DA VINCI WALDORF SCHOOL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Early Grades Co - Teacher
Blair was born and raised in Illinois. She has lived in California and Nevada while traveling the world for over 15 years in the touring production/ live event industry.
Blair and her family relocated to the midwest recently after 4 years in the San Francisco/ Bay Area. It was there Blair was introduced to Waldorf education through parent child classes at Berkeley Rose Waldorf school with her daughter, now 4 years old.
Blair was inspired by Waldorf Education and enrolled in the Bay Area Center for Waldorf Teacher Training. She has since transferred to Great Lakes Waldorf Institute and Mount Mary University and will soon complete her Waldorf training and Masters program.
Blair comes from a long line of educators and is eager to tap the tree of all the wonderful knowledge and resources around her. In her free time she loves hiking with her family and swimming.
Job Titles:
- 5th Grade Teacher / Faculty Chair
- Grades Teacher / Faculty Chair
Chris' love of teaching began in high school with a Saturday school program that offered lessons to middle school students taught by high schoolers. With a Bachelor's degree in studio art, an Illinois teaching certificate, and a Master's degree in Education with an emphasis in Waldorf, Chris has been an educator for more than ten years teaching art in both public and home school settings before finding her way to Waldorf education. While completing a Master's degree at the Great Lakes Waldorf Institute in Milwaukee in conjunction with Mount Mary University, She has worked as the parent chair of the PTO, a board member, an early childhood faculty member, and a grade school substitute teacher at Da Vinci Waldorf School and art instructor at Tamarack Waldorf High School. Chris is passionate about offering opportunities for artistic expression to people of all ages, but especially enjoys working with children as they grow and develop. Her favorite activities include printmaking, sculpture, cooking, gardening, and sharing music with her family.
Christan is a Risk Management professional with 19 years of experience in the financial industry working for the largest U.S. bank by total assets. Christian holds a Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Strategic Management and Finance and is excited to have the privilege to serve as the Treasurer, joining the Board Executive Committee at Da Vinci Waldorf School (DVWS).
Christian is excited to bring fresh ideas to DVWS and his primary goal is to build upon a culture of trust and financial transparency. On a personal note, Christian and his family have been part of the DVWS community since 2014 and are committed to the success of this wonderful school.
Job Titles:
- Music Teacher / Orchestra Teacher / 8th Grade Handwork Teacher
Elizabeth's life has revolved around the arts, and Waldorf teaching seemed a natural fit for her. Elizabeth has extensive training and experience in dance, flute, voice, piano, acting and the culinary arts. She also has had a lifelong interest in fashion design, with decades of experience in pattern making and as a seamstress, which led to developing both a costume business and her own clothing line. Elizabeth was introduced to Waldorf education by a dear friend who founded Da Vinci (as Water's Edge School), and was immediately drawn to it. She began teaching music and handwork in 2003, and soon found herself taking a grade school class. Elizabeth completed her Waldorf grade school teacher certification at Sunbridge College in Spring Valley, NY. While there she furthered her knowledge in anthroposophic music, studying instrument making under Manfred Bleffert and flute/recorder training under Pär Ahlbom, creator of Choroi Flutes. Elizabeth has taught music and orchestra for many years, and has also been a class teacher and taught handwork at Da Vinci. She has taught music to adult students at the Waldorf Teacher Institute (formerly Arcturus) in Chicago since 2012, and mentors other Waldorf schools in music and general curriculum. Elizabeth's passion is in working with children and adults alike and in bringing new music to the world. In her spare time, one may find Elizabeth occasionally cooking a special menu at a local café, singing in a choir, acting or building an instrument.
Felicia began her journey into education 4 years ago. She feels blessed everyday to work with children and their parents. She has a passion for early childhood education and continues to learn as much as she can, to provide the best experience for our youngest learners. Felicia is a mom of 3 (who attend DVWS) and a wife. Her family loves being outdoors!
She brings love, patience, and kindness to DVWS. Felicia has been practicing healing arts for over 15 years as a massage therapist, acupuncturist, herbalist, yoga teacher as well as an adjunct professor at College of Lake County, Oakton Community College, and National University of Health Sciences. She was first introduced to Waldorf education over 5 years ago and promptly joined the Parent-Child class at Da Vinci Waldorf School with her oldest child. The program helped transform family life in so many enriching ways-including turning the screens off, more family meals made together from scratch, and a deeper appreciation of nature. Sarah is honored to be an assistant in the Wonder Garden classroom, where she gets to see even more the richness of Waldorf education manifested in the work of childhood and the growth of children every day.
Job Titles:
- Grade Teacher / Grades Chair
Kevin learned about Waldorf education when his daughter started preschool at the Chicago Waldorf School. He appreciated the emphasis on periods of free play as well as the reverence for the rhythm of the day for the children. He also loved how much time they received to just play outside, getting muddy and wet. After his family moved out of the city, they planned on continuing at Da Vinci Waldorf School. In 2017, when his daughter began in Sunflower Garden, Kevin started taking his son to Parent-Child classes. Over the next year and a half of Parent-Child classes, Kevin witnessed the simple beauty of the children making rolls together, playing with natural materials in the class, singing songs and rhymes with one another, and watching puppet plays from the teacher. Having earned his Bachelor's Degree in English from Western Michigan University and his Master of Fine Arts in Writing from Columbia College Chicago, Kevin also appreciates the importance of stories and story-telling in the curriculum. He attends teacher training at the Waldorf Teacher Institute of Chicago. Kevin enjoys cooking, baking, and writing, but he especially loves watching his kids get muddy catching toads, running barefoot through the grass, and now taking care of their chickens.
Kiaya Memeo has been a teacher in educational environments for over 10 years with a strong base in early childhood and homeschooling. She has been weaving the values of Waldorf education into her teaching style and family life and is looking forward to developing a greater understanding of Anthroposophy and Waldorf Principles. Kiaya and her husband have 3 children who attend DVWS. Kiaya and her youngest daughter attended Parent-Child with Ms. Margaret and she spent time observing the Mighty Oaks and was a substitute for First Grade before she began teaching.
Kris Boshell is a Learning Support teacher at Da Vinci Waldorf School where she works frequently with Extra Lesson in the classroom with large groups of students.
I discovered Rudolf Steiner's work in 2003 through my two children attending Waldorf education. I earned my certificate for Anthroposophical training for Waldorf Grades Teaching and Remedial Education from Rudolf Steiner College (RSC) in 2009, and a M.A. in Psychology from Sonoma State University in 2013. Previously, I was a private contractor and instructor in Northern California for Waldorf private and public charter schools, and RSC Waldorf teacher training programs. I consult internationally as a mentor, evaluator, teacher training instructor and conference presenter for learning support for individual and classroom work. I serve on the Core Group and teach for the Waldorf Teacher Institute of Chicago, and am a member of the Anthroposophical Society in America.
I am thrilled to be working at DaVinci Waldorf School where the students enthusiastically engage in all that I bring to them. I value the integrity of the faculty and staff who truly collaborate when working together which leads to amazing outcomes.
Job Titles:
- Administrator
- Co - Administrator
- Enrollment & Pupil Services Administrative Assistant
Laine Ambrose is an Administrator at Da Vinci Waldorf School.
I have done it all, from waitressing, manufacturing, nannying, and stay at home mom-ing. I have found my place within Da Vinci Waldorf School and am so grateful everyday.
I was initially attracted to the space, small classroom sizes, plentiful outdoor time, big garden and of course, the chickens. But after touring the school and learning about the curriculum and inspiration behind a Waldorf education, there is nowhere I would rather my kids be for their school experience.
I love that the teachers often loop through the grades with their class. At Da Vinci Waldorf School, your child's class becomes like family and the whole school is a tight knit community.
Laine is a mom to two boys who attend Da Vinci Waldorf School. Her previous experience as a nanny and nurse make her an invaluable asset to our school. Her kind and warm demeanor puts all of the children at ease. She loves being around children and is passionate about Waldorf philosophy and its values. Her hobbies include reading, baking and being outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Movement / Farming Teacher
Job Titles:
- Child Teacher, Early Childhood Chair
Margaret is delighted to share the wonder of Waldorf Early Childhood with our newest parents. She continues to be greatly inspired by the beauty and wonder of the Waldorf Early Childhood learning and growing environment. Raising four boys over the last twenty plus years, she realizes how a calm atmosphere and predictable daily rhythm are foundations for a happy, safe, and nurturing home life. As Parent-Child teacher, she delights in reliving-again and again-the awe and beauty of childhood through the children's eyes! She draws from her years of experience, striving to learn, integrate, fail, and re-learn how to more fully live a reassuring Waldorf life with her boys, and from her numerous duties as a volunteer in nearly every aspect of the school over the past 15 years.
Having earned bachelor's degrees in Spanish and International Business, she happily left her international job to conscientiously raise her children. A certified yoga instructor, Margaret teaches yoga classes weekly and enjoys practicing the violin, which she plays and sings in a rock band with other Waldorf families.
Marianne has been working in Anthroposophical or Waldorf School environments for over 25 years. She has served as a grades teacher, adult educator, administrator and mentor. She has developed programs, designed events, presented at conferences and led an accreditation process. She has worked with numerous committees, boards and organizational leaders including the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA). Life has presented her with many opportunities to engage in community co-creation, be it in classrooms, Waldorf communities, organizations, local villages, or with artistic projects.
She has been serving on the Central Regional Council of the Anthroposophical Society in America since 2007 and represents the region on the national General Council. Her commitment to this work is deep and allows her to live a life that is dedicated to building a future worthy of humanity.
Marianne's background in the Performing Arts has laid the foundation for her life and work. She earned a BFA in Theater from the University of MN-Duluth. She performed on stage for decades in Chicago and internationally with touring productions. Her further training and experience in Waldorf School Administration and pedagogy have built upon this foundation. She earned an MS Ed in Waldorf Administration and Community Development from Sunbridge College, Spring Valley, NY, and her Waldorf Teaching Certification from Arcturus Rudolf Steiner Education Program in Chicago. She is delighted to be working with the Grades students in Speech and Drama this year.
Job Titles:
- Music Teacher for Middle School
Job Titles:
- Music Teacher for Lower Grades
Job Titles:
- Sunflower Garden Teacher
- Wonder Garden Teacher
Monika Boguszewski is the lead early childhood teacher in Wonder Garden and have been a piano teacher for over twenty years.
I have a Master of Arts from Music Academy in Gdansk with a dual degree in music and piano instruction. My post graduate degree is in music therapy. Currently, I am pursuing teacher training at Chicago Waldorf Institute.
I was attracted to Waldorf education for various reasons - the artistic approach and involving a child's imagination as a process of education were special to me. Building the interest of children through storytelling makes them hungry for knowledge.
Monika was born and raised in Poland. She graduated with Masters of Arts from Music Academy with dual degree as music and piano teacher and music therapist. From her early years she knew that she wanted to work as a teacher, as she always enjoyed sharing her knowledge and passion with others. When she grew up, her dream came true when she began facilitating piano lessons for multiple students as well as conducting rhythmic activities at early childhood education centers and preschools.
Monika has completed the first year of Rudolph Steiner school and has a strong desire to continue with this training program to gain additional skills and knowledge in the field of education and become an even more versatile teacher. Monika enjoys working with children of all ages, from little ones to teenagers. She feels it is fascinating to watch them grow and change over years, and enjoys contributing to the shaping of their young characters. This is Monika's first year with Da Vinci Waldorf School and she is very excited to serve as Mr. Kevin's assistant in the Apple Blossom Garden.
Job Titles:
- Administrator
- Co - Administrator
Morgan Branson is an Administrator at Da Vinci Waldorf School.
I have a Master's degree in Professional Counseling and a Bachelor's degree in English and Psychology. I am also a certified CHILL mindfulness trainer.
I was attracted to Waldorf education for my three young children. In our fast paced-world, I was in love with this place where my children could slow down and play, eat good food and be connected to nature.
I love the close knit community at Da Vinci Waldorf School. The school is such a welcoming safe space and beauty abounds - inside and out.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Teacher / Grades Handwork Teacher
- Handwork Teacher / Grades Assistant
Nicole Griffith teaches Handwork to grades 1-8 as well as assists where needed such as with teaching handwriting, story time, etc.
I have a Bachelor of Arts in German Language and Literature as well as a concentration in Art History from the University of Illinois. I received a Handwork Teacher Training Certificate from The Fiber Craft Studio under the auspices of The Threefold Educational Center and have taken various other Waldorf intensive programs.
My first experience with Waldorf education came as a volunteer assistant in the Early Childhood as Da Vinci Waldorf School was getting its start. Walking into the classroom for the first time, I was struck by the beauty, peace and warmth of the space... then later, when the children arrived, by their excitement to be in this space- the exuberance and imaginative quality of their play. I was drawn in by this example of the reverence Waldorf Education has for the sanctity of childhood.
I can't help but love the grassroots aspect of Da Vinci Waldorf School... it's how we came into being and it is who we still are today. Volunteers, parents, teachers and the constant evolution of these entities in service to the children and this wonderful education. I hope the students I work with leave Da Vinci Waldorf school with resilience!
I am a passionate gardener of native plant species, am a co- steward of a nearby park where we have been working to restore the land to native species, I enjoy yarn dyeing with plants and have been enjoying pottery classes for many years.
Nicole was a volunteer at first, then was hired to serve as an assistant in the early childhood program in 2004. Soon after, she took on the Handwork teaching position as well, and attended an intensive practical arts training at the West Coast Institute on Vancouver Island, Canada. Having formerly earned a BA in German Language and Literature from the University of Illinois, Nicole's most cherished educational experiences came while earning a certificate in the Practical Arts at the Fiber Craft Studio in Chestnut Ridge, New York. She completed her training in 2015. Nicole's experiences with the children and the dedication of a small but determined community make her feel part of something truly special at Da Vinci Waldorf School. Nicole finds balance and enjoyment tending her home and the native gardens around it. Nature has long been a source of replenishment and inspiration for her, which she brings to the classroom through story, color in a skein of plant-dyed yarn, and the circle of the seasons. She is continually grateful for the gift of spending time in the presence of the children. Her favorite moment: when a child first sees that his hands can create something beautiful, useful and new.
Job Titles:
- Marketing & Enrollment Administrative Assistant
Nicole and her husband, Robert, are the parents of one of our 5th graders. They joined the DVWS community two years ago, and are frequent attendees at events and activities throughout the year.
Before joining the DVWS community, Nicole has been both a Girl Scout and Boy Scout Leader, as well as a committee chairperson in both organizations. She has helped organize and run many large events, received the Silver Beaver award in 2019 from Boy Scouts of America, and brings organizational and technological expertise much needed to fulfill the Secretary role.
Job Titles:
- Sunflower Garden Assistant
Noelle grew up in Illinois, and lived in Cincinnati and Greece before returning to visit in 2012 and meeting her husband. Her son is in the Early Childhood program at DVWS. Noelle quickly adopted the ways of the Waldorf curriculum into her home, and went back to school for early childhood education in January 2020.
Her passions include traveling, vegan cooking, hiking, yoga, and preserving the magic of childhood within her home. She has been a certified yoga instructor since 2009, teaching at multiple locations over the years, as well as volunteering as a Big Sister while living in Cincinnati. In her spare time, Noelle enjoys hosting Yoga/Dinner nights for friends and family, exploring nearby nature and faraway places alike, reading, celebrating seasons and holidays, and kicking off weekends baking sweets every Friday with her son. She is excited to be joining the Da Vinci Waldorf family as a teaching assistant and soaking up all there is to learn from both adults and little ones.
Job Titles:
- Sunflower Garden Assistant Teacher
Partha and his wife, Swarna, are parents to two little boys currently enrolled in the Early Childhood program at Da Vinci. Their first introduction to the school was through the parent-child class in 2019. He spends his free time playing with his children, playing music and occasionally tinkering in his wood shop. Partha grew up in Southern California where he studied mechanical engineering and business management. He has spent the entirety of his career in the field of medical device R&D and now manages a team of engineers at Baxter Healthcare, in Round Lake, IL.
Sarah Canga is the lead teacher for the Apple Blossom Garden in Early Childhood.
I have a masters degree in Oriental Medicine and a bachelor's degree in Nutrition as well as certificates in Massage Therapy and Yoga teacher training.
Sarah has been practicing healing arts for over 15 years as a massage therapist, acupuncturist, herbalist, yoga teacher as well as an adjunct professor at College of Lake County, Oakton Community College, and National University of Health Sciences. She was first introduced to Waldorf education over 5 years ago and promptly joined the Parent-Child class at Da Vinci Waldorf School with her oldest child. The program helped transform family life in so many enriching ways-including turning the screens off, more family meals made together from scratch, and a deeper appreciation of nature. Sarah is honored to be teaching the Wonder Garden, where she gets to see even more the richness of Waldorf education manifested in the work of childhood and the growth of children every day.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Wonder Garden Assistant Teacher
Sarah Sasin is an Early Childhood assistant in the Wonder Garden classroom.
I studied early childhood education at College of Lake County. I was attracted to Waldorf education because it values the preservation of imagination for the child.
Da Vinci Waldorf School is such a wonderful place to learn and grow. Not only to expand your skills as an educator but to really have the support to become a human worthy of imitation. The connections I have made here continue to help me grow! The love and warmth here are like nowhere else I have known.
Sarah has always had a passion for working with young children and has been studying early childhood education for the past few years. She has learned a great deal about child development and is grateful to be at Da Vinci Waldorf School. Sarah has a daughter who is in the Early Childhood program.
Stephanie is an educator with a passion for learning. She and her son first joined the Da Vinci community through the parent-child class in 2013. After watching him bloom through that experience, she and her husband, Brandon, knew their family would be a part of our community forever. She has 2 children in the Grades at DVWS. After graduating with a Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration from Northern Illinois University, Stephanie worked in corporate America before pursuing her Master's in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University. She now has nearly two decades of higher education administration and teaching (developmental math, psychology, and gender studies) experience under her belt and finds herself savoring the fresh air of Waldorf education. She is looking forward to being a part of growing and strengthening our community over the years to come.
Swarna Chandrakant is the Parent-Child teacher.
I feel grateful to be a part of Da Vinci Waldorf School, especially as the Parent-child teacher. I jokingly tell families in my classes that my own children were ready to move onwards but I could not! It is a beautiful space that nurtures the parents alongside the children and fosters meaningful connection, relationships and sense of community.Outside of DaVinci Waldorf school, my training is as a physical therapist. I graduated in 2012 from the Mayo Clinic with a clinical doctorate. Since then, I have primarily worked with elderly patients in the hospital setting. I appreciate the life lessons I receive from both the youngest members of our school community in Parent-Child classes and from some of the oldest members of our society with whom I work while in the hospital setting!
The integration of head, hands and heart in an educational model that is respectful of even the very small child and meets the human being appropriately through the ages is what attracted me to Waldorf education. What do I love about Da Vinci Waldorf School? I love the dedication shown by our teachers and staff, the community-feel rendered by school families, and the deep consideration, respect and space offered to children as they begin the journey of self-unfoldment. I hope students take from their time at DaVinci Waldorf school a joy of learning and appreciation for the ordinary and simple things in life. In my free time I enjoy working on my handwork including needlepoint embroidery, felting and knitting. I like to go for slow walks and take naps. I like to do yoga and read books. I like to watch my garden grow. I enjoy baking, cooking (and eating!) alongside my children. I very much enjoy the chance to sit and chat with friends over a pot of coffee or tea.
Job Titles:
- Lead Teacher
- Sunflower Garden Teacher
- Wonder Garden Teacher
Sweta Jaganath is the lead teacher for Sunflower Garden which is a mixed-age kindergarten class.
I have a Masters degree in Pharmacy. As a young parent I volunteered in summer camps. This led to the passion of being with early childhood aged children.
I worked as an assistant at Da Vinci Waldorf School for 3+ years after joining in 2017. I was Lead teacher for Wonder Garden for 2 years before my current position.
I found my way into Waldorf education as a parent (looking for alternatives to rote learning). I was attracted by the holistic way of educating children, meeting them at their developmental stages. I have always appreciated that at Da Vinci Waldorf School the spirit of learning is kept alive in the child. The child is cared for and seen and held by so many faculty members deeply.
Sweta came to the United States from India to pursue her Masters in Pharmacy. In 2010, she enthusiastically found her way to Da Vinci Waldorf into a Parent Child class with her son, based on a friend's recommendation. She was instantly drawn to the holistic education which Waldorf offers while preserving the spirit to learn in children. Her volunteer work as a teacher in summer camps brought out her passion for working with early childhood ages. Sweta is honored and pleased to serve the little ones in different ways, caring for their needs and enjoying watching them bloom. In her spare time, she loves to oil paint, bake, spend time in nature and explore self-awareness work which supports healing and creativity.
Job Titles:
- Wonder Garden Assistant / Grades Farm & Garden Teacher / Grades Movement Teacher
Tuly was introduced to Waldorf education while she was pursuing her bachelor's degree in biodynamic farming at Warmorderhof College in Holland. She was intrigued by it and upon coming to the U.S., she worked as an early childhood assistant for the Chicago Waldorf School from 1983-1985. Having an interest in finance, Tuly worked for nineteen years as a bookkeeper for a synagogue in Evanston. Tuly has experience in beekeeping, biodynamic farming and over six years of experience coaching. She started teaching movement and farming at Da Vinci Waldorf School in 2015. Tuly loves instilling in the children her passion for working with the earth and learning from it, and the relationship that comes from doing that work.