Faculty and Staff

Ms. Elizabeth completed her Waldorf teacher training through the Waldorf Institute of Southern California. She graduated from Middlebury College in Vermont with majors in Environmental Studies and Spanish as well as a Master of Arts degree in Education.

Ms. Elizabeth grew up in a family of teachers among the avocado trees of Fallbrook, CA.

Ms. Elizabeth joined the WSSD Early Childhood team in 2013.

Ms. Mayra graduated from the Waldorf Teaching Program in San Diego in 2011. She earned her teaching degree and worked for five years as an elementary school teacher in Nicaragua. 

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

Ms. Aminta has been an Early Childhood Teacher for over 26 years. She joined WSSD in 2004 and has served as Parent-Child Teacher, Teacher Assistant and Co-Teacher. She is currently the lead Teacher for Periwinkle Kindergarten. Ms. Aminta holds a degree in Education and has completed her Waldorf Teacher Training.

A native Spanish speaker, she incorporates Spanish into her classroom experience. Ms. Aminta seeks to make changes in the world by connecting with children and supporting them in their discovery of their own unique destiny.

Ms. Aminta enjoys cooking, hiking, nature and spending time with her family.

Ms. Christy received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago and her Waldorf Kindergarten teaching certificate from Arcturus Rudolf Steiner Education program in Chicago. 

Ms. Christy has been teaching at WSSD since 2002.

Ms. Leticia received her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood from Cal State Los Angeles and is a graduate of the Waldorf Institute of Southern California (WISC).

Ms. Leticia has been an early childhood educator for over 23 years in mainstream, as well as private schools in Los Angeles and San Diego County.

Ms. Leticia has been with WSSD since 2006

Bio coming soon.

Ms. Isabelle joined WSSD in 2017.

Katerina originally hails from Belarus and moved to the United Kingdom in 2006. She completed her finance degree at Heriot-Watt University and worked as a research and financial analyst in the banking sector and corporate finance of the high-tech industry for several years.

Motherhood led Katerina to discover Waldorf education, which resonated deeply with her values and aspirations. She began her Waldorf Teacher Training at the Bay Area Center for Waldorf Teacher Training and completed her training at the Waldorf Institute of Southern California. Since 2018, Katerina has been dedicated to working with children of various ages, fostering their growth and well-being.

In 2018, Katerina co-founded and worked as a co-teacher at a Forest School in Silicon Valley. This experience deepened her understanding of children’s souls and her ability to nurture their inner light. In 2022, Katerina and her family moved to San Diego, where she began working at the Waldorf School of San Diego, supporting both the grades and early childhood departments. Her two children have been attending the school since their move.

Katerina is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Transdisciplinary Studies in Healing Education at Antioch University. In parallel, she is studying Healing Through Art at the Medical Section at the Goetheanum and is participating in training with the Kairos Institute in New Hampshire.

Katerina is deeply committed to her calling in healing work with children. She hopes that the children entrusted to her at the Waldorf School of San Diego will find her love, perseverance, and passion for learning infectious, fostering their holistic development and inner growth.

Amorino is a dedicated educator with a passion for nurturing the development of children’s minds, bodies, and spirits. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Grand Canyon University and brings a well-rounded perspective to teaching, blending formal training with practical experience. Growing up in Tehachapi, CA, she has always felt a deep connection to nature. Her experiences fuel her commitment to creating a positive, holistic learning experience, empowering children to reach their full potential while cultivating a lifelong love for learning and the environment.

With experience as both a Montessori teacher and an educated nanny, she has honed a diverse skill set that focuses on creating enriching environments that support each child’s individual growth.

In addition to teaching, she is an avid runner, training for both full and half marathons, which reinforces her commitment to personal growth and discipline. As a PADI certified diver with a passion for hiking and entomology, she enjoys exploring nature, fostering a deep respect for the environment and all living creatures. With a passion for lifelong learning and personal growth, she strives to inspire those she teaches, guiding them to reach their fullest potential while fostering a love for learning and the environment.

Ms. Tatiana was born and raised in Cali, Colombia, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a concentration in Social Studies. 

She is currently taking classes in Early Childhood Education at Riverside City College.

Ms. Tatiana is a certified Kundalini Yoga and Meditation instructor. She enjoys traveling with her family around Southern California. She especially loves going to farmers’ markets. 

Miss Teri has a BA in Human Development and an AA in Early Childhood Education. She also has been a professional musician since she was 14.  She is a public speaker on adoption and foster care and has been involved in child abuse prevention for over thirty years. She completed her Waldorf Certification in 2021 and is committed to making Waldorf Education accessible to all.

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

Bio coming soon.

Bio coming soon.

Shea Saint John Is a Certified Waldorf Teacher who is passionate, experienced, and dedicated. She began her training in Upstate New York while she was raising bees and biodynamic vegetables, and completed her K-8 training at The Waldorf Institute of Southern California.

Shea also has a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, cum laude, which scaffolds a multi-facetted understanding of children’s developmental stages from birth to Grade Three. Her foundation in the Curative Education coursework adds to her toolbox to guide all children successfully and empathetically. She recently graduated from Antioch University New England with her Master’s degree in Waldorf Education. She focused her studies on the M.Ed in Transdisciplinary Studies on Healing Education (TSHE). A graduate program held in conjunction with Camphill, USA. 

Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her five children (ages 9 to 29) one son-in law, and one grandson, camping, hiking and being outdoors. Her three youngest children will be students at WSSD. Shea also enjoys many practical arts, skiing, and traveling.

Nicole Martinez began her journey into Waldorf education over 20 years ago with the formation of WISC in San Diego. She took a break to study herbalism and returned to WISC to complete her certificate in 2013. Her background is in graphic design and art. She holds a Masters degree and K-8 California teaching credential from University of Phoenix and a single subject credential in art. She has taught for 11 years at Sparrow Academy, a Public Waldorf school in La Mesa CA, and is passionate about making Waldorf education accessible to all.

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

Ms. Anna completed her Waldorf three-year training and has a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary Education, and Teaching from National University. She completed a certified mindfulness training with Tarah Brach and Jack Kornfield in 2023 and a Therapuetic Movement training with Dr. Adam Blanning, and educators Nancy Blanning and Laurie Clark and in 2018

She loves storytelling, singing, and puppetry. 

Ms. Anna joined Sanderling Waldorf School in 2015, and WSSD in 2018.

Ms. Connaughton has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of San Diego, California, and a California Teaching Credential and Master of Arts Degree in Special Education from National University. She also graduated from the Waldorf Teacher Training program.

Ms. Connaughton joined WSSD in 2008.

Ms. Walker has a Master of Arts degree in Reading and Language Arts along with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Multiple Subject Certificate, and a Reading Specialist Credential. She also completed the Waldorf Institute of Southern California program (WISC).

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

Ms. Walker joined WSSD in 2004.

Madame Womble received her Diplôme d’Etudes Françaises from l’ Université Paul Cézanne – Aix Marseille III. She is a certified Waldorf World Language teacher. She also completed Biodynamic Gardening Training at Rudolf Steiner College.

She holds three certifications in Aromatherapy, is a certified Master Herbalist, a certified Doula, and is certified in applied nutrition.

Her passions are alternative health care, environmental wellness, social justice, and women’s health. She enjoys traveling and meeting people from lands far and near. She is a volunteer birth assistant for women in need of support who have limited or no financial means.

Madame Womble joined WSSD in 2004.

Ms. Laurelin is co-director of The Waldorf Institute of Southern California and attended University in Hamburg.

She is a widely acclaimed eurythmist who performs with stage groups in Europe and the U.S. 

Ms. Laurelin joined WSSD in 2002.

Ms. Gomes has a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies from San Francisco State University. She also has her certification in Spacial Dynamics from the Spacial Dynamics Institute. 

Ms. Gomes joined WSSD in 2004.

Ms. Carmichael has a Bachelor of Arts in Community Health Education from California State University, Chico. She attended the New England Waldorf Teacher Training Institute and completed her studies at Rudolf Steiner College. Mary has also completed the Remedial Education Program through The Association for Healing Education.

She has a strong commitment to her study of and works in anthroposophical medicine.

Ms. Carmichael joined WSSD in 1996.  She has taught parent-child and early childhood classes and has taken two classes from grades 1 to 8.

Bio Coming Soon.

Joaquin’s first love for woodworking came from the depths of his grandfather’s basement workshop where elder and younger would collaborate on projects born of Joaquin’s imagination and tempered by Grandpa’s expertise.

Joaquin attended WSSD from early childhood through grade 6. He then attended the Sacramento Waldorf School where he graduated from high school. He returned to San Diego and attended Grossmont College and worked in WSSD’s aftercare and summer camp programs. After several years assisting in the woodworking program, he became the lead teacher.

Joaquin is presently completing his Waldorf woodwork teacher credential through the WISC program.

Mr. Sean began his Waldorf journey as a student at Acorn Hill Waldorf in Maryland, then to the Washington Waldorf School for kindergarten. His elementary school years were spent at the Cecilia Meireles Waldorf School, in Brazil. In 2008, Mr.Sean joined WSSD to complete middle school.

For his High school and college years, Mr. Sean studied automotive repair and modifications acquiring many certificates along the way, such as transmission and engine rebuilding, forced induction systems, suspension and alignment, electronics, breaks, and many more. 

Mr. Sean joined the WSSD staff in 2018 to help in aftercare and assist the Woodworking classes.

Ms. Sumelius-Buescher was born in Finland. She attended Waldorf schools there as well as the U.S. She studied physical theater, ensemble creation, and mask-making at the Dell’ Arte International School of Physical Theater.

She has taught children seasonal crafts, physical theater, and mask-making,

Ms. Sumelius-Buescher joined WSSD in 2018.

Bio coming soon!

Ms. Estrada is a passionate Spanish teacher from Mexico, with Spanish as her native language. She graduated from college in Mexico, where her love for languages began. She has also worked as a Spanish language assistant in France, gaining valuable experience in language teaching and cultural exchange.

Teaching is both a vocation and a passion. She finds it incredibly rewarding to help students discover the beauty of the Spanish language and its rich cultural heritage. With a student-centered approach, she creates an engaging, supportive environment that encourages learners to build confidence and fluency.

Ms. Estrada joined WSSD in 2024.

Bio coming soon!

Jeremiah Johnson has a Master of Arts in Math Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics.

Jeremiah is an Iowa native who has had previous experience in teaching, coaching, farming, and carpentry. He has grown to love San Diego with his wife and three daughters. Jeremiah has interests in gardening, sports, and reading and has ambitions to ride in a hot air balloon someday.

Jeremiah joined WSSD in 2018

Ms. Drogari has a Master of Science in Education from the University of Bristol, UK, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from the University of Patras, Greece. Her experience is drawn from studying and working in the education systems of Greece, UK, and Czech Republic. Her passion is helping students develop their abilities and accomplish their goals.
When she is not teaching she loves hiking and playing tennis.

Mr. Wilcox has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Pomona College in Claremont, California, and Jesus College in Cambridge, England. He completed his Waldorf High School teacher training in literature at Rudolf Steiner College. He is a founding teacher of our high school.

Mr. Wilcox joined WSSD in 2006.

Ms. Kokos has a Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Education, Outdoor Recreation and Land Management, with an emphasis in Youth Programming from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She received her Eurythmy diploma from Sound Circle Eurythmy. She also completed her Waldorf Teacher Training with WISC, San Diego.     

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

Ms. Kokos joined WSSD in 2016.

Ms. Hector has a Master and Bachelor of Education in Biology and Physical Education from the
University of Kaiserlautern, Germany. She obtained a German teaching credential and has worked in Germany and Peru as a High School Science Teacher.

Her goal at WSSD is to instill a passion for science by designing purposeful and meaningful lessons that promote creative thinking and problem solving that relate to the students’ everyday lives.

In San Diego, she fell in love with the outdoor activities California has to offer and enjoys pursuing many of her passions such as hiking, climbing, skiing, surfing and chasing sunsets.

Ms. Hector joined WSSD in 2022.

Ms. Crozier was born in a Chilean mining town located on the slopes of the Andes mountains. She began her fine arts education in high school at Interlochen Arts Academy and later graduated from Alfred University with a fine arts degree. She returned home to Chile and worked at Colegio Waldorf San Francisco de Limache Waldorf school, teaching English as a world language to grades 1-8 for six years. She then moved to Sacramento, California and studied at Rudolf Steiner College, taking Foundation Studies and Teacher Training. From there, she headed back to New York and worked at The Garden City Waldorf School, teaching fiber Arts to grades 7- 12  and History through Architecture for four years. She most recently taught art at  WSOC High School and Spanish to grades 1-4 at WSOC.

Ms. Crozier joined WSSD in 2023.

Ms. Vance received her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Cal Western.

She has a passion for costumes and teaches a class in the tenth grade in costume design and construction. The class performing wears the costumes they have made in their annual play.

She also raises dogs for Guide Dogs for the Blind. 

Ms. Vance joined WSSD in 1994.

Mr. Whelan studied jazz and classical music theory at San Diego State University and is also a professional guitarist.

He has performed in a variety of professional groups and recently spent two months performing in Copenhagen, Denmark. 

Mr. Whelan joined WSSD in 2008.

Ms. Kennett received her Bachelor’s degree in English, Psychology and German from the University of San Diego and her Master’s degree in English Literature from Queen Mary University of London.

Beginning in 2004 as an English and German tutor, she has worked at all levels of education from teaching at a German immersion preschool in San Diego, to teaching high school English in the heart of Dallas and undergraduate English courses in San Diego. In 2015, as she was deciding where to send her first child for preschool, she began reading about Waldorf education and fell in love with the whole person approach to learning. This led to years of research into and practical application of Steiner’s philosophies with her own children.

When Ms. Kennett is not teaching she enjoys cooking, hiking, reading and spending time with her husband and three children. After many years of traveling and experiencing all stages of teaching, she looks forward to being part of the WSSD community as both an educator and a parent.

Bio Coming Soon.

Ms. Tweit has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland in Special and Elementary Education, a Master’s from San Diego State University in Special Education and has completed additional graduate work at The Claremont Graduate University in the area of Multicultural Education.

Ms. Tweit joined WSSD in 2008.

Ms. Ferraro’s background is in clothing design, manufacturing, retail, accounting, office management, customer service and motivational speaking.

She enjoys getting to know each and every member of the WSSD community and loves working with the community on common goals.

Ms. Ferraro joined WSSD in 2013.

Coming Soon!

Ms. Harper was born and raised in Nebraska. She moved to San Diego and had a vibrant career as a Retail Manager- and has a strong background in customer service 

Ms Harper enjoys spending time with and just being in the moment with her grandson. She is very active with her church and youth ministry. In her spare time she can be found hanging with her youth group of 11th and 12th grade girls.

Ms. Harper joined WSSD in 2013.

Mr. Cuevas was born in San Diego, but grew up in Japan, Guam and the Philippines.  He has a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology – with an emphasis on Art & Creativity – from the University of California, Santa Cruz. 

He has worked with children and in administration in Special Education for 16 years.

At the HS, has been the advisor for Art Club and the Publications elective and Social Justice elective.

During his free time, Ian enjoys spending time with family and catching up on international soccer. He also dabbles in graphic design and is an avid photographer.

Mr. Cuevas joined WSSD in 2019.

Mr. Barber was born in the Los Angeles area however is grateful to call San Diego his home since he was 11 years old.

He currently lives in the Ramona area that offers the sense of nature and wide-open spaces that we love.

Mr. Barber’s favorite past times are traveling, outdoor life, and spending quality time with his family

Mr. Barber joined WSSD in 2017.