for the purpose of furthering this

integral component of Waldorf education and human development. Helen has worked with

over 55 North American Waldorf schools: with classes, teachers, individual students, office staff

and parents. MA Human Development; BS Speech Pathology and Audiology; BA Special

Educational Studies; Camphill Seminar in Curative Education, with 10 years’ experience in this

field. Faculty of Steiner School of Speech Arts; certified TESOL instructor; speaks French and

German; freelance editor/translator; former Waldorf student.