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.

​

Kelsie Puttbach

Grade 1 Class Teacher

I couldn’t resist Waldorf School at Moraine Farm’s commitment to educating the whole child while embracing the arts and the natural world. I am delighted to be a part of this community of talented educators and grow as a Waldorf class teacher. I am looking forward to moving with my class to second grade this year!

When I am not at school, I enjoy hiking, caring for my plants, reading, running, traveling, and photography. I love going on walks around Moraine Farm to Wenham Lake, the perfect place for a picnic or drawing!”

Hannah Plummer

Dandelion Class Teacher

I began my studies at the University of the Arts, majoring in Sculpture, before transferring to Gordon College, where I earned a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts with a concentration in studio art. Raised in Pennsylvania and Delaware as the youngest of four girls, our mother homeschooled us, and I’m incredibly grateful for the unique opportunities our “untraditional” education provided. My mother fostered in us a lifelong love of learning, reading, and nature – creating a classroom anywhere we went, from our living room to parks, libraries, museums, and more. 

I’ve gravitated towards childcare roles since I was a child myself. I have 13+ years of experience working as a mother’s helper, babysitter, camp counselor, and nanny. After graduating, I worked as a nanny for a family with three young girls. I loved crafting daily rhythms that fostered a home environment where art, exploration, imagination, and education were paramount. Through teaching and interacting closely with their teachers at school, I was introduced to the world of early childhood education. This experience unlocked something inside me, and I knew exactly what I wanted to do next. 

I sought out a school environment that mirrored my values, and that’s what I found at WSMF when I was hired in February of 2025. Teaching toddlers in the Dandelion classroom is genuinely the most fantastic job. I feel incredibly blessed to spend my days witnessing the magic of toddlerhood, in all its messy, spectacular wonder. WSMF cherishes the magic of childhood, and I’m honored to create a classroom where play and joy are at the center of learning.

Outside of teaching, I’m a practicing land artist, creating ephemeral pieces with natural materials outdoors. I love to create, explore, and learn, and I spend my free time cooking, reading, crafting, and traveling. My favorite place on campus is the meadow, specifically in the summer, with the tall grasses swaying in the breeze. 

Jessica Leathe

Sunflower Kindergarten Teacher

I began studying Early Childhood Education at Gordon College in 2016. In 2018 I decided to explore a different career path, and I began working with adults with intellectual disabilities. I fell in love with working with this demographic of people and decided to explore a career in Special Education. I spent some time as an administrator for a group home for adults with intellectual disabilities but began missing working with children. I decided to continue schooling in early childhood education and soon became a Lead Preschool Teacher in Beverly. My goal was to eventually work at a Waldorf School! I am beyond thrilled to be an educator at WSMF and I am looking forward to putting down roots at this school.

During my time away from school, I enjoy traveling, crafting such as knitting and embroidering, skiing, as well as going for hikes! I currently live in Wenham with my husband, my brother, sister-in-law, and their son. I love taking my family and friends to the Fairy Bower on our campus! One of my favorite things to do at the Fairy Bower is to sit under the large pine trees, reflect, and admire the meadows. 

​

Molly Dumont

Sunflower Kindergarten Teacher

I graduated from Gordon College right here on the North Shore where I double majored and double licensed in early childhood education and special education. Ever since my early college days I have been eyeing the Waldorf School at Moraine Farm, but never dreamed I would be able to teach here so soon! I’ve admired Waldorf my whole life, especially since my mother raised and homeschooled my siblings and I in a very Waldorf way. What I love most about WSMF is the amount of time we get to be outside with the children and the play-based, student-lead approach to learning that Waldorf offers. Outside of school I like to explore the outdoors, crochet, and spend time with my family and friends. I am still getting to know the beautiful campus our school has, but so far my favorite place to be is the Maple Grove. What a peaceful place to sit and take in nature’s beauty!

Matthew McCoy

Class 3/4 Teacher

I earned both my Bachelor’s degree in Theatre and my Master’s degree in History and Archives from Keene State College in Keene, New Hampshire. I grew up part of my life on a high school boarding school campus in NH, and the other on a working farm. Because of my love for theatre, and my upbringing, I have a deep appreciation for storytelling, the outdoors, and education.

After spending nine years in the field of education, I began my journey into Waldorf teaching, drawn to its holistic approach and the deep connection it fosters between curriculum and the natural world. Most recently, I taught second grade at the Waldorf School of Lexington, where I immersed myself in the rhythms and rich traditions of Waldorf education. I am still growing in my understanding of this wonderful philosophy and take every opportunity to share in the journey of this education.

I am delighted to be joining the Moraine Farm community as the teacher of the combined 3rd and 4th-grade class. I bring with me a love for the arts, a thoughtful and grounded presence in the classroom, and a strong commitment to helping children grow both academically and personally. I am always ready to share the knowledge I have gathered in my lifetime with the kids, and I encourage them to create their own wealth of life experience.

I am particularly looking forward to the sugaring season. My family made maple syrup when I was growing up, so those early spring days carry a lot of meaning for me, and I’m excited to share in that joy and tradition with the students.

When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy wandering the Trustees of Reservation properties, exploring local museums, watching Broadway musicals, playing board games, and curling up with my cats and a new book.

Evelyne Hebrault

Business Manager

I studied Special Education in France at the University of Montpellier. I moved to Germany for 2 years and returned to France and worked at The European parliament Daycare center in Strasbourg as a multilingual child care provider.

I took time off work to raise our Daughter and moved to the US in 2002. I became very interested in dual language education and getting back to active life ran a French after school program in Winchester and Cambridge,through a non profit organization. In a few years I transferred my credentials and studied to become school Director. 

After years observing children in classrooms I felt the need to look at different Educational Philosophies or models and became interested in outdoor education. I worked opening and running a Waldorf inspired program and had an opportunity to visit Moraine Farm and felt it was such a special place for children.

The past 3 years my new passions have been finances and administration building and extending  my skills with a  local non profit organization that supports refugees. 

I am grateful to be part of the team at Moraine Farm to use all my skills to the Business side of the school.

At home I’m always welcomed by my orange cat Buddy, and on weekends you’ll most likely find me close to the ocean or taking pictures of nature’s wonders. 

I still have to explore the campus to find my favorite place!

Leah Schnirman

Assistant Toddler Teacher

I have been working as an early childhood teacher since 2022, and studying early childhood education at the University of Vermont and Community College of Rhode Island since 2021. Education and Mother Nature have been my two biggest passions and when I found WSMF it felt like such a wonderful fit. I am so grateful for my journey and career as a young teacher to continue at such a beautiful community as WSMF.

In my free time I enjoy traveling through and exploring the outdoors, connecting with the natural world around us. When I’m not outside I’m working on my recipes and crafting in the kitchen.

Leslie Arevalo

Spanish Teacher

I was born and raised in Guatemala, where my journey as an educator began. I worked in bilingual schools, teaching children in both Spanish and English, and discovered early on how much I enjoyed helping children learn and grow. After moving to the United States, I continued working with children and sharing my love for Spanish and the rich cultures and traditions of the Spanish-speaking world.

My journey into Waldorf education has inspired me to look at language learning in a new way. I enjoy bringing Spanish to life through stories, songs, movement, games, art, and cultural traditions. I especially love seeing children gain confidence as they begin to understand and use a new language. I continue to learn and grow as a Waldorf educator, and I am grateful to be part of a community that values imagination, creativity, and the development of the whole child.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, reading, cooking, and being outdoors. Guatemala continues to hold a very special place in my heart, and I treasure opportunities to return, spend time with family, and stay connected to the culture and traditions that I am fortunate to share with my students.

​

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. 

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.

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

Ana O’Shaughnessy

Games and Movement Teacher

I graduated with a degree in Psychology from the University of New Hampshire and a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. After graduating, I decided to continue my studies bringing my attention to the anatomy of movement. Ultimately, I became a certified yoga instructor to further my belief in holistic living. It was through teaching yoga, that I discovered my voice as a teacher.

My interest in teaching and my belief in the Waldorf philosophy brought me to WSMF. Growing up, I was homeschooled with a Waldorf approach to learning, and I still strongly believe in the values it instilled.

One thing I love most about WSMF is the community and its dedication to the student body. I love the way we are constantly helping one another for the betterment of the children, I find it inspiring.

Outside of work and on weekends, I enjoy long walks on the beach, running outdoors, cooking new recipes for the people I love, and last, but not least gardening, I am currently selecting what I want to plant this coming spring. 

My favorite place on Moraine Farm Campus is the Maple Grove on a breezy afternoon.

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.

Anna Scalera

Grade 5 Teacher

In 2008 I completed my Masters in Education degree and Waldorf Teacher Education Certificate at Antioch University. The following year I accepted a position at Cape Ann Waldorf School (the former name of WSMF) and met some of my current colleagues. Thus began my journey of working as a class teacher. Since 2008, I have carried two groups of students over multiple years of learning in the elementary and middle grades. I also experienced the younger years while working as an early childhood educator at Cairn Hill Nature Preschool in Lynn, MA. I am thrilled to begin a new journey with the first grade class this year!

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 in Antioch University’s summer program in Wilton, NH and as part of the Building Bridges program offered by the Center for Anthroposophy. 

I love working at WSMF because my position allows me to work with students over multiple years and to share my passions with them. 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 and traditions. 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.