Our faculty and staff are inspiring, dedicated, and committed to personal and professional growth.
These hardworking and thoughtful individuals lead by example when it comes to lifelong learning and are the heart and soul of our school.
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Emily Bayer-Pacht
Head of School
(she/her)
ebayerpacht@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgEmily first joined the LCWS Community in 1989 as a kindergarten student in one of our first classes. Her parents were one of the founding families of LCWS and her mother served as the Administrative Director of the School for 8 years. Emily returned to LCWS as a parent in 2015 and soon after joined the Board of Trustees where she eventually served as Vice-President of the Board and Chair of the Health and Safety Committee throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Emily was asked by the Board to step into the role of Interim Head of School in the fall of 2022 and then accepted a full time position as Head of School in the spring of 2023. Emily has a Bachelor’s of Music degree from New York University and a J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York City. Emily also received her High School education from High Mowing School, a Waldorf boarding school in Wilton, New Hampshire. Before joining LCWS as Head of School, Emily was an Associate Attorney at Hoff Curtis, P.C. where she practiced family and criminal law. Emily brings a deep understanding and appreciation of Waldorf Education to her work as Head of School. Emily has four children enrolled at LCWS, who are enrolled in pre-kindergarten, third, fifth and sixth grade. Emily lives with her husband and children in Hinesburg, Vermont, next door to her parents.
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Camille Burns
Third Grade Class Teacher
(she/her)
cburns@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgThe natural world has always been a driving force for Ms. Burns and her life experiences. She holds a B.S. in Forestry with a concentration in Outdoor Recreation at Southern Illinois University. After a year spent volunteering with AmeriCorps, leading trail crews in Maine, Ms. Burns began her work as an Environmental Educator, following her passion for the natural world and her love of children. She led school and environmental interpretation programs at the Visitor Interpretive Center in Paul Smith’s, NY and then went on to teach for Audubon New York. After receiving a Master’s of Education in Integrated Learning at Antioch University she worked for Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center in Laconia, NH where she was recognized as New Hampshire Environmental Educator of the year. It is through her children that she found Lakeside School at Black Kettle Farm, a Waldorf School in Essex, NY, where she worked as a Forest Kindergarten Teacher and Primary Grades Teacher prior to joining the faculty at LCWS. Ms. Burns spends her free time recreating outdoors with her husband and two children; skiing in the woods and canoeing remote pockets of the Adirondack Park are her favorites.
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Shari Carlson
Parent Child & Early Childhood Teacher
(she/her)
scarlson@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgShari grew up in Central Vermont as the youngest of four children. She spent a lot of time in the woods, running, climbing trees, and riding her bike. She was drawn to Waldorf Early Childhood education because she believes strongly in the importance of the early years. Shari holds a B.A. in Sociology from Franklin Pierce College in Rindge NH, a Foundation Studies Certificate from The Center for Anthroposophy in Wilton, NH, and a Waldorf Educational Support Certificate from The Association for a Healing Education, in Ann Arbor Michigan. The Waldorf emphasis on spending time working and playing in the natural world, as well as the holistic approach to the development of the young child, resonates deeply with Shari. She is passionate about working therapeutically with young children, and is so pleased to spend her days with little ones and their caregivers! Shari lives in Hinesburg with her husband, James and their three dogs. She is the mother of three wonderful young adults who all flourished in their time at Lake Champlain Waldorf School.
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Hannah Carlson
World Languages Teacher
(she/her)
hcarlson@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgHannah grew up in Hanover, NH and graduated from Middlebury College with a BA in Chinese Language and Literature. A specialist in World Language Curriculum Development, Hannah has lived and taught in China, Spain, and Peru. She also holds a certificate in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). In her Waldorf training, she has completed anthroposophy workshops as well as The Art of Teaching Spanish course from Sound Circle Center. She also serves on the board of VOCALE (Vermont Organization of Classics and Language Education). Outside the classroom, Hannah is an avid outdoorswoman and enjoys spending time in the woods foraging and camping with her husband, son, and two dogs.
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Lilly Cartularo
Morning Glory Mixed-Age Kindergarten Teacher
(she/her)
lcartularo@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgLilly Cartularo is an LCWS alumna having graduated from the high school in 2013. After graduation Lilly attended two years of college in Providence, RI and then traveled across the globe with her brother, stopping in New Zealand, Thailand, and Italy. She worked as a farmer and a nanny before applying for an assistant role in the Kindergarten. She immediately knew that working with young children was her calling in life and worked toward her degree while simultaneously continuing as our teaching assistant in the Apple Blossom Kindergarten. She received her Waldorf Early Childhood Teaching Certificate from Sophia’s Hearth in 2021. She also received her Bachelor’s degree and Teaching license in Early Childhood Education from Northern Vermont University in 2022. Lilly brings her knowledge of mainstream and Waldorf pedagogies to create a healthy environment of learning and growth to her students. -
Dan Cavanagh
Handwork Assistant Teacher
(he/they)
dcavanagh@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgMr. Cavanagh started teaching handwork as a volunteer in his eldest child’s first grade handwork class and couldn’t stay away. Originally from the East End of Long Island, he attended Rochester Institute of Technology studying Mechanical Engineering, received an M.E.M. from Old Dominion University, and is currently enrolled in the four-year Applied Arts Waldorf Teacher training at The Threefold Education Center in Chestnut Ridge, NY. He is a former US Navy Submarine Officer and currently working as a Software Engineer in renewable energy. When not coding or teaching, Mr. Cavanagh can usually be found with his kids sailing on Lake Champlain or skiing in the mountains.
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Sage Chase-Dempsey
High School Humanities
(they/them)
schasedempsey@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgSage joined LCWS in 2022 after two years of teaching high school in Massachusetts. In addition to their experience teaching in a Waldorf school, Sage also graduated from the Waldorf High School of Massachusetts Bay and has attended Waldorf teacher workshops held by the Center for Anthroposophy. Before teaching, they worked as a community organizer in movements for harm reduction, Indigenous land rights, and alternatives to incarceration. Sage holds an M.A. in Social Justice and Community Organizing and a B.A. in Cultural and Regional Studies from Prescott College in Arizona. When they are not teaching, Sage enjoys shape note singing and CrossFit.
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Melendy Comey
Textile and Practical Arts Teacher
(she/her)
mcomey@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgAfter sixteen years in the restaurant business, Ms. Comey turned her lifelong interest in textile arts into a new career in teaching. Holding an Applied Arts Waldorf Teacher Certification, she has been at LCWS since 2002, after teaching handwork at the Green Mountain Waldorf School for four years. She is also a potter and as a once-professional chef, still loves cooking for pleasure. Though her family roots are in the Boston area, Ms. Comey’s father was a Naval officer and the family moved from coast to coast every two years. She has been through 42 states and has many wonderful memories from traveling across the country. She studied fine arts and art history at the University of Southern Connecticut and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Ms. Comey and her husband have a son, Adrian ’08. They also have two daughters, Nicole and Leandra, living in Texas, and four grandchildren.
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Steve Crimy
Upper School Math, English, and Social Studies
(any pronouns)
scrimy@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgSteve is pleased to be returning to LCWS full time this year. He returned to teaching in the upper school last year part time after a 4 year hiatus. His first stint at the school was from 2006-2021. Steve did his undergraduate work and received his Masters in Teaching from Boston College, before completing Waldorf Teacher Training at Rudolf Steiner College. Before coming to LCWS, he spent seven years teaching humanities and math at the Summerfield Waldorf School in Santa Rosa, California. During his hiatus from teaching, Steve worked up and down the eastern seaboard as a tour guide, leading both adult and student tours, and has a passion for bringing students on new experiences through the many trips LCWS offers. He lives near Middlebury with his wife and four cats.
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Gary Daluisio
Facilities Manager and Custodian
(he/him)
gdaluisio@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgGary is a native New Yorker, moving to Vermont in 2017 with his wife Sarah (a native Vermonter,) and daughter Gigi, an LCWS student. Through Gigi's education at LCWS, Gary found his love for both LCWS and the Waldorf community. Gary's career focus has primarily been in the hospitality industry as a chef, executive chef, and restaurant manager in fine dining. For many years he also rehabbed older homes for resale, doing the majority of the work himself, as well as a stint as an electrician's helper. In his free time he enjoys live music, weight lifting, and enjoying all of the great outdoor activities the area offers with family and friends.
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Aaron Darland
High School Science and Math
adarland@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.org
Aaron joined LCWS in 2019 as a math teacher and since then has expanded to teach a variety of subjects. Aaron loves math: the structure, clarity, and the problem-solving methods. With a BA from Franklin Pierce College and a love of the phenomenological approach to learning, Aaron is excited to bring his passion for learning to the students, showing them that learning doesn't need to be intimidating. Aaron enjoys life and spreadsheets. -
Christopher Diehl-Noble
Fourth Grade Class Teacher
(he/him)
cdiehlnoble@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgMr. Diehl-Noble grew up in a family of musicians in Castleton, Vermont. He graduated from the Boston University School of Music with a Bachelor of Music, training there as a cellist. After four years as a public school music teacher in Maine, where he held a K-12 music certification, he pursued Waldorf Teacher Training at Emerson College in Sussex, England. He taught there at the Michael Hall Rudolf Steiner School for several years before returning to Vermont in 1996 to join the LCWS faculty as a class teacher. Mr. Diehl-Noble lives in Vergennes with his wife, Abigail, and their three children: Benedict, Flora, and Simon. He loves gardening, singing, playing the cello, listening to NPR, reading the New York Times, and his daily, friendly rivalry with Mr. Olson over Wordle and Connections.
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Abigail Diehl-Noble
Eighth Grade Class Teacher
(she/her)
adiehlnoble@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgMs. Diehl-Noble is a former debater who still loves a good argument, but in recent years has found that it's even more fun to build community. She has B.A.s from both Macalester College and Oxford University, an M.A. in English Literature from Oxford, and Waldorf teacher training from Antioch New England and the Center for Anthroposophy. Ms. Diehl-Noble is a part-time minister in the United Church of Christ. She likes to read, spend time outdoors, and work in her herb garden. She lives in Vergennes, Vermont with her husband and three children.
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Bryen Fabry Dorsam
Development, Marketing, and Events Coordinator
(they/them)
bdorsam@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgBryen has been involved with Waldorf education as a teacher, administrator, and board member for nearly fifteen years in New Orleans, Chicago, and now Vermont. They have Master's degrees from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Middlebury College, and a Bachelor's degree from Bard College. Their dog Rhea will jump on you and they apologize for this in advance.
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Lisa Espenshade
Front Office Manager
(she/her)
lespenshade@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgLisa worked for LCWS as the Development Director for 18 years, during which time her two daughters attended LCWS from kindergarten through 12th grade. After a hiatus, the heart-strings pulled and she returned to LCWS as a part-time Front Office Manager. Lisa also volunteers as a coach for one of the school's Junior Iron Chef teams. She holds a B.A. from Vassar College. Lisa is delighted to continue to support LCWS students and faculty, and calls this community her home.
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Holly Fournier
Financial Controller
(she/her)
hfournier@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgHolly is an alumni parent and former LCWS Board of Trustees member. She previously served the school in the role of LCWS Finance Director from 2015-2018. Holly brings several decades of financial experience as an accountant, registered investment adviser and certified financial planner (CFP) to her position. She finds her job serving the community she loves tremendously rewarding, especially getting to see from the inside how teachers work with all the students.
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Lindsay Francescutti
Enrollment and Communications Director
(she/her)
lindsayf@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.org
(802) 985-2827Lindsay's relationship with the school began in 1986 as a student in Natalie’s kindergarten and developed throughout her eight years in Wendy Coughlan’s class. Lindsay is grateful to LCWS for fostering her enthusiasm for learning and sparking her creativity. With a B.S. in Graphic Design from Northeastern University, she worked as a graphic designer for six years in Boston, then moved back to Vermont and began working as a freelance designer—with LCWS as one of her clients. She lives in Shelburne with her husband and three children.
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Erica Gallipoli
Sunflower Mixed-Age Kindergarten Teacher
(she/her)
egallipoli@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgRaised in the Adirondack mountains, Erica grew up with a deep love for nature, but it was really her time at the Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA that taught her the importance of passing that love on to younger generations. While in the Pacific Northwest, she had the opportunity to study in many inspiring programs that emphasized the importance of nature-education, nurturing the whole child, and time for free play in school systems. She holds a B.A. with concentrations in Art and Child Development. At Evergreen, Erica was introduced to Rudolf Steiner and the philosophical underpinnings of Waldorf education. After graduating, she spent a little over a year at a small Waldorf-inspired preschool on a farm in Olympia, first as an Assistant Teacher and then as a Lead. At LCWS, she has enjoyed three years in the Extended Care program as an assistant and then as the director. After working so closely with the Early Childhood branch of our school, she was inspired to begin the Early Childhood Teacher Education program at Sophia’s Hearth in Keene, New Hampshire.
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Nicandra Galper
Handwork Teacher
(she/her)
ngalper@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgMs. Galper is fond of sharing the excitement and love she has for handwork and seeing the children’s joy when they master the skills. She came to Waldorf education because it values the arts as a part of all areas of life. Originally from Philadelphia and southern New Jersey, Ms. Galper attended Wilson College, received an M.S.W. from Temple University, and has completed the four-year Applied Arts Waldorf Teacher training at The Threefold Education Center in Chestnut Ridge, NY. She has also studied art history and chemistry for art conservation at UVM and Trinity College. At LCWS since 2000, Ms. Galper is also a textile conservator, works on contract at the Shelburne Museum, has a private studio, and has taught handwork to adults as well. Her daughter, Sarah ’07, is a LCWS graduate.
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Julianne Hayyat
School Counselor
(she/her)
jhayyat@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgJulianne grew up in New Hampshire and moved to Vermont when she began her career in School Counseling 13 years ago. She holds a B.S. in Family Studies and Child and Adolescent Development from the University of New Hampshire, a MEd in School Counseling from Keene State College, and is certified as a Registered School Based Play Therapist (RPT-SB). In addition to School Counseling, she has worked for non-profit agencies supporting children and families within their homes and communities. Julianne was drawn to Waldorf education because she believes in the power of play, engagement in nature, and the importance of deepening learning through artistic expression. She is passionate about the field of play therapy and believes in children's innate ability to process and heal through play. Outside of work, Julianne enjoys going on trail rides with her horse; Copper, kayaking, hiking, and exploring nature with her puppy and daughter, who is in the Early Childhood program.
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Taylor Higgins
Apple Blossom Classroom Assistant
(she/her)
thiggins@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgTaylor is from Burlington, Vermont and attended the Lake Champlain Waldorf kindergarten and grade school. She has worked with children her entire life and studied English Literature and Early Education at Saint Lawrence University. She adores working in early childcare and started as a summer counselor at 15 years old, eventually transitioning into full time nannying for children as young as 6 months to 10+ years old. She is so excited to join as an assistant and aftercare provider in the Kindergarten this fall and will bring a calm, creative, and organized spirit to the classroom. Throughout her work thus far she has utilized Waldorf teachings and is so excited to experience teaching in a classroom.
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Rebekah Hopkinson
Seventh Grade Class Teacher
(she/her)
rhopkinson@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgMs. Hopkinson was drawn to Waldorf education while studying alternative forms of education at the Evergreen State College. While pursuing her B.A., Ms. Hopkinson taught an integrated arts and outdoor education curriculum, which explored themes of peace and social justice with elementary aged students. This led her to pursue Anthroposophical Foundations training from the Micha-el Institute in Portland, Oregon. Ms. Hopkinson received her Master's in Education in Integrated Learning with a Waldorf teacher training certificate from Antioch University in 2011. Ms. Hopkinson grew up in Hawaii and lived on both coasts before settling in New England. She lives in North Ferrisburgh with her husband and son.
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Gloria Irons
Business Administrator
(she/her)
girons@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.org
(802) 985-2827 ext. 215Gloria joined the LCWS community in 2016 when her daughter began first grade. She was an active parent volunteer and joined the LCWS Finance Committee in late 2017 and became the Treasurer and a member of the Board and Executive Committee in early 2018. Gloria held these positions with equanimity, diligence, and a strong command of the budget until she was hired as the Business Administrator in August 2019. She has a B.S. in Business-Marketing from the University of Colorado-Boulder, and a J.D. from the University of Iowa. She enjoys being active and spending time with her family and friends. -
Chris Izzo
Educational Support Specialist
(she/her)
cizzo@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgChris hails from Brooklyn, NY, and first dove deeply into the Waldorf pedagogical philosophy as a parent and staff member of Lakeside School in Essex, NY. Chris holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders/Speech Language Pathology from Columbia University Teacher’s College, and a Professional Educator License through the state of Vermont. Prior to her position at LCWS, Chris had the opportunity to work in a variety of educational and medical settings, including neurological rehabilitation facilities, private and public schools, and working at home with families of young children, and offered Gender-Affirming Voice and Communication services for Gender Non-Conforming folks. When she is not at LCWS, you might find Chris in the woods, on a bike, in the water, or reading, seeking the ever-elusive quiet she glimpsed as a child.
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Bailey Johns
Sixth Grade Class Teacher
(she/her)
bjohns@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgMs. Johns interned at Lake Champlain Waldorf School in the Spring of 2016. She taught first and second grades in Chicago before returning to Vermont. Ms. Johns has a BA from Kenyon College in math and dance, a Master of Education in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Antioch University, and a Waldorf Teaching Certificate from the Center for Anthroposophy. Over the past nine years, Ms. Johns has taught all eight grades and graduated her first class in June 2025. Outside of school, Ms. Johns loves to read, knit, and soak up the sun!
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Ali Johnston
First Grade Assistant Teacher
(she/her)
ajohnston@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgAli grew up in Massachusetts and graduated from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts with a BA in English Literature and a BS in Early Childhood Education. She brings over 15 years of experience working with young children in diverse settings—her most formative being a Lead Teacher at an all-season forest and farm school with 3–6-year-olds and guiding programming for homeschool children up to age 12. Ali is certified in yoga, meditation, and somatic attachment therapy and infuses this wisdom into her life and teaching. She sees nature as a wise regulator and believes play and wonder are powerful catalysts for growth and learning at all ages. Inspired by Waldorf’s creative and holistic approach, Ali is excited to join the LCWS community and continue her teaching journey, learning alongside fellow educators and students alike. Outside of teaching, Ali may be found walking in nature, writing poetry, sun basking, making art, or reading a book in a hammock somewhere.
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Josie Jordan
Educational Support Specialist
(she/her)
jjordan@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgJosie comes to us with over 30 years of experience as an educator in a variety of settings, both nationally and in Japan. Josie spent 18 years at Mount Abraham Union Middle and High School as an English Teacher in grades 6th-12th before turning her focus to support national school redesign to create learner-centered communities and curriculum as a professional learning coach. Recently, Josie spent two years on a team to help design and launch the ACP Alternative Middle School in Addison County where she taught as a general educator. In addition, Josie co-founded LIFT Learning, a competency-based software platform, which won the 2022 YASS Education Transformation Award and helped design the Flexible Pathways Program at Mt. Abe Middle and High School. Josie has her Masters in Education and has recently been studying Orton-Gillingham structured literacy as well as pursuing additional licensure in Special Education. And most importantly, Josie is mom to Elle, Ray and Ari Lipkin who all attend our High School!
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Garrett Kimberly
High School Drama, Social Studies and Math
(he/him)
gkimberly@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgMr. Kimberly is a leader in our math and drama programs. With a B.A. in Drama/Dance, and an M.S. in Community Development and Applied Economics, he brings a diverse skill set to the community through a decade of teaching in the public school system, a decade in nonprofit management, and several years in the trades. He works collaboratively, values authentic connection with students, and is devoted to his ongoing training as a Waldorf teacher. On a lighter note, Mr. Kimberly also apprenticed to be a professional chef, and loves cycling, games of all sorts, and reading. He lives in Burlington with his insightful wife, two wise-beyond-their-years children, and one dim-witted lizard.
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Emily Bissell Laird
Fine Arts Teacher
(she/her)
elaird@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgMs. Laird is a practicing artist and founder of Dreaming Star Studio. She graduated from UVM with a degree in Art Education, has taught art in public schools for many years, and came to LCWS through her first child’s experience of Morning Garden (and then grade school and high school)! Ms. Laird has completed Foundation Studies and art intensives at the Centre for Anthroposphy and The Alkion Center, and taught visual arts at the high school for the last seven years. When not teaching or painting, she can be found hiking, skiing, gardening, and dreaming with her family in the Champlain Valley.
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Isabel Linhares
Upper School Science Teacher
(they/them)Born and raised in sunny Southern California, Ms. Linhares grew up immersed in Waldorf education. As a Waldorf student, they quickly gained a love for the interdisciplinary that has fueled everything they have done since. In college, Ms. Linhares studied biology, chemistry, physics, and disability studies, graduating from Middlebury College with an independently-designed B.A. in Disability, Health, and Power. She has worked in clinical genetics and biomedical optics research labs and brings a unique breadth and depth of science knowledge to her teaching. Ms. Linhares is particularly interested in the role science plays in society and how cultures use science as a tool towards or against justice. They teach with universal design in mind, centering the disability justice principle of “leave no one behind.” She is an avid artist, musician, writer, and Dungeons and Dragons player; you can almost always find her creating something of some kind.
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Phu Ly
Support Teacher
(she/her)
ply@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.org
Ms. Ly graduated from Simmons College, a women’s college in Boston, with a B.A. in Early Childhood Education and English Literature. Trained as a public school teacher, Ms. Ly brings over twenty years of teaching experience to LCWS with various teaching philosophies and practices. Her career began in Brookline, MA, where she taught second grade for four years. After relocating to California in 1999, she also taught preschool up to fifth grade in different progressive independent schools focused on Project Based Learning and a constructivist teaching approach. She is also a certified yoga teacher and earned her certificate from Breathe for Change. When Ms. Ly is not teaching, she owns a camp that takes elementary children out into nature. She loves photography, traveling, and eating! Ms. Ly moved to Vermont in 2022, and she lives in Shelburne with her husband and daughter.
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Tyler Macdonald
Movement Teacher
(he/him)
tmacdonald@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgGrowing up as a Waldorf student, and with two parents who were Waldorf teachers, Mr. Macdonald was grounded in anthroposophy from a young age. He has extensive training in Spacial Dynamics, graduating from Level 1, a five-year in-service training designed for Waldorf movement teachers, in 2006. He has also completed several Level 2 trainings and three years of the Level 3 program, and is completing requirements needed for graduation. He holds a B.A. in Transpersonal Psychology from Burlington College and certification in Bothmer teaching. Mr. Macdonald lives with his wife Julie, a veterinarian, and their three children. Outside of education, work, and family, he loves to play basketball any chance he can and practices mindfulness meditation under Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh.
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Sarah Maika
Lower School Handwork Teacher
(she/her)
smaika@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgSarah Maika is an LCWS lifer and faculty child who graduated from our high school in 2007. She got her degree in American Studies and Fine Art at Smith College before doing her Waldorf teacher training at Antioch New England. She then became a class teacher at the Orchard Valley Waldorf School in East Montpelier. She and her Hawaiian husband moved to Honolulu, where she was a class and handwork teacher at the Honolulu Waldorf School for seven years. She is thrilled to be back home in Vermont in her original Waldorf community as the lower grades handwork teacher.
In her free time, Ms. Maika loves to make things. She is a sewer, knitter, gardener, pickler, and member of the local singing and performance group Social Band. She loves to make art and curate her vast and ever growing earring collection.
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Jun Matsuo
Fifth Grade Teacher
(she/her)
jmatsuo@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgMs. Matsuo's life has been filled with music; she concertized as a solo and collaborative pianist and taught various music courses at colleges after she earned her doctoral degree in piano pedagogy from the University of South Carolina. A pivotal moment in 2016 made her reflect on ways of teaching human beings, which led her to Waldorf education. Prior to joining LCWS, she journeyed with her class from first to fifth grades at Meadowbrook Waldorf School in Rhode Island. She volunteered to co-teach Main Lesson and taught Handwork as well as Japanese at Lakeside Elementary School while pursuing her Waldorf educator certificate at Sunbridge Institute. She and her husband enjoy the vibrant Shelburne community: the nature and warm, welcoming people. She loves walking, reading, practicing yoga, attending concerts and visiting museums, playing cello and piano, and riding her bicycle on a cool sunny day.
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Lindsay Miles
Apple Blossom Mixed-Age Kindergarten Teacher
(she/her)
lmiles@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgLindsay has been working in Waldorf Early Childhood classrooms since 2008. She was initially drawn to this education for her daughter, but Lindsay soon realized that teaching children and Waldorf education were her calling. Inspired by nature, Lindsay was a part of the Farm and Forest movement for the past several years and is excited to bring her love of nature and connection to the great outdoors to the kindergarten at LCWS. She enjoys the joy, innocence, and adventure that comes with each day in the classroom. When she is not teaching, Lindsay loves to play music, read, and garden. She and her husband are avid farmers and enjoy spending time outside with their children.
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Chicory Miller
Second Grade Teacher
(she/her)
cmiller@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgMs. Miller was raised in upstate New York, where she spent her childhood exploring vast woodlands, caring for chickens, and cultivating gardens. Her love for the Green Mountains led her to Champlain College, where she pursued a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education with a minor in Global Studies. Chicory earned her Vermont teaching license and spent two rewarding years teaching first grade in Vermont. Inspired by a calling to Waldorf education, she journeyed to Oregon and spent the last three years immersed in the training program, Waldorf Teacher Training, Eugene. She now holds certifications in both Waldorf Early Childhood and Grades. Chicory feels deeply drawn to this work. She loves to share the wonders of art, movement, and the natural world with children. A passionate fiber enthusiast, she always has a knitting project on the go. In the summers, Chicory is an avid biker, swimmer, and hiker, while winters are dedicated for both downhill and Nordic skiing.
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Tara Monaghan
Robin's Nest Nursery Teacher
(she/her)
tmonaghan@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgTara is a native New Yorker and was a Waldorf student herself, attending grades one through eight at the Rudolf Steiner School. She holds an M.F.A. from Cranbrook Academy of Art in MI. The arts are an intrinsic part of who she is and how she experiences the world. After the birth of her daughter, Tara left her career in the commercial photo industry to pursue her interest in Early Childhood education. She taught for six years in both public and private schools. Tara received an M. Ed. and Early Childhood Certification from Sunbridge Institute. Before joining LCWS she taught at an outdoor Forest Nursery and Parent Child program in Washington Heights. She enjoys cooking, spending time with their dog, Tufa, and Guinea pigs Ms. Nibbles and Twinkie, and regular visits with friends and family in Coastal Maine. Her family also loves hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
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Su Newberry
Front Office Manager & Registrar - Turtle Lane
(she/her)
snewberry@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgBorn in The Netherlands, Suzanne has traveled throughout the world and the United States. Her family ultimately settled in the United States, where she earned a BS in Biochemistry from Bates College, and a MS in Cellular and Molecular Pathology from UNC@Chapel Hill. She has previously been a research technician and lab manager at UVM, and a professor and department head at Champlain College--and she is now thrilled to help coordinate the daily operations at LCWS. She is no stranger to LCWS, as all three of her children have attended the school. When she is not at school, she can be found in her gardens, weaving, watching football with her husband, or chasing after her dog.
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Steve Olson
Music Director
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Robert Palmer
Woodworking & Outdoor Education Teacher
(he/him)
rpalmer@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgMr. Palmer is a woodworker, furniture maker, artist, and avid outdoorsman. He earned his BFA in Fine Woodworking and Furniture Design at Burlington College and The Vermont Woodworking School. He learned craftsmanship, restoring colonial homes with his father in their hometown of Alexandria, VA. While living in West Virginia, he guided rafts and taught kayaking on the Shenandoah River, sparking a lifelong love for outdoor conservation, leadership, and adventure sports.
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Gwen Shelton
Front Office Manager: Upper School Campus
(she/her)
gshelton@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgGwen grew up in Underhill, Vermont where she read Tove Jansson, C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Madeleine L’Engle. When not reading she wandered the hills and searched for fairies and trolls. It is also a fact that she skied to school and it was up hill both ways. Gwen went on to be a pediatrician and practiced for over 25 years. Inspired by her son Owen, who is an Upper School Student, she is taking a prolonged sabbatical to work at Lake Champlain Waldorf School. She is delighted by the healthy nourishing educational community here, it is just what the doctor ordered.
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Laura Stasi
Early Childhood Assistant Teacher
(she/her)
lstasi@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgLaura first discovered Waldorf education as an undergraduate at St. Lawrence University when she interned at the Lakeside School in Essex, NY. She was drawn to the strong connections with the natural world and the intentionality with which things were done in and out of the classroom. With a B.A. in Creative Writing and minor in Outdoor Studies and Fine Art, Laura is excited to combine her passions and interests with the LCWS community. She lives in Burlington where she can often be found exploring our wonderful state by foot, bike, or skis.
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Maeve Taylor
Upper School Science Teacher
(she/her)
mtaylor@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgMaeve brings her love of nature and 15 years of conservation biology and land management work to our science program. Prior to discovering Waldorf education, Maeve worked in Alaska for the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, managing recreation and education programs on public lands. She holds a Masters in Environmental and Forest Biology from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Maeve also worked for six years as the School Administrator of Lakeside School. Maeve and her son Finn commute from Westport, NY, where their family owns an organic draft horse powered farm.
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Emily Thomas
Rosebud Classroom Teacher
(she/her)
ethomas@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgEmily spent her childhood in Maine and Vermont. After completing a bachelors in art and psychology from the University of Vermont she traveled and worked in higher education for several years. Eventually, she felt called to bring her love for creativity, healing, and nature-based practices to children, which led to obtaining a masters in education focusing on special education and art education. She has taught in a variety of settings from public, private, homeschool, forest schools, and more. Emily lives with her partner and their two children in Hinesburg, Vermont.
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Julie Warren
First Grade Class Teacher
(she/her)
jwarren@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgJulie grew up in Lexington, Kentucky and attended college at the Art Academy of Cincinnati, where she received a BFA with an emphasis in painting. She then headed west to Denver, Colorado where she joined Americorps NCCC, a program that sent teams of young adults to help in underserved communities. She was able to work in a number of different schools across the country, and it was through this program that Julie discovered her love of teaching. After moving to upstate New York, Julie learned about Waldorf education and taught in both the Early Childhood and grades at Lakeside School. She is thrilled to be joining the faculty at Lake Champlain Waldorf School. Julie lives in the Adirondacks with her husband, two daughters, and cat named Shirley.
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Karen White
Early Childhood Teaching Support
(she/her)
kwhite@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgKaren grew up in Ottawa, Canada and spent several years after high school living and traveling in Europe. She moved to England to attend a two year Waldorf Teacher Training at Emerson College, and, while there, she met her husband. After a year as an EC assistant in Ottawa and another year at the Hawthorne Valley School, they moved to Vermont together in 1989 to work at LCWS. After several years in the kindergarten, she had her first child and remained at home, having two more babies. She returned full time when her youngest child entered first grade in 2005 and remained until 2021. She is delighted to be returning to the school part time and is looking forward to supporting both the teachers and the children in the EC building. When not at school, Karen spends her time in the forest and in her garden, barefoot whenever possible!
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Jen Zahorchak
Upper School Enrollment and Events Support
(she/her)
jzahorchak@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.orgJen has been an active volunteer at LCWS since her children (Wren, Luna, and Otis) began attending in 2018. She and her husband Gregg helped found Lakeside (Waldorf) School in their hometown of Essex, NY where Gregg remains the Forest Kindergarten Teacher. Jen has a science teaching degree and has taught Environmental Education across the US and Canada. For the past 16 years she has been the Program Administrator at Northwaters & Langskib, a Waldorf-inspired canoe tripping camp in northern Ontario. Jen enjoys photography, gardening, yoga, and has recently found a passion for stained glass.