I am a mother of two wonderful children, Sadhana and Maitreya. I first learned about Waldorf Education when Sadhana was a baby and we lived in close proximity to the ShinningMountainWaldorfSchool in Boulder, CO. I was in awe of the beauty and the feeling of well being that permeated the school and its grounds. Later I attended the Eugene Waldorf School Training Program and also taught at the school. Both Sadhana and Maitreya attend the CorvallisWaldorfSchool where I have been teaching in the Golden Rose Classroom for a few years now. I enjoy bringing stories, puppet plays and morning circles to the children, I also study Eurhythmy, Anthroposophy, going to the beach, and spending time with my children.
Preschool Assistant
Wendy Willard
Growing up the daughter of two school teachers, Wendy always knew that she wanted to teach. After graduating from Linfield College, Wendy spent several years teaching middle school math. She then took a short break from teaching to spend time with her young children. It was during this time that she discovered her love of early childhood and Waldorf education. Wendy is currently in her second year of training at the Waldorf Teacher Education program in Eugene. Outside of school, Wendy enjoys spending time gardening, crafting, and sharing adventures with her family.
Kindergarten - Morning Glory
Mary Dunn, Lead Teacher, was born in San Francisco, California. Mary inherited her family's love of gardening and teaching. She received her Bachelors Degree in Art History with an emphasis on many of the liberal arts including French language and literature. After graduating from college, Mary and her family moved to Northern New Mexico. She enrolled her daughters in Santa Fe Waldorf and there began her interest in Waldorf education. Mary taught at Santa Fe Waldorf School as the kinder aftercare teacher and became an assistant teacher in 2002. In July 2005, she graduated from Rudolf Steiner College in Sacramento. Mary now lives in Corvallis, Oregon with her two daughters. She enjoys cycling, reading, painting, gardening and anything outdoors near a body of water. The natural world has always been her classroom, as well as inspiration for spiritual self-study. She looks at life with a beginner's mind, open to what will come and all that will be revealed. Mary has been teaching at CWS for 4 years, 2 of which she was the faculty chair.
Kindergarten Assistant
Ruti Lamont was born in Suffolk, England, where her parent's met & married. They are avid farmers & soon began their search for their own property. Which led the family to many years of travel around Western Europe, & then across the United States, eventually settling in Oregon on a Communal farm outside of Monroe. Ruti was homeschooled K- high school & obtained a GED. The Eugene Teacher Training program graduated Ruti with a focus on Early Childhood Education, June 2009, & she began as an assistant kindergarten teacher in the fall. Ruti enjoys spending time with her family & friends, takes serious pleasure in cooking fine food, eating well, nutrition, & supporting local farmers & businesses
Kindergarten - Willow Wind
Anne Marie Cole has had a life long love of children, especially her own eleven-year-old daughter and ten-year-old son. She grew up just outside of Boston, Massachusetts; the elder child of professional classical musicians. Anne Marie played violin and piano throughout her childhood. She also has had a love of art and a pull to be creative artistically. Anne Marie attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston for four years, graduating in 1997. Anne Marie found Waldorf education when her daughter was a baby, and the more she found out the more she wanted to be involved. So, in 2001 Anne Marie decided to apply for the Waldorf Teacher training program in Eugene Oregon. She was accepted and graduated in the spring of 2004. Anne Marie now lives on a twenty-acre farm in Monroe Oregon with her farmer husband, two children, border collie dog, six goats, and many assorted chickens. She feels she has had and continues to have a culturally rich life which she can attribute much of to her parents. This life has given Anne Marie a deep love of all music as well as a love of singing and playing the piano. Anne Marie also loves to garden, spin wool on her spinning wheel, walk, cook and continue her spiritual studies.
Kindergarten Assistant
Sarah Shook has been a Corvallis resident on and off since 1988. She is a graduate of Corvallis High School, class of 1995 and has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Portland State University in the subject of German Language and Literature. During her undergraduate studies, she attended the University ät Stuttgart in Stuttgart, Germany for a year. After earning her degree at PSU, Sarah participated in Oregon State University's Graduate Teacher Education Program. Finding Public Schools a difficult fit with her learning philosophy, she taught pre-school for three years in Corvallis, then spent a brief time in Wallowa County, Oregon. Returning to Corvallis in 2004, she began teaching German at the Corvallis Waldorf School. She loves working with students from early childhood through eighth grade, and has a fondness for singing and games.
First Grade
John Nelson grew up in the Pacific Northwest near Seattle, Washington. He attended Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington where he obtained a Bachelor's of Science degree in Community Health. Then he spent many years working with children along the shores and beaches of the Puget Sound teaching fifth grade environmental curriculum. John did his teacher training in Eugene and feels a strong connection with Anthroposophy and the Waldorf curriculum. He conducted internships at the Denver Waldorf School as well as at our school, in Mr. Parker's 4th grade class. It is here where faculty, staff and students had the opportunity to see John work with students and bring his talents to bear. In his spare time he likes go "birding", play basketball and ride his bike. He and his family are extremely excited to join the community in Corvallis.
Second Grade
Marianne Tasker grew up in Portland, Oregon and considers herself a North Westerner through and through. She loves to travel but always returns to Oregon where "the growing season is long, the beaches are glorious and we manage to pass the occasional ground breaking bill or two." For the past 6 years her own two beautiful children have attended CWS and through them she became a committed advocate of Waldorf education. She feels that Waldorf pedagogy has as it's basis a true understanding of human development and reverence for the growing child.
After many wonderful years in the field of Horticulture Marianne's longtime interest in education grew into an insistent call to teach. She completed her Waldorf Teacher training at WTEE in Eugene in what were two of the richest and most intensive years of learning in all her education. Marianne brings her love of gardening, poetry, art and people to her work. In her free time Marianne likes to dig in the garden, read, walk in nature, and spend time with her children and friends. She also manages the 'family farm' which consists of chickens, guinea pigs, 2 cats and a dog.
Third Grade
Karine Calhoun has been involved in Waldorf Education since she began her education at Highland Hall School in 1973. Karine was blessed with 12 years of Waldorf Education. She was raised in a Waldorf family: her stepmother, Elizabeth Barricklow, is a second generation Waldorf Teacher. She taught at Highland Hall, Shining Mountain, and now teaches at Tara Performing Arts High School as well as is one of the administrators. Karine's sisters, Catherine Barricklow and Anne Starke, have both taught at Tara; Anne is currently teaching there. Karine's nephew, Jackson attends kindergarten at the Portland Waldorf School. His mother Jennifer Pitcairn attended Highland Hall with Karine. Jennifer's mother, Betty Baldwin, is also a Waldorf Teacher; teaching at the Village School, a Waldorf charter school in Portland. Karine's immediate family consists of her husband Jeff, daughter Ariyanna (third grade), and son Ian (Morning Glory Kindergarten). The family now lives in Albany, after moving recently from Eugene in order to be closer to Corvallis. Karine's husband is still working in Springfield, so Albany has been a good location for them. Karine's hobbies are: drawing, painting, music, dance (Middle Eastern), and fiber craft, gardening, walks, reading, studying geology. She really began to consider becoming a teacher after spending time in Ariyanna's kindergarten class: Karine realized that she needed Waldorf as much as her daughter did! Karine began her Foundation Year studies the next year, and spent the whole year trying to decide between Early Childhood and the Grades. They are both so wonderful, in such different ways! Karine finally made the decision to become a Grades teacher based on her love of the curriculum and the desire to share it with children all the way through 8th grade. Karine is excited to be a part of the CorvallisWaldorf School. It has been a wonderful first term of teaching for her, and she feels as though she has found her home. Karine says, "Thank you to the wonderful parents and children of this special school for making me feel so welcome!"
Fourth Grade
Dari Fisher was born and raised in tropical North Queensland, Australia. After traveling and living in Asia and Europe, she chose Oregon as her home. Dari and her three children have been Corvallis residents for the last fourteen years. Dari has been associated with the Corvallis Waldorf School in various teaching capacities for ten years, including kindergarten and grades teaching. She is a graduate of the Grades and Early Childhood Waldorf Teacher Training at the Micha-el Institute in Portland, Oregon. Dari is an avid gardener, puppeteer and artist. She enjoys being active outdoors in all seasons: hiking, running, biking and snowshoeing through the Oregon forests. Dari brings her love of children and enthusiasm for Waldorf education to the third grade.
Fifth Grade
Jeff Parker grew up a country boy in northeastern Pennsylvania where he spent most of his youth exploring the acres of forest out his back door. In his teens he moved to Tucson, AZ where he gained a respect for the desert and for city life. He received a degree in literature with a minor in French from the University of Arizona in Tucson. After deciding to become a teacher in a Waldorf School, he moved to Eugene, to do his training. Jeff now lives in Corvallis with his partner, Katherine and his two step-children. Katherine is a dance instructor at Willamette University and LBCC. Aurora is in the 8th grade and Phineas is in the 6th grade, both at Corvallis Waldorf. Jeff loves to hike, play golf, basketball, and tennis. He also loves to sing and play his guitar as often as he can. He began teaching at Corvallis Waldorf School in January of 2005 and has taught the 7th, 8th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grades.
Sixth Grade
Chris Highfield grew up in a small town in western Pennsylvania. Chris is not the only teacher in his family. Both of his parents were school teachers and his two brothers and sister all teach as well. In addition to teaching 5th grade, Chris is also the woodworking teacher for CWS and is a student himself, finishing up a Master's degree in Geography from the University of Oregon. To help promote geographic literacy, Chris also works a lot with the Oregon Geographic Alliance. In Chris' spare time, he enjoys gardening, running, outdoor recreation, old-time banjo and is learning taiko drumming. He is also helping to teach the Eugene Taiko children's group. Chris chose to become involved with Waldorf because he enjoys the holistic approach to education and the curriculum that is clearly centered around the development of the child.
Seventh/Eighth Grade
Andy Luck became involved with Waldorf because he enjoys the creative and imaginative approaches to teaching and learning, as well as the development of the intellect through the arts. Before joining Waldorf, Andy was involved in education as a public school teacher for 8 years. He holds a Master's degree in education and a state teaching license as well. Andy brings with him a background in social work and special education as well as 2 years experience in tile work. Andy lives with his wife, Jennifer, an assistant manager of Health and Household department at First Alternative Co-op and their daughter, Emma, a 9 year old and third grader at Corvallis Waldorf. In his spare time, Andy enjoys reading, running, biking, gardening, and loves to spend time with his family.
Extended Day Care Program Director
Anna Tewes was the pioneer teacher at the Corvallis Waldorf School fifteen years ago and taught Kindergarten at the school for many years. Anna Completed her Waldorf Teaching Certification at the Eugene Teacher Training Institute. Anna moved to Oregon from Wilton New Hampshire where she lived and worked on Plowshare Farm, a Bio-Dynamic Farm. In the same community and during part of her teacher training in New Hampshire, Anna taught handwork at the Pine Hill Waldorf School. Anna has also raised two wonderful children.
Spanish
Thea Appleton was born and raised between the foggy redwoods and the pristine coast of Northern California. In her rural home town, she attended the small K-8 school, before going off to Arcata High School. Thea began studying Spanish at a young age, and gained fluency during high school exchange programs to Mexico and Chile, and later through travel and in Latin America and work experience primarily in Southern Mexico. She is a graduate of Humboldt State University and holds a B.A. in Art Education and a Minor in Spanish, as well as a California Multiple Subjects Elementary Teaching Credential. Thea's interests include teaching, making art, playing guitar and singing, outdoor adventures, traveling and gardening.
Handwork
Shellece Millison has been Handwork teacher at CWS since Sept. 2008, when she and her family moved to Corvallis from Prescott, Arizona. Shellece is usually juggling many yarn, felt, or fabric based projects, but manages to find bits of time for teaching and performing Tribal Belly dance. Her husband, Andrew, teaches Permaculture and designs foodscapes. Daughter Aja (13) writes, plays soccer, and cares for her younger brother Rio (2) who is obsessed with construction vehicles. Myana (12) usually has her nose buried in a graphic novel. Shellece began her journey in Waldorf education as a parent volunteer. "All of my life I have done artistic things with my hands, from fiber and fabric, to beadwork and stained glass, so it was natural for me to start helping out in my daughter's handwork class. I found that I love being in the classroom and witnessing the processes of transformation that come through working with the hands. I really enjoy creating with these beautiful children, and I am honored to be a part of this community."
Strings
Rebecca Williams, strings teacher, has had a wealth of experience and opportunity to travel the world, as a result of her passion for music and teaching. While a student at the Banff School of Fine Arts, she worked with many great artists and skied in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. In the South Island of New Zealand she founded the Dunedin Suzuki School and helped restore historic houses. In Tahiti she snorkeled in the beautiful aqua-colored sea and, by night, she performed all types of music, ranging from Bach to the Beatles. She is a licensed Pre-K-12 music teacher, has Bachelor degrees in music and science, and, most recently, she completed a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies at OSU. Rebecca has two grown sons and a teenage daughter. She loves teaching at CWS because of the school's vibrant arts program and strong sense of community. In Waldorf schools the arts are brilliantly integrated into the entire curriculum, breathing life into whatever the subject at hand, to create lessons that have genuine meaning for students of all walks of life.
Remedial Tutor
Laura Blake
Faculty Mentor
LeeAnn Ernandes came to Waldorf Education through her two sons in 1980, which also coincided with the first year of the Eugene Waldorf School. She served as a pioneering parent for many years until she began her preparation to become a class teacher. LeeAnn taught grades for nine years while also beginning her work in adult teacher education, which began in Eugene I 1990. Currently, she teaches upper grades curriculum and pedagogical development courses, substitutes, mentors and evaluates for a few west coast schools. LeeAnn received a Bachelor of Science at the University of Oregon in 1970 in the field of Public Administration.
Tracee Hicks
Wendy Willard
Mary Dunn, Lead Teacher, was born in San Francisco, California. Mary inherited her family's love of gardening and teaching. She received her Bachelors Degree in Art History with an emphasis on many of the liberal arts including French language and literature. After graduating from college, Mary and her family moved to Northern New Mexico. She enrolled her daughters in Santa Fe Waldorf and there began her interest in Waldorf education. Mary taught at Santa Fe Waldorf School as the kinder aftercare teacher and became an assistant teacher in 2002. In July 2005, she graduated from Rudolf Steiner College in Sacramento. Mary now lives in Corvallis, Oregon with her two daughters. She enjoys cycling, reading, painting, gardening and anything outdoors near a body of water. The natural world has always been her classroom, as well as inspiration for spiritual self-study. She looks at life with a beginner's mind, open to what will come and all that will be revealed. Mary has been teaching at CWS for 4 years, 2 of which she was the faculty chair.
Ruti Lamont was born in Suffolk, England, where her parent's met & married. They are avid farmers & soon began their search for their own property. Which led the family to many years of travel around Western Europe, & then across the United States, eventually settling in Oregon on a Communal farm outside of Monroe. Ruti was homeschooled K- high school & obtained a GED. The Eugene Teacher Training program graduated Ruti with a focus on Early Childhood Education, June 2009, & she began as an assistant kindergarten teacher in the fall. Ruti enjoys spending time with her family & friends, takes serious pleasure in cooking fine food, eating well, nutrition, & supporting local farmers & businesses
Anne Marie Cole has had a life long love of children, especially her own eleven-year-old daughter and ten-year-old son. She grew up just outside of Boston, Massachusetts; the elder child of professional classical musicians. Anne Marie played violin and piano throughout her childhood. She also has had a love of art and a pull to be creative artistically. Anne Marie attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston for four years, graduating in 1997. Anne Marie found Waldorf education when her daughter was a baby, and the more she found out the more she wanted to be involved. So, in 2001 Anne Marie decided to apply for the Waldorf Teacher training program in Eugene Oregon. She was accepted and graduated in the spring of 2004. Anne Marie now lives on a twenty-acre farm in Monroe Oregon with her farmer husband, two children, border collie dog, six goats, and many assorted chickens. She feels she has had and continues to have a culturally rich life which she can attribute much of to her parents. This life has given Anne Marie a deep love of all music as well as a love of singing and playing the piano. Anne Marie also loves to garden, spin wool on her spinning wheel, walk, cook and continue her spiritual studies.
Sarah Shook has been a Corvallis resident on and off since 1988. She is a graduate of Corvallis High School, class of 1995 and has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Portland State University in the subject of German Language and Literature. During her undergraduate studies, she attended the University ät Stuttgart in Stuttgart, Germany for a year. After earning her degree at PSU, Sarah participated in Oregon State University's Graduate Teacher Education Program. Finding Public Schools a difficult fit with her learning philosophy, she taught pre-school for three years in Corvallis, then spent a brief time in Wallowa County, Oregon. Returning to Corvallis in 2004, she began teaching German at the Corvallis Waldorf School. She loves working with students from early childhood through eighth grade, and has a fondness for singing and games.
John Nelson grew up in the Pacific Northwest near Seattle, Washington. He attended Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington where he obtained a Bachelor's of Science degree in Community Health. Then he spent many years working with children along the shores and beaches of the Puget Sound teaching fifth grade environmental curriculum. John did his teacher training in Eugene and feels a strong connection with Anthroposophy and the Waldorf curriculum. He conducted internships at the Denver Waldorf School as well as at our school, in Mr. Parker's 4th grade class. It is here where faculty, staff and students had the opportunity to see John work with students and bring his talents to bear. 
Marianne Tasker grew up in Portland, Oregon and considers herself a North Westerner through and through. She loves to travel but always returns to Oregon where "the growing season is long, the beaches are glorious and we manage to pass the occasional ground breaking bill or two." For the past 6 years her own two beautiful children have attended CWS and through them she became a committed advocate of Waldorf education. She feels that Waldorf pedagogy has as it's basis a true understanding of human development and reverence for the growing child. 
Karine Calhoun has been involved in Waldorf Education since she began her education at Highland Hall School in 1973. Karine was blessed with 12 years of Waldorf Education. She was raised in a Waldorf family: her stepmother, Elizabeth Barricklow, is a second generation Waldorf Teacher. She taught at Highland Hall, Shining Mountain, and now teaches at Tara Performing Arts High School as well as is one of the administrators. Karine's sisters, Catherine Barricklow and Anne Starke, have both taught at Tara; Anne is currently teaching there. Karine's nephew, Jackson attends kindergarten at the Portland Waldorf School. His mother Jennifer Pitcairn attended Highland Hall with Karine. Jennifer's mother, Betty Baldwin, is also a Waldorf Teacher; teaching at the Village School, a Waldorf charter school in Portland. Karine's immediate family consists of her husband Jeff, daughter Ariyanna (third grade), and son Ian (Morning Glory Kindergarten). The family now lives in Albany, after moving recently from Eugene in order to be closer to Corvallis. Karine's husband is still working in Springfield, so Albany has been a good location for them. Karine's hobbies are: drawing, painting, music, dance (Middle Eastern), and fiber craft, gardening, walks, reading, studying geology. She really began to consider becoming a teacher after spending time in Ariyanna's kindergarten class: Karine realized that she needed Waldorf as much as her daughter did! Karine began her Foundation Year studies the next year, and spent the whole year trying to decide between Early Childhood and the Grades. They are both so wonderful, in such different ways! Karine finally made the decision to become a Grades teacher based on her love of the curriculum and the desire to share it with children all the way through 8th grade. Karine is excited to be a part of the CorvallisWaldorf School. It has been a wonderful first term of teaching for her, and she feels as though she has found her home. Karine says, "Thank you to the wonderful parents and children of this special school for making me feel so welcome!" 
Dari Fisher was born and raised in tropical North Queensland, Australia. After traveling and living in Asia and Europe, she chose Oregon as her home. Dari and her three children have been Corvallis residents for the last fourteen years. Dari has been associated with the Corvallis Waldorf School in various teaching capacities for ten years, including kindergarten and grades teaching. She is a graduate of the Grades and Early Childhood Waldorf Teacher Training at the Micha-el Institute in Portland, Oregon. Dari is an avid gardener, puppeteer and artist. She enjoys being active outdoors in all seasons: hiking, running, biking and snowshoeing through the Oregon forests. Dari brings her love of children and enthusiasm for Waldorf education to the third grade.
Jeff Parker grew up a country boy in northeastern Pennsylvania where he spent most of his youth exploring the acres of forest out his back door. In his teens he moved to Tucson, AZ where he gained a respect for the desert and for city life. He received a degree in literature with a minor in French from the University of Arizona in Tucson. After deciding to become a teacher in a Waldorf School, he moved to Eugene, to do his training. Jeff now lives in Corvallis with his partner, Katherine and his two step-children. Katherine is a dance instructor at Willamette University and LBCC. Aurora is in the 8th grade and Phineas is in the 6th grade, both at Corvallis Waldorf. Jeff loves to hike, play golf, basketball, and tennis. He also loves to sing and play his guitar as often as he can. He began teaching at Corvallis Waldorf School in January of 2005 and has taught the 7th, 8th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grades.
Chris Highfield grew up in a small town in western Pennsylvania. Chris is not the only teacher in his family. Both of his parents were school teachers and his two brothers and sister all teach as well. In addition to teaching 5th grade, Chris is also the woodworking teacher for CWS and is a student himself, finishing up a Master's degree in Geography from the University of Oregon. To help promote geographic literacy, Chris also works a lot with the Oregon Geographic Alliance. In Chris' spare time, he enjoys gardening, running, outdoor recreation, old-time banjo and is learning taiko drumming. He is also helping to teach the Eugene Taiko children's group. Chris chose to become involved with Waldorf because he enjoys the holistic approach to education and the curriculum that is clearly centered around the development of the child.
Andy Luck became involved with Waldorf because he enjoys the creative and imaginative approaches to teaching and learning, as well as the development of the intellect through the arts. Before joining Waldorf, Andy was involved in education as a public school teacher for 8 years. He holds a Master's degree in education and a state teaching license as well. Andy brings with him a background in social work and special education as well as 2 years experience in tile work. Andy lives with his wife, Jennifer, an assistant manager of Health and Household department at First Alternative Co-op and their daughter, Emma, a 9 year old and third grader at Corvallis Waldorf. In his spare time, Andy enjoys reading, running, biking, gardening, and loves to spend time with his family. 
Anna Tewes was the pioneer teacher at the Corvallis Waldorf School fifteen years ago and taught Kindergarten at the school for many years. Anna Completed her Waldorf Teaching Certification at the Eugene Teacher Training Institute. Anna moved to Oregon from Wilton New Hampshire where she lived and worked on Plowshare Farm, a Bio-Dynamic Farm. In the same community and during part of her teacher training in New Hampshire, Anna taught handwork at the Pine Hill Waldorf School. Anna has also raised two wonderful children.
Thea Appleton was born and raised between the foggy redwoods and the pristine coast of Northern California. In her rural home town, she attended the small K-8 school, before going off to Arcata High School. Thea began studying Spanish at a young age, and gained fluency during high school exchange programs to Mexico and Chile, and later through travel and in Latin America and work experience primarily in Southern Mexico. She is a graduate of Humboldt State University and holds a B.A. in Art Education and a Minor in Spanish, as well as a California Multiple Subjects Elementary Teaching Credential. Thea's interests include teaching, making art, playing guitar and singing, outdoor adventures, traveling and gardening. 
Shellece Millison has been Handwork teacher at CWS since Sept. 2008, when she and her family moved to Corvallis from Prescott, Arizona. Shellece is usually juggling many yarn, felt, or fabric based projects, but manages to find bits of time for teaching and performing Tribal Belly dance. Her husband, Andrew, teaches Permaculture and designs foodscapes. Daughter Aja (13) writes, plays soccer, and cares for her younger brother Rio (2) who is obsessed with construction vehicles. Myana (12) usually has her nose buried in a graphic novel.
Laura Blake