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.
The people you are trusting with your child.
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


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

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.

She holds a Multiple Subject California Teaching Credential and a Child Development Site Supervisor Permit.
Ms. Tatiana joined WSSD in 2021.


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.


Ms. Sheila was born by the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea in Southern Spain and loves traveling.
Ms. Sheila joined WSSD in 2015.

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.

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.

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.




Lower School

Ms. Walker enjoys reading, handwork, and spending time with her two daughters and her four-legged babies.
Ms. Walker joined WSSD in 2004.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

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

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.

High School


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.

Mr. Wilcox joined WSSD in 2006.

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.

She has performed in the United States, Mexico, and Europe. Ms. Kokos enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors.
Ms. Kokos joined WSSD in 2016.

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

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.

Ms. Crozier joined WSSD in 2023.

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.


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.

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.

Ms. Gomes joined WSSD in 2004.

She is a widely acclaimed eurythmist who performs with stage groups in Europe and the U.S.
Ms. Laurelin joined WSSD in 2002.

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.

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.

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.

She has taught children seasonal crafts, physical theater, and mask-making,
Ms. Sumelius-Buescher joined WSSD in 2018.

He has performed in a variety of professional groups and recently spent two months performing in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Mr. Whelan joined WSSD in 2008.

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

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.

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.

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.

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


Ms. Tweit joined WSSD in 2008.


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.

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.

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.


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.


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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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).
Common questions
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.