To learn more about Whidbey Island Waldorf School or come for a tour or a walk through the Grades, please reach out through the button below.
Faculty, Staff & Board
23/24
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.
wiws class & subject teachers & Administration
WIWS Leadership team. L to R, Lori Barian, Administrator, Dyanne Harshman, Early Childhood Pedagogical director, angela Zhaawanongkwe lindstrom, grades pedagogical director
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 Nursery 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
Little Woods Toddler Program
Lynn St Pierre, Teacher
Lynn came to WIWS first as a parent, twenty five years ago. She was inspired to become a Waldorf early childhood educator which was a smooth transition after having taught dance and movement for children of all ages for two decades. Lynn received her Waldorf Early Childhood Certification from Sunbridge Institute. Since then, she has taught Waldorf kindergarten classes in Colorado and pre-school in Washington. Lynn is thrilled to be with the Little Woods families along with Chelsea and Tracy.
In the summer, Lynn offers Dancing Hands & Frolicking Voices ~ training teachers at Star Dance Farm, a retreat center by Ann Arbor, Michigan as well as teaching at Waldorf teacher training centers internationally. Lynn has a MFA from California Institute of the Arts, and her BFA from UCLA, both in dance. Lynn loves to be in nature, dance, travel and create dolls and puppets for the children.
Claire Philp, teaching Assistant, Monday-Wednesday AM
Claire grew up on Whidbey and is living here while planning her future travels. She has always loved spending time with and teaching children and has already learned so much working with Lynn and Chelsea. Claire really appreciates the values Waldorf upholds and surrounds the children with and is excited to be a part of the team this year! On her free time, Claire enjoys getting outdoors with her dogs or on the ski slopes/hiking trails, making art of all kinds, traveling, and spending time with friends and family, cooking or going on adventures! She also finds community in the youth and locals she works with to organize around social and climate issues.
Sierra Barker, Teaching assistant Thursday-Friday, Am + Pm
Sierra moved here from California about 8 years ago to enjoy the simple peaceful life that Whidbey has to offer. She saw the magic of the Waldorf school through her son's eyes and immediately knew she wanted to be apart of it.
She spent every summer of high school volunteering at a camp for deaf and hard of hearing children. It was there she realized her dream of working with kids and learning sign language. She has also taken both massage and yoga training courses and hopes to incorporate some of each of this into the children's day.
In her free time Sierra enjoys hanging out with her family, paddleboarding, hiking, thrift shopping and going to the beach.
Sierra hopes to light up each child's day in a special way.
Katherine Jacobson-Ross, teaching assistant Mon-Wed pm
Katherine grew up exploring the forests, meadows, and beaches of Whidbey Island. She finds joy in creative writing, roaming nature, and reading endless piles of books. She feels strongly about the ways that early childhood can set the stage for the rest of a child’s life, and believes in providing space where children can follow their curiosity and be their true selves. She is thrilled to be part of the WIWS community.
eric jones, teaching assistant, am program thursday + friday
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 Little Woods Toddlers program. Eric has two children attending WIWS.
Huckleberry Pre-School
helen stark, Teacher
Helen began her love of Waldorf education when she attended the Austin Waldorf School in kindergarten. She spent her childhood moving back and forth between Austin, Texas and Kathmandu, Nepal. She attended Colorado College where she graduated with a BA in Creative Writing . She then worked at a Buddhist retreat center in the Rocky Mountain National Forrest, where she also became a volunteer Wildland Firefighter and EMT. Later she moved to Boulder, Colorado and worked as a nanny for many years. At the same time she worked for a company which helps to integrate people with developmental disabilities into the community. It was here she found her love of adapting teaching to suit all different learning styles.
In 2008 she attended nursing school and graduated as valedictorian of her class. After living for a while in Germany and Austria she moved back to America and settled in the Pacific Northwest, where she and her husband had always longed to be. Once here she rediscovered her passion and heart connection with Waldorf education and attended Sound Circle Center for the Arts and Anthroposophy in Seattle, graduating with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education.
Lesley Boyland, teaching assistant, am program
Lesley is very happy to join the Huckleberry preschool class following a joyful year in the Little Woods community. Originally from the UK, where she obtained her B.A. Hons., she and her husband moved to Whidbey Island after twenty years in Los Angeles. Upon arrival there, she became an assistant teacher in the early learning program of her daughters' school, and received her NAMC certificate in early childhood education. She is looking forward to the exciting school year in the wonderful environment of WIWS!
alan Perez, Huckleberry & thimbleberry Preschool lead pm teacher
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. Whether it’s the Caribbean or the Salish seas, Alan loves being by the water and mountains.
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.
Thimbleberry Pre-School
shady moody, Teacher
Shady was born and raised in the Whidbey Island forests. She graduated from The Evergreen State College with her BA, emphasis in environmental science and food justice. Shady attended Sound Circle for Arts & Anthroposophy and has her Waldorf teaching certificate in Early Childhood. Her passions include exploring, wildcrafting, cooking, gardening, art and petting animals.
katherine jacobson-ross teaching assistant, am program
Katherine grew up exploring the forests, meadows, and beaches of Whidbey Island. She finds joy in creative writing, roaming nature, and reading endless piles of books. She feels strongly about the ways that early childhood can set the stage for the rest of a child’s life, and believes in providing space where children can follow their curiosity and be their true selves. She is thrilled to be part of the WIWS community.
Cedar Grove Kindergarten
Haley gutierrez, Teacher
Haley was born in Alabama but raised in the vibrant city of Manila, Philippines and developed a global perspective from a young age. Driven by her desire to work with families and make a meaningful impact in communities, Haley has dedicated herself to serving marginalized populations. While obtaining her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, she worked as a social worker for a public defense office in Seattle. She later found fulfillment in her role at the non-profit organization University Beyond Bars. Through these experiences, she witnessed firsthand the transformative power of early intervention and education in people's lives. She pursued a Master's in Teaching from the University of Washington, specializing in K-12 public education. Her commitment to education led her to become certified to teach in both Washington and Oregon and specialize in Waldorf Early Childhood education. As an educator, Haley has taught in various classroom roles in K-5 public schools since 2013 and has been with WIWS as one of our Kindergarten teachers and Director of Summer Programming since 2020. Beyond her professional endeavors, Haley is a devoted mother to three children attending WIWS and loves living on beautiful Whidbey Island.
jackie king, Teaching Assistant, am program
Jackie grew up in the Pacific Northwest before moving to New Zealand during high school. After completing a BA at Victoria University of Wellington, Jackie returned to Seattle and discovered her passion for education while serving in AmeriCorps. She competed her Masters in Teaching at Seattle University and her experience in education has included teaching English in Bhutan, teaching middle school language arts and working as a secondary success specialist for a school district. Having a son in the early childhood program, Jackie has discovered the joy of Waldorf education through his eyes and is excited to be a part of the WIWS community.
Cordula hetland, apple blossom lead pm 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.
Apple Blossom Kindergarten
Vanessa rochon-tierney, Teacher
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 two eldest are Waldorf School alumni, and her two youngest sons 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.
Jaden Goodrich, teaching assistant, am 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. After 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 kids. He is excited to see where his future takes him and is happy to be working at WIWS.
rachel cruz, lead teacher, pm program
Rachel is very excited to be working at the Whidbey Island Waldorf School. She moved to the island two years ago and enjoyed substitute teaching in the schools early education program as well as establishing the Huckleberry preschool in the beginning of last year. 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 she 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. Before moving to Whidbey Island she regularly sold at the local farmers market, ran a CSA, and sold their culinary goods to local restaurants.
In her spare time, Rachel enjoys watercolor painting. You can find her work in gift shops in Langley and Freeland. She also enjoys writing and is finishing her first novel.
She is married with a fifteen year old son and two step daughter now in their twenties.
Leah Barnett, TEACHING ASSISTANT, PM 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.
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.
Heather Winter, teaching assistant, am program
Heather spent much of her youth exploring the foothills of Mt. Rainier and her summers camping along the Washington coast. While raising her kids, she has gotten to relive the joys and curiosities of childhood. Heather has a bachelors from Western Washington University in human services and has been involved in early childhood education and has worked with school age children in a variety of roles for the last 20+ years.
Lori Jackintell, teaching assistant, am program &
wiws groundskeeper
Lori grew up in Colorado with a love for outdoor education nurtured by a Mom who took her butterfly hunting and a Dad that taught her about trees and trout. With the help of her husband, that tradition has been carried into raising her own children- A love and respect for nature.
She received her B.A in Biology from U.C. Santa Cruz and a Masters in Physiology/Biology from San Diego State. Working as a researcher for Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species she worked on various projects to increase awareness about the delicate ecosystem we share with nature. Most of her jobs have centered around animals and conservation from being a Zoo Keeper at San Diego Zoo to a veterinarian assistant on Whidbey island.
Lori has lived and worked on Whidbey Island for over 20 years. She has been volunteering in the school district and outdoor classroom and for the last three years she has assisted teaching in an early childhood program. She enjoys being in the woods listening to nature and laughter of children and the world around her.
Eric Jones - teaching Lead, pm program
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.
Leia Labuhn, - teaching assistant, pm program
Bio coming soon
Dyanne Harshman, Early Childhood Pedagogical director
Dyanne has been a member of the faculty at the Whidbey Island Waldorf School since 1997 and serves as an adjunct faculty member for the Waldorf Early Childhood Training at Sunbridge Institute and for Sound Circle Center for Anthroposophy in Seattle. She is actively involved in the Northwest regional Waldorf Early Childhood movement as a WECAN representative and mentor. Dyanne earned a BA in Psychology from Central Washington University, her WA teaching credentials from the University of Washington, and an MSEd in Waldorf Early Childhood Education from Sunbridge College. Dyanne's two children are WIWS alumni, and her grandchild now attends WIWS.
Grades School
Grade 1
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.
ada faith-feyma, 1st grade teaching assistant, am + PM
Ada grew up dancing through the trees of the Chinook woods. A proud alum of Whidbey Island Waldorf School, Ada is excited to be back among the trees while she works towards her degree in Early Childhood development. For the past 2 years Ada has been working in both the classroom setting of childcare as well as the more personal role as Nanny to many families across South Whidbey. Ada was raised on music, art, and theater, frequenting the many stages that our artful community has to offer. She is dedicated to fostering compassion and curiosity in every child while maintaining a safe, inclusive space for their development. Ada is thrilled to be returning to the WIWS community, this time just a little bit taller!
Grade 2
Hannah Jackson, teacher
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 3
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 4
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 5/6
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.
Grades 7/8
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 1-4
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.
susanne schinppering, Spanish teacher,
grades 5-8
Susanne was born into a German family and raised in South America. She spent her childhood attending German private schools, and became fluent in three languages from childhood onward. Her family travelled extensively and lived in Colombia, Venezuela, Chile, Canada and Germany for various lengths of time all before the age of 18, at which time she independently moved to Toronto, Canada to finish High School and attended the University of Toronto to receive a double BA in Modern Languages and Literature: German and Spanish and a Certificate in Travel and Tourism from the Canadian Travel School.
Susanne married in Canada and had two children, they are both in their 20’s now. In 1997 the Schnippering family was transferred from Toronto to New England, where they stayed until October 2016, 19 years. During the time in New England, Susanne became certified as an Early Childhood Montessori teacher and she taught as an EC teacher at two schools over a span of 8 years. She continued with further training and completed (2013) full certification in Montessori Lower and Upper Elementary teaching. During her tenure at one school over a span of 16 years, she taught Spanish for 6 years to 160 students ages 3 through 14 and was also a classroom teacher in Lower and Upper Elementary classrooms.
In October 2016 her husband Roland was once again offered a chance to relocate to the beautiful Pacific Northwest and they landed on Whidbey Island. The mutually exciting opportunity presented itself for Susanne to join the WIWS as a Spanish teacher. Susanne is eager to share her knowledge of language and culture with children of all ages.
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.
kimmer morris, strings Teacher, grades 4-8
Kimmer spent her childhood on Whidbey Island and enjoyed playing piano, then recorder, then settled on the violin through Island Strings with the Suzuki Method. She also was very involved with the High School band on Saxophone, Jazz Choir and theater. Painting murals also occupied her time where she eventually painted a two-part retrograde canon by Bach at Western Washington University in Bellingham while getting her Music Education degree.
Kimmer came back to Whidbey in 1986 and taught K-7 music at South Whidbey School District for 31 years, teaching general music, recorders, ukulele, orchestra, choir, movement, P.E., Highly Capable program, Jr. Waste Warrior recycling program and helped start the very first Good Cheer school Garden. She also coached teams for the Math Olympiad. During this time she also earned her Masters in Creative Arts and Learning, was a founding member of Whidbey Island Marimba and performed in numerous bands either playing the violin, viola, voice, saxophone, ukulele, or harmonium.
In 2017 Kimmer resigned from South Whidbey School District and became a Certified Hanna Somatic Educator and Fascia Release Instructor which she continues to do today, part time.
Angela Zhaawanongkwe Lindstrom, Grades pedagogical director
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.
Staff
Lori Barian, administrator
Lori found her way to Waldorf education as a reporter 30 years ago in Wisconsin. Her professional work has been in Waldorf and other nonprofit administration, marketing and fund development, as well as teaching Forest Kindergarten. She has been actively involved in the Anthroposophical Society as a volunteer at local, regional, and national levels. She loves Waldorf education and WIWS and is enthusiastic about the future.
BS and MA degree in English
Certificate in Waldorf Education
Karina Bergen - Enrollment & outreach director
Karina was born and raised in Ottawa, among 15-foot high Canadian snowdrifts. For 20 years of her career, she worked in Hong Kong, first as an award winning documentary maker and then as a Somatic Movement Educator of youth. She spent 3 years as Administrator of a Waldorf-inspired preschool, moved with her family to Whidbey in 2014 and now enjoys bringing new families into the school and WIWS community.
BA in International Development
MA in Journalism
PYE - Partners for Youth Empowerment, Heart of Facilitation Training 10-mo certification
Certificate in Somatic Movement & Expressive Arts
Jean fee,
Finance manager
Jean grew up on a small farm in Montana and received her BS in Business Management at MSU in Bozeman, with a minor in Art History.
After moving to Seattle, her first gig was as a curator at a gallery in Pioneer Square, but she soon discovered an affinity to the art of filmmaking. She worked on several independent films and eventually became the operations manager of a motion picture film lab. Her other work roles have included project management and bookkeeping functions in a variety of industries, including tech and construction.
Since moving to Whidbey, Jean and her husband are thoroughly enjoying the plentiful arts and music opportunities on the island and are learning to share their garden with deer and bunnies.
Amanda o’banion - administrative assistant
Amanda grew up in the nearby Snoqualmie Valley; playing in the forests, lakes and rivers of the enchanting Pacific Northwest. Over the past 20 years she has collected administrative and business skills from vastly different fields including the fashion industry, an environmental engineering firm and a Medicare Insurance company. All of them have cultivated her interpersonal skills and adaptability. Amanda’s passions are reading, yoga, and traveling. Above all else, Amanda is proud to be raising her two children here on Whidbey Island. She is completely invested in Waldorf education and loves that her children get to experience the magic of WIWS.
courtney alampi - community resource & development director
Courtney graduated with a BS in animal science from Penn State University, and after graduation she pursued her equestrian dreams. An experienced entrepreneur with widely varied business experience, ranging from managing an Olympic level equestrian training center, to starting and managing a fast-growth coffee shop, “Cuppa Giddyup” in Middleburg VA. After many years of pursuing the riding dream, Courtney worked as a Trip Leader for Backroads, an active travel company. She also became a registered yoga teacher. Mom to Maggie and Sam, Courtney and her husband have a small farm in the Maxwelton Valley. The farm is home to 4 horses, a pony, 4 goats, 16 chickens, 2 barn cats and 3 loving dogs! With a big vegetable garden and fruit trees, it is very busy. Maggie and Sam are thrilled to be students at WIWS!
joseph dominguez, site steward
Joseph was born and raised on the Central Coast of California. Over the course of his life, Joseph has explored a variety of interests and ultimately cultivated a deep rooted passion for regenerative agriculture, environmental sustainability, and intentional human connection. After having studied, worked, and lived in different parts of the world, Joseph is grateful to have finally discovered a new home for his family - Whidbey Island. He is incredibly excited to set down some roots and grow his connection to the land, people, and culture of the Island. Joseph’s daughter will also be attending WIWS, in the Little Woods program.
WIWS Board of Trustees 2023-2024
Memo Gonzalez, President
Other Affiliations: WIWS Parent
Sarah Bystrom, Vice President
Other Affiliations: WIWS Parent
Ted Bellinger, Treasurer
Other Affiliations: WIWS Parent
Susanne Schnippering, Secretary
Other Affiliations: WIWS Spanish Teacher and Substitute
Melisa Hall - Faculty Representation to the Board
Other Affiliations: WIWS 3rd Gr. Teacher
Justin MacDonald, Member at Large
Other Affiliations: New Mexico State University Professor WIWS Parent
Ed Hodson, Member at Large
Other Affiliations: WIWS Parent
David Wickwire, Member at Large
Other Affiliations: WIWS Parent
Susanne Beattie, Member at Large
Other Affiliations: South Whidbey community member
Marthe Elting, Member at Large
Other Affiliations: WIWS Parent, Barton-system Tutor
Jenny Holbrook, Member at Large
Other Affiliations: Readiness to Learn WIWS alum
Bryan McGriff , Member
Representing Whidbey Institute
Leigh Bloom, Emeritus Member
Other Affiliations: Goosefoot Community Fund Board President, Sound Water Stewards Trained Volunteer (Pigeon Guillemot Survey w/ Whidbey Audubon & Island County Marine Resources, SWS Digging 4 Dinner Classes, SWS Sound Water University, UW Coastal Observation & Seabird Survey Team, Hearts & Hammers Volunteer.
Angela Lindstrom, Leadership Team, Ex-officio
Other Affiliations: Antioch University New England Instructor for Waldorf and Renewal courses
Lori Barian, Adminstrator, Ex-officio
Other Affiliations: Board member, MaaViva: The Institute for Interconnectedness