Amy St. Pierre-Gaschott, Early Childhood Teacher

 Amy St. Pierre-Gaschott has been an early childhood teacher at the White Mountain Waldorf School since 2002.  Her diverse background lends itself well to the various needs of young children. At the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amy received degrees in both Liberal Arts and Sports Medicine.  From there, she earned a degree in Occupational Therapy – an asset when dealing with the energy and sensory needs of developing children.  In addition, at Solo Wilderness and Medicine School, Amy completed the Advanced Leadership and Emergency Care course.  She is also a graduate of Sophia’s Hearth Training Program, “The Family and Child in the first 3 years.”  Amy is a certified Doula and she also recently became a certified instructor through the International Association for Infant Massage.

Elizabeth Thomas,  Early Childhood Teacher

Mrs. Thomas is on a well earned sabbatical for the 2011-2012 school year.

Amy Willenbrock, Early Childhood Teacher

The faculty is pleased to announce that we have hired Amy Willenbrock to take Beth Thomas' place next year as she takes a much deserved sabbatical!  Amy grew up here, locally, and received her B.A. in English and her M. Ed in Elementary Education from UNH.  Amy has been working as an assistant in the Early Childhood Program at the Tidewater Waldorf School in Eliot, ME for the last three years, as well as a long-term substitute and aftercare teacher.  Amy says that she can't wait to return home to Albany to give back to this enriching part of her life and to be part of a school so rich and vibrant in its community.

Amanda Mixer, Early Childhood Teacher

Terry Young, Early Childhood Assistant

Terry earned her BS in Family Studies at UNH and graduated Magna Cum Laude, and then completed her Masters'  internship in Elementary Education.  Terry lives in East Conway with her husband Alex Drummond and her two girls ages 13(India) and 10 (Eva), both students at WMWS.  She has worked in the White Mountain Waldorf School’s Early Childhood program several years, and has also held volunteer positions on our Board of Trustees, including President, as well as volunteering as Chair for the WMWS Parents’ Association.  In addition to working as a landscape gardener for over 20 years, Terry is a passionate skier and has volunteered with the E.S.S.C. program as an instructor for WMWS students for many years.  Terry has also served as Director to the Cranmore Mountain Ski Education Foundation, as well as coaching for the Wildcat Ski Educational Foundation.   Terry’s hobbies include reading, gardening, skiing, music and basically any activity to do with the outdoors.  

Suzy Kjellberg, Early Childhood Assistant

Suzy started out as a Child Development major 30 years ago, and then studied Philosophy, Women’s Studies, Mythology, Social Work and Midwifery.  She is now Mother to WMWS student Larkin Fern, a Justice of the Peace and a prospective Seminary student.  Suzy is very happy to be back in a classroom of young children as Miss Amy’s assistant. 

Margaret Peters, Early Childhood Assistant

Margaret (“Peg”) Peters has 15 years of teaching experience.  Currently, she is a White Mountain Waldorf School Early Childhood Assistant where her warmth makes her the perfect candidate for this age group.  Peg has an Associate’s degree in Science from North Shore Community College and continues to take courses from the College of Life Long Learning.  She is continuously educating herself through various annual conferences, teacher renewal courses at Sunbridge College, Antioch, and programs and workshops offered at Sophia’s Hearth Family Center.  In her spare time, Peg enjoys volunteering for the Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit agency that provides free summer vacations in the country to children from disadvantaged communities.

Christy Hensley, Aftercare Lead Teacher

Carolyn Harrison,  Aftercare Assistant

Beth Vallee, Aftercare Assistant

Sarah Lipiatos, Aftercare Teacher:  Sarah is on maternity leave for 2011-2012 school year; we wish you lots of luck and happiess!

Jackie Leafe, 1st Grade Teacher

Right out of high school Jackie studied fine and liberal arts for 4 years in college, along with people and relationships. Throughout Jackie’s life she has been on a path of self discovery and from this was led to Waldorf Education.  “It was by working on a mandala of my own life circle, and discovering patterns,” says Leafe, “That I knew destiny was calling for me to be a teacher of children through art.”  Prior to receiving a masters degree in education, and her Waldorf teaching certificate from Antioch New England and the Center for Anthroposophy,  Jackie was an artist, a home-schooling mom, mental health outreach worker, nature lover, and spiritual seeker.   Beginning in the year 2000, she worked as a class teacher at Tidewater Waldorf School and brought that class through 4^th grade; then the class dissolved and she moved on to Upper Valley Waldorf School in Vermont as their 1^st grade teacher. Quoted from Jackie in which she agrees with the Waldorf Philosophy, “It’s not the subject material in itself that is important, but the enthusiasm and love that the teacher presents it with.”

Jennifer Perkins, 2nd/3rd Grade Teacher

Jennifer joined the WMWS teaching staff in 1998 as an Early Childhood Assistant.  From there she became a Lead Teacher and remained with our Early Childhood program until 2008 when she took up the position of Elementary class teacher.  Since then her class has grown into a lively group of 18 students.   Jennifer graduated from Kennett High School, and attended UNH and The College of Lifelong Learning.  Then Jennifer became an EMT and worked with the North Conway Ambulance Fleet.  She has served as a Board member for Vaughan Community Services, and has also been a member of Cranmore Mountain’s Ski Patrol as well as an Eastern Slope Ski Club volunteer.  Jennifer completed her Waldorf faculty training at Sunbridge College in 2008. She is a Mom of three children ranging in ages from 16-24. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys woodworking and cooking. 

Susan Viets, 4th/5th Grade Teacher

Susan Viets has been an integral part of the school for many years.  In 2000, she assumed the position of part-time After Care teacher.  Then Susan went on to teach part-time as a Nursery teacher.  In addition to serving on the White Mountain Waldorf School Board of Trustees, she served as the school's Development Director from 2000 to 2003.  In addition to her eight years of classroom teaching experience, Susan's education includes a Philosophy degree from Ohio’s Kenyon College, a Master’s degree in Education, as well as Waldorf Teacher Training from Antioch/New England Graduate School.  Susan also attended the University of Southern Maine’s Muskie School of Public Service where she completed the graduate course entitled, “Foundations and Philanthropy”.  In her spare time, she enjoys magazine and Fiction writing, as well as horseback riding and karate.

Holly Fortin, 6th Grade Teacher

Holly Fortin has been involved with the White Mountain Waldorf School for more than 25 years.  She was introduced to Waldorf education while seeking alternative education for her eldest child.  As a founding Board Member, she has worked in all aspects of the school's development.  Initially, she began assisting in the Early Childhood program when her youngest daughter was old enough to attend.  After several years, Holly became the lead teacher in the Early Childhood Program.  During her 13 year tenure in this position, she received her Waldorf Certification in both Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education from the Waldorf Institute of Sunbridge College in Spring Valley, New York.  When the Elementary program began at the White Mountain Waldorf School, Holly became the teacher for the 1st grade class and has remained with these students since.  In fact, in June, 2010, Holly's class was the first 8th Grade to graduate at the White Mountain Waldorf School.  Aside from her love of teaching, Holly enjoys cross country skiing, hiking, swimming and singing in her free time.

Dawn Hensley-Buzzell, 7th/8th Grade Teacher

Dawn Hensley-Buzzell is currently the 7th/8th grade class teacher.  She has been teaching at the White Mountain Waldorf School since 2006 holding the positions of both Aftercare Teacher and Early Childhood Assistant.  Prior to teaching at the White Mountain Waldorf School, Dawn was a Special Education teacher in the Fryeburg public school system.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Family and Child Development.  Dawn lives in Maine with her husband and two sons.  Both of her children attend the White Mountain Waldorf School.

Jessica Felix, Elementary Academic Support Teacher

Jessica Felix has been working at the White Mountain Waldorf School since 2009, starting as an Elementary Aide and currently acting as the Academic Support Teacher. She teaches 7th and 8th grade math classes and also provides support to groups and individual students both in the main classroom and out.  Before coming to New Hampshire, Jessica taught middle school Art for seven years in Indiana.  She holds degrees from Purdue University in Fine Arts and Art Education, as well as a Master's degree in Education. When not teaching, Jessica enjoys spending time with her two young children, hiking, restoring early historic cemeteries, playing music and creating many forms of art.

Cynthia Hansen, Handwork Teacher

Cynthia Hansen has been teaching Handwork at the White Mountain Waldorf School for the past seven years.  She earned a Bachelors degree in Home Economics Education at River College.  In addition, Cindy obtained a Master’s degree in Education from Keene State College, and is certified by the State of New Hampshire in Family and Consumer Science, Special Education and Learning Disabilities.  Prior to teaching at the White Mountain Waldorf School, Cindy spent nine years as a special education teacher and tutor in local Mount Washington Valley public schools.  Due to her background, Cindy inherently understands the link between handwork and education.  At the White Mountain Waldorf School, handwork is part of the Elementary curriculum.  The goal is not only to strengthen the child’s will in order to complete difficult tasks, but also to assist with the development of fine motor skills that are the foundation for critical thinking.  Cindy loves to do needlework, sew and quilt, as well as read, cross country ski and garden.

Caitriona Barclay, Handwork Assistant

Cathy Arseneault-Shea, Music Teacher

Cathy Arseneault-Shea has been teaching at the White Mountain Waldorf School since 2004.  She brings with her many years of music teaching experience; 21 years at the Bearcamp Valley School and 15 years of private teaching in after school programs and music lessons. Cathy has taken many workshops and attended numerous conferences related to music and child development such as storytelling, vocal lessons, instrumental, and in 2004, 2005 and 2007 she attended Waldorf Music Teachers' workshops.  Cathy is very active in White Mountain Waldorf School community.  For instance, along with serving on the building committee in 2005-06, she has been part of the festival committee since 2006 and was Chair of the committee in 2008-09.  In her free time she plays the steel drums with Mango Groove at local Mount Washington Valley events.  Her other interests include singing with the Potluck Singers, making beaded jewelry, reading, nutrition and gardening.

Christiane Hilbrig-Tauroney, German Teacher

Christiane Hilbrig-Tauroney has been teaching German since 2002. Christiane, a native German, graduated in 1984 from Freie Waldorfschule in Hannover Germany.  After graduating, Christiane moved to Scotland where she worked with handicapped children, ages 7-16, at the Camphill Community.  During this time, she also worked with Friedward Bock in puppetry.    In 1996, she attended the International Kindergarten conference at the Pine Hill Waldorf School in Wilton, NH.  Then, in 1997, she created and developed the White Mountain Waldorf School’s parent/child program.  As well as teaching German at the White MountainWaldorf School, Christiane is a trained Goldsmith/Designer and has her own jewlery business.

Jane Dineen, French Teacher

Jane taught AP & advanced French as a long-term substitute at Fryeburg Academy where she enjoyed creating activities that involved songs, catalogs, skits, jokes, acting out stories while reading them aloud, and projects such as a ‘fashion show’ in which students designed and described fanciful costumes.  Jane studied French language & literature for ten years, and has worked, traveled, and visited friends and family in France many times.  Jane is enthusiastic about sharing her joy of the French language and culture, as well as helping students understand how languages and cultures interrelate. 

Ellen Schwindt, Strings Teacher

Ellen visits the White Mountain Waldorf School every tuesday to teach our 5th grade students how to play string instruments.  Ellen primarily teaches young children's classes and violin and piano lessons at Mountain Top Music Center in Conway, NH. She brings more than 15 years' experience working with students of all ages in diverse settings. She performs on both violin and piano and especially enjoys accompanying students. She is an amateur composer whose works have been performed in the community.

Jon Pullan, Wood Working Teacher 6th-8th Grade & Games Teacher

Jonathan was born and raised in the Mount Washington Valley. He lives in East Conway with his partner and three children. Jonathan has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, with minors in Spanish and Music from St. Francis Xavier College in Nova Scotia, Canada.  He enjoys hiking, biking and many other sports.  Jonathan was a competitive alpine skier as an adolescent and continues his love for the sport by volunteering with the ESSC program. Jonathan and his snow sculpting team have been NH's state snow sculpting champions three times and have competed at the US National Competition.  Jonathan has worked as a carpenter for many years, and he is employed at Arcadia Custom Building in addition to teaching at WMWS. He has a lot of experience as an architectural draftsman and is currently converting an old barn into a house that he designed. Teaching at the White Mountain Waldorf School has been one of the most awarding adventures of Jon's life. He looks forward to many years to come of being a part of such a great faculty and community.

Robert LaGram, Woodworking Assistant

Robert LaGram, owner/designer of Organix Design LLC., received his education in Boston Massachusetts at The Museum School of Art and Boston Architectural School.  A designer since 1986, he has designed for Jung Brannen Associates, Inc., Bergmeyer Associates, Inc., and JSA Inc.  In addition to design,  Rob became a Carpenter in 2001.  Rob is currently building his own eco home in Eaton NH, which he designed, and is looking forward to taking a break this winter to snowboard with his family. 

Vikki Thelemarck, Development and Public Relations Director

Bridgid Anderson, Administrator

Valerie LaGram, Administrative Assistant & Volunteer Grantwriter

Valerie received her BA from the University of South Florida in 2001.  She is the proud Mom of Noah in Mrs. Perkins’ class & of Nick, who is currently serving in the U.S. Army.  Valerie has been writing grants for the White Mountain Waldorf School since 2008 and has been the school’s Administrative Assistant since 2010. She is a certified Hatha Yoga Instructor and she loves to snowboard.      

Diana Robbins, Marketing and Enrollment Director

Diana is originally fromRomania, where she graduated from The Polytechnic Institute of Timisoara, with a major in Engineering, Economics and Management. She moved to NH in 2001 to take part in a business training program which focused on hospitality and business administration.  Her professional background includes 10 years on the leadership team of a large and prestigious residential summer camp and year-round conference / retreat center onLakeOssipee.  Diana's passion for promoting and running both summer camp and retreats (encouraging youths to learn and grow to be their very best ), combined with her Romanian roots (which gave her the knowledge and appreciation for hand crafts such as knitting, weaving as well as for cooking, baking and farming), lead to her passion for Waldorf education.  She joined the school's team in the autumn of 2011 as the Marketing and Enrollment Director and looks forward to helping to school continue to achieve its mission of inspiring the love of learning. Diana now lives in Silver Lake, NH and enjoys hiking, skiing and camping with her husband, daughter and their friends.

Jim Pickering, Maintenance