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MEET OUR TEAM
DEBRA MCCARTHY
Roots and Shoots Teacher
Debra became interested in Waldorf Education when her daughter started kindergarten. She believes it's the best education for children, but acknowledges it's not an easy path to become a Waldorf teacher or parent. Her favorite moments in kindergarten include observing children's wonder and excitement while exploring nature and building things. Outside of work, she enjoys being in nature, gardening, and spending time with her family.
VANESSA FRENCH
Rosebud Preschool Teacher
Vanessa is our Preschool Teacher and has taught various subjects and assisted in kindergarten and nursery classrooms. She completed her Waldorf Teacher Training for Early Childhood at The West Coast Institute for Anthroposophy in British Columbia. In her free time, she enjoys going on adventures, gardening, making art, and continuing professional development. She serves on the Board as a Faculty Representative and the Early Childhood Program Committee.
KATIE FRANKS
Primrose (3-day) Preschool Teacher
Katie Franks, the Primrose Nursery teacher at Waldorf Early Childhood Preschool, brings a rich background in nurturing and education. Raised in Hawaii and Northern California, Katie discovered Waldorf education while raising her oldest daughter and fell in love with Rudolf Steiner's philosophy of developing the heart, hands, and head. She pursued formal training through Lifeways Early Childhood Education and the Center for Educational Renewal, earning her Waldorf Teacher Training diploma in 2021. With experience as a raw food chef, doula, and massage therapist, Katie integrates a holistic approach to learning. She is passionate about gardening, beekeeping, and fostering a love of nature in her students. Since moving to Redwood Valley, Katie has been excited to contribute to our Waldorf community.
AMY STOCKER
Red Rose Kindergarten Teacher
Amy’s entire adult life has been joyfully dedicated to the care and guidance of young children. Amy grew up in Mendocino County. After obtaining a BA in Liberal Studies at California State University, Chico, she followed her dream of teaching children and obtained a California State Teaching Credential in 2005. After teaching in various preschools (some of them “Waldorf-inspired”) in California, Arizona, and Oregon, she made her way back home to The Waldorf School of Mendocino County (WSMC). In 2007, she began teaching at WSMC as a kindergarten teacher while simultaneously completing her Waldorf teacher training at Rudolf Steiner College in Fair Oaks, California. In 2009, her eldest daughter was born and after taking some time away from the classroom to be at home with her two young daughters, she rejoined the WSMC Faculty in 2015. Since then, she has had the pleasure of leading Parent-Child classes as well as working and playing in the Rosebud Nursery, Yellow Rose Kindergarten, and now the Red Rose Kindergarten.
ISABELLA MARGOLIN
White Rose Kindergarten Teacher
In 2024, Isabella Margolin joined the WSMC faculty as the White Rose Kindergarten teacher. A lifelong advocate for Waldorf education, Isabella's journey began at age five in the Periwinkle Kindergarten classroom at the Waldorf School of San Diego, where eight years as a student instilled her deep appreciation for integrating art, storytelling, and learning. After graduating from Whitman College in 2021, Isabella earned her Early Childhood credential from Saddleback College and has been an early childhood educator since then. Most recently, she served as a lead teacher at a Waldorf-inspired preschool in Arcata, CA, nestled between the sea and redwood trees. Passionate about the arts, handwork, and outdoor exploration, Isabella is eager to bring these elements into her classroom while sharing the celebrations, traditions, and rhythms of Waldorf education with the WSMC community.
AHREZOO SADEGHPOUR
Early Childhood Assistant
Bio Coming Soon
LINNHE THOMSON
Early Childhood Assistant
Bio Coming Soon
MINDY KELLEY
Early Childhood Assistant
Ms. Mindy Kelley joined us in 2022 and this is her second year as our early childhood assistant for the Rosebud classroom. Mindy was born in Northern Michigan and has been a part of the Mendocino County community for 19 years. Mindy has two children who have attended WSMC. She spent many years volunteering for school events and has been a dedicated member of our school community. She is currently continuing her early childhood education. Mindy is passionate about self-sustainability, motherhood, gardening, animals, and community.
KORI ALLBRITTON
Grades Teacher
After many years as our Enrollment and Outreach Coordinator, Resource Teacher, Math teacher, Kori Allbritton joined the WSMC faculty as a Grades Teacher. She grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and then attended Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. There she received her multiple-subject teaching credential and MA in Education. She has been working as a resource teacher for WSMC since 2017, providing supplemental instruction in reading and math. She is pursuing her Waldorf Certification through Gradalis Teacher Training. Some of her favorite activities are horseback riding, cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family.
KELLY AUSTIN
Grades Teacher
Kelly began her teaching journey at this school by taking up the 4th-grade class in 1997 while concurrently taking the Waldorf Teacher Training at the Center for Educational Renewal. This class graduated from 8th grade in 2001; at the same time, Kelly graduated from her teacher training program. She then began an eight-year journey with her next class. She stayed in the upper grades and graduated two 8th grade classes (2011 and 2012). In 2012, she helped transition our school to a combined grades model. In her free time, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family and engaging in activities such as reading, knitting, drawing, puzzles, gardening, hiking, and birding. Kelly participates on the Board and Personnel Committee.
LYNNE NEWTON
Grades Teacher
Lynne Newton brings over three decades of expertise as a Waldorf class teacher, fostering a passion for holistic education. She holds a BA and California Teaching Credential from Western Governors University, along with a Waldorf Teacher Certification from the Center for Educational Renewal in Sebastopol. Lynne also earned certification in Extra Lesson/Educational Support from Rudolf Steiner College, deepening her ability to meet diverse student needs. Her teaching journey began at WSMC and expanded globally, with experiences in Nairobi, Kenya, as well as Oakland and Pacific Palisades, California. Teaching in varied socio-economic environments honed her adaptability and reaffirmed the universal power of Waldorf Education. Lynne is committed to nurturing students through the innovative and inclusive principles of Waldorf pedagogy.
JOY EVANS
Grades Teacher
Joy Evans has a background in Theater that includes performing and teaching at all levels, from Kindergarten through Junior College. She is also a Licensed Acupuncturist. She brings her experience as an actor, a director, a teacher, and a healer to her teaching. She lives with her husband John, daughter Sage, dog Biscuit and two cats Muzby and Romeo. Joy enjoys spending time in nature, camping, swimming in the river, and playing with her family and their pets.
INGE SCHAEFER
Grades Teacher
Since the birth of her two sons, Inge has embraced the philosophy of Steiner and taken on the work of understanding its relation to child development. She home-schooled her sons using the Waldorf curriculum and worked with groups of home-schooled children to bring the curriculum to them. To strengthen her understanding, Inge completed the teacher training program at the Center of Educational Renewal in Santa Rosa as well as a semester-long study at the Goetheanum in Switzerland. Before then she earned my Bachelor's Degree in Languages and Literature at Bard College, lived in Hungary and Indonesia, worked as an archaeologist for California State Parks, biked cross country, sang German songs with her Dad as he played accordion, and learned to knit from her expert mother. Within all these things are the stories that make us human and Inge’s wish is for students to seek their own stories through boundless curiosity and a freedom of thinking.
KATHLEEN HENNINGS
Educational Support
Kathleen Hennings has been the Reading Resource Teacher at WSMC, providing educational support to those students in need, since 2019. After growing up in Saratoga, California, and attending CSU Chico, she graduated in 1976 with a BA in Child Development. She moved to Willits in 1979 and in 1985 decided to pursue a California State Teaching Credential. From 1986-2008, Kathleen taught in the Willits Unified School District, all the while her daughter attended the Mountain Meadow Waldorf School (now WSMC). In her personal life, being with her family and three vivacious grandchildren is her greatest joy, with a close second being an active participant in outdoor activities.
MOIRA JORDAN
Spanish, Games & Movement, and After Care Teacher
Moira grew up in Spain and has always enjoyed sharing time with kids. She studied for a Bachelor's degree in Art History. During the last year of her degree she did an exchange to Mexico. She lived there for a few years and developed as an instructor of Yoga Kids and Aerial Silks. Moira moved to California to learn English in an immersive way and have the experience of living again in a different country. In her free time Moira enjoys exploring new places, hiking, spending time with family and friends, and learning new things.
BARBARA LAST
Storytime and Creative Play Teacher
Barbara Last has been with WSMC for several years as a Grades aftercare provider and substitute teacher, and more recently has been teaching Creative Play, Rest & Story, and Beeswax. Storytelling and singing are two of her great joys, so it has been a good fit. She came to Northern California after teaching University students in China for four and a half years, to teach at La Vida Charter School for 3 years. Before China, she taught Class 1 through 3 at Golden Valley Charter School near Sacramento. Barbara grew up and raised her two sons in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Minneapolis, Minnesota, respectively. In Minneapolis, she had her Waldorf-style preschool for 6 years. Since coming to Ukiah she has also been a respite provider for Tapestry Family Services. Her newest passion is acrylic painting!
KARRIN PALMER
Social and Emotional Support
Karrin was born and raised by back-to-landers in the hills of Willits and was introduced to Waldorf in preschool. Karrin has a degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work. After years of running programs with youth and community activism, she returned to her hometown and is focused on family while working to build the Social Justice, Equity, and Responsibility committee at WSMC. She believes in supporting the whole child; head, heart, and hands - with honor, dignity, and the utmost respect. Karrin enjoys good food, coffee anytime, and a raucous game night.
SUNI ROBIN
Educational Support
Suni Robin is an educator and artist from Concord, Massachusetts, with a BA in Education from Union Institute and University. She has a rich educational background, including a Waldorf Teacher Certification from Rudolf Steiner College she earned in 1980. With 11 years as a full-time grades teacher at WSMC and additional roles such as board member, fundraiser coordinator, educational support, and faculty chair, Suni has made significant contributions to WSMC. Ms. Robin has worked with special needs students, served as a childcare provider, and been involved in various artistic endeavors. She is currently a therapeutic harpist for Adventist Health patients and a passionate advocate for the Monarch Butterfly in Hawaii. Suni is a tireless contributor to her community through her artistic and educational endeavors.
JESS WELLING
Gardening Teacher & Groundskeeping
Jess Welling brings the beauty of gardening and landscape maintenance to our campus. Since making Mendocino County her home in 2010, she has lovingly nurtured her own cut flower farm in the heart of Redwood Valley. Jess's rich background in environmental education and marine biology, paired with her enduring work with children, makes her a true asset to our community. When not tending to her farm or enriching the minds of young ones, Jess can be found enjoying life's simple pleasures - from the melodies of music, the thrill of travel, the allure of camping, to the calming waves of the ocean, all while cherishing precious moments with her son.
KAREN ZIMMERMAN
Advanced Strings Teacher
Karen Zimmerman (Ms. Z) has been the strings instructor since 2017. Karen was born and raised in Los Angeles. She attended the Juilliard School where she was awarded a Bachelor's and Master's degree. Karen has played with many orchestras over the years including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic, and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Since moving back to California she has been a member of the Santa Rosa Symphony for over 30 years and is also the music librarian for the Symphony. Karen lives in Ukiah with her wife, Rebecca, plus 2 dogs, a cat, 4 chickens, and 3 ducks.
BRET COOPERRIDER
Woodworking Teacher & Grounds Maintenance
Bret Cooperrider is a dynamic woodworking instructor with a diverse background that spans the country and multiple fields. Born in Berkeley, Bret has lived in Montana, Upstate New York, Colorado, and Arizona. He studied Biology and Conservation Biology before exploring careers in the brewpub industry, environmental leadership, and organic restaurant ventures. In 1997, he helped launch the nation’s first all-organic restaurant and brewery, which he and his family ran until 2012. Bret later transitioned to off-grid construction, wildfire water tender driving, and repair work, combining craftsmanship with environmental stewardship. His passion for creative problem-solving shines in his woodworking, where he blends hands-on skill with a sharp eye for detail. When not in the workshop, Bret enjoys camping, backpacking, and exploring the outdoors. He’s excited to share his expertise and love for craftsmanship with students at WSMC.
MAYA STUART
Administrator
Maya Stuart, known as "Mymy" to her siblings and the “littles” in her life, is referred to as Miss Maya at our school. Born in Santa Cruz, CA, in 1973, Maya and her family moved to Round Valley in 1975, then to Willits and Redwood Valley during her childhood, and she has lived in Ukiah for the past 20 years. She holds a Master’s in Organization Development from Sonoma State University and earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology in 2007. Maya has worked in human services with FIRST 5 Mendocino, Mendocino County Youth Project, Mendocino County Social Services and Public Health, and Adventist Health, always serving county-wide and across organizations. Her first professional role was as the Office Coordinator right here at WSMC! She values collaboration, group dynamics, organization, and healthy transitions. Maya brings a valuable blend of Waldorf education, private sector, non-profit, and local government experience to our beloved school. She is passionate about people, life balance, self-work, dogs, and the outdoors.
SARAH CARTER
Business Manager
Bio coming soon
LITA ALDEN
Office Coordinator
Lita Alden is the Office Coordinator at WSMC. Born and raised in Orange, California, she moved to the mountains of Redwood Valley 20 years ago. Lita became part of WSMC first as a parent of a preschooler and then in 2022 as the Enrollment Coordinator. She is a certified equine body worker and enjoys baking and hiking. Lita loves working at the front desk and brings passion, resilience, and a genuine love for fostering connections within the Waldorf community. As her daughter has progressed into the grades, together they have been able to strengthen ties with other Waldorf families, contributing to the warm and inclusive atmosphere that defines the school community.
RENATA ABBADE
Director of Marketing & Development
Renata was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, and grew up exploring various art forms which sparked her journey to becoming a multidisciplinary artist. Her career has been centered around creative collaboration, working with people to enhance communication and amplify awareness. After graduating with a Bachelors' in Design, she spent over a decade in New York City working as a stylist in the fashion industry. Renata and her husband were nomadic before settling in Mendocino County and built a home using natural, locally available, and repurposed materials.
TAJ UVARO
Enrollment & Outreach Coordinator
Taj was born and raised in Cocoa Beach, FL. After graduating from the University of Florida, she pursued her love of traveling for a few years. In 2009 she bid farewell to the East Coast and established residency in Mendocino County. When she became a new mom she sought a supportive community by enrolling in Roots and Shoots at WSMC. This was her first introduction to Waldorf education and she felt instantly inspired to learn more. Fast forward to today, Taj has now been a WSMC parent for 6 years. In 2024 she joined us as the Enrollment and Outreach Coordinator. Her goal is to build student admissions by offering an approachable and insightful introduction to Waldorf education to prospective families.
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