I visited WSMC in my student teaching year many years ago.  While it took me some time to circle back as a parent and now board chair, I recall the magic and love of learning that was present in each classroom at the time.  I joined the board to learn and serve the WSMC community because I fully support its mission and values.  I appreciate how children at WSMC are taught in an authentic and experiential way, which speaks to their inner spirit and joy for life and learning.  I grew up in Mendocino County and have worked in education for the past twenty years.   I received a masters in education from Harvard University where I focused on teacher quality and the impact high performing teachers have on student learning.  As a result of my research, I have come to believe and know that teachers are the most important factor in a child’s education and firmly support the idea that the relationships among teachers and students are paramount in learning.   Through my own search for a school for my children, I found that at WSMC these relationships are emphasized and supported throughout a child's educational experience. I decided to become the Board Chair to be part of the WSMC community and show how I support those working within it.

I am a WSMC alumni and hold much enthusiasm for supporting the school I attended in the late 1990s. I bring experience in environmental education, biodynamic farming, and public speaking to help strengthen the school board and the Waldorf community. I joined the board to direct my passion for Waldorf education to serve the school which helped create the foundation of my education. I think Waldorf education is important because I personally experienced the benefits of a positive Waldorf experience and wish that for the many generations of children who will follow in my footsteps. I come to the board as a young, enthusiastic farmer/educator with a lifelong interest in Steiner’s ideals in food, medicine, economy and education.

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I began my teaching journey at this school by taking up the 4th grade class in 1997 while concurrently taking the Waldorf Teacher Training at the Center for Educational Renewal. This class graduated from 8th grade in 2001; at the same time, I graduated from my teacher training program.  I then began an eight year journey with my next class.  I stayed in the upper grades and graduated two 8th grade classes (2011 and 2012).  I began again with a new 1st grade in 2012.  In our 4th grade year, we were joined by the 3rd grade class, when WSMC switched to a combined grades model.  We moved together through the grades and graduated in 2020 and 2021. I have always loved teaching and although I am not teaching this year I look forward to possibly taking another class through the grades in the future.

This year I was offered the new position, Pedagogical Chair. I will be working closely with the School Administrator and College of Teachers to hold the whole picture of the school and work to strengthen the relationships, curriculum and organization. 

Outside of school I spend every moment possible with my husband, my three children, and my five grandchildren.  I enjoy reading, knitting, drawing, puzzles, gardening, hiking, and birding.

When I began looking deeply at Waldorf classrooms as a place for my daughter, I realized it was where I belonged as well.  I have a background in Theater that includes performing and teaching at all levels, from Kindergarten through Junior College.  My interest in the mystery of being human lead me to become a Licensed Acupuncturist.  I bring my experience as an actor, a director, a teacher, and a healer to my teaching.  I was drawn to theater and Chinese Medicine because they encompass the whole human being: the physical, the emotional, the communal, and the spiritual aspects.  As a Waldorf Teacher, I get to bring my love for the human being and all her potential to the classroom everyday.  I live with my husband John, daughter Sage, dog Biscuit and two cats Muzby and Romeo.  In my personal life, I enjoy spending time in nature, camping, swimming in the river, and playing with my family and our pets.

I was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, and grew up exploring various art forms which sparked my journey to becoming a multidisciplinary artist. My career has been centered around creative collaboration, working with people to enhance communication and amplify awareness. 

After graduating in design, I spent over a decade in New York City working as a stylist in the fashion industry. I am fascinated with the anthropological and communicative potential of fashion and its connection to desire, cultural identity, and adornment. Later, I moved to Los Angeles and began working with ceramics, an art form that allowed me to connect more deeply with the elements. After living a nomadic lifestyle, we settled in Mendocino County and built a home using natural, locally available, and repurposed materials. 

I have had the pleasure of working with many brands, organizations, and individuals, making a positive impact through aesthetics, ethics, and community building. 

We chose the Waldorf School for our daughter's education due to its commitment to fostering independent and creative thinking, hosting an atmosphere of stewardship and service, prioritizing the well-being of the children, and working together toward a brighter future.

I learned of Waldorf Education in 2015 while searching for a preschool. I was impressed by the integrated curriculum that supports the whole child through all developmental stages of childhood. I wanted this hands on learning in an environment that includes nature, art and beauty for my child and others. 

In 2019 I joined the Board with a background in Marketing and an entrepreneurial spirit to support WSMC to the best of my ability that ensures this school continues not only for my child but for future generations. 

I grew up in Leggett, California. I was homeschooled until fourth grade, and eventually graduated as class Valedictorian from Leggett Valley High School. I moved to Southern California to attend UCR, but would ultimately return to Leggett in 2010 to take full time care of my father. This experience led me to find the nursing program in Ukiah, where I graduated and became a licensed nurse in California in 2014. I absolutely love Mendocino County and WSMC embodies a community of caring adults that respect the individuality of each child. My son has been attending since Early Childhood Roots & Shoots program. Through my own experiences with WSMC I have come to learn a respect for Waldorf education and the Steiner philosophy. In turn I joined the Board to help develop this commitment to enable the children to become their true selves to the best of my ability, and further achieve Waldorf's mission to strive to create a model of educational excellence for future generations to come.

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My family first started our WSMC journey in 2007. With my oldest daughter starting in
Rosebud and working her way through the grades. She is now a second year at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo studying Animal Science with a minor in Art. My youngest daughter graduated from 8th grade in Kelly Austin’s class in 2020 and is now a Senior at Ukiah Independent Study.

I have served many years on the Board, worked on many events, and worked in the
office until 2022. I now work at Ukiah Unified School District in Human Resources.

After being away for a year, I wanted to give back and be connected to this community again that has played a huge role in mine and my family’s life. My goal in re-joining the Board is to bring development help with events, and whatever else is needed to keep this mighty school going.