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.

I joined the board because I wanted to help the school and balance my busy home life of raising two young children. I enjoyed serving on the board of the Biodynamic Association (now the Biodynamic Demeter Association) for six years and thought I could bring my experience from volunteering for a non-profit anthroposophical organization, as well as my business skills from operating a diverse local farm for ten years. Waldorf education is important in cultivating free thinkers and doers to face the unprecedented challenges of society today. What I appreciate about Waldorf education is the freedom the teachers have in designing creative and developmentally appropriate lessons, the emphasis on human relationships, and the beautiful intertwining of academics, arts, and physical development. I enjoy helping WSMC with fundraising and am happy to contribute wherever there is a need.

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 have grown up in rural Northern California, soaking up the wild beauty and expansive nature that it has imbued into my being. For 15 years I’ve lived in Covelo, California on our 200-acre homestead farm and nature preserve. My three children were all born here. When I moved here I knew it would be the place where I also gave birth to my vision for a nature-based school for children. I completed my BA at the New College of California where I wrote my thesis on education that included my vision for community, art, and nature to be the educational containers for a child’s unique unfolding to be nurtured. In 2009, I founded EarthStars. EarthStars nurtures families and youth through deep nature connection, artistic self expression, and community regeneration. We create a space where everyone can be themselves and allow for each person’s unique gifts to be honored and integrated as a vital piece to the world.  In 2014, I completed the Lifeways Early Childhood training. Lifeways gave me a wonderful education in Waldorf philosophy and practice that I integrated into EarthStars. 
I love to splash in puddles on a rainy day, pull up logs in search of creepy crawlies, or take uncharted waterfall adventures into the hills. My family and community are a big source of inspiration. I spend time reading novels with Jupiter, sewing doll clothes with Nova, cheering on soccer star athlete Artemis, and stealing moments of affection with my partner Rio. Having a delicious meal together in the evening is a daily highlight for me. I am grateful to bring my leadership to the continued learning experience The Waldorf School of Mendocino County provides, while serving the commitment to nurturing the whole child, honoring diversity, and taking care of Mother Earth.

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. 

Background: I was born and raised in Northern California and have lived in Ukiah for 21 years. I
have worked in private industry from grocery stores to SIlicon Valley startups all the way to
large, established corporations. I have a B.S. in Business Administration I completed while
working full time. Although my degree is in business, I have been an artist, designer and builder
since I was a child. I currently co-manage a Ukiah hobby shop and e-commerce company. My
daughter, Anya, is in Class 6/7 and has been at WSMC since Kindergarten.

Why I serve: While looking for ways to volunteer at WSMC, I was invited to sit in on a board
meeting to see if it would be something I might be interested in. After a couple of meetings, I
felt I could use my small business experience and entrepreneurial spirit to help the school. I also
enjoy problem-solving and am willing to help find creative ways to help the school succeed, not
only for my daughter, but for generations to come.

I became interested in Waldorf education when my son attended kindergarten at WSMC. When I meet older students or adults who have had a Waldorf education, I am consistently impressed by the way they carry themselves. I feel that getting an education through a Waldorf Curriculum instills a deep desire to learn and know your own abilities. I joined the WSMC board to offer my skills and experience to such a wonderful community institution.