Early Childhood Faculty

Jane Francis — Early childhood class teacher

BS Natural Resources, University of Rhode Island

MS Remedial Education, Sunbridge College

Waldorf Early Childhood Certificate, Sunbridge College

Su has been teaching at MWS since 1992.

Su has been working with children in many capacities for over 35 years, ranging from camp counselor and director, cooperative extension agent working with agriculture and 4H clubs, to Peace Corp volunteer in the Philippines doing animal care and teaching children of various ages. She has been to Africa twice to teach students about Waldorf Education. Su has many interests that she likes to bring into our curriculum including: being outside in nature and gardening, woodworking, cooking, crafts, singing, animals (she has chickens, bees, cats, and dogs at home), yoga and more. Su is a Red Cross instructor and part of the disaster shelter team in South Kingstown. A true believer in peaceful resolutions, Su enjoys teaching a block in non-violence to the 8th grade class each year.

Su relates, “I am more passionate about Waldorf Education now than when I discovered it 35 years ago. It helps bring the balance that is essential for the children of today. I love ‘planting seeds’ with children in Early Childhood. I also enjoy working with parents and helping to share what I learned as a parent and what I know as an educator.”

Sarah Wiberg — Early Childhood Class Teacher

BS Human Development and Family Relations, University of Connecticut

MA Teaching, Sacred Heart University, Elementary Education  Certification

Waldorf Early Childhood Education Certification, Sophia’s Hearth

Creator, Director and Lead Teacher of Little Bird Children’s Garden Home Child Care

Sarah began at MWS in 2012 leading the Parent Child Program for four years and working as an Early Childhood assistant. Prior to teaching at Meadowbrook, Sarah taught Grade 3 for five years at an elementary school in Connecticut.

Sarah relates that she was first drawn to Meadowbrook to find a healing education for her own children, and in the process she found the opportunity to teach to her deeper potential.   "I am drawn to working with the young child out of my interest in protecting the space for play.  Play is the work of the young child and through it they learn about the world, grow physically and social/emotionally.” Sarah lives with husband, Nils, in Charlestown and they are the parents of two current Meadowbrook students.

Kate Hoffman — Early Childhood Assistant

Coming soon!

parker Jones — Early Childhood Assistant

BA English and Communications, Bridgewater State University 

Parker is an Early Childhood assistant in the Primrose classroom. When considering Waldorf education, Parker shares, “Waldorf education offers an experience that you cannot find in other public or private settings. Waldorf offers children protection from the challenges of the world until they are equipped to face them. Providing a nurturing and creative environment that will allow them the self assurance to grow into their individual selves. I am very grateful to have found this school for my son, and feel honored to have the opportunity to work in a school that works so hard to preserve human connection.

Outside of work, Parker enjoys spending time with family, hiking with his son, and reading. Parker enjoys learning about language and history,  and is currently learning American Sign Language (ASL).

Vanessa Martin — Early Childhood Assistant & Handwork Assistant

Coming soon!

Bridget Pothier — Early Childhood Assistant

Coming soon!

Tori Seites-Rundlett — Extended Day

Coming soon!

kerstin Seitz-Mueller — Early Childhood Assistant

Coming soon!

Melissa Tilley — Early Childhood Assistant & Extended Day Assistant

Coming soon!

Elementary and Middle School Class Teachers

Jocelyn Auld

BS Elementary Education, University of Rhode Island

BA Studio Art, University of Rhode Island

Rhode Island Teacher Certification

Jocelyn was born and raised in Rhode Island and after moving to California and working in Waldorf Schools in the West, she realized that Rhode Island was truly her home and came back into the Meadowbrook Community. Jocelyn has worked in Early Childhood in multiple capacities and never feels more comfortable than when she is in the classroom with the children. Jocelyn has also led Meadowbrook’s summer camp, the afterschool program and stepped into various administrative roles throughout the years. Jocelyn enjoys helping the community wherever it is needed and feels a strong connection to the educational practices of Waldorf Education.

Kristina Boving

BA Anthropology, University of Chicago

MA, PhD Archaeology, University of California-Los Angeles

Waldorf Teacher Training Certificate, Sunbridge College

Teaching grades at MWS since 2004, previously had been Waldorf German Teacher and Kindergarten Assistant

Member, Board of Trustees

Interests include travel, foreign languages, camping and hiking, skiing, and cooking- not necessarily in that order!

Kristina shares, “I love working at MWS because it is such a multifaceted job with a profound sense of community and caring. I get to do great things all day long with great kids and great colleagues. From art and music and poetry, to science, math and writing- the curriculum nurtures the children who come here, as well as the teachers (and hopefully parents as well).  It took me awhile to find it- but teaching at MWS is truly my vocation.” Kristina has graduated four MWS 8th grades classes, 2014, 2019, 2021 and 2022, and is the current Grade 4 class teacher.

Christine Miller

Coming soon!

Jennifer Mcmillan

BA Psychology, Eastern Connecticut State UniversityMEd Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Antioch University, New England

Waldorf Teaching Certificate, Antioch University New England

Jennifer spent her childhood exploring the forests in rural Connecticut and knew from a young age that she wanted to work with children. After finishing her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Eastern Connecticut State University she discovered Waldorf Education…. her first experience taking place at MWS for a year long foundations training. She went on to receive an M.Ed in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and Waldorf certification at Antioch University New England In Keene, NH, and then completed a 5 year training in Spacial Dynamics, where she discovered a lifelong passion for bringing education to life through sensory motor and developmentally appropriate movement activities. She has spent the past 15 years teaching children from ages kindergarten through 8th grade in New Hampshire, Arizona and Connecticut, where she worked with middle schoolers and developed a therapeutic program based on sensory motor experiences, garden science, art, and music. Jennifer enjoys gardening, hiking, swimming, and most of all spending time with her 8 year old son.

“Waldorf Education is a lifelong study for me.. I continue to be amazed and inspired by how it brings integration and balance to students of every age. It is truly a living education and I believe it is absolutely a medicine for our current times..it is what I want for my own child and it is how I wish to be of service in this world. I am very excited to rediscover and join this wonderful community!”

Vanessa Roman

Coming soon!

Diana Tesni

BA Public Relations, San Jose State University

MEd Antioch University New England

MWS Class Teacher, 2013 - 2019

Diana Tesni was "born and raised in San Jose," in the heart of California's Silicon Valley.  She received her BA in Public Relations from San Jose State University and spent many years living in San Francisco, where she worked in both corporate office management and as a doula/childbirth educator/yoga instructor for the homebirth community.  She discovered Waldorf Education following the birth of her daughter and subsequently enrolled in Rudolf Steiner College.  Following the birth of two additional daughters and a cross-country move to New England, she received her MEd from Antioch New England Graduate School in 2011. She has been a Waldorf class teacher since 2008, teaching at Tidewater School (now Seacoast Waldorf) in Eliot, Maine, Green Meadow Waldorf School in Chestnut Ridge, New York and returns to Meadowbrook having been a class teacher from 2013-2019. Experiencing first-hand how Waldorf education has enabled her own three children to reach their potential inspires her to share this remarkable curriculum with others. Diana currently lives in West Kingston and loves reading, writing, singing, dancing, and the beautiful New England coast. She still does yoga when she can find the time.  

Judie Sky

BS Human Development, minor in Plant Sciences, University of Rhode Island

MA Waldorf Education, Antioch University New England

Handwork Program Certification, Sunbridge College

Judie has been at MWS for more than 25 years, serving in many capacities including handwork teacher, Early Childhood teacher, and class teacher.

Interests:  Renewable energies of all kinds, organic gardening, biodynamics and permaculture, handwork of all kinds (although sewing and felting have her interest right now), food, kayaking, biking, hiking, dancing and music.

Judie says she chooses to spend her time teaching in a Waldorf setting because, “I get to encounter lovely, magnificent students on a daily basis as they unfold their abilities to acquire capacities.  I get to help guide them and sometimes tweak the direction that they are going.  Waldorf Education allows me the freedom to work as an artist in teaching.”

ali wade

BA Education, Goddard College

Waldorf Teacher Education Eugene, Oregon

Member, Board of Trustees; Current Faculty Chair

Ali grew up on the East Coast in a different little state, Delaware.  After several years spent working with horses, primarily race horses, she found herself on a deeper path connected to Vajrayana Buddhism.  She spent ten years in the high desert of New Mexico helping to build a retreat center, hosting events, and engaging in her own practice.  This led her to another path, one of educating children.  She found Waldorf education at this time and fell in love with the 'whole-heartedness' of it's approach.  Ali joined Meadowbrook in 2014, taking a class from first grade up through seventh grade.

Ali is an avid reader, hiker and backpacker, writer, aspiring cellist, and deeply curious about the stuff of life.

Music, Practical Arts, Movement, and Foreign Language

Ben Carlson – Woodwork Teacher

BFA, Painting, minor in Theater, New Mexico State University

Certified substitute teacher (NM, CA, RI)

Further studies in California, England, and the Center For Creative Studies in Detroit.

Other Interests:  Sailing, boatbuilding, vintage bicycles, and old cars, particularly Volvo station wagons.

Ben‘s work with children began in the mountains of New Mexico as a camp counselor.  After Art School, his interest in wood led to an apprenticeship as a piano technician, specializing in player pianos, and he also began substitute teaching.  As Ben states, teaching was where he “found his groove”.  An interest in sailing lead him to educational positions, including captain,  aboard various historic “tall ships”.  Eventually, combining his interest in sailing and craftsmanship, he found a job restoring old wooden boats and became obsessed.

He was introduced to Waldorf by the mother of his children and started working at the Rudolf Steiner Fellowship Foundation, finding his way to Meadowbrook in the fall of 2014.

Ben sees the connection between craftsmanship and Waldorf Education, “It takes a lot of energy to do something more personal, more individualized.  It’s hard to find a group of people who really believe this and are actually committed to making the effort.”

Anne Duda – German Teacher

MS in Agricultural Engineering, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen/Germany

Taught Animal Nutrition Classes at Justus-Liebig University

Anne has taught at MWS since 2001.

Other Interests: Coaching and playing basketball. Assistant Head Coach of an AAU team winning the Div. 3 10th grade National Championship in July 2015. Played professional basketball for 10+ yrs on Division 1, 2 and 3 teams in Germany.

Anne was born in Wiesbaden, Germany.  After moving to the United States, she taught German to children at the YMCA, before joining MWS in 2001.  Her two alumni daughters attended MWS since nursery school.  Anne enjoys sharing her German heritage and culture with her students and feels Waldorf Education encourages students to become world citizens.

brendan haggerty – Movement Teacher

BA Secondary, Education Prescott College
BA Geomorphology & Earth Science, Prescott College
MEd Educational Leadership, Prescott College

Throughout his seventeen-year career as an educator, Brendan has been deeply involved in creating and operating two high-performing EL Education charter schools: Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy in Arizona and The Greene School in West Greenwich, RI.During that time, he was a school leader and developed various programs including wilderness orientation, math intervention, athletics, campus sustainability, and meaningful interdisciplinary curricula that included off-campus fieldwork and authentic student projects with authentic audiences.

Brendan brings a diverse range of athletic backgrounds to the movement position and has coached Middle School wrestling, surfing, and recreational soccer. He enjoys integrating team building, mindfulness, and yoga into his regular practice.

As a high school educator, Brendan developed many relationships with Meadowbrook alum,faculty, and parents and was inspired by their character and craftsmanship. He is drawn to Waldorf education by his passion for human development and the bright future that thepedagogy inspires for a peaceful and sustainable future for all humankind.

In his free time, Brendan enjoys spending time with his family and enjoying the beauty of the natural world doing anything. His passions include hiking, skiing, surfing, and mountain biking.

susan Hoaglund – strings

Coming soon!

nathan lambstrom – Nature Studies Teacher

BS, Environmental Studies, minor in Spanish, University of North Carolina

MS, Plant Biology and Conservation, Northwestern University

Nathan spent his childhood exploring the creeks and meadows and maritime forests of North Carolina, where he grew a deep and lasting relationship with the natural world. After completing his BS in Environmental Studies, he worked in restoration ecology, field conservation, and public horticulture for ten years before pursuing an MS in Plant Biology and Conservation. He moved to Rhode Island with his family in 2020 and started a business to share ecological gardening practices with home gardeners. Environmental education has been a continuous thread running through his work, and he is passionate about sharing his love and knowledge of the natural world.

Nathan was introduced to Meadowbrook Waldorf School when his daughter enrolled in the early childhood program, and he quickly felt a kinship between Waldorf education and his own practices of compassionate land care. He feels that Meadowbrook provides the perfect environment to instill in children a sense of grounding in their local ecosystem, and of their own personal relationship with the natural world around them. He hopes to give them a lifelong curiosity about the plants and wild beings that share their home, and the tools to foster a healthy and reciprocal connection with them.

Nathan lives with his wife Caitlin in Charlestown; they are the parents of one current and one future Meadowbrook student.

Ann Lewis – handwork assistant

Coming Soon!

Jenna PArker – Handwork Teacher

BFA in Ceramics, Rhode Island School of Design

MA Teaching + Learning in Art + Design, Rhode Island School of Design

Jenna grew up immersed in the arts in Connecticut, the daughter of artists and builders.  She spent her twenties exploring the Bay Area of California while majoring in English and Anthropology. Unable to deny her dedication to the arts, Jenna returned to her New England roots to attend Rhode Island School of Design's Ceramics department. Her social nature sought connection outside of a quiet studio, and called her to education. While pursuing her Master's of Arts in teaching she was introduced to Waldorf  Education.

Jenna shares " I knew the moment I experienced the Waldorf philosophy that it was where I was meant to be. Not only as an artist and educator, but for my future children as well. Art and aesthetics are embedded in our teaching in a way that the whole child is considered. The whole human being- head, heart and hands are truly educated."

Jenna and husband Jim are the proud parents of three Meadowbrook students. In their spare time you can find them growing their emerging family farm, working on any number of DIY home improvements, skiing, fishing, surfing, beaching and generally enjoying the great outdoors. Perhaps there may even be a bit of quiet studio space to come.

Catherine Reilly – Recorder Teacher

Bachelor of Music, Violin Performance, University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Catherine is a Meadowbrook alum who has worked with various orchestras and ensembles throughout New England and performs regularly with Musica Dolce. Additionally, she has worked as a studio musician in professional recordings, and as a band member in several professional musicals, including the debut of the off-Broadway musical “Presto Chang-o”.

As a Suzuki violin teacher, having received her training from Allen Lieb of the School for Strings in New York City, Catherine returned to Rhode Island in 2019 and began teaching private violin lessons and assisting with strings classes at MWS. Currently she leads our music program teaching strings, recorder ensemble, and chorus. 

Pedagogical Support

Liz DuFresne – integrated Support Coordinator

Liz has been working as MWS' Reading Specialist for the past two years, and is trained in the Orton Gillingham method. She has a master's degree from URI in School Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Neuropsychology, and has supported children in various capacities throughout her career.

Liz and her husband, Russ joined the MWS community in 1997, and are the parents of alumni Sam (MWS Class of 2008) and Abby (2011).

Laura MArtin - reading specialist

BA in History, Lenoir-Rhyne University

BA in Spanish Lenoir-Rhyne University

Classroom Educator Certification, Orton Gillingham Approach to Reading

Born in Virginia, Laura worked at a Wilderness School as a therapeutic residential counselor before moving to New England to raise her family. She joined Meadowbrook as an Early Childhood Assistant in 2018, and is currently our Reading Specialist providing reading instruction intervention to grades students using the Orton Gillingham approach. She has completed her Classroom Educator Certification and will receive her Associate-Level Certification this spring.

Laura shares she was drawn to the stress-free learning environment at Meadowbrook, and found her children thrived in this setting. They have become life long learners and are in love with school.

Laura is the parent of three girls, including a Meadowbrook alum and a current student. She lives with her family in Jamestown and loves to read and share a good book. Let her know if you have any must-reads!

Eliza Richmond — Pedagogocal Intern

Coming Soon!

amy lloyd rippe - Faculty mentor

BA English, Speech, and Theater, German minor, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

MA Directing, University of Connecticut, Storrs

Conservatory Degree, Trinity Repertory Conservatory

Waldorf Teaching Certificate, Antioch University, New England

Born in Pittsburgh, PA, Amy is an avid life long learner, studying anthroposophy, foreign languages, oceanography and more. Amy has graduated three Grade 8 classes at Meadowbrook and is the current Grade 8 teacher. Amy’s past experiences includes teaching theater as an adjunct professor at URI and Providence College, directing at both Providence College and Rites and Reason Theater at Brown, as well as locally in Providence.  She held the positions of Associate Director of Conservatory at Trinity Rep, and Volunteer Coordinator in the Providence Public School system.  She lives in Kingston, and is the parent of two Meadowbrook alumni.

HEATHER SCHNEIDER — MATH TEACHER

BA In History and Anthropology, University of Rhode Island

Waldorf Teacher Certificate, Sunbridge College

Biodynamic Farming/Gardening Certification, Pfeiffer Center

Heather has taught at Meadowbrook since 2000 in many roles including Nursery, Math Support and Grades teacher. Heather graduated three Grade 8 classes, MWS 2011, 2018, and 2024.

Heather recalls, “I was drawn to Waldorf Education when my children were young and just found it kept getting better. I first wanted the education for my children and then found I wanted it for myself as well.”

Committed to sustainable living, Heather loves cooking with local, organic foods and baking. Heather and husband Ray are parents of two Meadowbrook alumni.

Administration

Sarah Buchanan

Coming Soon!

Jennifer Carr – development director

BS Management Information Systems - Clarkson University
Graduate Certificate Survey Design & Data Analysis - George Washington University

After graduating from college, Jen moved from Northern Vermont to Northern Virginia to begin her career in project research and data analysis. In addition to performing analytical research, she traveled internationally to train other analysts in new processes and tools that she developed as well as managed and trained a new group of research analysts. After a little over 10 years she left the corporate world when she and her husband moved to Rhode Island and welcomed their first daughter. Shortly after having their second daughter, Jen began working as a Development Assistant for a nonprofit organization in Westerly, RI, leading fundraising, community events and donation appeals. When her first daughter started at Meadowbrook she shifted focus and took a position as an afternoon assistant in Morning Glory. Jen's love for fundraising also led her to join the Holiday Faire Auction Committee in 2020/21 and in 2021 she served as the Holiday Faire Chair. 

Jen and her husband Alex live in Richmond, RI and are parents of two Meadowbrook students.

Jacquelyn Coker – human Resources

Jacquelyn majored in Special Education at Rhode Island College before starting her family. She and her husband went on to have five children.

For over 10 years, while raising her family, Jacquelyn was a member of a midwifery team which attended births in RI and CT. She considered it an honor to be at the family’s side as they welcomed their children into their lives.

Jacquelyn was a Meadowbrook parent for 25 years and during that time served on the Board of Trustees for many years and countless committees. She feels blessed that she was able to participate and witness the school’s growth from a darling little group of 12 children into the established and respected school that it is today.

Jacquelyn has been Office Manager and Bookkeeper since 2002 and enjoys working with her colleagues to support students and their families. She enjoys spending time with her large family whether it be clamming together, skiing in NH together, knitting with her grandchildren, or gardening alongside the woodchucks and bunnies.

Anne Duda – Administrative Assistant

MS in Agricultural Engineering, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen/Germany

Taught Animal Nutrition Classes at Justus-Liebig University

Anne has taught at MWS since 2001.

Other Interests: Coaching and playing basketball. Assistant Head Coach of an AAU team winning the Div. 3 10th grade National Championship in July 2015. Played professional basketball for 10+ yrs on Division 1, 2 and 3 teams in Germany.

Anne was born in Wiesbaden, Germany.  After moving to the United States, she taught German to children at the YMCA, before joining MWS in 2001.  Her two alumni daughters attended MWS since nursery school.  Anne enjoys sharing her German heritage and culture with her students and feels Waldorf Education encourages students to become world citizens.

Jennifer Farrelly – Administrator

BA Accounting, Bethany College, Bethany, WV

Experience in Public Accounting and Business Management

Jenn has been a parent in the community since 1997.

Jenn has served the school in many capacities (from weeding to long range planning) over the years and considers her involvement with MWS as a blessing in her life.

“We were looking for a preschool for our 3 year old with no intention of staying beyond early childhood. We discovered an incredible education for all of our children and ourselves, a community to share our lives with, and an appreciation for simple living.  I consider it a privilege to be able to work collaboratively with our faculty and staff in support of the mission of MWS”.

Jenn and her husband are the proud parents of five Meadowbrook alumni and are happy to share their observations of how this education continues to support their children.

They live in Jamestown where Jenn enjoys being with her family, spending time outdoors and gardening.

Christine Martuscello – Admissions Coordinator

BS Biology, University of Vermont

MS Nutritional Sciences, University of Vermont

Chris grew up in the Granite Capital of the World, Barre, Vermont. After graduating from the University of Vermont, she moved to Connecticut and spent 12 years as a bench biologist studying Osteoporosis and Muscle Frailty. She left corporate science after the birth of her eldest daughter. It was also through this daughter that she and her family discovered Meadowbrook Waldorf School. At Meadowbrook, her family discovered there was community of parents and teachers committed to honoring childhood while encouraging children to stretch academically, physically and socially. She is now Admissions Coordinator at Meadowbrook Waldorf School and spends her work life helping other families decide whether a Waldorf Education is right for them. She loves spending time with her daughters, and as an adult tries to incorporate some of the foundational ideas of the Waldorf Early Childhood curriculum into her daily life: spend time outdoors, have a rhythm to your days, explore the world with wonder, balance intellectual and creative activities, eat bread and share soup.

David Way – Facilities Manager

Coming Soon!