Faculty

Faculty

Early Childhood Teachers

Grade School Faculty

  • Grade 1
    Aleshanee Akin
    Aeshanee Akin is the main lesson teacher for the Class of 2036. Born in San Francisco, she grew up in Hawaii, where she attended first-through-eighth grades at Haleakala Waldorf School in Maui. As a teen, she had an opportunity to travel to the old Soviet Union as a Maui / Moscow Youth Ambassador for Peace — the first non-political student exchange with that nation, initiated when Gorbachev came in. She later returned to Russia several times, attending Moscow State University, and getting married there. As a young mother, she taught English and other subjects at one of the first Waldorf schools in Russia following the fall of the Soviet Union. After returning to the US, she worked at Haleakala Waldorf School for seven years as a painting specialist in the grades, and as an assistant in Early Childhood Education, before relocating to New England where she earned a Master’s in Education from Antioch University.
  • Grade 2
    Ximena Shreiner
    Ximena Schreiner is the class teacher for the Class of 2035. Ximena contributed her talents at WSOC by assisting in the grades’ classrooms, and her dedication to our school led her to focus on teaching the grades. Demonstrating her commitment to professional growth, Ximena completed Foundational Studies in Early Childhood through Lifeways and has furthered her knowledge by studying Brain Science with the esteemed Sharifa Oppenheimer. Ximena will continue her Waldorf studies this summer and fall, further deepening her understanding of our educational philosophy. Prior to her Waldorf training, Ximena achieved a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Art History from USC. Her quest for knowledge and appreciation for diverse cultures led her to undertake studies abroad. Ximena delved deep into the captivating art history of Italy during a semester abroad and embarked on an immersive summer program, exploring the architectural wonders of East Asia in Japan, Taipei, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Cambodia. 
  • Grade 3
    Gloria Chang
    Gloria Chang is the main lesson teacher for the Class of 2034. Gloria has been at WSOC since 2015, serving as a handwork assistant teacher, grades 1-3 assistant teacher, 3rd grade gardening teacher, and substitute teacher. She completed her Waldorf Advanced Studies in 2018, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Ohio State University and a Masters of Education from New York University. Gloria and her husband are the proud parents of two WSOC students, Lauren in rising grade 12 and Katherin in rising grade 7.
  • Grade 4
    Christiane Bohr
    Christiane Unutzer Bohr is the main lesson teacher for the Class of 2033. She was born and reared in Germany, closely connected to nature and the four seasons. She holds a B.A. in arts and crafts from Iowa State University and an M.F.A. in textiles from California State University, Long Beach. She taught in the arts department at Cal State Long Beach and elementary schools in the Long Beach Unified School District. “Miss Christiane,” as she is known to the children, has three children that are Waldorf graduates. Christiane has been teaching since 1996, first as the handwork teacher and then becoming a class teacher in 2003. Most recently, she was the main lesson teacher for the Class of 2024 from Grades 1-8.
  • Grade 5
    Jenell Carlson
    Jenell Carlson is the main lesson teacher for the Class of 2032. She was born and raised in Southern California. She received a B.A. in literature at San Diego State University and a M.A in Linguistics with an emphasis in Language in Culture from California State University Long Beach. She completed the Waldorf Teacher Training program at the Bay Area Center for Waldorf Teacher, the Consciousness Studies program at Rudolf Steiner College, and the Spacial Dynamics program for movement instructors. Jenell is also certified to teach Bothmer gymnastics and English to Speakers of Other Languages. Prior to serving as the Main Lesson teacher  for the class of 2032,  Ms. Carlson was the director of the Parent-Child Program and the high school surfing and sailing coach. She has two grown children who attended WSOC and she loves surfing, sailing, backpacking and learning new things.
  • Grade 6
    Andrea Hubert
    Andrea Hubert is the main lesson  teacher for the class of 2031. She was born in Austria and raised in Germany, where she earned a master’s degree in business management before moving to the United States in 1992. Her two sons are both WSOC Alumni, having graduated in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Andrea worked in the early childhood department and handwork program, served as a Board member and on Parent Association leadership, and completed Anthroposophical Foundation Studies in 2006. Her deep appreciation for the gifts of a Waldorf education led her to re-enroll in the WSOC Advanced Studies program, which she completed in 2013. She most recently graduated WSOC’s class of 2022 , serving as main lesson teacher from grades 1-8.
  • Grade 7
    Rebecca Schwarz
    Rebecca Schwarz is the main lesson teacher for the Class of 2030. She is a graduate of WSOC’s Waldorf Advanced Studies program. She has a degree in biology with an emphasis on zoology and a minor in chemistry. She also has a commercial pilot certificate from the Sierra Academy of Aeronautics. She first worked in WSOC’s Early Childhood program, before becoming a teaching assistant for two years with grades teacher Ms. Peterson. In her pre-teaching life, she worked as a zookeeper (in both San Diego and Santa Ana Zoos) as well as a flight instructor in Oakland. Rebecca, together with her husband Martin, has two WSOC students, one in high school and one in the grades.
  • Grade 8
    Sara Rodelo
    Sara Rodelo is the main lesson teacher for the Class of 2029.  She began her Waldorf journey in 2008 as a Waldorf parent. Her credentials include both the WSOC Foundation Studies and the WSOC Advanced Studies Program, and she has worked as a Playgroup Assistant and Second Grade Teacher Assistant at WSOC. She holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees: in International Relations at San Francisco State University, and in Spanish from the University of Madrid, Complutense. Beyond the required courses for Waldorf teachers, she has completed multiple specialized Waldorf trainings, including Spanish language, Early Childhood at Rudolf Steiner College, and multiple annual Waldorf conferences.Prior to being a teacher and parent, Ms. Rodelo focused on humanitarian work, living and serving in Rio de Janeiro, Madrid and San Francisco. She has taught students both nationally and internationally, in non-profit settings and in both public and private schools: encompassing early childhood, lower, middle, and high school.

Grade School Specialty Teachers

  • Eurythmy Teacher
    Silvia Hanustiakova
    Silvia Hanustiakova joins our faculty from Slovakia, Europe. She teaches Eurythmy in the middle school and high school. Silvia graduated from Waldorf Eurythmy training and art therapy in Vienna, Austria in 2003. Silvia is an experienced Eurythmy teacher, having taught extensively in Waldorf schools in Slovakia, and is one of the founders of a Eurythmy teacher training school there. Silvia has performed as part of a troupe in France, Germany, Switzerland and Slovakia. In 2019, Silvia graduated with a Masters of Arts in art therapy, and had a thriving practice in Germany before joining WSOC. Silvia is passionate about assisting students in their individuality and uniqueness, and her goal is to always support and encourage inner development. She has one daughter at WSOC.
  • Band Teacher
    Edwin Lovo
    Edwin Lovo is a music teacher who brings his love of wind and brass instruments to WSOC students in middle school and high school. He was born and raised in Orange County. He started playing the trumpet at age 14. He received his degree in music performance and education from Cal State Fullerton, where he won the Rodger Vaughn award, a yearly award given to the best musician. He  played in the top wind ensemble, brass ensemble, jazz band, and orchestra while in college. He has performed in the La Mirada Community Orchestra and played trumpet in the Tournament of Roses parade for the past 7 years. He has been featured on KALA morning news on trumpet. He began teaching at WSOC in 2013. He is pleased to provide a strong music program that enables students to enjoy themselves and develop lifelong musical skills.
  • Eurythmy Teacher
    Pavel Hanustiak
    Pavel teaches Eurythmy in grades 1-8. He received his B.A. in mathematics from the University of P.J. Safarik in Kosice, East Slovakia. He completed his Waldorf training in 1998 and his Eurythmy training in 2004 in Dornach, Switzerland. In 2007, he began teaching in a Waldorf school in Bratislava, Slovakia. In 2008, together with WSOC high school Eurythmy teacher Silvia Hanustiakova, he co-founded the first Eurythmy training program in Slovakia. They have performed with Eurythmy troupes all over Europe. He began teaching at WSOC in 2018. His daughter is a student at WSOC.
  • Choir Teacher
    Lisa Taylor
    Lisa Katherine Taylor teaches high school and grades choir. She returned to Southern California in 2020 after nine years in Hawaii where she taught music at Malamalama Waldorf School and K-6th grade in the public schools. She founded and directed Ānuenue Children’s Chorus, Ānuenue Glee Club, and a children’s musical theatre summer camp in collaboration with local performing arts groups. She worked as a  music and vocal director on several musical theatre productions including “Gypsy” and “Beauty and the Beast” at the Historic Palace Theatre in Hilo and “Aladdin Jr” at the University of Hawaii, Hilo. For many years, she performed as a vocalist at Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Universal Studios and continues to perform in local community theatre. She received a Music Therapy Degree from Chapman University in Orange and has worked with children with special needs for over 20 years.
  • Games Teacher
    Storm Dye
    Storm Dye has been the main lesson teacher for the class of 2028 and is now stepping-in as the interim Grades games/movement teacher while Brad Holm is on sabbatical. Mr. Storm comes to us with five years of Games teaching experience at Journey School, a member of the public Waldorf movement. He earned his B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton and is currently enrolled in WSOC Advanced Studies. In addition to his Journey teaching experience, Mr. Storm spent six seasons as an outdoor educator for Trackers Earth, and has performing arts experience, including middle school dance instruction at Camden Hall.
  • Practical Arts/Woodwork
    Jack Bryant
    Jack Bryant completed his Waldorf Teacher training at WISC in 2000, taking his first teaching assignment at the Santa Fe Waldorf School in New Mexico. Beginning in 2001, Jack has been teaching sculpting and practical arts full time at Highland Hall Waldorf School, where he served as Whole School meeting facilitator for three years and as a member of the governance Leadership Team, College of Teachers, Board of Trustees. During summers, Jack has traveled extensively through China, teaching in many Waldorf Teacher Training courses and is the founder and director of Waldorf Institute for Practical Arts Teacher Training courses in Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai. Jack is also the founder and director of WPAT, the Waldorf Practical Arts Training program in Los Angeles. Jack brings more than 30 years of practical experience to his teaching, working in the building and construction trades.
  • Strings Teacher
    Jessica Haddy
    Jessica Haddy is WSOC’s strings teacher. Most recently, she was the orchestra assistant and conductor at Corona Del Mar High School and Middle School, as well as strings teacher at Free Society Academics, and Linden Tree Learning Enrichment. Ms. Haddy was a featured strings instructor for the Newport Mesa district string conference in 2020. A Laguna Beach resident, she teaches at her home studio and instructs nationally for the online music company, Tunelark. Before having her daughter Ravelle, Ms. Haddy taught violin, viola and cello at the Journey School in Aliso Viejo and was the strings coach for the Aliso Niguel High school orchestras. She has been the concertmaster of the Southern California Philharmonic since 2016.  Currently, she is the Principal 2nd Violinist with the Mira Costa Symphony and has performed with the Golden State Pops, Culver City Chamber Orchestra, OC Symphony, Dana Point Symphony and the Debut Symphony.
  • Spanish (Grades 5-8)
    Sandra Blanco
    Sandra Blanco teaches Spanish in grades 5-8. She is from Mexico City and earned her B.A. in business administration with an emphasis in marketing and human resources from CETYS University, Mexicali, B.C. After graduating from college, Sandra guided young entrepreneurs on their path to developing their own companies. Before joining the faculty at WSOC, she taught at Saddleback Valley Unified School District in the Spanish Immersion and English as a Second Language Programs for twelve years as a teacher’s assistant. She joined WSOC in 2002. Sandra’s two daughters are both WSOC alumni.
  • Middle School Resource Teacher
    Thomas Corcoran
    Thomas Corcoran is the Middle School resource teacher. He holds degrees in psychology, French and English literature, along with an M.A. in  reading instruction. Thomas helped to found Sierra Waldorf School in 1989, and has additionally taught in Waldorf schools in Sweden after completing his Waldorf training there. After working for many years in Riverside, CA schools as a Reading Specialist, academic coach and intervention coach, Thomas is delighted to return to the Waldorf milieu.
  • Spanish (Grades 1-4)
    Iris Ortiz
    Iris Ortiz was born in Mendoza, Argentina. She holds degrees in Teaching and in Piano and Theory, both from the National University of Cuyo, Argentina. Ms. Ortiz moved to California with her husband and daughter in 1977 and in the next few years had two more children. She began teaching piano as a private teacher, and soon discovered Waldorf Education. Iris became the Spanish teacher at Highland Hall Waldorf School in Northridge, LA., where her three children also attended. For the past 30+ years, Ms. Ortiz has taught Spanish at Waldorf Schools (Highland Hall, Journey, WSOC, and currently at Maple Village). She has also taught Spanish to teachers in LA County, as well as Spanish and Music at YMCAs and Montessori schools. She infuses her passion for music in all of her lessons, and is currently teaching Spanish and piano lessons privately.
  • Handwork (Grades 1-8)
    Angelika Meier
    Angelika Meier is in charge of the handwork program and has been a part of the handwork program since 1997. She also has completed the WSOC Advanced Studies Program. Born in Manhattan, she was introduced to the art of handwork in 4th grade at a public school in Switzerland. She completed her undergraduate schooling in the United States, then returned to Switzerland to complete a degree in culinary servicing. She later returned to the United States with her husband and ultimately embarked upon her Waldorf teaching career.
  • Games Teacher
    Brad Holm – On Sabbatical 2024-25
    Brad Holm is the Grades games/movement teacher. Trained in both Waldorf Foundation Studies and Spacial Dynamics™ and an avid athlete since childhood, Brad delights in providing developmentally appropriate movement skills to grades 1-8. Brad discovered Waldorf education when he and his wife were researching school options for their then kindergarten-ready son. Mr. Brad is a native Southern Californian and a graduate from University of California San Diego.  In his free time he enjoys surfing, hiking and gardening.
  • Resource Teacher
    Deborah Waring
    Deborah began her teaching career in the public school system. After receiving her BA and MA in education from the University of Southern California along with an Administrative Credential, she taught in the South Pasadena Unified School District and also pursued an interest in Administration. Following the birth of her three children, a Waldorf Education captured her imagination and Deborah attained a certification in Extra Lesson Training before being invited to become a class teacher at the Pasadena Waldorf School from 2000-2008. During her sabbatical year, Deborah came to WSOC to assist with the Second Grade Developmental Reviews and was later hired as WSOC’s Resource/Educational Support Teacher. Teaching, she says, has always been a sense of joy and satisfaction for her.

High School Faculty

  • Eurythmy Teacher
    Silvia Hanustiakova
    Silvia Hanustiakova joins our faculty from Slovakia, Europe. She teaches Eurythmy in the middle school and high school. Silvia graduated from Waldorf Eurythmy training and art therapy in Vienna, Austria in 2003. Silvia is an experienced Eurythmy teacher, having taught extensively in Waldorf schools in Slovakia, and is one of the founders of a Eurythmy teacher training school there. Silvia has performed as part of a troupe in France, Germany, Switzerland and Slovakia. In 2019, Silvia graduated with a Masters of Arts in art therapy, and had a thriving practice in Germany before joining WSOC. Silvia is passionate about assisting students in their individuality and uniqueness, and her goal is to always support and encourage inner development. She has one daughter at WSOC.
  • Choir Teacher
    Lisa Taylor
    Lisa Katherine Taylor teaches high school and grades choir. She returned to Southern California in 2020 after nine years in Hawaii where she taught music at Malamalama Waldorf School and K-6th grade in the public schools. She founded and directed Ānuenue Children’s Chorus, Ānuenue Glee Club, and a children’s musical theatre summer camp in collaboration with local performing arts groups. She worked as a  music and vocal director on several musical theatre productions including “Gypsy” and “Beauty and the Beast” at the Historic Palace Theatre in Hilo and “Aladdin Jr” at the University of Hawaii, Hilo. For many years, she performed as a vocalist at Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Universal Studios and continues to perform in local community theatre. She received a Music Therapy Degree from Chapman University in Orange and has worked with children with special needs for over 20 years.
  • Physics
    Ed Feck
    Ed Feck teaches physics in the high school. He grew up in rural Oregon, and earned his BS in Chemical Engineering from Oregon State University. Ed has spent over 30 years in manufacturing in various engineering, research and management roles and earned his MBA degree from Pepperdine University. He has four children that have completed Waldorf education and has twins that are entering first grade in the 2019/2020 academic year.  Ed has completed the Foundation Studies Program and has previously taught the 9th and 10th grade physics blocks.  He is very excited about contributing to the excellence of the WSOC high school curriculum.      
  • English
    Nicole Scheurer
    Nicole Scheurer teaches high school English. She received her B.A. in English Literature from UC Davis and her teaching credential from CSU Fullerton. She earned her M.A. in English Literature from UC Irvine. She taught high school English and English Language Development in Monterey, California, before moving back home to Garden Grove where she continued to teach English at both public and private levels. She misses the misty forests and cozy coffee shops from up north, but prefers to be close to family and friends. Nicole loves reading literature ranging from medieval to romantic. Growing up, she read many books and continues to love reading with a hot cup of tea. Her other passions include creative writing, especially sci-fi and horror genres, as well as listening to true crime podcasts and eating anything pumpkin flavored.
  • Math
    James Mesevage
    James Mesevage teaches math at WSOC in grades 9-12. Mr. Mesevage comes to WSOC with Waldorf High School math teaching experience from Green Meadow, Baltimore and Sacramento Waldorf Schools. He earned his B.A. in Music from Philadelphia College of Performing Arts, his M.A. in Mathematics and Mathematics Education from Columbia University, and his Certificate in Waldorf Education from Sunbridge Institute. Mr. Mesevage completed his Doctorate in Education from Columbia University in 2022.  
  • History
    Hugh Brennan
    Hugh Brennan holds a BA and single subject teaching credential in Social Sciences from Cal State Long Beach. He is also a National Registered EMT. Hugh graduated from WSOC’s Advances Studies program and has worked at WSOC in several capacities since 2003, including as a humanities teacher, class co-sponsor and guest block teacher. Alongside teaching, he enjoys surfing, traveling the world, and going on adventures with his wife and dog.
  • Practical Arts/Woodwork
    Jack Bryant
    Jack Bryant completed his Waldorf Teacher training at WISC in 2000, taking his first teaching assignment at the Santa Fe Waldorf School in New Mexico. Beginning in 2001, Jack has been teaching sculpting and practical arts full time at Highland Hall Waldorf School, where he served as Whole School meeting facilitator for three years and as a member of the governance Leadership Team, College of Teachers, Board of Trustees. During summers, Jack has traveled extensively through China, teaching in many Waldorf Teacher Training courses and is the founder and director of Waldorf Institute for Practical Arts Teacher Training courses in Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai. Jack is also the founder and director of WPAT, the Waldorf Practical Arts Training program in Los Angeles. Jack brings more than 30 years of practical experience to his teaching, working in the building and construction trades.
  • Fiber Arts
    Bama Mattson
    Bama Mattson is the high school Fiber Arts teacher. She’s been an artist in many avenues, retiring from dance to then pursue a Fashion Design education through Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. After working in the fashion industry she started her own bag and accessory company, Sixth & Co., where she is the owner and designer. She was recently the handwork teacher for first through fourth grades at Sycamore Creek Community Charter School. In June of 2023 she completed Foundation Studies at WSOC. She has a son joining fifth grade. Bama is so excited to be a part of  WSOC and is looking forward to sharing all of her love for fiber arts.
  • Grades eurythmy accompanist
    Rebecca Lim
    Rebecca Hee Jung Lim is the grades eurythmy accompanist at WSOC. She received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach. She enjoys collaborating with other musicians. She collaborates with various instrumentalists in juries, studio classes and recitals. Rebecca also enjoys teaching piano lessons. She is an active member of Lakewood/Cerritos branch of the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC).
  • Humanities
    Kristen Kuczenski
    Kristen Kuczenski teaches English in the high school. She received her B.A. in English Literature from Trinity College. Before graduate school, she taught creative writing and literature at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts and also worked as the first mate on Mystic Seaport Museum’s schooner Brilliant, the nation’s oldest sail education program. Ms. Kuczenski completed the MFA and MA programs in Creative Writing and Gender and Race Studies at the University of Alabama in 2016. She’s thrilled to be working with Waldorf students, and loves the ever-evolving play of poiesis in everything from writing to cooking to conversation. Ms. Kuczenski graduated with a double concentration in English and History from the Waldorf High School Teacher Education Program at the Center for Anthroposophy in New Hampshire in 2020.
  • Earth Science and Biology
    Kim Eijpen
    Kim Eijpen teaches earth science and biology in grades 9-12. She is a native of Scotland and moved to California in 2007. Kim graduated with a B.Sc. in Physical Geography from the University of Glasgow and continued on to graduate studies at the University of Alberta, Canada and the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Kim is passionate about geology, geography, nature and the environment and loves to share that enthusiasm with students both in the classroom and out in the field.  She has spent many years studying glaciers and glacial environments in High Arctic Canada, Iceland, Nepal, the Canadian Rockies, Scotland and Ireland. Kim first learned of Rudolf Steiner while studying for a diploma in Naturopathy in Scotland. She has been a parent at WSOC since 2008. Kim graduated from the WSOC Advanced Studies program in 2018 and from the High School Teacher Education Program at the Center for Anthroposophy in New Hampshire in 2019. 
  • Chemistry and Math
    Ingrid Feck
    Ingrid Feck teaches high school chemistry and mathematics at WSOC. Spending endless hours observing and exploring in her father’s physics lab, she developed a fascination with science, technology, and mathematics. She received B.S. degrees in Biochemistry and Computer Science and a M.S. degree in Mathematics. Her interest in education was sparked while teaching Math for Elementary School Teachers at CSULB. After joining the WSOC community as a parent in 1992, she was recruited to the faculty as math and science support teacher. She completed an eight-year cycle as a class teacher and eventually became one of the founding teachers at the high school. Ingrid considers it a privilege to work with the students, parents, and teachers of the Waldorf community.
  • Arts
    Elise Woodward
    Elise Woodward is an art teacher and ceramic artist. She has been throwing pottery and creating art in various media for over 20 years. She received her BFA with a concentration in ceramics from California State University, Fullerton and has spent the years since graduating teaching both art and ceramics to adults with disabilities. Ms. Woodward is a member of the Whittier Gallery and recently won first place in the three-dimensional category. Her sculptures have been exhibited in many galleries including the Fullerton Museum Center and the DTLA gallery. Ms. Woodward specializes in both functional and sculptural works and she is excited to share her love of art and ceramics with the Waldorf School of Orange County.
  • Strings Teacher
    Jessica Haddy
    Jessica Haddy is WSOC’s strings teacher. Most recently, she was the orchestra assistant and conductor at Corona Del Mar High School and Middle School, as well as strings teacher at Free Society Academics, and Linden Tree Learning Enrichment. Ms. Haddy was a featured strings instructor for the Newport Mesa district string conference in 2020. A Laguna Beach resident, she teaches at her home studio and instructs nationally for the online music company, Tunelark. Before having her daughter Ravelle, Ms. Haddy taught violin, viola and cello at the Journey School in Aliso Viejo and was the strings coach for the Aliso Niguel High school orchestras. She has been the concertmaster of the Southern California Philharmonic since 2016.  Currently, she is the Principal 2nd Violinist with the Mira Costa Symphony and has performed with the Golden State Pops, Culver City Chamber Orchestra, OC Symphony, Dana Point Symphony and the Debut Symphony.

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