Faculty and Staff
Bringing Our Education to Life
WSSD uses a proven technique based on insight into brain and physical development, kinesthetic learning, and emotional intelligence. Responds to the inquisitive and inquiring needs of the child at each stage of development. Prepares children for the ever-changing world. Committed to academic excellence in order to foster the capabilities of thinking, feeling and willing. Our teachers are specifically trained individually through rhythm, repetition, and reverence, is able to create a wholesome environment that nurtures the physical, emotional, social and spiritual development of each child.
*Due to economic restrictions and challenges relative to COVID-19, some faculty and staff published here may be presently furloughed. As a result, certain programs are temporarily not being offered. (noted by an *)
early childhood
Parent-Tot, Nursery, and Kindergarten
Laura Ford
Rosemary Kindergarten Teacher/EC Co-Chair
Ms. Laura has a Bachelor of Arts in Music from San Diego State University. She completed the Waldorf Teacher Training program at Antioch New England.
You can usually find Laura playing baroque bassoon, out camping and hiking, and spending time with her family.
Ms. Laura has been teaching at WSSD since 2003.
Christy Klincewicz
Sweet Pea Nursery Teacher
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.Â
Ms. Christy has been teaching at WSSD since 2002.
Mayra Sandelin
Lilac Kindergarten Teacher
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.Â
Ms. Mayra joined the WSSD Early Childhood team in 2003.
Aminta Penman
Periwinkle Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Aminta has been an Early Childhood Teacher for over 25 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.
Sheila Salmeron
Sunflower Teacher
Ms. Sheila has a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Psychology and a Master of Arts. She is enrolled in the Waldorf teacher training program while working with us as a kindergarten assistant.
Ms. Sheila was born by the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea in Southern Spain and loves traveling.
Ms. Sheila joined WSSD in 2015.
Leticia Ortega
Sunflower Support Teacher
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
Elizabeth Heald
Substitute Kindergarten Teacher/EC Co-Chair
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.
Isabelle Adame
Rosemary Support Teacher
Ms. Isabelle has an Associates Degree from Santa Barbara City College.
She is in her truest state when helping to gently guide, inspire, and bring to life a passion for the wonders within her fellow beings. Â
Ms. Isabelle joined WSSD in 2017.
Teri Antti
Sweet Pea Support Teacher
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!Â
Tatiana Regan
Early Childhood Support/Extended Care Teacher
Ms. Tatiana was born and raised in Cali, Colombia, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a concentration in Social Studies.Â
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.Â
Julia Antti
Periwinkle Support Teacher
Ms. Julia has an Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies and is currently taking classes in Early Childhood Education. She has been working with children for the past seven years in a variety of settings; assisting in preschools, providing support at churches, nannying for families, and last year helped out at the shelter for Unaccompanied Migrant Children at the San Diego Convention Center.
When she is not working, she can be found hiking, traveling, or playing music.Â
Jen Rice
Lilac Support Teacher
Coming Soon
Angela Sarich
Substitute Support Teacher
Miss Angela received her teaching certificate from the Waldorf Institute of Southern California in 2019. She taught a first and second-grade combination class for three years at Spirit Mountain School. She volunteers her time at the Waldorf Institute in Development, teacher recruiting and fundraising, as well serves on the board of Presidio Little League.Â
Her son has attended the WSSD since 2019. Having graduated high school in Hawaii, and lived there for twenty years, her hobbies include surfing, hiking, camping, Hawaiian Mythology, and music.
Lower School
Grade School 1-5 and Middle School 6-8
Socorro Maldonado
Grade 1 Teacher
Ms. Maldonado (she/her) was born and raised in Mexicali, Baja California a Mexican border-sister city with Calexico, California.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Architecture from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California and a Masters in Arts in Regional Planning from El Colegio de la Frontera Norte. She is currently working on completing her certification as a Waldorf Elementary Teacher from Sunbridge Institute in Chestnut Ridge, NY. Additionally, she studied Early Childhood Education at Palomar College in San Marcos, CA. and has trained in Mindful Schools and Yoga for children.
Ms. Maldonado has been Co-Chair of the Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Committee at WSSD since 2019 and is an active advocate for broader representation of historically excluded populations in Waldorf Education and society.
Ms. Maldonado is a seeker who practices Buddhism and enjoys every opportunity to learn something new.
Ms. Maldonado joined WSSD in 2017.
Anna Masters
Grade 2 Teacher
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 loves storytelling, singing, and puppetry.Â
Ms. Anna joined Sanderling Waldorf School in 2015, and WSSD in 2018.
Elyse Stussi
Grade 3 Teacher
Ms. Stussi has 19 years of experience as a Waldorf teacher and over 21 years of teaching. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Education from George Washington University with a specialization in teaching English Language Learners. She has her certification in Educational Support from the Association for Healing Education. She received her Waldorf teacher training both in Brazil and in Washington, DC, at the Nova Institute.
Prior to becoming a class teacher in 2009, Ms. Stussi worked as an Educational Support teacher at WSSD conducting Extra Lesson classes. Ms. Stussi worked as an English Teacher and Educational Support teacher in a small community Waldorf School in Brazil, her paternal country of Origin.
Ms. Stussi’s relationship to Waldorf education reaches back to her grade school years as a student at the Washington Waldorf School. She returned to the Waldorf community as a mother when her son, who is now an adult and Woodwork assistant at WSSD, began his first school experience in Parent-Tot classes at Acorn Hill Waldorf School.
Ms. Stussi joined WSSD in 2008.Â
Maria Case
Grade 4 Teacher
Ms. Case has 15 years of experience as a Waldorf teacher. She completed her Waldorf Teacher Training through Emerson and the Rudolf Steiner College and her teaching practicum at Stourbridge Waldorf School and Monterey Bay Charter. Ms. Case has worked with several specialists and Master Waldorf Teachers, further expanding her capabilities. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts from Lawrence University.Â
Fun Fact: While in high school, Ms. Case was a medal-holding State Storytelling Champion.Â
Ms. Case joined WSSD in 2019.
Veronica Connaughton
Grade 5 Teacher
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.
Bonnie Holden
Grade 6 Teacher
Ms. Holden has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences and has her Waldorf Certificate from Rudolf Steiner College.Â
Ms. Holden enjoys spending time with her Grandson.
Ms. Holden joined WSSD in 1986! Â
Deirdre Logue
Grade 7 Teacher
Ms. Logue has over 21 years of experience and began her journey at Harriet Tubman Village Charter School in San Diego.
Ms. Logue earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Notre Dame and received her teaching credentials at Chapman University. Ms. Logue also holds a California multiple subject credential.Â
Ms. Logue enjoys hiking, reading, artistic endeavors, gardening, travel, and laughter.
Ms. Logue joined WSSD in 2019.
Sherina Walker
Grade 8 Teacher
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.
Jessica Cohen
Grade Teacher
Ms. Cohen has a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts from the State University of New York at New Paltz. She studied stand-up comedy at Middlesex University in London. After living abroad, she came to California to study Anthroposophy at Rudolf Steiner College, where she received her Waldorf teaching certificate.
You can often find her playing ukulele, singing, and talking about her students, who are the bright spot of her life.
Lower School
Subject Teachers
Amanda Womble
Gardening Teacher
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.
Johanna Laurelin
Eurythmy and Orchestra Teacher
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.Â
Ms. Laurelin joined WSSD in 2005.
Lynne Ross
Middle School Math Teacher
Ms. Ross has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Chapman University, Early Childhood Director credentials, and also has a Waldorf Teacher Certificate from the Rudolf Steiner College. Â
Ms. Ross enjoys walking/ hiking, dancing, kayaking, knitting, traveling with friends and siblings, and Taco Tuesday.
Ms. Ross joined WSSD in 1984.
Sara Gomes
Games Teacher
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.Â
Ms. Gomes joined WSSD in 2004.
Mary Carmichael
Education Support
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.
Bianca Rennick
Handwork Teacher
Ms. Rennick has a bachelor’s degree in Art and her teaching certification from the Waldorf Practical Arts program. Over the past several years, she has taught handwork in the classroom, and more recently, she has worked with homeschool families and done private instruction.
As a lover of all things fiber, some of her favorite hobbies include knitting and working with plant dyes. She also loves dancing and spending time with her family.
Ms. Rennick joined WSSD in 2021
Carlos Vázquez MartÃn
Grade 4-8 Spanish Teacher
Mr. Vázquez has a Master of Arts in Innovation and Research in Education from the National Distance Education University (UNED) and a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a Specialization in Foreign Language Teaching from Complutense University of Madrid. He also has his Waldorf Teacher Certification from the Waldorf Training Center in Spain.
Mr. Vázquez loves reading, scuba diving, and traveling around the world whenever he can.
Joaquin Chavez
Woodworking Teacher
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.
Sean Stussi
Woodworking Teacher/ Aftercare Lead
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.Â
Mr. Sean joined the WSSD staff in 2018 to help in aftercare and assist the Woodworking classes.
Emilia Sumelius-Buescher
Costume Design/ High School Practical Arts
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.
Lyudmila Rockett
Music Teacher
Ms. Rockett received her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education, her Master of Arts degree in Choir Management and has extensive training in Orff and Kodaly methods.
She was born and raised in the Southern region of Russia. She loves to learn and enrich her knowledge in music pedagogy and is an active member of the San Diego American Orff Schulwerk Association.Â
Ms. Rockett joined WSSD in 2008.
high school
Grades 9-12
Nathan Wilcox
High School Chair Humanities Teacher Play Director
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.
Heather Scott
Humanities Teacher
Ms. Scott earned her BA from Sarah Lawrence College and her MA from The University of New Hampshire, Durham.Â
Heather’s interests are in diversifying Waldorf middle- and high-school curricula. She is passionate about supporting anti-racism through a grounding in history and biography and has a decades’ long interest in African-American culture and literature, especially attuned to Black women writers.
Heather has taught at WSSD for 17 years, including graduating two eighth-grade classes.Â
Anaid Stere-Lugo
Spanish Teacher
Profe Stere Lugo has a Master of Arts in Spanish Linguistics and Literature and a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts in Spanish from San Diego State University. She completed several Ph.D. graduate courses at the University of Arizona.
Profe has had the opportunity to work as a Spanish Minor Academic Advisor.
Profe enjoys learning, traveling, and spending time with her family, friends, and her two dogs.
Profe Stere Lugo joined WSSD in 2018.
Sudha Dorairaj
Chemistry and Physics Teacher
*Updated Bio Coming Soon.*
Jeremiah Johnson
Math Teacher
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
Amelia Vance
Math Teacher
Ms. Vance has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Puget Sound. She is currently studying to receive her Waldorf High School Teacher Training from the Center for Anthroposophy and her Masters in Education from Antioch University, New England.
She spent four years living and teaching in Cairo, Egypt.
Ms. Vance joined the WSSD faculty in 2018.
Maria Drogari
Math Teacher
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.
Chelaine Kokos
High School Co-Chair Eurythmy and Life Skills Teacher
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.    Â
She has performed in the United States, Mexico, and Europe. Ms. Kokos enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors.
Ms. Kokos joined WSSD in 2016.
Anthony Thomas
Athletics
Coach Thomas has his certification in Spacial Dynamics from the Spacial Dynamics Institute. He was born and raised in City Heights, and athletics have always been a part of his life.
When he’s not being the Waldorf High School Athletic teacher, he enjoys reading Walter Mosley and listening to Louis Armstrong.Â
Coach Thomas joined WSSD in 2012.
Lena Hector
Biology Teacher
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.
Kate Vance
Costume Design
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.Â
Ms. Vance joined WSSD in 1994.
Liza Clifton
Learning Support
Ms. Clifton has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, San Diego. She has also received her Reading Certificate from San Diego State University.
Her passion is helping a student succeed and be as effective as possible in the classroom to reach their highest potential.Â
Ms. Clifton joined WSSD in 2014.
Bryan Whelan
Jazz Band Teacher
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.Â
Mr. Whelan joined WSSD in 2008.
all school
Administrative Team
Rachel Davis
Administrator
Ms. Davis has a Bachelor of Arts in European History from the University of Arizona, is a certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and a certified Neuro Linguistic Practitioner. She retired from 20 years of leadership at GEICO Insurance to join WSSD. She brings a long history of successful business management and strong team building skills.
In her off time she can be found with her nose in a legal fiction book or an inspiring business book. She also enjoys spending time outdoors with her daughter and working their farm, plunging into the pacific or cycling.
Ms. Davis joined WSSD in 2016.
Liza Ferraro
Tuition Adjustment and Admissions
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.
Lori Williamson
Registrar
Ms. Williamson has a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from U.C. Santa Cruz, followed by two years of doctoral graduate study at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.
She enjoys cooking and spending time with her family.
Ms Williamson joined WSSD 2004.
Heather Taft
High School Faculty Support
Coming Soon!
Ian Cuevas
Grades Faculty Support
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.Â
He has worked with children and in administration in Special Education for 16 years.
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.
Candie Harper
Shuttle Driver/ Reception
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 serviceÂ
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.
CJ McGrady
Store Clerk/ Reception
Ms. McGrady attended the University of Oklahoma and has a background in Dental Technology.Â
She relocated to San Diego from New Jersey in 2014 and enjoys collecting rocks and minerals, as well as volunteering at Las Colinas Detention & Reentry Facility in Santee.
She joined the WSSD community in 2015.
Deborah Tweit
Grant Writer
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.
Pete Barber
Facilities Manager
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 my family
Mr. Barber joined WSSD in 2017.
Connie Pelletier
Facilities Technician
Ms. Pelletier was born and raised in northern Maine. She brings her expert customer service skills along with her attention to detail to WSSD. Connie continues to build her painting and home repair business.
In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering at a community center here in San Diego.
Ms. Pelletier joined WSSD in 2009.