OUR ADMINistration

PEDAGOGICAL and OPERATIONS ADMINISTRATOR

Paula Thompson

Paula brings a breadth and depth of expertise from her 26 years of experience in Waldorf education as a Grades’ Classroom Teacher and Cedar Springs Waldorf School’s (CSWS’s) former Pedagogical Chair. Paula provides pedagogical and operational administrative leadership for the Learning Center overall. While at CSWS, she was an active member and leader on the College of Teachers, Faculty, and Board of Trustees using a consensus-based decision model for key decisions. She developed and mentored Faculty, and offered many parent education programs throughout the years. She graduated with a major in journalism, specializing in advertising copywriting, and a minor in marketing. Although she had a very successful career in advertising in both Boston and New York City, Paula consciously chose to pursue a teaching career after nearly 20 years in advertising. After graduating from Rudolf Steiner College, she joined the faculty at Cedar Springs. She enjoys spending time with friends and her beloved black labrador, Cooper.

Enrollment
​coordinator

Hanna Kortan

Hanna is happy to be a part of the Cedar Springs Learning Center. It fills her with joy to be surrounded by such amazing people. Hanna grew up attending Waldorf schools. She attended Golden Valley, a Waldorf-inspired charter school K-8, and graduated from Sacramento Waldorf High School. Waldorf education and communities have helped shape Hanna, and she is forever grateful for the part Waldorf has played in her education and life. Hanna has many years of working in customer service and places importance on communication and kindness in her work with others.

ADMINistrative
​ASSISTANT

IVANA MYRON

Ivana was born and raised in a quaint town in the Czech Republic. Her passion for discovering new parts of the world brought her to California. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in business and worked in a professional high-tech environment for nearly two decades. After becoming a mother, she became a full-time stay-at-home & homeschooling mom. Gravitating towards holistic teaching methods and being “unplugged” from the high-tech led her to the amazing world of Waldorf education. Ivana is very grateful to be a part of the Cedar Springs Learning Center team.
Paula brings a breadth and depth of expertise from her 26 years of experience in Waldorf education as a Grades’ Classroom Teacher and Cedar Springs Waldorf School’s (CSWS’s) former Pedagogical Chair. Paula provides pedagogical and operational administrative leadership for the Learning Center overall. While at CSWS, she was an active member and leader on the College of Teachers, Faculty, and Board of Trustees using a consensus-based decision model for key decisions. She developed and mentored Faculty, and offered many parent education programs throughout the years. She graduated with a major in journalism, specializing in advertising copywriting, and a minor in marketing. Although she had a very successful career in advertising in both Boston and New York City, Paula consciously chose to pursue a teaching career after nearly 20 years in advertising. After graduating from Rudolf Steiner College, she joined the faculty at Cedar Springs. She enjoys spending time with friends and her beloved black labrador, Cooper.
Hanna is happy to be a part of the Cedar Springs Learning Center. It fills her with joy to be surrounded by such amazing people. Hanna grew up attending Waldorf schools. She attended Golden Valley, a Waldorf-inspired charter school K-8, and graduated from Sacramento Waldorf High School. Waldorf education and communities have helped shape Hanna, and she is forever grateful for the part Waldorf has played in her education and life. Hanna has many years of working in customer service and places importance on communication and kindness in her work with others.
Ivana was born and raised in a quaint town in the Czech Republic. Her passion for discovering new parts of the world brought her to California. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in business and worked in a professional high-tech environment for nearly two decades. After becoming a mother, she became a full-time stay-at-home & homeschooling mom. Gravitating towards holistic teaching methods and being “unplugged” from the high-tech led her to the amazing world of Waldorf education. Ivana is very grateful to be a part of the Cedar Springs Learning Center team.

OUR FACULTY

Lily Kindergarten

VERONICA GUNASEKARA

Ms. Veronica has had a heart connection with young children since she herself was a teen. She explored lay midwifery as an assistant before moving into the field of child development. She obtained a Montessori certificate, before finding her vocation in Waldorf education. Over her 30 years of service she has been an assistant, Parent-Child teacher and lead Kindergarten teacher at the Waldorf School of San Diego. She ran a Waldorf-inspired family home daycare program and co-owned a small business, Home Grown Babies, holding doll-making, plant dyeing and crafting workshops for the community, with their littles underfoot. Ms. Veronica’s four children began their education at the Waldorf School of San Diego before they moved to the Northern California foothills, where she became Lead Kindergarten teacher at Cedar Springs. Her children all graduated from Waldorf high schools. Ms. Veronica is looking forward to continuing to serve the unique needs of the young children of today, which includes her two precious granddaughters.

Lily KG Assistant

Christl Michele

Christl fell in love with Cedar Springs the first time she stepped onto the campus and into Ms. Veronica's Lily Kindergarten back in the winter of 2010 as an observer from the Rudolf Steiner teaching program. She's a native Southern Californian but has lived in Northern California since 2000. She graduated with a B.A. in Humanities from UC Irvine and explored various careers before finding her niche as an Early Childhood teacher at Cedar Springs, which has easily been the most gratifying work she's done. After getting her teaching certificate, she felt privileged to work as Veronica's KG assistant her first year, then moved on as the lead teacher in the Morning Glory preschool, as well as working in the Parent-Child program and 3rd Grade Handwork. She retired after the COVID school closure, but couldn't stay away... she's looking forward to being with Veronica and the children as KG Assistant in Lily Kindergarten this year!

Rose Kindergarten

INGE STOLL​​

Inge grew up in Germany, finishing her school years as a goldsmith journeyman. As an au pair, she relocated to the U.S. with a family that eventually became her own. Her incredible love for children led her to operate an in-home daycare for seven years. Later, while working her way up the ladder in a pharmaceutical company, she found that the Waldorf Teacher Training classes combined her experiences in an exciting way. Inge raised four children who are all Sacramento Waldorf graduates and enjoys her two grandchildren. She has been at Cedar Springs for 13 years.

Rose KG Assistant

AUTUMN BROWN​​

Autumn is a true local; she was born and raised in El Dorado County and is raising her young family here. Helping and caring for people was something Autumn had always wanted to do from childhood. She was planning a nursing career until the birth of her first son when she decided she wanted to stay closer to him while he was young. She became a licensed Massage Therapist and worked in that field for many years. Autumn herself went to Montessori school through 6th grade and then attended public school. She and her mother came to Parent-Child classes at Cedar Springs Waldorf School when she was very young, and she still has a warm memory of her first Festival here. When she became a mother she knew that’s where she wanted her children to attend. This is Autumn’s second year as Ms. Inge’s assistant and Autumn also works in our Extended Care program. She enjoys the collaborative, nature-based way our school nurtures the children.
Ms. Veronica has had a heart connection with young children since she herself was a teen. She explored lay midwifery as an assistant before moving into the field of child development. She obtained a Montessori certificate, before finding her vocation in Waldorf education. Over her 30 years of service she has been an assistant, Parent-Child teacher and lead Kindergarten teacher at the Waldorf School of San Diego. She ran a Waldorf-inspired family home daycare program and co-owned a small business, Home Grown Babies, holding doll-making, plant dyeing and crafting workshops for the community, with their littles underfoot. Ms. Veronica’s four children began their education at the Waldorf School of San Diego before they moved to the Northern California foothills, where she became Lead Kindergarten teacher at Cedar Springs. Her children all graduated from Waldorf high schools. Ms. Veronica is looking forward to continuing to serve the unique needs of the young children of today, which includes her two precious granddaughters.
Christl fell in love with Cedar Springs the first time she stepped onto the campus and into Ms. Veronica's Lily Kindergarten back in the winter of 2010 as an observer from the Rudolf Steiner teaching program. She's a native Southern Californian but has lived in Northern California since 2000. She graduated with a B.A. in Humanities from UC Irvine and explored various careers before finding her niche as an Early Childhood teacher at Cedar Springs, which has easily been the most gratifying work she's done. After getting her teaching certificate, she felt privileged to work as Veronica's KG assistant her first year, then moved on as the lead teacher in the Morning Glory preschool, as well as working in the Parent-Child program and 3rd Grade Handwork. She retired after the COVID school closure, but couldn't stay away... she's looking forward to being with Veronica and the children as KG Assistant in Lily Kindergarten this year!
Inge grew up in Germany, finishing her school years as a goldsmith journeyman. As an au pair, she relocated to the U.S. with a family that eventually became her own. Her incredible love for children led her to operate an in-home daycare for seven years. Later, while working her way up the ladder in a pharmaceutical company, she found that the Waldorf Teacher Training classes combined her experiences in an exciting way. Inge raised four children who are all Sacramento Waldorf graduates and enjoys her two grandchildren. She has been at Cedar Springs for 13 years.
Autumn is a true local; she was born and raised in El Dorado County and is raising her young family here. Helping and caring for people was something Autumn had always wanted to do from childhood. She was planning a nursing career until the birth of her first son when she decided she wanted to stay closer to him while he was young. She became a licensed Massage Therapist and worked in that field for many years. Autumn herself went to Montessori school through 6th grade and then attended public school. She and her mother came to Parent-Child classes at Cedar Springs Waldorf School when she was very young, and she still has a warm memory of her first Festival here. When she became a mother she knew that’s where she wanted her children to attend. This is Autumn’s second year as Ms. Inge’s assistant and Autumn also works in our Extended Care program. She enjoys the collaborative, nature-based way our school nurtures the children.

FIRST GRADE

robin schulz

Robin is a teacher who has brought her experience and knowledge to both schools in a traditional environment and in the homeschool setting. A teacher and mentor in many capacities for over 15 years, Robin worked in charter schools, private schools, and in homes, both teaching classes and as a private teacher. As the creator of the company Waldorf Inspired by Robin, she developed and implemented a curriculum to suit the needs of her students and their parents. She brings her experience working with children of all ages with an emphasis on "lighting the fire" in each student. Robin strives to bring out the natural passion for learning that she believes is innate in all human beings. Robin homeschooled both of her now grown children using Waldorf curriculum and is a graduate from USC.

SECOND GRADE

danielle JOY ​MURPHY FARIS

Danielle is pleased to be supporting the Elm Class this Fall after a Summer filled with multiple trainings, mentoring, and preparations. Danielle's formal education includes her AA in Child Development, BA in Contemplative Psychology and Early Childhood Education, and MA in Holistic Education and Nutrition. She is also a Certified Parenting Coach through the Jai Institute, and is on the path to becoming a Certified RIE Associate. Danielle is a graduate of Sacramento Waldorf School, and worked previously at Cedar Springs Waldorf School in 2012, as well as spearheaded the Parent-Child programs at Davis Waldorf School, Camellia Waldorf School, and BeeLoved Farm Waldorf School. She enjoys spending time outdoors with family, crafting, small-scale gardening, being with her pets, and sharing Waldorf with others. Her son Haakon will be entering the Oak Class.

THIRD GRADE

erika Pereira​

Erika was born and raised in California. Though she has been working in childcare and education for over a decade, she discovered Waldorf education in 2014 after the birth of her daughter Eva. She then fell in love with anthroposophy as she started working in the Waldorf Early Childhood and began her journey passionately furthering her anthroposophical education. She has since completed Waldorf Foundations Studies at the Bay Area Center for Waldorf Teacher Training and continues to pursue further Waldorf education. Erika has held many different teaching roles over this time: preschool teacher, summer camp lead, aftercare teacher, assistant, and substitute, but most importantly she’s also a Waldorf parent. In her free time Erika enjoys world travel, physical fitness, spiritual science, and nature walks with Eva who is in the Willow Class.
Robin is a teacher who has brought her experience and knowledge to both schools in a traditional environment and in the homeschool setting. A teacher and mentor in many capacities for over 15 years, Robin worked in charter schools, private schools, and in homes, both teaching classes and as a private teacher. As the creator of the company Waldorf Inspired by Robin, she developed and implemented a curriculum to suit the needs of her students and their parents. She brings her experience working with children of all ages with an emphasis on "lighting the fire" in each student. Robin strives to bring out the natural passion for learning that she believes is innate in all human beings. Robin homeschooled both of her now grown children using Waldorf curriculum and is a graduate from USC.
Danielle is pleased to be supporting the Elm Class this Fall after a Summer filled with multiple trainings, mentoring, and preparations. Danielle's formal education includes her AA in Child Development, BA in Contemplative Psychology and Early Childhood Education, and MA in Holistic Education and Nutrition. She is also a Certified Parenting Coach through the Jai Institute, and is on the path to becoming a Certified RIE Associate. Danielle is a graduate of Sacramento Waldorf School, and worked previously at Cedar Springs Waldorf School in 2012, as well as spearheaded the Parent-Child programs at Davis Waldorf School, Camellia Waldorf School, and BeeLoved Farm Waldorf School. She enjoys spending time outdoors with family, crafting, small-scale gardening, being with her pets, and sharing Waldorf with others. Her son Haakon will be entering the Oak Class.
Erika was born and raised in California. Though she has been working in childcare and education for over a decade, she discovered Waldorf education in 2014 after the birth of her daughter Eva. She then fell in love with anthroposophy as she started working in the Waldorf Early Childhood and began her journey passionately furthering her anthroposophical education. She has since completed Waldorf Foundations Studies at the Bay Area Center for Waldorf Teacher Training and continues to pursue further Waldorf education. Erika has held many different teaching roles over this time: preschool teacher, summer camp lead, aftercare teacher, assistant, and substitute, but most importantly she’s also a Waldorf parent. In her free time Erika enjoys world travel, physical fitness, spiritual science, and nature walks with Eva who is in the Willow Class.

FOURTH GRADE

celeste gunasekara

Celeste is excited to explore the Fourth Grade curriculum with the Willow Class children this year as their teacher. She has fond memories of stories, plays, and projects from her Waldorf experience, Kindergarten through 12th grade, including her time at Cedar Springs. She graduated with a BA in English Literature from UC Santa Cruz (Magna Cum Laude). She has assisted in the Early Childhood Village at Cedar Springs in Kindergarten, Pre-school, Summer Camp, and Extended Care. Celeste’s passion for understanding and nurturing the growing child’s mind, body, and soul was evident from a young age, and she feels that they teach her just as much as she teaches them. When Celeste is not on our beautiful campus she enjoys time in nature, handwork, spending time with her nieces, and throwing dinner parties for family and friends.

SIXTH Grade

melissa hiatt

Melissa’s career began as an exhibition designer for museums in California and New Mexico and evolved into curatorial writing for art catalogs and books. She has been published as an art writer and critic in magazines and newspapers. Melissa was a class teacher at Davis Waldorf School before joining the High School Humanities Department at Sacramento Waldorf School in 2010 and is Pedagogical Director at Waldorfologies.com, a Waldorf High School resource for homeschooling families and teachers. Melissa is a graduate of UC Davis. She lives on an oak-studded hillside in Shingle Springs with her family, eight chickens, six sheep, two dogs, two cats, and a flock of wild turkeys.
Celeste is excited to explore the Fourth Grade curriculum with the Willow Class children this year as their teacher. She has fond memories of stories, plays, and projects from her Waldorf experience, Kindergarten through 12th grade, including her time at Cedar Springs. She graduated with a BA in English Literature from UC Santa Cruz (Magna Cum Laude). She has assisted in the Early Childhood Village at Cedar Springs in Kindergarten, Pre-school, Summer Camp, and Extended Care. Celeste’s passion for understanding and nurturing the growing child’s mind, body, and soul was evident from a young age, and she feels that they teach her just as much as she teaches them. When Celeste is not on our beautiful campus she enjoys time in nature, handwork, spending time with her nieces, and throwing dinner parties for family and friends.
Melissa’s career began as an exhibition designer for museums in California and New Mexico and evolved into curatorial writing for art catalogs and books. She has been published as an art writer and critic in magazines and newspapers. Melissa was a class teacher at Davis Waldorf School before joining the High School Humanities Department at Sacramento Waldorf School in 2010 and is Pedagogical Director at Waldorfologies.com, a Waldorf High School resource for homeschooling families and teachers. Melissa is a graduate of UC Davis. She lives on an oak-studded hillside in Shingle Springs with her family, eight chickens, six sheep, two dogs, two cats, and a flock of wild turkeys.

OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Our Board is comprised of faculty, staff and volunteer alumni parents and current parents
​who dedicate their time and expertise to support the Learning Center.  

JIM CURTIS

Board President

larry palley

Treasurer

paula thompson

Pedagogical & Ops Admin

veronica gunasekara

College of Teachers Rep

CELESTE GUNASEKARA

Faculty Rep

SHEENA TSCHARNER

Parent Guild Rep

james maskell

Board Member

matt taylor

Board Member

lisa morgan

Member-at-Large