“Our highest endeavor must be to develop free human beings who are able of themselves to impart purpose and direction to their lives. The need for imagination, a sense of truth, and a feeling of responsibility—these three forces are the very nerve of education.”

— Marie & Rudolf Steiner

Faculty and Staff members at Maple Village Waldorf school bring a collective teaching experience of well over 100 years. They are gifted individuals who bring exceptional dedication to Waldorf Education and the freedom in which Steiner intended. They are committed to on-going self-development so as to be the examples to the students and bring engagement and inspiration to each lesson . Their vast experience from around the world allows them to present subjects with a greater panoramic view. They are a flexible group of individuals who work together to support and mentor one another with respect and appreciation.

Early Childhood Faculty

Tanya Comerford
Birth to 3 Meadow Program Lead Teacher

Tanya Comerford is thrilled that her Waldorf journey has come full circle and brought her back to Maple Village Waldorf School, where she first…

…began as a new mother in the Parent/Toddler class with her 16-month year old. Enamored by the beauty, warmth, and care she received from this community, she quickly found herself sharing her gifts of food, herbalism, community organizing, and art with this beloved village. She now has returned as the Birth to Three Program Director and Lead Teacher at Maple Village. She can’t seem to get enough of Waldorf. She has completed the Curriculum Studies program at Waldorf School of Orange County this summer.

Tanya has been immersed in education, the arts, nature, health, and community development both locally and abroad over the past 30 years. As a doula and educator, she believes that one of the most impactful ways to create a better world is by uplifting and supporting the children born onto this planet and their families. She is developing her Mindfulness and Compassion practices to gain a deeper understanding and connection with herself and others.  

As a Certified Master Gardener, Chef, Nutritionist, Herbalist, Naturalist, Fire Performer, and Doula, you can find her gardening, reading, cooking, camping, traveling, making potions, dancing, and mostly spending time with her daughter and family.

Tanya graduated from UCI cum laude with a double B.A. in Psychology and Social Science with an emphasis in Cultural Anthropology. She served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mauritania and studied abroad in a rural village in the Yucatan and Mexico City. 

Kristina de Seriere-Pataki 
Birth to 3 Meadow Program Assistant

Kristina was first introduced to Waldorf education through a friend who expressed enthusiasm about her child’s experience attending a…

…Waldorf school in Northern California. With one of her own children nearing school age, the holistic approach to education that Waldorf provides is what she was searching for.  It was fate when she found Maple Village, as it is near to home and in the city in which her family already enjoys spending their time.

Over the past three years as a parent at Maple Village, she has witnessed firsthand the depth, beauty, and intention behind Waldorf education. Observing her own children flourish with each passing year, through the birth to three classes, kindergarten, and now in the grades, she has embraced every opportunity to volunteer, support classroom activities, and attend parent education nights.

Being a part of this unique community has greatly influenced her appreciation for child development, which has now led her down the joyful path of assistant teaching in the Birth to Three program. To continue with her own growth and education in Waldorf, she is taking classes in Assistant Teaching in a Waldorf Early Childhood classroom, as she hopes to support the program in a meaningful way. 

Kristina finds joy being out in nature. Camping with her family, exploring State and National Parks, and spending time at the beach.

Inger Goodman
Birth to 3 Meadow Program Bridge Assistant Teacher

Inger Goodman joined Maple Village in 2023. With an upbringing in Sweden, she is a true believer in the Rudolf Steiner philosophy. She believes…

…all children are gifted and is a big supporter of Waldorf School’s mission to inspire valuable life-long learning. She has a background in energy and is a big advocate for renewable energy and a clean planet. She has lived in Long Beach since 1987, where, together with her husband, she raised two children who are now successful adults.  Inger is a clairvoyant and a light worker. She is currently attending school to obtain a teacher assistant certificate. She is very excited to continue her work as a Teaching Assistant and support the great teachers who impact lives every day.

Mele McCabe
Poppy Preschool Lead Teacher

Mele McCabe earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Development and Family Studies from Cal State University of Long Beach.

Prior to that, she taught high school English in Tonga for six years and taught Tongan language to Peace Corps volunteers for three years. After three years working as assistant preschool teacher at Maple Village, she is now in her fifth year as the lead teacher of the Poppy Preschool class. She has three children and enjoys watching them grow. Her hobbies are reading, landscaping her home, having tea with her friends and neighbors, listening to music, and walking.

Kathy Striegl 
Poppy Preschool Assistant Teacher

Bio coming soon.

Gehisa Avila
Primrose Preschool Lead Teacher

Gehisa Avila read about Waldorf Education prior to becoming a mother, so when her firstborn was ready to start Parent/Toddler class, she was…

…ecstatic to have found Maple Village. As her son went on to preschool and kindergarten, Gehisa began volunteering in his classes and attended workshops and talks to better learn about Rudolf Steiner’s philosophy. 

She has worked as a substitute teacher in Early Childhood department and as Lead in the Early Childhood Aftercare Program.  Her calling grew stronger to work closer with the children, and she became an assistant; one year in the Lavender Preschool and for two years in the Sunflower Kindergarten under the mentorship of our dear Ms Charlotte.

She loves to bring her own experiences as a mom to the children with whom she shares her days.  She likes being silly and singing with them while holding a safe, loving space where they can grow and learn.  Community is very important to her, and she feels lucky to have been a part of Maple Village for the last 13 years and hopefully for many more years to come! 

She enjoys spending time with her two sons, her family, and the many friends she’s made along the way at our wonderful Village!

 

Karyna Garcia
Primrose Preschool Assistant Teacher

Karyna Garcia joined Maple Village in 2020 as a parent in the parent-child class with Miss Francesca and continued to volunteer and…

…support Miss Mele, Miss Victoria, Miss Nicole, and Miss Angie and slowly transitioned into subbing for the PreK’s and both Kindergarten classes.

Karyna was raised in Quito, Ecuador, and attended a small Catholic school from kindergarten until she graduated High School. She deeply understands the importance of community and still is in contact with her classmates and communicates with them daily.

She continued her higher education at the prestigious San Francisco de Quito University, in Quito Ecuador with a major in Marketing. She furthered her studies in Marketing and telecommunication at the Institute of Productivity and Marketing. Her education opened opportunities for her to work for major banks and telecommunication companies in Ecuador.

After many years of working for different companies, she decided to open a retail business that allowed her to travel to different parts of the world. She maintained her business for over a decade until she decided to stay in California full-time and start a family.

Since her arrival in the US, besides studying English at Glendale College and Cerritos College, Karyna has been a major player along with her spouse in starting and supporting the Professional Corporation Becerra Family Therapy, APC. Her marketing abilities placed the company in good standing with major insurance companies, and elevated visibility in the Mental Health Industry.

Karyna also continued her passion for management working part-time for RTI Properties and Beach Front Properties. Although business marketing has been her career, she found true love in caring for her daughter primarily.

Waldorf education’s pedagogy and sense of community inspired Karyna to be more involved in her daughter’s schooling and has gained experience with early childhood.

Her amazing mentors at Maple Village have helped her to develop a rhythm that is aligned with her spirit. She is thankful for the opportunity to continue learning from Miss Mele.

Aurora Dismukes 
Cherry Blossom Co-Lead Kindergarten Lead Teacher

Aurora Dismukes is honored to serve as the Lead Teacher for the Sunflower Kindergarten class. A lifelong admirer of Waldorf education, Aurora…

 … brings warmth, dedication, and deep reverence for childhood into her classroom. Her journey in education has included a wide range of teaching environments, all of which have enriched her understanding of how children learn and grow.

Aurora’s connection to Waldorf education runs deep—she attended a Waldorf kindergarten herself, an experience that left a lasting impression and inspired her path as an educator. She remains close with her own kindergarten teacher, a relationship that continues to guide her in her work with young children.

After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Gender and Women’s Studies from UC Berkeley, Aurora moved to Long Beach, where she soon found her home at Maple Village Waldorf School. She began her time at the school as Miss Kathy’s assistant in the Larkspur class and spent three years supporting the early childhood program, gaining invaluable experience and mentorship.

In addition to her classroom experience, Aurora is beginning her formal Waldorf teacher training through the Waldorf Institute of Southern California. This complements her Master’s-level coursework in Elementary Education and her years of independent study and practice in the Waldorf tradition.

Aurora brings a strong sense of joy, wonder, and care to her teaching. She is committed to creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe, loved, and free to explore the world around them. She looks forward to working in partnership with families to support the healthy development of each child.

Lauryn Taj
Cherry Blossom Co-Lead Kindergarten Lead Teacher

Lauryn Taj is delighted at the opportunity to be in service to the Maple Village Waldorf School community as a 3-Day Preschool Lead Teacher…

…Her Waldorf journey began at the recommendation of her mother when her eldest son was 15 months old. Beginning in the parent & child class with Ms. Francesca, the sense of simplicity, slowness, and reverence was palpable. Something inside of her soul lit up. It was a destiny moment; an awakening to her path forward as a Waldorf educator. 

Lauryn holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Biology, and continues her educational journey through the Waldorf Institute of Southern California teacher certification program. She comes to Maple Village with more than 20 years of experience working with children in many capacities. As a dedicated teacher, nanny, volunteer, tutor, and mentor, she continues to nurture environments that encourage intellectual, emotional, and physical growth in children. 

Lauryn co-created a Waldorf-inspired homeschool pod serving eight families and 18 children ranging from birth to eight years old. She has traveled through Latin America providing resources and participating in trainings for caregivers and educators of children with special needs. She met her life-partner volunteering with an organization that brings adaptive sports to people living with various disabilities, and she has dedicated much of her adult life to supporting children’s cancer research through extensive fundraising efforts. 

When not in the classroom, you can find Lauryn tending to her garden, caring for her chicken, practicing the art of jiu jitsu, hiking, camping, traveling, working out, gathering at drum circles and cultural events, and spending time with her beloved family and friends.

It is her deepest honor to continue to learn alongside the children at Maple Village Waldorf School on her ever-evolving path to purposeful growth. 

 

Germania (G) Egas
Cherry Blossom Kindergarten Assistant Teacher & EC Aftercare

Germania (G )Egas was born, raised, and educated in Ecuador.  She has always loved children and went to college to study…

… child development. She is passionate about nature and everything about this beautiful planet we call earth. She treasures the ocean; that’s why she moved to this beautiful city, Long Beach. She loves people, has visited many countries and enjoys traveling and meeting different people. While her first language is Spanish, she also speaks English and Portuguese. G loves animals, is a vegetarian, enjoys sports and exercise, and says her family and friends (the family she chooses to have by her side) are the biggest gifts she has. She is a happy and positive person, inspired by her mother. She is looking forward to learning more about this beautiful Waldorf School, working with new colleagues, and meeting the families. 

Elementary School Faculty

Cori Amendt
Grade 1 Teacher

Cori Amendt is a Multiple Subject Credentialed Teacher, who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, with a minor in Child Development. 

She studied Waldorf education at Steiner College in Fair Oaks, California. She enjoys spending time in nature with her family (hiking, biking, lounging), reading, writing, and traveling. Learning is a lifelong enjoyment and pursuit for her, particularly in her journey to bilingualism in the Italian language. Her professional career began as a Counselor for young children in crisis. Eventually, this work led her to the classroom, where she felt she could be of bountiful service to the youth in her community. She has been in education for over a decade, in public, private and charter schools. After she met her husband, an Italian national, she went on to teach in Italy at Lycee Francias for 2 years, as the English Department Coordinator and Foreign Language Teacher across the grades (K-8). Upon returning to the US, she found what she considers her truest calling, that of a Waldorf teacher. Under esteemed mentorships, she took a class through grades 1-3 at Ocean Charter School in Culver City before coming to Maple Village as the Laurel Tree teacher three years ago. After taking time to be home with her children, she is eager to return to the Laurel class to continue this meaningful work. 

Chrissy Cox
Grade 2 – Linden Trees Teacher

Chrissy Cox is delighted to join the Maple Village community. Over the past fourteen years, her work has centered on creating and leading…

…inclusive, inquiry-driven classrooms that nurture the full expression of each child. With sensitivity to rhythm and a commitment to joyful, purposeful learning, Chrissy brings a heartfelt presence and deep care to her teaching.

She holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership from San Jose State University, a B.A. in Literature with a minor in Education from UC Santa Cruz, and a Professional Clear Multiple Subjects Credential. She is CLAD-certified and has extensive experience supporting English language learners, neurodivergent students, and designing responsive learning environments for diverse learners.

Chrissy’s teaching is deeply informed by her love of nature, movement, and the arts. She teaches yoga and meditation, facilitates sound experiences, tends a seasonal garden, and studies herbalism. She has also served as a doula and community organizer, and finds joy in bringing rhythm, reverence, and wonder to learning spaces.

At the heart of Chrissy’s work is the belief that education is a living ecosystem of interconnectivity—between children, teachers, families, and the natural world. She is honored to contribute her passion, presence, and care to such a vibrant and nourishing community.

Paola Schouten
Grade 3 – Oak Trees Teacher

Paola Schouten was born, raised and educated in the Netherlands. She was exposed to the Waldorf Festivals since childhood…

…which ignited her interest in Waldorf Education. After High School, she studied at the Vrije Pedagogische Academy (Steiner Teacher Training College) in Zeist, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. She then moved to the US and began her career as a Waldorf teacher in Pasadena. Over the past 40 years, she has contributed to the growth of many schools. She has carried three classes all the way through the grades and finished various classes through eighth grade. Paola likes to travel, camp, hike, read, and make jewelry. She plays guitar, writes songs, and enjoys singing. She also has a great appreciation for nutrition and cooking.

Pagan Urich
Grades 4/5 – Juniper & Joshua Trees Teacher

Jessica Pagan Urich, aka Ms. Pagan, hails from New Orleans, which is to say that she has a deep love of food, music, and festivities. 

…She holds a BA from Columbia University, where she swam Division I, and a Master’s Degree from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Her work life has ranged from Broadway General Management to Hedge Fund Compliance to Tech Startup Management, but she has also been teaching and coaching children since she was 12. After starting a family she became a Teaching Artist creating curricula that combine English Language Arts, Science, and Social Emotional Learning with Visual and Performing Arts. In her very little free time, she performs, produces, and edits for film and television projects. She is very excited to learn from the wonderful teachers at Maple Village and to continue, along with her partner and young sons, to contribute to this community.

Middle School Faculty

Sara Geiss
Grade 6 – Manzanita Trees Teacher

Sara Geiss is a teacher who has worn many hats in education, from classroom aide, after school care teacher…

…substitute teacher, and lead teacher. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies, she went on to obtain her Multiple Subject teaching credential and has experience teaching in both public school and Waldorf education. 

Sara has been a part of the Maple Village community as a parent volunteer in the classroom, Parent Village, Yearbook and Harvest Faire committees, as well as a substitute teacher for the Birth to Three program through Eighth Grade classes. She enjoys learning the “whys” behind Waldorf education and is always eager to attend professional development courses.

Sara has completed WISC’s Practical Support Program, and is currently enrolled in Waldorf Practical Arts Training and WSOC’s Adult Education program. 

In her free time Sara enjoys spending time with her family, camping, grabbing a cup of coffee, and reading. 

Allison Stovall
Grade 7- Redbud Trees Teacher

Allison Stovall began her journey as a teacher in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky in theater education.

In wanting to expand her craft, she pursued a Master’s degree in teaching in elementary education. Her friends encouraged her to look into Waldorf Education since her interest was in integrating the arts into teaching. When she attended a showcase for teacher training in Kentucky, she immediately recognized the value and importance of Waldorf Education. As she finished her Master’s program, she began attending Waldorf workshops that eventually led to a teacher training program. 

Although she integrated Waldorf Education into her public school classroom, she decided she wanted more freedom within the curriculum so she decided to fully commit to the work of a Waldorf class teacher. She found her first class of spirited children with a vibrant love of learning at the Brooklyn Waldorf School and took them from 1st – 5th grade. From imaginative stories from diverse backgrounds, to active math lessons involving thousands of acorns that were ultimately turned into pancakes, to class plays in three different languages, to constructing an igloo, she has cherished every year for different reasons. While she was sad to leave the Brooklyn Waldorf School after five years, she is ready for the next adventure and looks forward to getting to know and work with all the families of the Redbud class.

 

Bobbie Gonzales
Grade 8 – Sequoia Trees
Teacher

Bobbie Gonzales was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She has a BA in Human Development with an emphasis on Child… 

…Development and has also received her Waldorf Teaching Certificate from the Waldorf Institute of Southern California. Bobbie has been teaching at the Pasadena Waldorf School for the past fifteen years, is bilingual in Spanish and English and has a true passion for Waldorf Education. She has four daughters, lives in Pico Rivera and loves to read and travel. Her Waldorf journey began nearly 20 years ago with the birth of her first daughter. Bobbie was raised in public schools, and while she enjoyed her school years and thrived academically, instinctually she knew something was missing. In an effort to ensure her children would receive a holistic education. She began to research different educational methods. She was thrilled to find Waldorf education, as this was exactly what she had envisioned. Her first experience with “Waldorf children” confirmed her beliefs. The education she had envisioned for her daughter soon became an education for herself. After many years of school with a focus in law and work experience in accounting, she was approached about the possibility of joining Pasadena Waldorf School under the tutelage of Master Teacher, Sam Glaze. Bobbie worked alongside him for grades 2, 3, and 4. While reading Renewal magazine, she chanced upon an article about the Waldorf School in Guanajuato, Mexico (Colegio Yeccan). The following year Bobbie moved to Mexico, enrolled her daughter at Colegio Yeccan and she became the foreign language teacher for grades 1-8. When circumstances beyond anyone’s control took the first grade teacher back to the States, Bobbie eagerly stepped into the role of interim first grade teacher. Her move to Mexico was always intended to be a one-year experience, and Bobbie returned to the Pasadena Waldorf School. After many years assisting, co-teaching and leading in grades 1 – 5, Bobbie is very excited to take her own class and become a part of our Maple Village community.

Specialty Teachers

Brie Wakeland Muszynski 
Handwork Teacher Grades 1-3

Brie Wakeland Muszynski has been specializing in outdoor, cooking, and art education since 2016. She served as a program lead working with the…

…non-profit Garden School Foundation for 8 years, providing science-based garden lessons and nutrition-focused cooking lessons to children grades pre-k through 5th grade within LAUSD. She worked at Highland Hall Waldorf School as Farm Manager and Garden Teacher, and she is completing her handwork training through Waldorf Handwork Educators. Her background includes over 10 years of experience as a yoga and mindfulness instructor to both children and adults. She holds degrees in Spanish, Traditional Sign Painting, and Recycling & Resource Management. Brie is currently training to become certified through Lifeways and is also a mom to two adventurous nature lovers, River and Winston.

 

Jen Tan
Handwork Teacher Grades 4/5-8

Jen Tan is a Southern California native and has been an educator for over 15 years. She earned a BA in Anthropology from the University of…

…California, Los Angeles, and her MA in Literacy and Language Arts from Loyola Marymount University. She is both a Multiple Subject and Art Subject Credentialed Teacher. She will soon receive her Waldorf Practical Arts Certificate through the Waldorf Institute of Southern California (WISC). 

She spent her early years at both the UCLA Lab School and at the Chadwick School. Her introduction to Waldorf education came through her three children, where she discovered a deep connection not only to its deeply held traditions and values, but to Handwork- a way of bringing an awareness of the whole child, while strengthening the intellect and academic capacities, through beauty. Her teaching is rooted in empowering young people with the idea that, through their own will, they can create something meaningful. After all, once you’ve had the experience of working with head, heart, and hands, what can’t you do? The possibilities for the future are limitless!

Jen lives and breathes handwork around the clock, also teaching at Ocean Charter School and nurturing her small business, Handwork Club. When she isn’t busy making, she enjoys cooking and hiking with her family of seven, including her two German shepherd huskies, Clover and Opal. 

Jen is honored to be welcomed into the Maple Village community.

 

Patrick York
Games, Woodworking & Djembe Teacher

Patrick York was born and raised in Long Beach. He is a Multiple Subject Credentialed Teacher, which he earned from Cal State Long Beach…

…

…and he has a degree in Liberal Studies from Cal State Dominguez Hills. Patrick has worked in education and with children for the last decade; as a teacher, an instructional-aide in a special needs classroom, a tutor, and as a camp counselor at the Alpert JCC. Before he changed paths to pursue education, he worked as an EMT and was on track to become a firefighter.

Patrick enjoys working with his hands and creating items both practical and artistic. He has completed many woodworking projects over the years and continues to hone his craft. He is excited to share his passion for woodworking and creation with the students of Maple Village.

Patrick is new to Waldorf Education, but is eager to learn all that he can. He is under mentorship and guidance from the Maple Village staff, and is studying Waldorf theory. When not at Maple Village Patrick enjoys spending time with his wife, Sé, and daughter, Indigo. He also enjoys camping, drumming, surfing, and playing board games and D&D.

 

Rika Ferguson
Japanese Teacher

Rika Ferguson was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and spent nearly a decade working…

…as a registered nurse in the ER, ICU, and home health in Tokyo.

Inspired by her fascination with cultures worldwide, Rika relocated to the United States in 2017. Embracing a new language and way of life deepened her appreciation for child development and motivated her to shift her focus to supporting young learners. While caring for children in her community, Rika noticed their curiosity about Japan and the Japanese language. This sparked her decision to pursue formal pedagogy studies at the University of Michigan and become a Japanese teacher. For almost ten years now, she has joyfully shared Japanese language and culture with students of all ages. Rika is passionate about recognizing each child’s unique learning style, identity, and cultural experiences—values she finds beautifully reflected in the Waldorf approach.

Lisa Taylor
Chorus Teacher

Lisa Taylor (she/her) received a Music Therapy degree from Chapman University and worked with children with disabilities for 12 years.…

…before moving to Hawaii, where she taught music at Malamalama Waldorf School. After 9 years on the Big Island, she moved to Long Beach and has been working at Waldorf School of Orange County as their Choir teacher.  She sings in a big band, a jazz combo, an Eastern European folk band and has appeared in several community theatre musical productions.  She is also a seasonal vocalist at Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm and teaches ukulele, guitar, piano, recorder, and voice to students of all ages and abilities.  She is looking forward to teaching in her home community and being a part of Maple Village Waldorf School.

Korina Williams
Strings Teacher

Korina Williams started playing the violin at five years old. She studied classical music and later learned to improvise and grew confident…

… playing several genres ranging from fiddle tunes to hip hop. She started teaching private violin, viola, and cello lessons in college and fell in love with sharing her knowledge and joy for music with others. 
Korina earned her bachelor’s degree in Classical Violin Performance from Cal State Long Beach and her Master’s degree in Contemporary Performance and Production from Berklee College of Music. In addition to teaching private and group classes for over a decade, she has performed with several artists including J. Cole, Ariana Grande, Smokey Robinson, and Anderson Paak; played at festivals such as Coachella and the Nublu Jazz Fest; has been seen on television playing for the Academy Awards, the Ellen Show, and Jimmy Kimmel Live; and has performed in 8 different countries and 30 states. All of these experiences have come with many lessons and have drawn Korina back to teaching and guiding her students through the infinite ways to express themselves through music. She aims to show her students that music is not about competing to be better than your peers but expressing the best version of yourself wherever you are today.
When she is not playing music, Korina loves to read, create tea blends, and spend time with her family. She is so excited to join the Maple Village community and connect with the students through music!

 

Phoebe Bessler
Gardening, Class Support/Floater & Preschool Aftercare 

Phoebe Brown has worked in education and childcare for over a decade, spending years nannying before becoming an instructional aide for special needs students…

…Upon having her own daughter and finding a position as an aide to a student here at Maple Village, she was captivated by Waldorf education and determined to join the community. Seeing how impactful the Waldorf routine was on her student and her daughter has only spurred her curiosity and led her to study children’s literacy and literature alongside Waldorf philosophy. She is excited and honored to be assisting in the early childhood program and continue connecting with the community.

Phoebe enjoys reading, spending time in her garden, embroidery, and making candles.

Hilda Kale
Grades Extended Care Lead Teacher,Yard Duty & Games Support

Hilda Kale has heard about Maple Village for many years, and was hoping to find a position that matched her skills and desires. She will…

… be our grades yard supervisor for snack and lunch recesses, work directly with Kumu Ciana for support in off-site Games classes, and will be our Grades Aftercare Assistant Teacher. Hilda brings much energy and joy to our Village! Hilda Kale has previous experience working yard duty, before and after school care and classroom assistance at the elementary school level. She is new to Waldorf Education and is looking forward to learning all about it. She is excited about joining the Maple Village family and is ready to assist in any capacity. Hilda is an avid reader and a fan of theatre and cinema. She lives in Long Beach with her husband and her daughter.

 

Carmen Viramontes

Grades Extended Care Assistant

Carmen Viramontes, born in Mazatlán and raised in Long Beach, is a dynamic professional with a diverse career journey and a love of learning.

A product of the Long Beach public school system, she explored a variety of community volunteer work while attending LBCC. A volunteer opportunity eventually evolved into six years of employment with the American Cancer Society, where she excelled as a cancer information specialist and special events coordinator. Her career in public service began as a member of Foster’s campaign finance committee, leading to a multifaceted position in the office of the elected City of Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster.

While working for the City, Carmen earned her BA in Business Administration with an emphasis on International Business from CSULB, highlighted by a brief exchange program in Germany. Transitioning to the private sector, she achieved a Supply Chain Certification and held a management role in logistics. After trying to balance career with family, Carmen decided to shift her focus to family life and chose to stay home to be “Director of Domestic Affairs” while working part-time for a local political fundraiser. 

Carmen enjoys a good laugh, working with her hands, and appreciates a quality compost pile. She is married to wife, Jheri, who is a dedicated special education teacher in Garden Grove, and together they are raising their two children (2nd and 5th grade) near family in West Long Beach. Carmen is now excited to join Maple Village as the Extended Care Assistant, eager to contribute to the community while supporting her children’s Waldorf education.

Cosette Luna Rollins
Grades Support Teacher

Ms. Luna earned her Multiple Subject and Foundational Science teaching credentials through California State University, Fullerton…

…She also holds two bachelor’s degrees: one in Game Art & Design, which included studies in both fine and applied arts, and another in Child and Adolescent Development, where she explored the physiological and psychological milestones of childhood and adolescence.

After eight years in public education, Ms. Luna visited Maple Village and immediately recognized something special. She saw children learning through play, engaging deeply with one another, and developing confidence, curiosity, and imagination without the constant presence of screens. It was a living example of the whole-child education she had studied and admired.

A lifelong student of culture and the human experience, Ms. Luna brings creativity, warmth, and adaptability to her work. Outside the classroom, she enjoys aerial arts and dance, training several days each week. She loves literature, music, and sharing traditions from different cultures. Her favorite book is The Little Prince, her favorite food is sushi, and if you sneeze, she may wish you “salud, dinero, y amor.”

As Maple Village’s Class Support and Floater, Ms. Luna is grateful for the opportunity to work with students across the school community. Having played many roles throughout her life, she considers it an honor to support the growth, learning, and wonder of every child she encounters.

Administration

Lisa J. McCarthy
Director of School Life

Lisa Jordan McCarthy has been a Waldorf educator since the mid-90’s. She followed advice from many, walked onto a Waldorf campus…

…to investigate and was so inspired, she decided to scrap her plans to be a college professor and stay. She has found so much joy and fulfillment in her role as Dean, working with teachers, students, parents, administration, the Board and the community. She has a Masters degree in Literature from the University of Kent at Canterbury England and a BA in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from the University of California, Irvine. She started her Waldorf journey as an Early Childhood education teacher and then focused on teaching Language Arts in elementary and middle school. Lisa founded Maple Cottage Retreat (Waldorf-inspired parent/toddler class) and taught this program out of her home before co-founding Maple Village Waldorf School. Lisa continues to enjoy teaching Language Arts to the middle school as well as reading with our elementary students. She is passionate about parent/caregiver education and continues to lead classes for MVWS families and the community. She also puts great importance on having strong connections with students and will stop everything to help a child through a hard day. Dedicated to the environment, Lisa has been instrumental in several Long Beach schools (including MVWS) receiving the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon award. She loves to run, garden, bake, sing and write.  She has delighted in raising three boys in a home where they still grow food, make great use of their wood-fired oven, entertain, create, build, and dream.

Kevin McDuff
Director of Finance and Administration

Kevin McDuff was led to Waldorf education 36 years ago by his five-year-old daughter who made it clear that she wanted to attend Highland Hall…

… Waldorf School by falling asleep in her new teacher’s arms during the initial meeting. He was a dedicated Waldorf parent for the next 22 years, both at Highland Hall and then at Sunrise Waldorf School on Vancouver Island for his son’s Grade 1 through 8 journey. 

After a varied career that included positions as a journalist, paralegal, data base administrator, organizational consultant, and CTO of a software company, he was offered the position of Business Manager at Sunrise and couldn’t resist the opportunity to support his son’s school. After two years as Business Manager, he was named the school’s Head of School, a position he held for the next eight years, leading the struggling school’s transition to “a bright light in the Waldorf movement” (according to an AWSNA representative when presenting their full-member certification).

Kevin took the role of School Administrator at Waldorf School Orange County three and a half years ago when his family returned to their southern California roots.  He is committed to Waldorf education and is looking forward to using his accumulated skills to support Maple Village in the coming years. 

Rochelle Chayet
Director of Pedagogy

Rochelle Chayet brings a rich background in Waldorf education to our school, including former positions as a Grades class teacher,.…

 …Preschool-Kindergarten teacher, Grades DirectorPedagogical Chair, Social Skills teacher for 5th-8th grades, Leadership Consultant, Faculty Mentor, and Parenting Educator at Waldorf schools across the western United States. Rochelle’s professional experience has focused extensively on relationships, community building, and fostering healthy communication. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary School Education from Boston University and a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Colorado Denver, with a Special Education Endorsement, and she has completed a wide range of Waldorf training and certifications, including a Waldorf Teacher Training certificate from Sunbridge College. In addition, Rochelle studied Non-Violent Communication and has extensive training from Nierika Institute of Conscious Evolution, where she apprenticed with a specialty in relationship building. She loves to hike and dance, enjoys water aerobics, cooking, and looks forward to long walks at the beach.

Anne Burleson
Admissions Coordinator

Anne Burleson and her family first began their Waldorf journey in Richmond, Virginia. When they decided to move to California in 2019, her…

… children said they would only move if they could go to a Waldorf school which led them to Maple Village and Long Beach! She has been an active part of the Maple Village community through her participation in the Parent Village, and as Room Parent. She is excited to deepen her connection through her new role as Administrative Manager. Anne holds a BA in Government and Sociology from the University of Virginia. After college, she was employed at Capital One and held various roles in Marketing, Experience Design and Project Management, specializing in products for small businesses. She’s excited to lend her skills and expertise in a new and different way and contribute to the overall success of the school. When not at school or driving her kids to dance or soccer, you can find her reading on the beach, swimming in the bay, taking road trips with her family and on the rare occasion they have a babysitter, seeing live music. 

Carver Scott
Registrar & Front Desk Administrator

Carver Scott was born and raised in a small New England town and has made her way west, living in several cities in the Midwest, the U.K., and…

… western Canada, along her route.  She graduated from Smith College with a Bachelor’s degree in sociology and has worked in social services with adults and children as well as human resources and administrative endeavors. Carver’s family has been a part of the Maple Village community since 2013 when she and her husband took a tour and felt the magic of the Early Childhood program. She is passionate about Maple Village’s growth and the strength of its programs. Carver has volunteered for various fundraising campaigns, hospitality committees, and as a room parent several times. Carver enjoys daily movement, getting to know other people, talking with older adults about their life experiences, finding treasures at a thrift store, live music, and exploring Long Beach on foot.

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Kari Rahni
Marketing & Outreach Coordinator

Kari was introduced to Waldorf education in 2010 when she joined a Waldorf-inspired nursery play group with her first child. In 2011, she found…

… Maple Village and started the Parent Toddler program. She is passionate about the Waldorf philosophy and approach to education and is particularly passionate about Maple Village Waldorf School. From the very beginning, she felt the “heart” of this school, and she has brought her various experiences and skills to nearly every volunteer committee to help support that heart.

One of her biggest volunteer commitments has been Chairperson for the school’s annual Harvest Faire. Along with her team of committed parent volunteers and a marketing campaign that included marketing videos, print and social media ads, press releases, development of a dedicated microsite, and community outreach, she exceeded the set goal of increased attendance YOY and brought name recognition and potential families to the school. 

Kari has a Fashion Design background and has worked for major companies as well as start-ups. She found working with new companies the most rewarding. Being involved in every aspect of designing and producing a line, building a brand, and marketing it, developed her entrepreneurial desire and skills. 

After becoming a mother, however, her design interest shifted to baby needs. She designed and patented a baby carrier and started her first business, bibiJun. As she was introduced to Waldorf and its handwork, she was particularly drawn to needle felting, as it allowed her to reconnect with her artistic side. She teamed up with fellow parent and now MVWS teacher, Francesca Preponis, to create needle-felted artwork and start her 2nd business with Mirth Designs. 

Through her own businesses, she has learned how to brand oneself to attract and keep the perfect customers. She uses this knowledge and leverages her design background to create stunning social and branded graphics, webpages, and printed materials, that will bring our blossoming school into full bloom.