Jessica (Caplan) Bird with Class Teacher Peter Lehman, early 1990s
Tell us about your journey since KWS.
As a longtime Waldorf child, family and now parent of Waldorf children, I have nothing but the fondest memories at KWS. I was lucky enough to attend KWS from Kindergarten thru 4th grade, most of those years spent with the one and only Peter Lehman. After graduation I made my way to Kutztown University as an undergrad, then transferring to Art school in Philadelphia where I received my Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design. I was lucky enough to get a job right out of college albeit not the most creative design position, I secured a position at Blank Rome LLC, a Law Firm in Philadelphia.
After getting married, buying a house and deciding to start our family, I decided that commuting to Philadelphia daily was taking its toll on me and I was thankfully able to stay home for the first few years our daughter was born. I ended up continuing to use my Graphic Design background to help kickstart a new business. I branched off from my family business (my father Rob Caplan manufactures custom window treatments) and I decided to start a retail solution for clients to find the beauty of custom design right from the comfort of their homes. That’s when my husband and I started our current business 3rdGenBlinds. Adding in our youngest daughter in 2018, at this point we had quite the busy household… a new business and two toddlers under 4. That might sound like the end of our story, but we truly feel like that’s where it all began.
Is there a particular memory from your time at KWS that stands out?
I have the most incredible memories at KWS. From dancing around the Maypole, to our 3rd Grade field trip to Seven stars where we got to spend the night with our classmates, rise and shine with the early morning sun, milk the cows, those are just some experiences that you get at KWS that you cannot find anywhere else.
You’re helping plan this year’s Spring Benefit, the Starlight Soiree. What drew you back to the school and to help with this event, in particular?
I was honored to be asked to donate my time to help create the magic of this year’s Spring Benefit, The Starlight Soiree. I knew I wanted to be more involved this year than my schedule has allowed in the past, so when I was asked to join one of the many committees putting together this outstanding event, I had to say yes! My mother (Susan Caplan – for those of you who may remember her) who has since passed, was once a highly dedicated member of our dear Waldorf community, so I feel like this helps center me and guide me to give in ways she used to give to our school. I still remember a beautiful wooden rocking horse that my parents brought home from one of the annual spring benefits when I was about 7. It was a staple in our home and one of the most memorable pieces we owned.
What would you like to tell current KWS Students?
To this day, I have such pleasant memories from KWS. From the beautiful friendships that were formed to the connections with teachers and faculty that still remain today, I think my most memorable take-away was the people I met along the way. You may not realize it now, however, you are sharing a bond, a connection and a lifestyle that will always guide you home. This is Waldorf Education. This is Kimberton Waldorf School. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of the next generation of Waldorf families.
Pictured: Jess, Stephen, Zoey and Calista (and baby #3 due in late July ’24)
