Kimberton Waldorf School

Kimberton Waldorf School

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Faculty and Staff Profiles

Kay Alexander

Kay became a parent at KWS 24 years ago. Her children, William, Bethany and Kelly, graduated in 1995, 1997 and 2002. Kay has been the Lower School Secretary for 18 years.

"What I like best is being part of an institution that believes strongly in protecting childhood, and witnessing the healthy development of children as they go through the grades." -Kay Alexander

Patricia Blench

Patricia is the current fourth grade Class Teacher. She has been teaching at Kimberton for eighteen years. Patricia was educated in several countries including England, Belgium and New Zealand. She studied English Literature and History at Auckland University; Drama at the Nola Millar Drama School, and Special Education in Northern Ireland. Patricia has attended many seminars and workshops in Waldorf Education and has completed three years of training in Spatial Dynamics.

"What enthuses me most about teaching at KWS is the children - their delight in learning about themselves, others and the world around them. Having the possibility to be with these young people and their parents is a great honor.

Sally Boyd

Sally is the fifth grade Class Teacher and a member of the Governing Team. She has been at Kimberton Waldorf School for 22 years. She attended Portland State University where she studied Arts and Letters and obtained 12 hours towards a Masters degree in English. At Sunbridge College, Sally did her Foundation Year and obtained her Teacher Training Certificate in Curriculum Courses Grades 1-8. She also attended Steiner Seminars and British Columbia. Sally also studied Curriculum Course 1-8 and received a Goethean Studies Certificate from Rudolf Steiner College. At the Waldorf Institute, she took Curriculum and Anthroposophy courses. Sally has special training in Computer Programming, Systems Analysis and Extra Lesson.

Sally's favorite part of teaching at Kimberton Waldorf School is the children: "I love the children! They bring refreshing qualities of innocence, openness and a desire to learn."

Elisabeth Burgess

Elisabeth teaches German to students grade six through twelve. She received her Masters Degree in French and English Literature and Linguistics from the Free University of Berlin, in Germany. Elisabeth has participated in the Waldorf Renewal Training program for Foreign Languages. 

“I particularly like the flexibility of teaching at KWS, the ability to make individual connections to students and have them make connections between the subject and the world they live in, and the collaboration between teachers, students, and parents to create the environment students need to learn.” –Elisabeth Burgess

Kristen Clarke 

Kristen Clarke is the Librarian for the Middle and High School Libraries, as well as the faculty library. She began this position in September 2011. Kristen received a B.A. from Haverford College, an M.A. in political science from University of Wisconsin-Madison and an M.L.S. from Rutgers University. She has worked in various libraries including school, university and public libraries.
 
Kristen is looking forward to getting to know the KWS community and helping to make the libraries a more integral part of the school.

Liz Cuesta

Liz  teaches Physical Education to grades 5-12. She graduated from KWS in '96 before attending Bowdoin College ('00), where she received a degree in Government/Legal Studies, and a minor in Spanish.

Liz's favorite part of teaching at Kimberton: "I enjoy teaching at Kimberton because I love my students, and believe strongly in the power and practicality of Waldorf education."

Tim Daulter

Tim teaches chemistry and math in the high school and is in his first year at KWS. He received a BS in chemical engineering and engineering and public policy from Carnegie Mellon University, a PhD in chemical engineering from the University of Delaware and an MBA from the Graziadio School of Business and Management at Pepperdine University. Tim worked in the administration at Highland Hall Waldorf School in Northridge, CA for the last three years prior to coming to KWS.

I am looking most forward to working with the students in the high school in math and science and joining the KWS community with my family.
 

Andy Dill

Andy teaches Biology, Physical Education, and Outdoor Education, and has been at KWS for 31 years. He received his BA in Classics from Dartmouth College and Waldorf Teacher Training from Rudolf Steiner College. Andy has additional training in Spacial Dynamics. 
 
“What I like best about teaching at Kimberton Waldorf School is being able to follow the students through the grades to their senior year and graduation.” -Andy Dill

Mary Echlin

Mary teaches English and Humanities and just completed her nineteenth year at Kimberton.  In addition to receiving a BA in English and Business, she has also obtained an MA in English and a Lifetime Certification for teaching at the Secondary and Adult levels.  Mary has completed extensive Waldorf training with Moana Bowron, Betty Staley, and four years with the Bay Area Waldorf High School Initiative. 

“What I like best about teaching at Kimberton are the students-their enthusiasm for learning and their creativity and openness, my colleagues-their dedication and creativity, and the parents-SO supportive.” –Mary Echlin

Angie Foster

Angie teaches Drama at the High School and has been at KWS for about thirteen years. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, and is also a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Angie is the Clowning Facilitator with Nose to Nose of North America, and also worked as a professional actress both regionally and on and off-Broadway.Additional training credits include Spacial Dynamics with Jamien McMillan, voice work with Kriten Linklater, Gestalt Therapy Training, and 25 years of yoga!
 
“I like the openness and enthusiasm of the students who think and feel so deeply. I like the strong sense of support I feel from the wonderful community of the school.” –Angie Foster

Iris Fried

Iris teaches grades six through twelve in the Fiber Arts Program, where students complete a different project each year ranging from sewing to bookbinding. She just completed her fifth year as the main teacher for the program after previously working for five years as the assistant for the eighth grade sewing classes and substituting for both handwork programs at KWS. Iris is from Germany, where she completed a three-year apprentice program at the city opera and ballet theater company, training to become a men’s tailor. During her time there, Iris learned traditional men’s tailoring and sewed costumes. After immigrating to the US, she continued her education by participating in teacher training courses and adult education evenings that Kimberton offered throughout the years, and additionally became a member of the first Kimberton Foundation Studies Group. Both my children were at KWS 1-12. Having been a Waldorf student myself, a parent and now a teacher has informed my understanding of this education. I am witness to the confidence and maturity that the students achieve during their years here. 
 
“Like for everyone, there is always something new to learn. The students learn with my guidance, but I am also inspired by new ideas that they bring to me. 
In addition I enjoy making connections with other crafters and artists to share what I know and to explore something new."  -Iris Fried

Raymonde Fried

Raymond teaches Eurythmy and Drama, and has been at KWS for 22 years.  She received her Certificate in Curative Education from Camphill Rudolf Steiner Schools, in Aberdeen, Scotland.  Additionally, Raymond received her Eurythmy Diploma in 1978 and has continued master classes and programs in both the United States and Switzerland. 

“What I like best about teaching at KWS is working with the adolescents, trying to engage them in this unique art form/Eurythmy, and helping the students develop their own voice(s)!” –Raymond Fried

Bob Godshall

Bob works in the Maintenance department and has been at KWS for 12 years. 
“What I like best about working at KWS is the family-type atmosphere.” –Bob Godshall

Miriam Greiser

Miriam was a class teacher at Kimberton before joining the school's early childhood faculty.  She received her BA in Waldorf Education from the University of Plymouth in England, and also has received special training in bio-dynamics and beekeeping. 

“I love watching the children play on our beautiful campus, especially in the spring when the magnolia trees are in bloom!  I can feel a carefree and innocent joy in the children as they explore, and work, both outside and inside the classroom.  The happiness and openness with which the children approach learning makes it a joy and privilege to teach them.” –Miriam Greiser 

Hezi Haut

Hezi teaches Physics and Math at KWS, and has been at the school since 2005. He received a BS in Mechanical Engineering and a BS in Software Engineering from the Technion Israel Technical Institute in Haifa, Israel. Additionally, he received his Masters in Science Management from the New York Polytechnic University, and his Waldorf High School Teacher Training certification from the Center for Anthroposophy in Wilton, NH. 
 
“What I like best about teaching at KWS is working with students, colleagues, and parents that create an environment that supports true learning, and of course teaching on our beautiful campus.“ –Hezi Haut

John Holmes

John is the Eurythmy instructor at KWS and has been at the school for seventeen years following an additional seventeen years of teaching in England. He received his Diploma in Eurythmy and Therapeutic Eurythmy from the London School of Eurythmy. 

“What I like best about teaching at Kimberton Waldorf School: A K-12 school with open spaces; a strong and supportive faculty and parent body; children who are ready to learn.” –John Holmes

Therese Hubbell, White Rose Kindergarten teacher, was previously the lead Kindergarten teacher for the Mountain Oak School, a Waldorf charter school in Arizona. Therese has many years experience as a lead Waldorf Kindergarten teacher, beginning in 1988. She holds her Waldorf Early Childhood Education Training and Certification. Therese also holds a B.A. in Alternative Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education  from Prescott College.

Therese grew up on a forty acre farm in Idaho, where she developed a deep love and appreciation for nature. In her early twenties she began to help out in a Waldorf based school near her hometown, and was hooked.  She soon began her Waldorf Early Childhood training, and has been teaching ever since.

Kevin Hughes

Kevin has spent 26 years at Kimberton, where he teaches Drawing and Painting to grades six through twelve, History Through Architecture, and History Through Art. He received his BS in Environmental Science from the University of Michigan, and studied Filmmaking at the University of Colorado. Additionally, Kevin has received a Certificate in Waldorf Education from Waldorf Institute of Mercy College, and a Certificate in Holistic Health Counseling from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Kevin’s art training comes from Rudolf Steiner College, where he studied Art and Goethean Science, and the Tobias College of Art. 
 
“What I like best: the students, and being able to participate in an education that truly nurtures young people to develop capacities for life.” -Kevin Hughes

Chinyelu Kunz

Chinyelu teaches Parent-Child Classes and Pre-School at KWS, and has been at the school for six years. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from the New York Institute of Technology, and her Master of Fine Arts from California Polytechnic University in Pomona, California. Chinyelu has also received Waldorf Training in Early Childhood, and works with LifeWays to develop healthy childcare, parent-infant and parent-child programs, and training programs for caregivers, parents, and parent educators. 

“What I like best about teaching at KWS is the amazing children, the wonderful colleagues, the beautiful campus, and the incredible curriculum.” –Chinyelu Kunz

Peter Lehman

Peter is a class teacher for grades one through eight, and has been at Kimberton Waldorf School since 1977.   He received his BA from Millersville University and his MA from Adelphi University in New York. 

“It is important to me that I can teach out of an understanding of the developing human being that allows for a real connection and a deeper relationship with the children and their parents.” –Peter Lehman

Tjitske Lehman

Tjitske teaches handwork in the first grades and has been at the school for over 25 years. 

 “I love my subject and the children!” –Tjitske Lehman

Gerry LoDolce

Gerry teaches various science subjects, sports and games, and educational support. He received his BA in Elementary Education, Early Secondary Science Education and Biology from The State University of New York Cortland, his MA in Liberal Studies from The State University of New York at Stoneybrook, and an additional MA in Waldorf Education from Adelphi University. Gerry also has Level Three Spacial Dynamics training and his Remedial Teacher Training Certificate. 

“I like working with our experienced and knowledgeable faculty, and the beautiful facilities and land that surrounds us.” –Gerry LoDolce

Carmen Maciarello

Carmen is a class teacher and is in her ninth year at Kimberton. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Bard College at Simon’s Rock, and Master of Education in Waldorf Education from Sunbridge College. 
 
"What I like best about teaching at KWS is singing, laughing, and sharing with the children!” –Carmen Maciarello

Celia Martin

Celia is in her third year teaching Gardening and Botany at Kimberton Waldorf School. She studied Agricultural Education at Penn State, Foundation Studies, and additionally completed a one-year training course in Biodynamics at the Pfeiffer Center. 
 
“I love my job and I am doing what I have always wanted to do. This community has a unique appreciation for agriculture and the natural world. I enjoy the great sense of community here and the way people are so willing to support the garden program.” –Celia Martin

Eileen O’Meacham

Eileen is an assistant at the Rosebud Children’s Garden and Saturday Parent/Child Lead teacher. She has been at the school for eight months. Eileen attended Antioch University where she earned her BA in English Literature and Elementary Education training. Additionally, she received her Waldorf Teacher Training in 2009 from Antioch University New England Graduate School, and is a regular WECAN Early Childhood Conference attendee. 
 
“KWS Early Childhood is a dynamic environment due to our physical environment and to each teacher’s dedication to Waldorf Early Childhood Pedagogy. I enjoy witnessing KWS EC preservation of childhood in our curriculum: care for self and others, free-play held classrooms, practical arts, i.e. baking, cleaning, chopping etc., fine arts such as water color painting, love of nature, and preparing each child for abstract thought needed in our grades program. I appreciate KWS’s dedicated faculty to Waldorf Pedagogy and each family’s courage to support healthy human development.” –Eileen O’Meacham

Lael Rasch

Lael is the Admissions Coordinator and has been at the school since the fall of 2010.  Her two children, now in the 5th and 8th grades, have attended KWS since kindergarten and first grade.  Lael, also a Waldorf graduate, received her BA in Health Arts from Goddard College, and additionally got her MA in Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy from Saybrook Graduate School.  She has completed special apprenticeship training in Biodynamic and Organic Horticulture, and obtained a certificate in Natural Health and Direct-entry Midwifery. 

Lael also works as a doula and homebirth midwifery assistant, runs a 200-member Biodynamic Community Supported Agricultural Program at Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, and serves as Admissions Director at Camphill Village Kimberton Hills. 

“What I like best is hearing the children sing in the mornings, touring through bright and cheerful classrooms, and working with inspiring and talented faculty and staff.” 

Susan Schwaneflugel

Susan teaches German to the Lower School and has been at KWS for two years.  She received her PhD from the University of Pennsylvania, MA from the University of Delaware, Bachelor of Music from the Oberlin Conservatory, and Bachelor of Arts from Oberlin College. 

“I love seeing the young children learn a foreign language so quickly and joyfully at KWS.  Our approach to educating the whole child here also feeds the whole of myself as a teacher and a spiritual being.  We also work so collaboratively and supportively as colleagues, it is truly unique!”  -Susan Schwaneflugel  

Elisabeth Tarsio

Elisabeth is a Class Teacher and has been at KWS for five years. She received her Bachelor’s of Music, focused in voice and clarinet, from Erane School of Music, and her Master’s of Elementary Education from Sunbridge College. 

“There are many reasons I like teaching at KWS, but one is the gentle calling of cows mooing that wafts through the school grounds. I can’t imagine a more exquisite setting in which to learn.” –Elisabeth Tarsio

Laura Turner

Laura teaches Spanish, and in her 27 years at the school, has also taught lower school games.  She received her BA in Spanish and Elementary Education Certification from Rutgers University, and Special Education Certification at the Master’s Level from West Chester University.  Laura additionally has five years of training in Spacial Dynamics. 

“I loved having my children here, but better are the strong connections to the students and families that have endured.  I also feel that our students give so much to the world because of this education.” –Laura Turner

Dirk Wahanik

Dirk teaches Math and has been at KWS for five years. He received his BS and MS form Penn State University in Agricultural and Biological Engineering. Additionally, Dirk received his High School Teacher Training from Rudolf Steiner College in Sacramento, California. 

“What I like best about teaching at KWS: the kids and my colleagues.” –Dirk Wahanik

Esther Walsh

Esther teaches music to the first through fifth grade, and has been at KWS for twelve years. She received a BS and BM from Temple University in Music and Music Education. Esther also received a Masters in Waldorf Music Education from Sunbridge College, and received extensive training in Music Therapy. 
 
“The children are absolutely beautiful and unique human beings. We are given the freedom as teachers to bring what they need every year in our curriculum. This is exciting, creative, challenging, and inspiring.” –Esther Walsh

Allyn Weiser

Allyn is a member of the Governing Team and the Business Manager at KWS, and has been at the school for four years. She received a BS in Medical Technology from Cedar Crest College, an MBA for Weidner University, and taken special Foundation Courses in Anthropology. 
 
“The community and environment inspires me to strive to do my best and constantly study and practice to further development spiritually and intellectually.”–Allyn Weiser

Kim Wolfram

Kim is the Kimberton Waldorf Schools’ yearbook advisor, and has been at the school for nine years. Kim owns and operates L&W Group, a graphic design and printing company located in Spring City, PA. 
 
“I enjoy the opportunity to work with the students in creating their yearbook memories.” –Kim Wolfram

Alan Wright

Alan teaches Woodworking and Blacksmithing and is going into his tenth year at KWS. He received his BA in Sculpture from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and studied Jewelry Design at the Minneapolis Technical Institute. Alan also has training in Astrological Consultation and Yoga. 
 
"The students are so open and well-prepared for my classes by the time they start them in fifth grade. Also, the people who staff and teach at the school are just the BEST!!” –Alan Wright

Anna Zay

Anna teaches History, Government, and is the Director of College Guidance at KWS. She received her BA form Haverford College, and her Masters of Education from Antioch University New England Graduate School. Anna’s Waldorf Teacher Certification was received from the Center for Anthroposophical Studies. She has been at Kimberton Waldorf School for eleven years. 
 
“What I like best about teaching at KWS: the students!”-Anna Zay