Faculty, Staff & Board

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Whidbey Island Waldorf School is led through a collaboration between Administration, Faculty and the Board of Trustees. Each part of the school has its areas of focused responsibility, and these three bodies come together periodically to forge a common vision and strategy for the thriving of the school.

Rudolf Steiner, when teaching the first Waldorf teachers in 1919, emphasized the importance of the character, inner life, and striving of the teachers as having far greater impact on the quality of the education and depth of learning of the students than subject matter or methodology.

We are fortunate at Whidbey Island Waldorf School to have faculty members in Preschool through 8th Grade and in our Special Subjects who are inspired and inspiring, active life-long learners, highly qualified, and devoted to the success of their students.

Early Childhood

Thimbleberry Pre-School

**Shady moody**, Teacher

Shady was born and raised on Whidbey Island. She graduated from The Evergreen State College with her BA, emphasizing in sustainable agriculture, environmental science and food justice. Shady graduated from Sound Circle for Arts & Anthroposophy and has her Waldorf teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education. Her passions include beach combing, wildcrafting, herbalism, cooking, community gardening and art. Her teaching prioritizes guiding children through nature exploration, outdoor play, meaningful projects, restorative justice and tending this beautiful land we call home.

**Lesley Boyland,** Teaching assistant, AM program

Lesley was born in Stirling, Scotland, spent her early childhood in the magical Perthshire countryside and moved to Edinburgh when she was 7 (with a castle-view in all 3 places!). Lesley obtained her B.A. Hons. in the UK. She and her husband moved to Whidbey Island in 2020 after twenty years in Los Angeles. Lesley’s love for working with young children began with volunteering at her daughters' school, where she soon became an assistant teacher and received her NAMC certificate in early childhood education. She is looking forward to another joyful school year in the wonderful environment of WIWS!

Cedar Grove Kindergarten

**Cordula hetland,** teacher

Cordula was born in Hannover, Germany. Both of her parents were Waldorf teachers, and she grew up steeped in Waldorf education through her family.
Cordula graduated from Waldorf school in 1980 and then started her Waldorf teacher training in Kassel, graduating in 1986. Very soon after, she moved to Vienna, to begin her work as a Kindergarten class Waldorf teacher.
Cordula moved with her husband and son to Whidbey Island in 1998. She began work at WIWS as Afternoon (PM) Care teacher.
After leaving Whidbey to teach at the Eastside Community School for 3 years as an Early Childhood Lead Preschool and Kindergarten Teacher, Cordula is excited to be part of WIWS once again.

**Darian Dahle**, cedar Grove KG teaching assistant, am + pm program

Born and raised in the woods of Freeland here on our magnificent Whidbey Island, Darian hails from a loving family of artists, dancers, writers, and healers. He is eager to share his gifts with the magical community here at the Waldorf School.
Darian is a self-taught artist with an interest in any artistic medium as a form of personal expression: paint, paper, performance. When he isn’t creating, you might find him spending time in the woods and seeking music he hasn't heard yet.
After spending his working years in people-serving-people positions, Darian is eager to engage his love of helping others in a meaningful and personally fulfilling way.
Darian is beginning his Waldorf journey as an assistant teacher with WIWS and sees many years ahead full of colourful, heartwarming, and inspiring experiences. He has felt so welcome and supported on this journey and he hopes to provide the same warm and welcoming feeling to every child, parent and community member.

Apple Blossom Kindergarten

**Vanessa rochon-tierney,** Teacher, WIWS Childcare director, Early Childhood Pedagogical advisor

Vanessa has been working with children in a variety of capacities for over thirty years. She has a BA in Cognitive Studies with a Minor in Child Development, an AA in Early Childhood Education, and her Waldorf Early Childhood Teaching certificate from Sound Circle Center for the Arts & Anthroposophy. Vanessa has four sons, her three eldest are Waldorf School alumni, and her youngest son attend WIWS. Vanessa is passionate about the formative years and the tender time of early childhood. She first arrived at WIWS as a practicum student in 2016 and easily fell in love with the campus, the lush forest, and the warmth of the lead early childhood teachers. Vanessa is a Pacific Northwest native, growing up in Seattle, Bellingham, and Whidbey Island. She brings with her a rich background in Non-Violent Communications (NVC), yoga and mindfulness practices, holistic health coaching, and other natural healing modalities. She cares deeply for the land in which she lives and works and enjoys being an active member of a small Waldorf school community on an island.

**Rachel Cruz**, co-teacher thursday + friday, Apple Blossom + meadow KGs lead pm teacher mon-fri

Rachel is very excited to be working at the Whidbey Island Waldorf School. She moved to the island several years ago and enjoyed substitute teaching in the schools early education program as well as establishing the Huckleberry preschool. Before that, she lived in Spokane Washington and taught at the Windsong Waldorf school as a lead and co-lead Kindergarten teacher for four years. She graduated from the early childhood program from the Sound Circle Center for Arts and Anthroposophy.
Before teaching Rae was a massage therapist for over 20 years. She was able to transfer much of the acquired knowledge from massage work to teaching, similarly they both require a strong manner of empathy, maintaining clear boundaries, and an understanding of how the human body works and what entails optimal mental and physical health.
**Rachel is the co-owner along with her husband of le Potager Market Garden. Rachel is married with a 16-year old son and two step daughter now in their twenties.**

**Leah Barnett**, Apple blossom KG teaching assistant, am program

Leah Barnett first brought her teaching to Waldorf in the summer of 2023 while offering a children's yoga summer camp.
She fell in love with the children and Waldorf philosophy which closely align with yoga philosophies; cultivating harmonious interactions with the natural world and reverence for natural human spiritual evolution.
Leah is a yoga instructor of 12 years, holding specializations in myofascial release, breathwork and nervous system regulation, and meditation.
In addition, she is a certified wellness coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, trained in neurokenetic therapy and holds a reiki level 2 certification.
She is endlessly fascinated with human beings and the beautiful stories of each unique life she gets the privilege to witness.
You can find Leah walking her dogs Bruce and Bowie on the beach, enjoying some hammock time in the woods, and having deep and meaningful conversations with loved ones.

**Jaden Goodrich**, Apple Blossom KG teaching assistant, Pm program

Jaden Goodrich was born in Bellingham Washington and is the 2nd oldest of four brothers. After graduating from Coupeville High School with honors, he decided to take the opportunity to work and live on Orcas Island for several months. Upon moving back home he worked as a substitute teaching assistant at the Whidbey Island Waldorf School. This eventually led him to apply for the teaching assistant position in the Apple Blossom Kindergarten. He enjoys being outdoors and working with children. He is excited to see where his future takes him and is happy to be working at WIWS.

**Alan Perez**, Early childhood assistant teacher, various

Born in Barquisimeto Venezuela, Alan Perez grew up in Michigan and recently moved to Whidbey Island after living in Portland, OR for 15 years. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus on Printmaking and a minor in Spanish Language.
Alan worked for over a decade in animal shelters as an adoption specialist, helping animals in need find their new families. He brings the same empathy and appreciation of diverse communities to his recent work as an assistant Spanish teacher with students grades K-8th. When it comes to working with children, Alan enjoys seeing them experience the world through their own perspectives and voices. He is excited to support the community he’s found in Whidbey through WIWS and is looking forward to getting to know its students and families. When he’s not exploring Whidbey Island with his dogs, Alan enjoys making art and relaxing at home.

Meadow Kindergarten

**Mary knighton** - teacher

Mary Knighton was born on Bainbridge Island in Washington and has lived her entire life in the Pacific Northwest. She spent her childhood playing and exploring in the woods and on the beach and is passionate about creating opportunities for today’s children to do the same. Mary holds a certificate in Waldorf Early Childhood from West Coast Institute of Anthroposophical Studies and advanced training in Waldorf Learning Support. Over the last three decades she has taught all ages of early childhood and some grades classes. She specializes in outdoor education and academic learning support. Mary has been the class teacher for Thimbleberry Preschool at WIWS and is now thrilled to join the Meadow Kindergarten team as lead teacher.

**Birdie Armstrong**, meadow kg teaching assistant, am program (mon-Fri), Thimbleberry + Cedar Grove KGs lead PM teacher (mon-Fri)

Birdie Armstrong received her Bachelors of Arts in Sociology in 2011. Shortly after, she was married and became a mother. Birdie devoted the next 10 years to raising her 3 children. She was introduced to Waldorf Education through the Parent- Child Class she attended with her then 3 and 18 mo old at WIWS. Elizabeth fell in love with Waldorf Education and the study of Anthroposophy. When all three children were comfortably attending school full time at a Waldorf school in Texas, she began working as a nap time assistant for Kindergarten, then as the Parent-Child assistant and co-teacher. The following year she was the Parent-Child teacher and Preschool Bridge Teacher. Birdie is working towards her Masters of Arts in Education for Waldorf Early Childhood.

**Eric Jones** - meadow kg teaching assistant, am program, (Mon-Wed)

Eric was born and raised in Portland, OR where he developed an early love and connection with the Pacific Northwest. As a young adult he relocated to Southern Oregon and spent 14 fruitful years there before coming to beautiful Whidbey Island in the summer of 2022. Eric has always held a strong connection to early childhood development and he takes delight in helping young ones find their footing in the world. Three of the most consistent passions in his life are music, the natural world, and community growth. He is ecstatic to be in a role at WIWS where he can bring these passions to the children of the Meadow Kindergarten. Eric has two children attending WIWS.

**Michaela Dominguez**, meadow kg teaching assistant, am program (thurs-Fri)

Michaela was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. She had the unique experience of both having a mother as a Waldorf teacher as well as attending the Madrona and Seattle Waldorf schools preK-10th grade.
Michaela recieved her BA in Psychology from the University of Portland and has worked with children and youth in a variety of settings. From running Waldorf inspired summer camps to working with at risk youth in the wilderness, Michaela is passionate about connecting children to the magic of the natural world, encouraging them to explore, observe, and engage in hands-on learning.
Michaela is thrilled to be a part of the WIWS community as both an assistant teacher as well as a parent!

Grades School

Grade 1

**angela Lindstrom**, teacher, Grades Pedagogical advisor

Over her career in teaching, Angela has taught nearly every age group from college students to parents and tots. Her 18 years at WIWS have included 15 years of teaching in the grades, including taking a class 1st through 8th grade, another 4th through 8th, and working on the Middle School Team. Angela has also carried the 4th grade regional Waldorf “Gathering of First Nations” event for nearly two decades. Angela has a BA in Communications from Brigham Young University, Early Childhood Therapeutic training from Gradalis in Colorado, and an M.Ed. and Waldorf teacher certification from Antioch University New England. She has taught Renewal Courses for the Center for Anthroposophy in New Hampshire. Angela is a citizen of the Ojibwe and Cherokee Nations, and has six children who are all now WIWS alum.

**ALan Perez**, 1st grade spanish teacher PM// part time 2nd grade teaching assistant

Born in Barquisimeto Venezuela, Alan Perez grew up in Michigan and recently moved to Whidbey Island after living in Portland, OR for 15 years. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus on Printmaking and a minor in Spanish Language.
Alan worked for over a decade in animal shelters as an adoption specialist, helping animals in need find their new families. He brings the same empathy and appreciation of diverse communities to his recent work as an assistant Spanish teacher with students grades K-8th. When it comes to working with children, Alan enjoys seeing them experience the world through their own perspectives and voices. He is excited to support the community he’s found in Whidbey through WIWS and is looking forward to getting to know its students and families. When he’s not exploring Whidbey Island with his dogs, Alan enjoys making art and relaxing at home.

Grade 2

**joy broughton,** teacher

Joy was born and raised in the wilderness and beauty of Southeast Alaska. After high school, she ventured to the Lower 48 first to earn her Bachelor of Science in Business & Accounting at San Diego State, and later to earn her degree in her true career of choice, a Master in Teaching from Seattle University. She is currently working towards her Waldorf Early Childhood teacher training through Sound Circle Center for Arts and Anthroposophy. Joy has been teaching the past 20 years in public, magnet, charter, and private schools, and has been involved as a parent and teacher at WIWS since she and her son first attended the Caregiver & Child program in 2012. Joy’s son attends WIWS. Joy was class teacher for Apple Blossom Kindergarten at WIWS and is thrilled to be 1st Grade teacher this year.

Grade 3

**Hannah Jackson**, teacher & library manager

Hannah spent her early years in Jackson, Wyoming and Bozeman, Montana, playing in the snow and sunshine. She lived most of her childhood outside of Portland, and left to attend college at the University of Hawaii Manoa on Oahu. After spending a few years studying child development (and geology, ethnobotany, and art- there are so many wonderful topics to study in college!), she returned to Oregon to finish her degree at Southern Oregon University. Hannah entered a program there which enabled her to obtain her bachelor's degree in Education at the same time as earning her teaching license. Upon graduation, Hannah accepted a teaching position at a local Waldorf charter school and began a Waldorf certification program through Rudolf Steiner College.
What followed were several happy years of teaching grades one through five, a little bit of Handwork teaching, getting married, and having two lovely children. Hannah returned to classroom teaching at the beginning of the pandemic, which was full of challenges, as well as interesting new ways to approach teaching and connection. Hannah is thrilled to be a part of the Whidbey Island Waldorf School community!

Grade 4

**Melisa Hall**, Teacher

Melisa grew up on a wild Pennsylvania farm of meadows, rivers, marshes and ponds. After her BA and MA from Yale University, Melisa found Waldorf education early for her three girls and attended nine different training institutes across America, including Sunbridge, RSC and Sound Circle. She has served eight different Waldorf schools in an adventurous teaching career with kindergarteners through high schoolers.
Melisa enjoys handwork, writing, ALL beaches, and exploring the Netherlands yearly with her husband Don to visit their oldest daughter. She is eager to kayak and enjoy more of the arts as she leaves Bainbridge Island to bring to life her favorite poem, Yeats’ “Lake Isle of Innisfree,” making a home with us at WIWS.

Grade 5

**Sykie Toles**, Teacher

Sykie began her career as a teacher in a grade 2/3 classroom in a public, Native American magnet school in Seattle in 1999. She comes to us with more than 24 years of teaching experience, including 13 in Waldorf schools. This past year, she taught second grade outdoors at Pine Hill Waldorf School in New Hampshire. She has a BA in Communications, Waldorf teaching certification from Antioch University New England, and an MA in Education and a WA teaching license from Antioch University Seattle.

Grades 6/7

**ABIGAIL HUNDLEY**, Teacher

Abigail comes to us with 38 years of teaching experience across a wide range of ages at private schools in New York City and Seattle. Abigail began her Waldorf training last summer and continues this year with Sound Circle Center for Arts and Anthroposophy. She attended the Laguardia High School of Music and Art in NYC and earned a BA in History from Barnard College and an MA in History from Columbia University. She was a Klingenstein Summer Fellow at the Teachers College, Columbia University with a focus on Education Best Practices, Curriculum Development and Klingenstein Full-Year Fellow with a focus on Educational Administration, Curriculum Development, and Islamic Studies.

Grade 8

**Franny Kenney**,
Teacher

FRANCES GREW UP IN THE MIDWEST IN A VERY MUSICAL FAMILY. SHE ATTENDED THE SCHOOL FOR CREATIVE & PERFORMING ARTS IN CINCINNATI, MAJORING IN VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC. SHE WENT ON TO MAJOR IN OBOE PERFORMANCE AT INDIANA UNIVERSITY, DURING WHICH TIME SHE FELL IN LOVE WITH WORKING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN. THIS LOVE BROUGHT HER TO WALDORF EDUCATION AND, EVENTUALLY, TO SOUND CIRCLE CENTER IN SEATTLE. SHE EARNED HER CERTIFICATE IN WALDORF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION THERE IN 2008. SHE NOW PLAYS OBOE WITH THE SARATOGA CHAMBER ORCHESTRA ALSO. FRANCES LOVES LIVING ON WHIDBEY ISLAND WITH HER HUSBAND, NICK, AND TWO DAUGHTERS, BOTH WIWS AlUMS.

Subject Teachers

**claudia kiyama**, Spanish Teacher,
Grades 1-8

Claudia was born and raised in the surrealist magic that is Mexico City. After earning her BA in Architecture in Monterrey, Claudia returned to Mexico City to graduate from the Masters in Architecture program at Mexico’s National School of Preservation and Restoration. Claudia has worked as a preservation architect in Mesoamerican ruins, Colonial World Heritage sites, modern buildings and rural cultural landscapes. Parallel to her career in architecture, Claudia has been involved in education most of her adult life. From private tutoring, to homework support as community service, teaching assistant at her daughter’s preschool, and as Design and History of Architecture Professor at her alma mater. Claudia is delighted to be bringing her love of Latinamerican and Spanish culture to WIWS, where her young daughter has been enrolled since kindergarten.

**Krista MacDonald**, Movement Teacher, grades 1-8

Krista holds a Bachelor’s in Studio Art, a Master’s in Communication, and a second Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. With two decades dedicated to adult education, her path took an exciting turn in 2020 during a sabbatical to Whidbey Island. It was here that Krista and her family discovered the transformative world of Waldorf education. Now, with both her daughters thriving at WIWS, she is happy to jump into the role of movement and games teacher. Krista loves spending time with family and friends, playing outside, meditating, volunteering, and traveling.

**Christi Rosenberger**, Handwork Teacher, grades 1-8

Christi began her handwork education at age 5, when her grandmother first taught her to crochet, and she has been playing with fiber ever since. She first learned of Waldorf education from a book about knitting, and after further investigation enrolled her daughter at the Atlanta Waldorf School and then WIWS. She began her teaching adventure *assisting* the handwork teacher in her daughter’s class, which quickly turned into *teaching* handwork in that (and many other) classes. Christi has taught Handwork and Fiber Arts at both WIWS and South Whidbey Academy and is passionate about textiles and the place they hold in our lives. She believes that handwork feeds the soul, and that the role of a handwork teacher is to give students the tools to explore fiber arts as an act of creation. She would wink as she tells you that the fact that handwork classes build fine motor skills, strengthen patience, reinforce math and science, and build awareness of the textiles that surround us today and throughout human history is merely a happy byproduct of the creation of many beautiful and useful items. She resides in Clinton with her husband, daughter, son, three cats (and whatever other pets her daughter currently has hidden in her room), and more yarn and fiber than she probably needs.

Aniela Perry, strings Teacher, grades 4-8

Ms. Perry was born and raised in Eugene, OR but spent over 20 years as a professional cellist and music teacher in Los Angeles. In 2021, Aniela eagerly accepted an opportunity to relocate to Whidbey Island and quickly got to work setting up a private teaching studio and joining various musical ensembles. She is currently a member of the Saratoga Orchestra, Trio Rasa and even plays electric bass in a local rock band. For 13 consecutive summers, she volunteered as a bass teacher at the Rock and Roll Camp for Girls in Portland, OR and later in Los Angeles. Aniela was active in the scoring and recording studios in Los Angeles and has numerous film, television and major label credits as well as two world tours as a rock cellist. She holds a BFA in cello performance and a performer-composer MFA from the California Institute of the Arts. Unofficially, she is the world record holder for marathon cello playing at 27 hours, a feat performed to raise money for the musician's charity, Sweet Relief, in 2017.

On Whidbey Island, Ms. Perry is focused on building and supporting existing music and strings education opportunities and is excited to help young musicians carve their own paths in ways that are practical, enriching and sustainable, so that music will always be a positive outlet in their lives.