Faculty
Meet the teachers at River Valley Waldorf School.
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Adena Hallinger
2nd/3rd Grade Support Teacher
“I love that Waldorf education honors the whole child while celebrating the Earth, creativity, and our connection to one another.”
“I love that Waldorf education honors the whole child while celebrating the Earth, creativity,...
Annette Smith
Early Childhood Lead Teacher
“I’d been taking classes at Sunbridge and at Circle of Seasons for a couple of years and fell in love with the Waldorf philosophy of learning, but it was the encouragement of my daughters who said, ‘Mom, you raised us ‘Waldorf’ you can do this!’, that gave me the strength I needed to start this new teaching career. I am very excited to continue this ongoing adventure at River Valley Waldorf School and I look forward to practicing and learning more each day about Waldorf education to be able to offer it to the children in my classroom.”
“I’d been taking classes at Sunbridge and at Circle of Seasons for a couple...
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.”
“I have nothing but fondness and deep appreciation for Waldorf education, and the friendships...
Bridget Brier
Grade 6 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. I love that we sing every day and that music fills our hallways. I love our community, and it’s an incredible privilege to shepherd children through their childhood. I cry happy tears at every graduation because I am so darn proud of all the students – they all encounter challenges along their path, and to cheer them on and watch them find their way is an honor.”
“I love this pedagogy’s richness and experiential-based methods, and I love that our students...
Cynthia Ramirez
Spanish Instruction
Quote from Cynthia coming soon
Quote from Cynthia coming soon
Dominique Kury
German Teacher
Quote from Dominique coming soon
Quote from Dominique coming soon
Esther Hiamang
Math Skills Teacher
“Curiosity, which may or may not eventuate in something useful, is probably the outstanding characteristic of modern thinking” – Abraham Flexner
“Curiosity, which may or may not eventuate in something useful, is probably the outstanding...
Eve Sheldon
Music Teacher
“I feel Waldorf education really tries to see the child for who they are and who they are becoming. I want to be part of that, as well as bringing joy to the music department so kids feel a real ownership and happiness in making music.”
“I feel Waldorf education really tries to see the child for who they are...
Irene Richardson
Gardening Teacher
“I’m excited to join the River Valley community this year and help the children steward the land in the garden classroom. I love the way Waldorf education weaves song, art, story, and practical work into an education that is both deeply traditional and forward-thinking. I’m enthusiastic about carrying Waldorf education forward into its second century and toward liberation for all.”
“I’m excited to join the River Valley community this year and help the children...
Jacqueline Foley
Early Childhood Support Teacher
“It’s amazing how each child blooms throughout the year. Watching the connection of mind, body, and soul blossom from the beginning of the school year until the last day is a remarkable experience for me.”
“It’s amazing how each child blooms throughout the year. Watching the connection of mind,...
Katlin Moore
Early Childhood Lead 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! As a musician, nature lover, and human being, I find River Valley’s mission to encompass a holistic education centering on social renewal, a kinship with nature and a full complement of the arts to be a perfect fit within myself.”
“My passion for Waldorf education centers around the desire to take the whole child...
Layla Plaza
Early Childhood Support Teacher
“I love how a Waldorf school educates the whole child and instills a lifelong love of learning.”
“I love how a Waldorf school educates the whole child and instills a lifelong...
Melanie Niemczura
Grades 4 & 5 Class Teacher
“Be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars.” ~ Max Ehrmann
“Be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than...
Melody Birdsong-Shubert
Early Childhood Lead Teacher
Quote from Melody coming soon
Quote from Melody coming soon
Molly MacDonald
Grades 2 & 3 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.”
“I love how each teacher strives to meet the children in front of them....
Molly Watson
Grades 8 Class Teacher
“I love how Waldorf education looks at each student as an individual on their own unique journey.”
“I love how Waldorf education looks at each student as an individual on their...
Noemi Nieves-Hoblin
Early Childhood Support Teacher
“I’m excited to join the River Valley community this year. As an artist, I am drawn to the strong use of imagination, creativity, and nature that RVWS fosters. I love how Waldorf education nurtures wonder and imagination, fostering creativity, holistic learning, and a deep connection to nature. This foundation has guided my creative journey, influencing how I perceive the world and express myself through my work. I believe strongly in the Waldorf approach’s ability to inspire lifelong learners who never stop wondering about the world around them.”
“I’m excited to join the River Valley community this year. As an artist, I...
Radiance (Ray) Petro
Grade 1 Class Teacher
“My passion regarding Waldorf education can be summed up in three quotes by Rudolf Steiner: ‘Keep the imagination alive.’ ‘We must work toward a true art of education that meets the needs of our time.’ ‘Our very existence is a gift from the whole universe…We owe so much to nature and to other people…If we give ourselves over to thoughts such as these we develop an all-embracing love…and what we love reveals itself to us.’ (paraphrased) “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. It keeps their imaginations alive, which is crucial for the future. Waldorf education strives to act in the service of all humanity, and that is my passion for being a Waldorf teacher.”
“My passion regarding Waldorf education can be summed up in three quotes by Rudolf...
Rheanon Beam
Early Childhood Support Teacher
Quote from Rheanon coming soon
Quote from Rheanon coming soon
Sara Sweningsen
Educational Support Coordinator & Educational Support Teacher
“I appreciate the way that Waldorf education weaves stories, art, song, crafting, and movement into the teaching of rich lessons about botany, geography, and astronomy to physics, world mythologies, zoology, and more. Having attended a Waldorf school from kindergarten through grade 12, I carry fondest memories and deepest soul feelings for singing throughout the year, experienced with great reverence; celebrations of festivals; and working with both animals and with the earth, as we were lucky enough to have both a small school garden and a farm across from our school.”
“I appreciate the way that Waldorf education weaves stories, art, song, crafting, and movement...
Sarah Rasmussen
Eurythmy Teacher
“My passion for Waldorf education is because it meets the children where they are, as whole human beings. I like that River Valley’s mission statement describes RVWS as a compassionate and courageous community. I think those two qualities—compassion and courage—summarize what we need to thrive in the world.”
“My passion for Waldorf education is because it meets the children where they are,...
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, nature, and the rhythms of the seasons. This approach to education deeply resonates with me, especially in how it encourages diversity and independence in learning. For society to progress, we must amplify the voices of those who have traditionally been underrepresented. This broadens perspectives and helps us work toward a more equitable society.”
“I love how Waldorf education values and nurtures creativity, imagination, and the spirit. It...
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.”
“I love the idea and practice of nurturing the individual spirit of each student....
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 is here to help remove any hindrances so that the child’s spirit may enter in full freedom into life.”
“I resonate with the school’s mission to ‘nurture the individual spirit of each child.’...
Shenayah Herschkowitz
Grade 7 Class Teacher
“I am passionate about how Waldorf Education considers each child holistically, with the goal of meeting them where they are and nourishing their unique capabilities. I love how the entire school is deeply invested in empowering students with a sense of wonder, confidence, and curiosity, which creates a lifelong love of learning.”
“I am passionate about how Waldorf Education considers each child holistically, with the goal...
Sol Killian
Early Childhood Support Teacher
“My passion for Waldorf education lies within the honoring of the individual spirit of each child. I see the spark of inner life as a seed and Waldorf education in tandem with the home and community as nutritious soil within which the water & sunlight of love, sacred attention, creativity, and joy may nourish this seed, supporting its innate drive to blossom.”
“My passion for Waldorf education lies within the honoring of the individual spirit of...
Stacy Zink
Practical Arts Teacher
“My passion for Waldorf Education comes from its philosophy that hands-on doing is as important as intellectual pursuits. Through woodworking and gardening, children learn to nurture a reciprocal relationship with the natural world. These gifts and responsibilities stay with them throughout their lives.”
“My passion for Waldorf Education comes from its philosophy that hands-on doing is as...
Stephanie Kong
Early Childhood Lead Teacher
“I connect deeply with the Waldorf philosophy of teaching the body, mind, and spirit of the individual child through nourishing, nurturing education. Children are natural explorers, and as their guides, we facilitate and model that curious and creative spirit. Learning through doing: dancing, digging, kneading, singing, storytelling, jumping, climbing, mixing, tasting. Developing kinship to each other and to Mother Earth. Learning and growing in this way is a sensorial experience; a collaborative and joyful one at that!”
“I connect deeply with the Waldorf philosophy of teaching the body, mind, and spirit...
Susan Dils
Games and Movement Teacher
“I believe that movement and physical activity are essential components of a holistic education. Through games and movement, children not only develop their physical abilities but also learn important life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and self-discipline. My goal is to create a dynamic and inclusive environment where every child feels encouraged and empowered to explore their physical potential.”
“I believe that movement and physical activity are essential components of a holistic education....
Tonya McGovern
Math Skills Teacher
Quote from Tonya coming soon
Quote from Tonya coming soon