Faculty

Annette Smith

Early Childhood Lead Teacher

“I fell in love with the Waldorf philosophy of learning and am excited to continue this adventure at River Valley Waldorf School—learning more each day so I can offer it to the children in my classroom.”

Benjamin Rogers-Petro

Music Teacher

“I have nothing but fondness and deep appreciation for Waldorf education, and the friendships I made; life long bonds forged by common values. The hands-on, art-centric curriculum and the refuge from a technology-addled world is incredibly valuable to me, and I am grateful to have spent the formative years of my youth in such an environment. To me, Waldorf represents the preservation of innocence, creativity and natural beauty.”

Bridget Brier

Grades 7 & 8 Class Teacher

“I love this pedagogy’s richness and experiential-based methods, and I love that our students are comfortable in so many art forms. It’s a privilege to shepherd children through their childhood and watch them find their way.”

Cynthia Ramirez

Spanish Instruction

“I believe that Waldorf education helps students develop a strong sense of self, self-awareness, and the confidence to express themselves in unique ways. Learning a foreign language helps us all to express ourselves.”

Dominique Kury

German Teacher

“Curiosity, self awareness, and compassion are not just academic goals—they are qualities that shape how children move through the world. In Waldorf education, these qualities are nurtured through meaningful experiences, artistic expression, and a genuine respect for each child’s individuality.”

Eve Sheldon

Orchestra & Strings Teacher

“I want to bring joy to the music department so kids feel ownership and happiness in making music.”

Irene Richardson

Gardening & Woodwork Teacher

“I’m excited to help children steward the land while exploring art, song, story, and practical work in a Waldorf education that is both traditional and forward-thinking.”

Katie Brier

EC Support Teacher

Katlin Moore

Grade 1 Class Teacher

“My passion for Waldorf education centers around the desire to take the whole child and their development as a human being into account, coupled with a reverence for the natural world and plenty of time outside every day.”

Layla Plaza

Early Childhood Support Teacher

“I love how Waldorf schools educate the whole child and instill a lifelong love of learning.”

Melanie Niemczura

Grades 5 & 6 Class Teacher

“Be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars.” ~ Max Ehrmann

Melody Birdsong-Shubert

Early Childhood Lead Teacher

“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently.” ― Maya Angelou

Molly MacDonald

Grades 3 & 4 Class Teacher

“I love how each teacher strives to meet the children in front of them. Each class and group of children has its own personality, energy, and needs, and the freedom that Waldorf Education gives us to meet that uniqueness is precious.”

Molly Watson

Grades Support Teacher

“I love how Waldorf education looks at each student as an individual on their own unique journey.”

Noemi Nieves-Hoblin

Early Childhood Support Teacher

“I love how Waldorf education nurtures wonder and imagination, fostering creativity, holistic learning, and a deep connection to nature. This approach has shaped my creative journey and continues to inspire how I view and engage with the world.”

Radiance Petro

Grade 2 Class Teacher

“I feel Waldorf education is the antidote to fear and helplessness in today’s world. It empowers children to believe in themselves, use their gifts, and face challenges with hope and creativity.”

Rheanon Beam

Early Childhood Support Teacher

“I strive to create a nurturing environment that supports the development of each child in mind, body, and spirit. I believe in the power of imagination and nature to guide children’s growth and encourage their sense of wonder.”

Sarai Nieves

Early Childhood Lead Teacher

“I love how Waldorf education values and nurtures creativity, imagination, and the spirit. It honors children and childhood, connects us to the earth, and encourages diversity and independence in learning. This is how we build a more equitable and compassionate world.”

Shannon O’Connell

Fine Arts Teacher

“I love the idea and practice of nurturing the individual spirit of each student. It is so important for children to be seen for who they are as individuals.”

Sheena Ifkovitch

Garden Gate Lead Teacher

“I resonate with the school’s mission to ‘nurture the individual spirit of each child.’ In my work I see Waldorf education as a healing art—one that removes hindrances so that the child’s spirit may enter life in full freedom.”

Stacy Zink

Handwork Teacher

“The world needs to operate as a collective while still cherishing each person's uniqueness. By creating a learning environment that emulates this, we send children out into the world more capable of meeting its challenges.”

Stephanie Kong

Early Childhood Lead Teacher

“I connect deeply with the Waldorf philosophy of teaching the body, mind, and spirit of each child through nourishing, nurturing education. Children are natural explorers; as their guides, we help them learn through doing and growing joyfully in kinship with the earth.”

Susan Dils

Games and Movement Teacher

“I believe that movement and physical activity are essential components of a holistic education. They help children develop physically, socially, and emotionally while fostering teamwork and self-discipline.”

Tonya McGovern

Math Skills Teacher

“I appreciate the vision to inspire freedom of thinking and strength of will inherent in Waldorf education. I’m eager to instill confidence and curiosity in the students at River Valley as they prepare for the challenges of high school and beyond.”