Caitlin Auguste

Early Childhood Assistant

Caitlin attended Hawthorne Valley, a Waldorf school in Harlemville, NY, from 1st to 8th grade. Her father, Brian Macdonald, has over 30 years of experience teaching in Waldorf schools, and her mother also worked as a Waldorf Kindergarten teacher. Caitlin herself has a deep appreciation for Waldorf philosophy and education.

Caitlin’s connection to Waldorf education continues with her own children, as both of them attended Waldorf schools as well. Caitlin and her mother collaborated to establish a Waldorf-inspired home daycare program that catered to children from 6 weeks old to school age, operating year-round with a 50-hour week schedule. This daycare program lasted for 12 years, and Caitlin feels fortunate to work in an environment aligned with her beliefs and values.

Outside of her professional life, Caitlin has various hobbies such as gardening, traveling, taking walks on the beach, and spending quality time with her family.

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Kate Hill 

Parent and Child Lead Teacher

Kate holds a B.A. from Emmanuel College. She received her Birth to Three Years training at the highly respected Sophia’s Hearth Center in Keene, New Hampshire and has studied at the Center for Anthroposophy. With over 15 years of development experience working with nonprofits, Kate has used this knowledge to grow our parent and child program. She was Vice President for Development at the Conservation Law Foundation and Director of the Harvard Medical School Alumni Fund. Kate lives in Magnolia with her husband Chris, her daughter Kat who is a 2016 graduate from Waldorf School at Moraine Farm, and golden retriever Winston. The Hill family joined the Waldorf community close to 20 years ago and the school has been an important part of their family life.

Stephanie Irvine

3-Day Nursery Teacher

Stephanie Irvine was born and raised in New Zealand. She has a B.S. from Auckland University majoring in Physiology and Pharmacology. She has taken Foundation Studies and is currently taking courses at Sophia’s Hearth. Stephanie has been an assistant in nursery for many years and has also substituted in kindergarten and parent and child classes. She has two children who both attended Waldorf School at Moraine Farm. She lives in Salem with her husband and children.

Miranda Ovesen

Early Childhood Assistant

Kierstin Hazzard

5-Day Nursery Teacher

Jessica Hanscom

Sunflower Kindergarten Teacher

Jessica Hanscom has worked with young children in the classroom or as a nanny for 15 years.  She has three children, two of whom are Waldorf School at Moraine Farm Alumni.  She earned a BFA in photography from Montserrat College of Art and is currently working toward a WECAN recognized certificate in teaching birth to seven at the Sophia’s Hearth family center in Keene, NH.  She has completed classes in library science, puppetry, handwork and foundations in anthroposophy. 

Jessica enjoys crafting, walking outside all year round, and is a lover of children’s literature. She lives in Rockport, Ma with her Husband, two sons, daughter, doggie and two cats. Her Favorite place on Moraine farm is the great meadow. 

Marian Jamison-Smith

Nursery After Care Teacher

Marian studied Physical Education at Salem State University, and several years ago was the Games and Movement Teacher at the Waldorf School at Moraine Farm.  Since then she has been a stay-at-home mom to two boys and a Waldorf-inspired homeschooler.  Marian enjoys riding bicycles, hiking, skiing, paddleboarding, and bird watching – any time spent moving through nature and the outdoors.  Marian and her husband recently finished building their forever home on their family farm in Gloucester.  

Brian Fizer

1st Grade Teacher

Brian Fizer has a Masters In Elementary Education from Northeastern University. Brian worked in several public school districts as a teacher and academic coach. He was also an adjunct professor at Northeastern in the Education Department. Brian became interested in Waldorf Education when his daughter, Edie was in a wonderful Waldorf inspired day care. After being a stay-at-home Papa Brian followed Edie to Waldorf Moraine where he is now the first grade teacher. Brian lives with his husband and daughter and their dog Charlie in Beverly. In his free time he loves to garden, run, spend time at the beach, hike, and kayak and spend time with his family.

Brian’s favorite place at Moraine Farm varies by the season but is grateful every day to be in such a gorgeous place.

Yana Lapaix

Clover Nursery Teacher

Born and raised in the Black Forest region of Germany, I have always felt a close connection to and appreciation for nature.

In my journey as a mother, I recognized the importance of nature as a resource for young children in today’s fast-paced world. 

Celia Martone

Grade 2 Teacher

I graduated from Elizabethtown College with a degree in education and a dream of becoming a teacher. While in college, I discovered Waldorf Education and fell in love! I began seeking out more information and finding schools to visit and learn more. Lucky for me, the Susquehanna Waldorf School is just 10 minutes from my college! I was able to substitute, assist, and eventually student teach at this Waldorf School before graduating with my degree. This experience solidified my passion for teaching and I began the search for a class of my own. I stumbled upon Waldorf School at Moraine Farm while exploring Waldorf Schools along the East Coast and was first excited by the spacious campus and location! After visiting, I knew this was the place for me to begin my career.

One of my favorite spots on our campus is the stump circle! Since joining to Moraine Farm faculty I have begun my Waldorf Teacher Training at Sunbridge Institute and am looking forward to continuing this journey with my class. When I am not at school I love to hike, bake, embroider, and read. 

Laura Freysinger

Main Office Support, First and Second Grade Afternoon Teacher

Laura received her BFA from Tufts University and The Museum School of Fine Arts and for 30 years has worked in the clothing design and manufacturing industry.
She completed two courses of Foundation Studies in Anthroposophy and studied at Emerson College, England with master Waldorf teachers. Laura was a Co-Chair of the Waldorf Community Association, has served on various committees and has been a handwork assistant for 8 years.
Laura came to Waldorf School at Moraine Farm as a parent in 2002 and has volunteered and/or worked at the school in various positions since 2006. She enjoys yoga, gardening, all sorts of handwork and sailing with her family. Her son is a 2016 graduate from Waldorf School at Moraine Farm.

Jessalyn Hall 

Grade 5 Teacher

Jessalyn Hall attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst earning her B.A. with a dual focus in Anthropology and Comparative Mythology. She fell in love with class teaching at a Waldorf Charter School in Arizona, teaching grades 1-3, before moving to New York and continuing in grades 5-8. Jessalyn holds a MEd in Waldorf Education from Sunbridge College. In addition to Waldorf, Jessalyn has completed her Montessori teacher training and co-taught in Montessori elementary classrooms. In both Waldorf and Montessori schools, Jessalyn has worked as a math specialist, developing mathematics curriculum. She brings a sense of wonder and delight in learning to work with her students.

Danielle Harrington

Director of Academic Skills

I was first introduced to the community here when I attended parent-child classes. After teaching at other public and private schools in the area, my desire to be part of a close-knit community drew me back to WSMF. 

I have a Masters in Education and Child Development from Tufts University from where I also earned my undergraduate degree with a major in French and studio art. I studied experiential education with the School for International Training in Toulouse, France, where I lived for three years leading hands-on learning excursions for American college students as well as teaching English to French children and executives. 

I have special interest and expertise in teaching foundational reading, writing, and mathematics skills to a wide range of learners, and have special training in children’s social-emotional learning. My goal is to help students see their own amazing strengths while building their skills and confidence step by step in areas that challenge them. I have worked professionally in the field of teacher education as well. One thing I love about WSMF is that we have a connected community of educators who are reflective of processes and are always striving to be better.

My favorite place on our campus is the cedar grove and when I am not at school I enjoy exploring Cape Ann with my sons.

Andrea Ledesma

Spanish Teacher

Andrea grew up in Ecuador and has recently become a US citizen. She is a native Spanish speaker and looks forward to bringing elements of the culture of her childhood along with her while teaching our students

Gretchen MacKilligan

Main Office Manager

Outside of work I love singing with my family and friends and hanging out with my chickens. 

Lisa Maynard

Grade 3 Teacher

Rachel McCarthy

Admissions Director

Heather Collis Puro

Handwork Teacher

After graduating with a Political Science and English degree from the University of Richmond, I worked nationwide for over ten years as an environmental organizer. This work eventually brought me to Massachusetts, where I met my husband and started a family.  Finding the Waldorf School at Moraine Farm for our child’s education allowed us to fulfill our beliefs that children should be educated with respect and idealism to find their place in the world.  

I wasn’t looking to become a teacher; however, I had been an avid maker since childhood and soon found myself assistant teaching in Handwork.  Several years later, I completed my Waldorf Applied Arts Training and now am a Program Director in the same Spring Valley, NY program.

When I am not at school, I like to travel with my family, and I do handwork in my spare time to keep up with our talented students.  My favorite spot on campus is easy to share:  The beautiful quad garden that is cared for so lovingly by the Outdoor Life committee with all of its inspiring colors.

Deann Reyes-Wangh

Middle School Math Teacher

Deann Reyes-Wangh has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Studies with an emphasis in mathematics from Arizona State University and a Masters of Education in Middle School Mathematics from Cambridge College in Charsletown, MA. Most recently, Deann taught math at the Waldorf School of Garden City in Garden City, NY.  Deann has 10+ years of teaching experience in middle school math. Growing up, Deann was an avid soccer player and continued her love for the sport at the college level.  She now thoroughly enjoys coaching soccer and softball. Deann resides in Beverly with her wife and 2 children. Deann is a member of the school’s Faculty Management Group.

Anna Scalera

Grade 4 Teacher

In my home state of New Hampshire I studied elementary education at Antioch University. I completed my Masters in Education degree in 2008 with a focus on Waldorf teaching and the following year accepted a position at Cape Ann Waldorf School (the former name of WSMF). There I met some of my current colleagues and began my journey of working as a Waldorf class teacher. More recently I have worked as an early childhood educator at Cairn Hill Nature Preschool in Lynn, MA and taught various ages in a homeschool cooperative in Beverly. I also hold a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Conservation from the University of New Hampshire. 

The value Waldorf education places on the arts was a primary reason for choosing this unique work. The visual arts were a large part of my undergraduate coursework and in recent years I have been able to bridge this interest professionally by teaching drawing and painting to Waldorf teachers-in-training for Antioch University’s summer program in Wilton, NH. I love working at WSMF because my position allows me to share my passions for art and nature with children. Together we are in the fortunate position of being able to learn on an extraordinary campus and with a wide array of enlivening educational tools. One of my favorite places to visit on Moraine Farm is the shoreline along Wenham Lake. In my time away from school I enjoy cooking, running, gardening, and various crafts. I reside in Marblehead with my husband and our two sons.

Sabrina Schully

Early Childhood Assistant

I studied at Wheaton College where I received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and associate degrees in education and women & gender studies. I fell in love with Waldorf education through assistant teaching at a small Waldorf school summer program on Long Island NY, where I am from. This inspired me to seek out more teaching opportunities. As I finished my degree at Wheaton, I also worked at a preschool with Reggio Emilia influence.

I am so excited to start my journey with the beautiful community here at WSMF! 

I am very passionate about education as well as farming, running, surfing and baking!

Marshunda Smith

Instrumental Music Teacher, Director of Auxiliary Programs

​After obtaining her B.A. from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Marshunda began teaching and discovered a love of conducting and teaching music! She earned a Master’s degree in Orchestral Conducting with an emphasis in Music Education at the University of Southern Maine.

While in Maine, she conducted the Odeon Youth Orchestra as well as guest conducted at various music festivals. She was inspired to help co-found and conduct the No-Name Orchestra of Boston, granting musicians a chance to play a concerto or other solo work with a full orchestra. The conductor, soloist, and orchestra perform a work for the first time upon meeting each other with no rehearsals. No-Name Orchestra is now in its 6th year since being founded and gives at least 3 performances each year around the Boston metro area.

In February of 2018, Marshunda guest conducted the North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra and made history by becoming the orchestra’s second female conductor in 20 years and the first African American to conduct the orchestra in its 70-year history! In the same year, she created the Coquettish Dances program and recorded and released the Coquettish Dances album.

​Currently, Marshunda is working on several musical endeavors titled “The Marshunda Project presents”. The first Marshunda Project premiered on October 5, 2019. She conducted and premiered new works by a local composer as well as brought forth works for chamber orchestra from composers who aren’t well known. Because of the success of the first project concert, Marshunda is creating a series of concerts. “Il Violoncello Italiano” and “Second-Hand Melodies” are two concerts that are coming up in the near future

Hannah Yeager

Science, Nature, Engineering and Design Teacher

​I graduated from Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania with a degree in ecology. I have always loved exploring nature and questioning the way things work. It has been my dream to share my love of science with other people. After college, I worked at the New England Aquarium and the Museum of Science. My experiences there were lovely however I craved building deep and meaningful relationships with my students. That is what led me to my home here at Waldorf School at Moraine Farm. Here, I am able to connect with my students, learn what excites them, and bring science to life in a hands-on and experiential way. 

Vanya Yoors

Director of Teaching and Learning

Vanya Yoors spent his first two years of college studying Environmental Education through the Audubon Expedition Institute, a program then affiliated with Lesley College. After meeting and studying with a Tibetan Buddhist teacher in NYC  he transferred to The University of Wisconsin and spent a year in Nepal studying Tibetan language. His thesis focused Tibetan folk songs. He then received his B.A. in Waldorf Education from The Rudolf Steiner College and later participated in a Masters in Waldorf Education program at Antioch University. He taught for four years at the Eugene Waldorf School in Oregon before coming to Waldorf School at Moraine Farm in 1995 where he has taught movement, science as a served class teacher for the past  26 years. He has represented our school with the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America for over a decade and has served on the College of Teachers, Site Search Committee, Development committee, Finance Committee, and Board of Trustees.

Emily Kerrigan

Director of Marketing and Communications

Over the course of my early adulthood, I had the privilege of serving in different leadership roles over several years at an overnight summer camp. These roles included being the Waterfront Director and the Counselor-in-Training Director. Through these experiences, I taught countless swim lessons, supervised a vast team, nurtured social-emotional skills in children ages 8-16, climbed mountains, and mentored teenagers to become confident leaders and teachers. It was during this time that I discovered my passion for working with children and decided to pursue a career in education. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies specializing in Early Childhood Education from Lesley University. I taught children’s programs and English through the German American Institute in Heidelberg, Germany. I was a Kindergarten student teacher at the Advent School in Boston, MA. At the Reggio-Emilia inspired school, Peabody Terrace Children’s Center at Harvard University, I had the opportunity to teach a diverse group of students ranging from 3 months to 6 years old. More recently, I have served as an Assistant Camp Director for an overnight summer camp and I have also founded and operated my own business.

I first came to WSMF for parent-child classes with my nine-month-old daughter. I wanted my child to have a slow childhood, explore and connect with nature, take risks, and develop skills that will carry her through life. I’m happy to be a member of this community and I feel grateful to witness my child thrive in this environment.

When I’m not at school, I enjoy antiquing, crafting, and exploring the mountains and coastlines of New England with my family!

My favorite place on the WSMF campus is the stump circle.