The people you are trusting with your child.

Ask any parent what they most want to know about a school, and it comes down to two things: who will actually teach my child, and who decides how the place is run. WSSD’s answer to both is unusually reassuring — an experienced, deeply credentialed faculty, and a school led by the people closest to the classroom.

At WSSD, that is not a slogan. Most of our teachers hold both a university degree and a separate, multi-year Waldorf teaching qualification. Most have been here longer than a decade. The school is governed not by a single principal but by the faculty, the board, and the administration together — by deliberate design.

In brief

Two halves to one question.

Who teaches my child, and who decides how this school is run? Both questions matter, both have honest answers on this page — in that order, because the people in the classroom matter most.

Our faculty

Teachers who chose this work, and trained for it.

A fair question about any school is who, exactly, is in the classroom. At WSSD, the answer is reassuring. Our teachers hold degrees from universities around the world — and, on top of those degrees, the specialist Waldorf teacher training that most have pursued for years. Many have been with the school for more than two decades.

That combination matters. Waldorf teaching is not a default — it is a deliberate craft, studied and practised. A WSSD class teacher does not simply deliver a year’s curriculum; they come to know a child over years, and bring an unusual depth of training to that relationship.

Early Childhood

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Peggy Waterhouse

EC Chair Coordinator & Faculty Chair

Coming soon.
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Mayra Sandelin

Rosemary Kindergarten Teacher

Ms. Mayra graduated from the Waldorf Teaching Program in San Diego in 2011. She earned her teaching degree and worked for five years as an elementary school teacher in Nicaragua.

Ms. Mayra joined the WSSD Early Childhood team in 2003.

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Aminta Penman

Periwinkle Kindergarten Teacher

Ms. Aminta has been an Early Childhood Teacher for over 26 years. She joined WSSD in 2004 and has served as Parent-Child Teacher, Teacher Assistant and Co-Teacher. She is currently the lead Teacher for Periwinkle Kindergarten. Ms. Aminta holds a degree in Education and has completed her Waldorf Teacher Training.

A native Spanish speaker, she incorporates Spanish into her classroom experience. Ms. Aminta seeks to make changes in the world by connecting with children and supporting them in their discovery of their own unique destiny.

Ms. Aminta enjoys cooking, hiking, nature and spending time with her family.

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Tatiana Regan

Periwinkle Kindergarten Support Teacher

Ms. Tatiana was born and raised in Santiago de Cali, Colombia, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a concentration in Social Studies. She has participated in many Waldorf workshops and started her Waldorf Teacher Training in 2023 with Formacion Waldorf Colombia.

She holds a Multiple Subject California Teaching Credential and a Child Development Site Supervisor Permit.

Ms. Tatiana joined WSSD in 2021.

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Isabelle Adame

Lead Extended Care Teacher

Ms. Isabelle joined WSSD in 2017.
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Amorino Mirenda

Early Childhood Support Teacher

Amorino is a dedicated educator with a passion for nurturing the development of children’s minds, bodies, and spirits. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Grand Canyon University and brings a well-rounded perspective to teaching, blending formal training with practical experience. Growing up in Tehachapi, CA, she has always felt a deep connection to nature. Her experiences fuel her commitment to creating a positive, holistic learning experience, empowering children to reach their full potential while cultivating a lifelong love for learning and the environment.

With experience as both a Montessori teacher and an educated nanny, she has honed a diverse skill set that focuses on creating enriching environments that support each child’s individual growth.

In addition to teaching, she is an avid runner, training for both full and half marathons, which reinforces her commitment to personal growth and discipline. As a PADI certified diver with a passion for hiking and entomology, she enjoys exploring nature, fostering a deep respect for the environment and all living creatures. With a passion for lifelong learning and personal growth, she strives to inspire those she teaches, guiding them to reach their fullest potential while fostering a love for learning and the environment.

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Christine Keresztes-Nagy

Sweet Pea Nursery Teacher

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth.
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Sheila Salmeron

Sunflower Teacher

Ms. Sheila has a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Psychology and a Master of Arts. She is enrolled in the Waldorf teacher training program while working with us as a kindergarten assistant.

Ms. Sheila was born by the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea in Southern Spain and loves traveling.

Ms. Sheila joined WSSD in 2015.

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Lori McGrath

Lilac Kindergarten Teacher

Teacher Lori grew up amongst the corn fields and woods of Pennsylvania. She graduated from Kutztown University with her Bachelors degree in Psychology before moving to California.

Teacher Lori joined the Waldorf movement in 2006 as a parent when she and her daughter enrolled in a parent child class at the Sanderling Waldorf School. Since then she completed her Waldorf Early Childhood Teaching Certificate from Sophia’s Hearth in New Hampshire and was a lead kindergarten teacher at Sanderling before coming to WSSD.

Teacher Lori loves spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys nature, traveling and practicing yoga.

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Leticia Ortega

Sunflower Support Teacher

Ms. Leticia received her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood from Cal State Los Angeles and is a graduate of the Waldorf Institute of Southern California (WISC).

Ms. Leticia has been an early childhood educator for over 23 years in mainstream, as well as private schools in Los Angeles and San Diego County.

Ms. Leticia has been with WSSD since 2006.

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Angela Sarich

Morning Glory Teacher

Teacher Angela holds a B.A. in Psychology with minors in Art and Philosophy from Antioch University, where she is currently pursuing her graduate studies. She studied for four years for her Waldorf Teaching Certificate at the Waldorf Institute of Southern California.

She taught at Spirit Mountain School, where she served as the gardening teacher and led a combined first and second grade class for three years. She and her son became part of the WSSD community in 2019, and shortly thereafter, she began working in the Early Childhood program, where her nurturing presence and artistic spirit continue to shine. Since then she has become our Morning Glory Parent Child/Caregiver teacher.

Having lived in Hawai‘i for over twenty years, Teacher Angela brings a deep connection to the land and culture. She finds joy in surfing, hiking, camping, and practicing Hula, and has a special interest in Hawaiian mythology and music. A lifelong philanthropist, Angela is also devoted to caring for elders in the comfort of their homes—an extension of her commitment to service and community.

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Jen Rice

Early Childhood Support Teacher

Coming soon.
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Rachel Holland

EC Substitute Support Teacher

Coming soon.
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Susana Reynoso Pelitteri

Rosemary Kindergarten Support Teacher

Susana is an Early Childhood assistant teacher. Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, she arrived in San Diego, California, in 2015. In Mexico, she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Human Resources and worked for many years as a recruiter and headhunter for companies in her hometown. After moving to San Diego, her life took a new turn when she had the opportunity to work at a Montessori preschool for six years; however, it was not until 2020 that she discovered the Waldorf methodology and became completely captivated by it. She sought a position at a Waldorf school to work with children and apply her knowledge of this approach, and she is currently training to become a Waldorf teacher. She greatly enjoys working with children, relaxing at the beach, and doing crafts.
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Iliana Ramos

EC Substitute Assistant | Shuttle Driver

Coming soon.

Lower School

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Sherina Walker

Grade 1 Teacher

Ms. Walker has a Master of Arts degree in Reading and Language Arts along with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Multiple Subject Certificate, and a Reading Specialist Credential. She also completed the Waldorf Institute of Southern California program (WISC).

Ms. Walker enjoys reading, handwork, and spending time with her two daughters and her four-legged babies.

Ms. Walker joined WSSD in 2004.

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Shea St. John

Grade 2 and Grade 3 Teacher | Grades Co-Chair

Shea Saint John is a Certified Waldorf Teacher who is passionate, experienced, and dedicated. She began her training in Upstate New York while she was raising bees and biodynamic vegetables, and completed her K-8 training at The Waldorf Institute of Southern California.

Shea also has a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, cum laude, which scaffolds a multi-facetted understanding of children’s developmental stages from birth to Grade Three. Her foundation in the Curative Education coursework adds to her toolbox to guide all children successfully and empathetically. She recently graduated from Antioch University New England with her Master’s degree in Waldorf Education. She focused her studies on the M.Ed in Transdisciplinary Studies on Healing Education (TSHE). A graduate program held in conjunction with Camphill, USA.

Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her five children (ages 9 to 29) one son-in law, and one grandson, camping, hiking and being outdoors. Her three youngest children will be students at WSSD. Shea also enjoys many practical arts, skiing, and traveling.

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Nicole Martinez

Grade 4 Teacher

Nicole Martinez began her journey into Waldorf education over 20 years ago with the formation of WISC in San Diego. She took a break to study herbalism and returned to WISC to complete her certificate in 2013. Her background is in graphic design and art. She holds a Masters degree and K-8 California teaching credential from University of Phoenix and a single subject credential in art. She has taught for 11 years at Sparrow Academy, a Public Waldorf school in La Mesa CA, and is passionate about making Waldorf education accessible to all.

She loves to visit the ocean, rivers and waterfalls. She paints in her free time and practices regular meditation.

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Anna Masters

Grade 5 Teacher

Anna Masters is currently completing her Master of Education at Antioch University, with an emphasis in Mindfulness. She previously completed the Waldorf three-year teacher training with WISC and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary Education, and Teaching from National University.
Her work in Waldorf early childhood education began at WSSD, where she served as a kindergarten assistant from 2009–2011. From 2011–2015, she founded and operated her own outdoor, Waldorf-inspired mixed-age kindergarten, called Eartheart School, from her home. In 2015, Ms. Masters joined Sanderling Waldorf School as a kindergarten teacher, and in 2018 she returned to WSSD—first teaching in kindergarten and later moving into the grades.

Ms. Masters completed a certified mindfulness training with Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield in 2023 and a Waldorf Therapeutic Movement training in 2018 with Dr. Adam Blanning, Nancy Blanning, and Laurie Clark. She completed Associate level reading intervention training from the Orton Gillingham Association in 2025.

Her connection to WSSD is also personal: her son, who began in the parent-tot program, graduated from the 8th grade in 2021.

She brings a deep love of stories, singing, and nature to her work with children.

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Elyse Stussi

Grade 6 Teacher

Ms. Stussi brings over two decades of experience to her role as a Waldorf educator. She holds a Master of Arts in Education from George Washington University, with a specialization in teaching English Language Learners, and is certified in Educational Support through the Association for Healing Education. Her Waldorf teacher training was completed in both Brazil through FEWB and Washington, D.C., through the Nova Institute.

Before becoming a class teacher in 2009, Ms. Stussi served as an Educational Support teacher at WSSD, offering Extra Lesson classes. Her earlier Waldorf teaching experience includes working as both an English and Educational Support teacher at a small Waldorf school in Brazil, her paternal homeland.

Ms. Stussi’s connection to Waldorf education is lifelong. She was a student at the Washington Waldorf School and later returned to the community as a parent, enrolling her son in Parent-Tot classes at Acorn Hill Waldorf School. Her son now carries on the tradition as a Woodwork teacher at WSSD.

Ms. Stussi joined WSSD in 2008.

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Deirdre Logue

Grade 7 Teacher & Middle School Math Teacher

Ms. Logue has over 22 years of experience and began her journey at Harriet Tubman Village Charter School in San Diego.

Ms. Logue earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Notre Dame and received her teaching credentials at Chapman University. Ms. Logue also holds a California multiple subject credential.

Ms. Logue enjoys hiking, reading, artistic endeavors, gardening, travel, and laughter.

Ms. Logue joined WSSD in 2019.

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Veronica Connaughton

Board Member and Grades Teacher

Ms. Connaughton has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of San Diego, California, and a California Teaching Credential and Master of Arts Degree in Special Education from National University. She also graduated from the Waldorf Teacher Training program.

Ms. Connaughton joined WSSD in 2008 and has taught in early childhood and grades 1-8. Since 2022 she has been pursuing professional development in trauma informed education with the global humanitarian organization Notfallpadagogik (Emergency Pedagogy).

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Teri Antti

Grades Substitute Support Teacher

Miss Teri has a BA in Human Development and an AA in Early Childhood Education. She also has been a professional musician since she was 14. She is a public speaker on adoption and foster care and has been involved in child abuse prevention for over thirty years. She completed her Waldorf Certification in 2021 and is committed to making Waldorf Education accessible to all.

When she is not working, she can be found hiking! Most importantly, she is a proud mother of four daughters!

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Allie Connaughton

Grades, Classroom Assistant

My name is Allie Connaughton, I work as an art teacher and a grades assistant teacher at WSSD. During the day you will find me going from class to class helping with what is needed or drawing something on the entryway chalkboard.

I began my Waldorf journey as a preschool student at WSSD and went through to 12th grade. I am currently studying art therapy at the Kairos Institute, and traumatology at the Parzival Center. I have been working at WSSD for four years. My favorite part of Waldorf education are the class plays and camping trips. I also love all the beauty and art that fills the school. I love painting and creating art in my free time. Whenever I can, I volunteer as an emergency teacher and go to crises around the world offering trauma informed education and healing art experiences. My favorite thing about traveling to new places is listening to languages. One day I hope to learn at least one word in every language so I can speak with everyone I meet.

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Taylor Knode

Grade 1 Support Teacher

Ms. Taylor was born and raised in San Diego! She graduated with her degree in Elementary Education and is currently working on her Waldorf Teacher Certification through the Waldorf Institute of Southern California. She also has over ten years of teaching in preschool classes.

Ms. Taylor loves the beach, reading books, and spending time with her children.

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CJ McGrady

Grades Assistant | Extended Care Lead

Ms. McGrady attended the University of Oklahoma and has a background in Dental Technology.

She relocated to San Diego from New Jersey in 2014 and enjoys collecting rocks and minerals, as well as volunteering at Las Colinas Detention & Reentry Facility in Santee.

She joined the WSSD community in 2015.

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Madeleine Mortier

Grade 4 Classroom Assistant | Extended Care Assistant

Coming soon.

High School

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Angelie Ryah

Gardening Teacher

I have the honor of being the Garden Teacher at WSSD since February 2026. I discovered Rudolph Steiner's writings several years ago through a good friend, and from there learned about Waldorf education and Biodynamic farming. It has fascinated me ever since! One of the many things I appreciate about Waldorf is the intentional weaving of "head, heart, and hands" -- academic subjects embodied through music, art, eurythmy, gardening and woodwork. What a beautiful, whole-person way to learn! The educational background I bring to this role includes a biomedical engineering degree (Purdue University), a Master of Divinity (Bethel University), and a slew of certifications: Spiritual Director (North Park Seminary), Master Gardener (University of Minnesota), Enneagram Instructor (Olive Branchways), Eco-Spiritual Guide (Seminary of the Wild Earth), Contemplative Group Leader (Shalem Institute). Fun fact: as a rock climbing instructor I was known by a number of nicknames like Rock Sprite, Climbing Goddess, and Bulldog.
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Jeremiah Johnson

High School Co-Chair, Math and Industrial Arts Teacher

Jeremiah Johnson has a Master of Arts in Math Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics.

Jeremiah is an Iowa native who has had previous experience in teaching, coaching, farming, and carpentry. He has grown to love San Diego with his wife and three daughters. Jeremiah has interests in gardening, sports, and reading and has ambitions to ride in a hot air balloon someday.

Jeremiah joined WSSD in 2018.

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Nathan Wilcox

High School Co-Chair, Humanities Teacher & Play Director

Mr. Wilcox has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Pomona College in Claremont, California, and Jesus College in Cambridge, England. He completed his Waldorf High School teacher training in literature at Rudolf Steiner College. He is a founding teacher of our high school.

Mr. Wilcox joined WSSD in 2006.

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Maria Drogari

Math Teacher | High School Co-Chair

Maria Drogari has a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Patras, Greece, with a focus on statistics, probability, and operations research, and a Master’s degree in Education, Leadership and Policy in Education from the University of Bristol, England.

Maria teaches mathematics in middle and high school and serves as High School Co-Chair. Her goal at WSSD is to nurture curiosity, creativity, and genuine engagement with learning by helping students understand the ideas behind the formulas, make connections to the world around them, and become more confident in their mathematical thinking.

Outside of school, Maria enjoys baking, playing tennis, and spending time outdoors.

Maria joined WSSD in 2021.

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Chelaine Kokos

Eurythmy and Life Skills Teacher

Ms. Kokos has a Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Education, Outdoor Recreation and Land Management, with an emphasis in Youth Programming from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She received her Eurythmy diploma from Sound Circle Eurythmy. She also completed her Waldorf Teacher Training with WISC, San Diego.

She has performed in the United States, Mexico, and Europe. Ms. Kokos enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors.

Ms. Kokos joined WSSD in 2016.

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Anthony Thomas

Athletics Teacher | Head of MS and HS Afterschool Athletics

Coach Thomas has his certification in Spacial Dynamics from the Spacial Dynamics Institute. He was born and raised in City Heights, and athletics have always been a part of his life.

When he’s not being the Waldorf High School Athletic teacher, he enjoys reading Walter Mosley and listening to Louis Armstrong.

Coach Thomas joined WSSD in 2012.

Subject Teachers

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Lena Paccione

Biology Teacher

Ms. Hector has a Master and Bachelor of Education in Biology and Physical Education from the University of Kaiserlautern, Germany. She obtained a German teaching credential and has worked in Germany and Peru as a High School Science Teacher.

Her goal at WSSD is to instill a passion for science by designing purposeful and meaningful lessons that promote creative thinking and problem solving that relate to the students’ everyday lives.

In San Diego, she fell in love with the outdoor activities California has to offer and enjoys pursuing many of her passions such as hiking, climbing, skiing, surfing and chasing sunsets.

Ms. Hector joined WSSD in 2022.

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Andrea Crozier

Art Teacher

Ms. Crozier was born in a Chilean mining town located on the slopes of the Andes mountains. She began her fine arts education in high school at Interlochen Arts Academy and later graduated from Alfred University with a fine arts degree. She returned home to Chile and worked at Colegio Waldorf San Francisco de Limache Waldorf school, teaching English as a world language to grades 1-8 for six years. She then moved to Sacramento, California and studied at Rudolf Steiner College, taking Foundation Studies and Teacher Training. From there, she headed back to New York and worked at The Garden City Waldorf School, teaching fiber Arts to grades 7- 12 and History through Architecture for four years. She most recently taught art at WSOC High School and Spanish to grades 1-4 at WSOC.

Ms. Crozier joined WSSD in 2023.

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Allyson Kennett

Humanities Teacher | Ed Support Teacher

Ms. Kennett received her Bachelor’s degree in English, Psychology and German from the University of San Diego and her Master’s degree in English Literature from Queen Mary University of London.

Beginning in 2004 as an English and German tutor, she has worked at all levels of education from teaching at a German immersion preschool in San Diego, to teaching high school English in the heart of Dallas and undergraduate English courses in San Diego. In 2015, as she was deciding where to send her first child for preschool, she began reading about Waldorf education and fell in love with the whole person approach to learning. This led to years of research into and practical application of Steiner’s philosophies with her own children.

When Ms. Kennett is not teaching she enjoys cooking, hiking, reading and spending time with her husband and three children. After many years of traveling and experiencing all stages of teaching, she looks forward to being part of the WSSD community as both an educator and a parent.

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Louie Shannon

Grade 2 Classroom Assistant | Extended Care Assistant

Coming soon.
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Joaquin Chavez

Woodworking Teacher | Extended Care Assistant

Joaquin’s first love for woodworking came from the depths of his grandfather’s basement workshop where elder and younger would collaborate on projects born of Joaquin’s imagination and tempered by Grandpa’s expertise.

Joaquin attended WSSD from early childhood through grade 6. He then attended the Sacramento Waldorf School where he graduated from high school. He returned to San Diego and attended Grossmont College and worked in WSSD’s aftercare and summer camp programs. After several years assisting in the woodworking program, he became the lead teacher.

Joaquin is presently completing his Waldorf woodwork teacher credential through the WISC program.

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Kenia Estrada

Grades Spanish Teacher

Ms. Estrada is a passionate Spanish teacher from Mexico, with Spanish as her native language. She graduated from college in Mexico, where her love for languages began. She has also worked as a Spanish language assistant in France, gaining valuable experience in language teaching and cultural exchange.

Teaching is both a vocation and a passion. She finds it incredibly rewarding to help students discover the beauty of the Spanish language and its rich cultural heritage. With a student-centered approach, she creates an engaging, supportive environment that encourages learners to build confidence and fluency.

Ms. Estrada joined WSSD in 2024.

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Sara Gomes

Games Teacher

Ms. Gomes has a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies from San Francisco State University. She also has her certification in Spacial Dynamics from the Spacial Dynamics Institute.

Ms. Gomes joined WSSD in 2004.

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Johanna Laurelin

Eurythmy and Orchestra Teacher

Ms. Laurelin is co-director of The Waldorf Institute of Southern California and attended University in Hamburg.

She is a widely acclaimed eurythmist who performs with stage groups in Europe and the U.S.

Ms. Laurelin joined WSSD in 2002.

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Bianca Rennick

Handwork Teacher | Grades Co-Chair

Ms. Rennick has a bachelor’s degree in Art and her teaching certification from the Waldorf Practical Arts program. Over the past several years, she has taught handwork in the classroom, and more recently, she has worked with homeschool families and done private instruction.
As a lover of all things fiber, some of her favorite hobbies include knitting and working with plant dyes. She also loves dancing and spending time with her family.

Ms. Rennick joined WSSD in 2021.

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Lyudmila Rockett

Music Teacher

Ms. Rockett received her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education, her Master of Arts degree in Choir Management and has extensive training in Orff and Kodaly methods.

She was born and raised in the Southern region of Russia. She loves to learn and enrich her knowledge in music pedagogy and is an active member of the San Diego American Orff Schulwerk Association.

Ms. Rockett joined WSSD in 2008.

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Sean Stussi

Woodworking Teacher | Extended Care Assistant

Mr. Sean began his Waldorf journey as a student at Acorn Hill Waldorf in Maryland, then to the Washington Waldorf School for kindergarten. His elementary school years were spent at the Cecilia Meireles Waldorf School, in Brazil. In 2008, Mr.Sean joined WSSD to complete middle school.

For his High school and college years, Mr. Sean studied automotive repair and modifications acquiring many certificates along the way, such as transmission and engine rebuilding, forced induction systems, suspension and alignment, electronics, breaks, and many more.

Mr. Sean joined the WSSD staff in 2018 to help in aftercare and assist the Woodworking classes.

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Emilia Sumelius-Buescher

Costume Design | High School Practical Arts | Grades Support

Ms. Sumelius-Buescher was born in Finland. She attended Waldorf schools there as well as the U.S. She studied physical theater, ensemble creation, and mask-making at the Dell’ Arte International School of Physical Theater.

She has taught children seasonal crafts, physical theater, and mask-making,

Ms. Sumelius-Buescher joined WSSD in 2018.

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Bryan Whelan

Jazz Band Teacher

Mr. Whelan studied jazz and classical music theory at San Diego State University and is also a professional guitarist.

He has performed in a variety of professional groups and recently spent two months performing in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Mr. Whelan joined WSSD in 2008.

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Erick Valdez

Spanish Teacher

Profe Valdez has a BS in Economics and is certified as a Math teacher by the State of California. Erick has taught Spanish, Latin American History and Mathematics in California for more than 22 years, 11 of those years in Waldorf schools. He is an advocate for Waldorf education, and among other things, has been class sponsor and faculty liaison or sponsor of clubs including Amnesty International, Environmental, chess and soccer. During his years teaching at Waldorf schools, Profe Valdez has attended countless seminars and conferences including one (of three) summer intensives of the Waldorf credential program for teaching world languages.

Profe Valdez enjoys futbol soccer, specially the European leagues, reading books on Latin American history, watching and reading news, enjoying walks along the beach and mountains, gardening, cooking and the gym are also present, time allowing it. Spending time with his son, now an adult working in Minnesota, whenever possible, is his most valuable time.

Profe comes to San Diego, after working in San Francisco, the East Bay, San Jose, and Los Angeles. He has lived, worked and studied, also in his native Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Central-Northern Europe.

Integrative Student Support

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Elizabeth Heald

Education Support Teacher

Ms. Elizabeth completed her Waldorf teacher training through the Waldorf Institute of Southern California. She graduated from Middlebury College in Vermont with majors in Environmental Studies and Spanish as well as a Master of Arts degree in Education.

Ms. Elizabeth grew up in a family of teachers among the avocado trees of Fallbrook, CA.

Ms. Elizabeth joined the WSSD Early Childhood team in 2013.

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Tiffany Houston

Integrative Student Support

I have been part of the WSSD community for the past four years, both as a parent and as a staff member. I currently work in the Ed-Support Department, which gives me the opportunity to support children and families in different ways throughout the school. Being able to be part of the school in both of these roles is something I feel very grateful for.

My love for Waldorf started with my own children. My daughters attended a Waldorf school in Costa Rica, and I fell in love with it almost immediately. I remember watching my daughter’s whole body and nervous system relax as soon as she walked through the school doors. I could see how safe and comfortable she felt there, and that really stayed with me.

What I love most about Waldorf is the way it allows children to be children. There is time for play, imagination, movement, creativity, and simply being present. I love that there isn't a rush to grow them up. I also love how deeply the teachers know the children. They see their personalities, their strengths, their challenges, and their individual ways of being in the world. I feel the loving intention behind so much of what happens at school, and it means so much to me as a parent.

My educational background is in Early Childhood and Family Development, and I have two master’s degrees in these areas. My education and my experience as a mom have both shaped the way I see children and the importance of creating spaces where they feel safe, connected, and truly seen.

Outside of WSSD, I own a private yoga business where I work with adults, children, and families. Yoga is a big part of my life, and I love sharing it with others. I also love being outside and near the ocean. I sail, surf, practice yoga, and really enjoy anything that gets me moving and connected to nature.

More than anything, I feel incredibly lucky that my children get to experience this school. I am grateful every day for the teachers who care for them, the community that surrounds us, and the opportunity to be part of a place that values childhood so deeply. WSSD has become such a meaningful part of our family’s life, and I feel very lucky to be here.

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Amanda Womble

Integrative Student Support Counselor | Social/Behavior Support Teacher

Madame Womble received her Diplôme d’Etudes Françaises from l’ Université Paul Cézanne – Aix Marseille III. She is a certified Waldorf World Language teacher. She also completed Biodynamic Gardening Training at Rudolf Steiner College.

She holds three certifications in Aromatherapy, is a certified Master Herbalist, a certified Doula, and is certified in applied nutrition.

Her passions are alternative health care, environmental wellness, social justice, and women’s health. She enjoys traveling and meeting people from lands far and near. She is a volunteer birth assistant for women in need of support who have limited or no financial means.

Madame Womble joined WSSD in 2004.

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Mary Carmichael

Education Support Lead Teacher

Ms. Carmichael has a Bachelor of Arts in Community Health Education from California State University, Chico. She attended the New England Waldorf Teacher Training Institute and completed her studies at Rudolf Steiner College. Mary has also completed the Remedial Education Program through The Association for Healing Education.

She has a strong commitment to her study of and works in anthroposophical medicine.

Ms. Carmichael joined WSSD in 1996. She has taught parent-child and early childhood classes and has taken two classes from grades 1 to 8.

Administration

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Daniel Hindes

Pedagogical Director

Daniel Hindes is the Director of Pedagogy. A child of Waldorf (K-8 at the Rudolf Steiner School in New York City) he had many adventures in the world before returning to Waldorf as a high school teacher in 2004. He has taught history, social studies, economics, art, and history at multiple Waldorf schools before turning to Waldorf school leadership. He served ten years at the Director of a Waldorf school in Colorado before making his way to San Diego. Daniel has a degree in Liberal Arts with concentrations in History and Sociology, a MS in Waldorf Elementary Education, and a Waldorf Certificate in Elementary education. Among his hobbies is translating Rudolf Steiner into English.
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Deborah Tweit

Interim Director of Administration

Ms. Tweit has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland in Special and Elementary Education, a Master’s from San Diego State University in Special Education and has completed additional graduate work at The Claremont Graduate University in the area of Multicultural Education.

Ms. Tweit joined WSSD in 2008.

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Heather Taft

Registrar

Coming soon.
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Ian Cuevas

Communications Manager & Grades Faculty Support

Mr. Ian was born in San Diego, but grew up in Japan, Guam and the Philippines. He has a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology – with an emphasis on Art & Creativity – from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

He has worked with children and in administration in Special Education for 16 years.

At the HS, he has been the advisor for Art Club and taught the Publications elective and Social Justice elective.

During his free time, Ian enjoys spending time with his son and catching up on international soccer. He also dabbles in graphic design and is an avid photographer.

Mr. Ian joined WSSD in 2019.

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Pete Barber

Facilities Manager

Mr. Barber was born in the Los Angeles area however is grateful to call San Diego his home since he was 11 years old.

He currently lives in the Ramona area that offers the sense of nature and wide-open spaces that we love.

Mr. Barber’s favorite past times are traveling, outdoor life, and spending quality time with his family.

Mr. Barber joined WSSD in 2017.

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Candie Harper

Lower School Reception

Ms. Harper was born and raised in Nebraska. She moved to San Diego and had a vibrant career as a Retail Manager- and has a strong background in customer service

Ms. Harper enjoys spending time with and just being in the moment with her grandson. She is very active with her church and youth ministry. In her spare time she can be found hanging with her youth group of 11th and 12th grade girls.

Ms. Harper joined WSSD in 2013.

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Kristin Ferguson Kacirek

High School Reception

Coming soon.
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Jehanne Spriggs

Community Engagement Coordinator

Jehanne is a longtime member of the Waldorf School of San Diego community, having served in a variety of roles since 2005, first as a parent and Board Trustee, then as a member of the administrative team. Over the years, she has supported the school through Tuition Assistance, the International Student Program, and Community Engagement, and now serves as Development and Facilities Manager. In her current role, she works to uphold the school’s mission by nurturing relationships that strengthen community life while supporting development, enrollment, outreach, and the efficient stewardship of the school’s operations and campus.

Both of Jehanne’s children attended WSSD, with her eldest beginning at just one year old and her youngest graduating from the high school in 2025. She was initially drawn to the magic and wonder of Waldorf early childhood education and, over the years, came to deeply appreciate the emotional intelligence, resilience, and strength of character she saw in WSSD graduates.

Jehanne is a trilingual with a BA in International Affairs and Economics from Vesalius College in Brussels, Belgium, and minors in Asian Studies from UC Berkeley and Columbia University.

Outside of school, Jehanne enjoys being barefoot in nature, sailing on the bay, and discovering this new chapter of life as an empty nester alongside her husband.

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Susan Orelli

Business Manager

Coming soon.
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Brian Parker

Facilities Support

Coming soon.

Join us

Teach where children love to learn.

WSSD is hiring — teaching faculty, specialist subject teachers, and support roles. If you are a Waldorf-trained educator (or training toward it) looking for a school that takes the work seriously, we would be glad to hear from you.

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Lower School female student listens intently.
How WSSD is led

Led by the people closest to the classroom.

WSSD is not run from the top down. The school believes that how a community works together matters as much as what is taught — so governance is shared. Teachers, administrators, and trustees each carry real responsibility, and major decisions are made together, by consensus.

It is a deliberate choice. Shared governance is more demanding than a single-principal model — and, WSSD has found, more effective. It keeps the people who know the students best at the center of the decisions that shape their school.

Three spheres, one school

Three groups share the work of leading WSSD — each with a distinct responsibility, brought into one room through the Leadership Council.

Pedagogy

The Pedagogical Group — faculty and staff responsible for the teaching life of the school: curriculum, classroom standards, and the quality of every lesson.

The Board

The Board of Trustees — responsible for the legal and financial health of the school, its strategic plan, and the long view.

Administration

The administrative team — responsible for the day-to-day operations that keep classrooms, campuses, and families running smoothly.

Meet the Board

WSSD’s trustees are parents, alumni parents, and professionals who give their time to the school’s long-term health.

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Sarah Kleven McGann

President and Trustee

Sarah Kleven McGann has her BA from Point Loma Nazarene University (1999) and her JD from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law (2003). After law school, she clerked for the Alaska State Supreme Court in Anchorage Alaska. She has practiced civil and criminal law in Washington D.C. and California. She volunteers with Reading Legacies, a program that allows parents separated by incarceration to connect with their children through reading.

Sarah has been at the Waldorf School of San Diego since 2014 when her oldest child started kindergarten. She now has three children in the grades.

Sarah is an avid reader of fiction and baker of cookies.

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Marie McDonald

Vice President and Trustee

Marie McDonald is a certified Life and Business Coach, certified Integrative Change Worker, public speaker, and creator of the Bloom Your Mind Podcast. She has a BA from UCSD, an MFA in art criticism and conceptual studio art, and 15 years experience as Vice President leading an innovation education company. Marie has led a national company through culture, HR and operational strategy, change management, scaling, founding and leading a headquarters team. She has written and led over 100 retreats and over 500 workshops on topics under the umbrellas of DEI, communication, values driven culture, and leading as a whole human with authenticity and candor.

Most of Marie’s professional work has been centered around using innovation and design thinking to help B-Corp leaders, educators, kids, and now her own clients to envision and create a better world by turning their ideas into real things. She now helps women bring their ideas to life in community through her group program, the Bloom Room.

Marie and her husband Max have been community members for seven years, and have two kids Lux (6) and Luca (10) currently attending the school. They love Waldorf, making music and art, urban homesteading, and finding new bodies of water to swim in together.

Marie volunteers around San Diego to support mental health, female entrepreneurship, sustainability and DEI. She is excited to contribute to the evolution, reinvention, and homecoming of the Board.

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Rozzi Hafner

Secretary and Trustee

Rozzi retired after more than 23 years with AVID Center, a nonprofit educational organization. During her tenure, she created and led both the Events and Editorial departments. In her final role as Director of Editorial and Brand, she oversaw a team of editors and creative professionals and was responsible for maintaining and strengthening the organization’s voice and brand.

Rozzi has a long and personal connection to Waldorf education. Her two children attended the Waldorf School of San Diego from 1991–2003, and she previously served on the WSSD’s Board of Trustees. She returned to the Board more than three years in 2023 and currently serves as a Trustee. She brings to her work on the Board a deep appreciation for Waldorf education and extensive experience in communications, branding, and organizational leadership.

Rozzi enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, kayaking, and writing stories and poetry.

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Ricardo Dias

Trustee

Ricardo Dias has a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Federal University of São Carlos (Brazil). After working as Research Associate at The Scripps Research Institute (La Jolla, CA) and at the University of Zurich, Ricardo started his corporate career as an R&D Scientist and Project Manager at Swiss biotech Polyphor AG. He later transitioned to executive roles with people management responsibilities in Switzerland and Brazil, and more recently founded a small business (wholesale distribution of food and nutraceutical ingredients) in California.

Ricardo has two children at WSSD – Ana (10th) and Samuel (8th), with whom he and his wife Luciana started the “whole-family Waldorf journey” over ten years ago in Brazil. As a member of the school community in Brazil, Ricardo had the opportunity to be a class representative, and member of both the Parent Association and the Finance Committee. At WSSD, Ricardo joined the Finance Committee and Tuition Adjustment Committee during the 2022-2023 school year.

The opportunity to live in multiple countries, experience different cultures and work in very diverse roles has enabled Ricardo to fully acknowledge the beauty and challenges of a diverse school community such as the one we have at WSSD. Ricardo truly believes that the collective capability of the WSSD community is spectacular, but the realization of its potential can only be achieved through the empathetic collaboration amongst its members with a dash of technical guidance.

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Tyler Hale

Trustee

Tyler has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Washington State University. He has spent the last 20+ years in the industry as a Lender, Banker, and Investment Advisor. He is currently a Vice President and Relationship Manager at one of the largest banks in the United States.

Tyler joined the Waldorf community in 2022, when his daughter started first grade. His youngest will be joining the school in the coming years.

When he’s not in the office, Tyler is wrenching on his old pickup truck or exploring San Diego with his wife and kids.

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Veronica Connaugton

Board Member and Grades Teacher

Ms. Connaughton has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of San Diego, California, and a California Teaching Credential and Master of Arts Degree in Special Education from National University. She also graduated from the Waldorf Teacher Training program.

Ms. Connaughton joined WSSD in 2008 and has taught in early childhood and grades 1-8. Since 2022 she has been pursuing professional development in trauma informed education with the global humanitarian organization Notfallpadagogik (Emergency Pedagogy).

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Ricardo Dias

Trustee

Ricardo Dias has a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Federal University of São Carlos (Brazil). After working as Research Associate at The Scripps Research Institute (La Jolla, CA) and at the University of Zurich, Ricardo started his corporate career as an R&D Scientist and Project Manager at Swiss biotech Polyphor AG. He later transitioned to executive roles with people management responsibilities in Switzerland and Brazil, and more recently founded a small business (wholesale distribution of food and nutraceutical ingredients) in California.

Ricardo has two children at WSSD – Ana (10th) and Samuel (8th), with whom he and his wife Luciana started the “whole-family Waldorf journey” over ten years ago in Brazil. As a member of the school community in Brazil, Ricardo had the opportunity to be a class representative, and member of both the Parent Association and the Finance Committee. At WSSD, Ricardo joined the Finance Committee and Tuition Adjustment Committee during the 2022-2023 school year.

The opportunity to live in multiple countries, experience different cultures and work in very diverse roles has enabled Ricardo to fully acknowledge the beauty and challenges of a diverse school community such as the one we have at WSSD. Ricardo truly believes that the collective capability of the WSSD community is spectacular, but the realization of its potential can only be achieved through the empathetic collaboration amongst its members with a dash of technical guidance.

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Tyler Hale

Trustee

Tyler has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Washington State University. He has spent the last 20+ years in the industry as a Lender, Banker, and Investment Advisor. He is currently a Vice President and Relationship Manager at one of the largest banks in the United States.

Tyler joined the Waldorf community in 2022, when his daughter started first grade. His youngest will be joining the school in the coming years.

When he’s not in the office, Tyler is wrenching on his old pickup truck or exploring San Diego with his wife and kids.

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Veronica Connaugton

Board Member and Grades Teacher

Ms. Connaughton has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of San Diego, California, and a California Teaching Credential and Master of Arts Degree in Special Education from National University. She also graduated from the Waldorf Teacher Training program.

Ms. Connaughton joined WSSD in 2008 and has taught in early childhood and grades 1-8. Since 2022 she has been pursuing professional development in trauma informed education with the global humanitarian organization Notfallpadagogik (Emergency Pedagogy).

Are WSSD teachers credentialed?

Yes. Most WSSD teachers hold both a university degree (often a master’s) and a separate Waldorf teaching qualification — typically a multi-year specialist training through WISC, Sound Circle, Sunbridge, or a comparable institute. Many also hold California teaching credentials.

What is a Waldorf class teacher, and does my child have the same teacher every year?

In the Lower School years, a class teacher stays with the class for an extended span — multiple years — so the teacher comes to know each child as a learner. In Middle and High School, students move between specialist teachers in each subject.

Who is the head of school at WSSD?

WSSD doesn’t have a single head of school. It is led by three groups working together — the Pedagogical Group (faculty), the Board of Trustees, and the Administration — with major decisions made by the Leadership Council. The Director of Administration is the senior administrative role. The Director of Pedagogy supervises, supports, and guides the faculty.

How long do teachers stay at WSSD?

A long time. Many faculty members have been at WSSD for more than 15 years, several for more than 20. Faculty retention is one of the quiet markers of a healthy school.

The best way to understand a Waldorf education is to see it.

Tours run regularly throughout the school year — about 60 to 90 minutes, with time to ask the questions a website can’t answer.