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Faculty

Anca received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and special education from Alexandru Ioan Cuza University in Romania and a master’s in clinical psychology from Georgia Southern University. She completed the Waldorf Teacher training at  the Alkion Institute and joined our faculty in 2015.

Anca Baboi

Grade 5 Class Teacher

Anca received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and special education from Alexandru Ioan Cuza University in Romania and a master’s in clinical psychology from Georgia Southern University. She completed the Waldorf Teacher training at the Alkion Institute and joined our faculty in 2015.

Andy studied philosophy and mathematics at the University of Illinois. After working with adults with special needs, he began Waldorf training at Sunbridge College and completed Consciousness Studies and the biodynamic apprenticeship at Rudolf Steiner College. Exploring the foundations of Waldorf’s science curriculum led Andy to earn a PhD from Oregon State University focusing on the history of science, philosophy, and literature. Before joining the faculty, he taught high school science, along with college courses for the history and biology departments in Idaho. Andy joined our faculty in 2021.

Andy Hahn

Science, Mathematics, and Humanities Teacher
Grades 7 - 12

Andy studied philosophy and mathematics at the University of Illinois. After working with adults with special needs, he began Waldorf training at Sunbridge College and completed Consciousness Studies and the biodynamic apprenticeship at Rudolf Steiner College. Exploring the foundations of Waldorf’s science curriculum led Andy to earn a PhD from Oregon State University focusing on the history of science, philosophy, and literature. Before joining the faculty, he taught high school science, along with college courses for the history and biology departments in Idaho. Andy joined our faculty in 2021.

My name is Becca Franco, I am currently the Evergreen Kindergarten class lead teacher. I have a Masters Degree in Child Development with a concentration in Infant and Early Childhood mental health, and am working towards training in Waldorf early childhood education. I have a long and loving history with the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs; firstly as a student and graduate, then as an assistant and aftercare teacher at the Forest campus, and finally as a parent to my own Forest kindergartener.

Becca Franco

Evergreen Kindergarten Teacher

My name is Becca Franco, I am currently the Evergreen Kindergarten class lead teacher. I have a Masters Degree in Child Development with a concentration in Infant and Early Childhood mental health, and am working towards training in Waldorf early childhood education. I have a long and loving history with the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs; firstly as a student and graduate, then as an assistant and aftercare teacher at the Forest campus, and finally as a parent to my own Forest kindergartener.

Courtney has been working as a Registered Nurse at Saratoga Hospital since 2010.  After discovering Waldorf education through her own two children, she began at Sophia's Hearth Teacher Education Center where she is currently working toward her early childhood certificate. Courtney has been leading Parent Child Groups and assisting in our Early Childhood programs since 2018, taking on her own preschool class in 2021.

Courtney Stanger

Maple Kindergarten Teacher
Parent Child Playgroup Teacher

Courtney has been working as a Registered Nurse at Saratoga Hospital since 2010. After discovering Waldorf education through her own two children, she began at Sophia's Hearth Teacher Education Center where she is currently working toward her early childhood certificate. Courtney has been leading Parent Child Groups and assisting in our Early Childhood programs since 2018, taking on her own preschool class in 2021.

Having moved to Saratoga Springs in 2008 from the Eugene Waldorf School, Emily began their journey at WSSS as a student in the fifth grade, graduating in 2015. Emily received a BA from Bennington College in 2019, completing a study in visual arts. They are excited to be sharing their love of crafts, farming, and 
visual arts with others since returning to the area this past May.

Emily O'Donnell

Handwork and Aftercare Teacher - Lower School

Having moved to Saratoga Springs in 2008 from the Eugene Waldorf School, Emily began their journey at WSSS as a student in the fifth grade, graduating in 2015. Emily received a BA from Bennington College in 2019, completing a study in visual arts. They are excited to be sharing their love of crafts, farming, and
visual arts with others since returning to the area this past May.

Eryn graduated from the Waldorf school of Saratoga Spring in 2014. After graduating, Eryn received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Global Communications from the American University of Paris. Since graduating from the Waldorf School, Eryn has spent a significant amount of time visiting, studying, and living in countries such as: France, Morocco, Egypt, Switzerland, Italy, Ireland, Spain, Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Greece, and Cyprus! Eryn is excited to share her passion for travel, culture, and ultimately, her love of language with the Waldorf School community.

Eryn Amodeo

World Language Teacher

Eryn graduated from the Waldorf school of Saratoga Spring in 2014. After graduating, Eryn received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Global Communications from the American University of Paris. Since graduating from the Waldorf School, Eryn has spent a significant amount of time visiting, studying, and living in countries such as: France, Morocco, Egypt, Switzerland, Italy, Ireland, Spain, Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Greece, and Cyprus! Eryn is excited to share her passion for travel, culture, and ultimately, her love of language with the Waldorf School community.

Farida joined the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs in 2022 after 8 years as a Waldorf lead class teacher in Mumbai, India. She holds a B.A. and an M.A. in Education as well as a certificate in Waldorf methodology, honing her 13 years in the field of education with her love of the arts. Farida is mother to a rising 7th grade daughter and loves to experience new foods, new cultures, and the joy of life!

Farida Doriwala

1st Grade Class Teacher

Farida joined the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs in 2022 after 8 years as a Waldorf lead class teacher in Mumbai, India. She holds a B.A. and an M.A. in Education as well as a certificate in Waldorf methodology, honing her 13 years in the field of education with her love of the arts. Farida is mother to a rising 7th grade daughter and loves to experience new foods, new cultures, and the joy of life!

Heather graduated from Austin College in Sherman, TX with a BA in Communication Arts and Tulane University in New Orleans, LA with an MFA in Theatrical Design. She completed her Waldorf Teacher Training in both Early Childhood and Grades Education at Waldorf Teacher Education Eugene in Oregon over a decade ago. She recently moved to Saratoga Springs where she assisted in the preschool before taking her own class. She has taught in multiple outdoor Waldorf Early Childhood programs, has tutored Waldorf middle school students, and has taken first through fifth grade at the Eugene Waldorf School.

Heather Kidd

Grade 4 Class Teacher

Heather graduated from Austin College in Sherman, TX with a BA in Communication Arts and Tulane University in New Orleans, LA with an MFA in Theatrical Design. She completed her Waldorf Teacher Training in both Early Childhood and Grades Education at Waldorf Teacher Education Eugene in Oregon over a decade ago. She recently moved to Saratoga Springs where she assisted in the preschool before taking her own class. She has taught in multiple outdoor Waldorf Early Childhood programs, has tutored Waldorf middle school students, and has taken first through fifth grade at the Eugene Waldorf School.

Hope received her Bachelor's degrees in Environmental Science and Sustainable Horticulture from The University of Maine. Most recently, she has worked as an environmental educator at a nonprofit in Albany, teaching nature based studies to children at Albany Public Schools. She loves witnessing the awe nature brings to children, and is the mother of two children who attend the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs.

Hope LaBonty

Little Acorns 2 Day Teacher

Hope received her Bachelor's degrees in Environmental Science and Sustainable Horticulture from The University of Maine. Most recently, she has worked as an environmental educator at a nonprofit in Albany, teaching nature based studies to children at Albany Public Schools. She loves witnessing the awe nature brings to children, and is the mother of two children who attend the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs.

Jen holds a Bachelor’s of Social Work from Marist College and a Certificate in Waldorf Early Childhood Education from Sophia’s Hearth. She lives with her husband and three children who all attend the Waldorf School. She joined our faculty in 2018.

Jen Lutz

Birch Tree Preschool Teacher

Jen holds a Bachelor’s of Social Work from Marist College and a Certificate in Waldorf Early Childhood Education from Sophia’s Hearth. She lives with her husband and three children who all attend the Waldorf School. She joined our faculty in 2018.

Jessica graduated from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2000 with her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music.  She then went on to earn her Master's degree in Violin Performance from the Boston Conservatory and, in addition, is a registered Suzuki Violin teacher.

Jessica Hindson

Strings Teacher - Lower School

Jessica graduated from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2000 with her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music. She then went on to earn her Master's degree in Violin Performance from the Boston Conservatory and, in addition, is a registered Suzuki Violin teacher.

Karen received a BFA from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Science in Education from Sunbridge College.  For the past nine years, Karen has been part of the summer faculty at Sunbridge as a lead teacher for the Summer Intensive Program for class teachers.  Karen began her class teaching career at the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs in 1993 and is currently in her fourth class cycle.

Karen Crandall

Grade 6 Class Teacher

Karen received a BFA from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Science in Education from Sunbridge College. For the past nine years, Karen has been part of the summer faculty at Sunbridge as a lead teacher for the Summer Intensive Program for class teachers. Karen began her class teaching career at the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs in 1993 and is currently in her fourth class cycle.

Katherine received her BFA from The Cooper Union and her MFA from New England College, and has shown her artwork at various galleries in New York City and regionally. She studied drawing, painting, and photography and in so doing discovered her personal themes of landscape and memory.  Katherine lives in Glens Falls with her husband and two sons and is also an adjunct professor of art and design at SUNY Adirondack. Her work can be viewed at www.katherinempatterson.com.

Kate Patterson

Fine Arts Teacher - Grades 4 - 12

Katherine received her BFA from The Cooper Union and her MFA from New England College, and has shown her artwork at various galleries in New York City and regionally. She studied drawing, painting, and photography and in so doing discovered her personal themes of landscape and memory. Katherine lives in Glens Falls with her husband and two sons and is also an adjunct professor of art and design at SUNY Adirondack. Her work can be viewed at www.katherinempatterson.com.

Katie received a bachelor of music degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and also studied at The Cummington School of the Arts in western Massachusetts. She has been a Suzuki piano teacher for 26 years and has taught choral music at our school since its inception in 1981.

Katie Hooper

Choral Teacher - High School

Katie received a bachelor of music degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and also studied at The Cummington School of the Arts in western Massachusetts. She has been a Suzuki piano teacher for 26 years and has taught choral music at our school since its inception in 1981.

Kim has a Bachelors in Psychology and Sociology from SUNY Oneonta, as well as a Masters in Human Resources Education from Fordham University. She joined the faculty as a Kindergarten Assistant at the Forest campus in the Fall of 2022.

Kimberly Gillespie

Early Childhood Assisstant

Kim has a Bachelors in Psychology and Sociology from SUNY Oneonta, as well as a Masters in Human Resources Education from Fordham University. She joined the faculty as a Kindergarten Assistant at the Forest campus in the Fall of 2022.

Kristin holds a Bachelor's degree in Equine Science from Centenary College and a Certificate in Waldorf Early Education from Sophia's Hearth. She owned and managed an equestrian retail store in Saratoga Springs for 18 years and began working in our Early Childhood Program in 2018.

Kristin Young

Little Acorns Preschool Teacher
Development Coordinator

Kristin holds a Bachelor's degree in Equine Science from Centenary College and a Certificate in Waldorf Early Education from Sophia's Hearth. She owned and managed an equestrian retail store in Saratoga Springs for 18 years and began working in our Early Childhood Program in 2018.

Kristyn comes to The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs after teaching in public schools for over six years. Before embarking on her professional teaching career she earned her Master’s of Education from Antioch University New England with a focus on early childhood education.  Most recently, Kristyn has had the joy and honor to spend the last two years home with her two young children, aged five and two.  Kristyn grew up in Saratoga County and just recently moved back to the area with her own family.

Kristyn Gibbs

Grade 2/3 Class Teacher

Kristyn comes to The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs after teaching in public schools for over six years. Before embarking on her professional teaching career she earned her Master’s of Education from Antioch University New England with a focus on early childhood education. Most recently, Kristyn has had the joy and honor to spend the last two years home with her two young children, aged five and two. Kristyn grew up in Saratoga County and just recently moved back to the area with her own family.

Michael graduated from Pratt institute in 1994 with a BA in Industrial design. He worked for many years fabricating cabinets and furniture in Brooklyn. During those years he found time to have three kids and create hundreds of one of a kind functional products using found objects. He is working towards his Waldorf training at the Alkion Center in Hawthorne Valley. Michael joined our faculty in 2014.

Michael Whitney

Practical Arts Teacher - Grades 4 - 12

Michael graduated from Pratt institute in 1994 with a BA in Industrial design. He worked for many years fabricating cabinets and furniture in Brooklyn. During those years he found time to have three kids and create hundreds of one of a kind functional products using found objects. He is working towards his Waldorf training at the Alkion Center in Hawthorne Valley. Michael joined our faculty in 2014.

Scott holds a B.S. in elementary education and a B.S. in physical education from Cortland College. He completed his Master’s in Waldorf education at Sunbridge College. Scott joined our faculty in the autumn of 2008.

Scott Stewart

Movement Teacher and Athletic Director - Grades 1 - 12

Scott holds a B.S. in elementary education and a B.S. in physical education from Cortland College. He completed his Master’s in Waldorf education at Sunbridge College. Scott joined our faculty in the autumn of 2008.

Sophie attended the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs from pre-school until 12th grade. After graduating high school, she attended Bennington college where she was given the opportunity to be a student teacher in Brooklyn, New York as well as in Tokyo. After graduating from Bennington, Sophie moved to Japan to teach English. She then decided to enroll in the Waldorf teacher training program at Alkion and move back to Saratoga Springs to join our school, creating a full circle!

Sophie Ward

Grades 7/8 Class Teacher

Sophie attended the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs from pre-school until 12th grade. After graduating high school, she attended Bennington college where she was given the opportunity to be a student teacher in Brooklyn, New York as well as in Tokyo. After graduating from Bennington, Sophie moved to Japan to teach English. She then decided to enroll in the Waldorf teacher training program at Alkion and move back to Saratoga Springs to join our school, creating a full circle!

Steve was an English teacher from 1980  to 1983 before acquiring a J.D. degree from SUNY Buffalo in 1987. He was a practitioner of law from 1987 to 1999. Steve joined our faculty in 2000 after completing his Waldorf teacher training.

Steve Balmer

Humanities Teacher - High School

Steve was an English teacher from 1980  to 1983 before acquiring a J.D. degree from SUNY Buffalo in 1987. He was a practitioner of law from 1987 to 1999. Steve joined our faculty in 2000 after completing his Waldorf teacher training.

Susan did an orientation year at the Detroit Waldorf Institute (now Sunbridge) and went on to the 4-year full-time eurythmy training at The London School of Eurythmy under the direction of Marguerite Lundgren.  Over decades, she has taught eurythmy in numerous Waldorf schools, teacher trainings, and adult workshops, most notably the Toronto Waldorf School, Rudolf Steiner College in Ca., the Santa Cruz Waldorf School, and, for 13 years, the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs. Along the way she performed in Canada, the US, and the UK, and became certified in Therapeutic Eurythmy at Peredur Centre for the Arts in Sussex.  Her favorite creative experiences have been in bringing eurythmy and drama together, especially in large-scale all-school performances.  She returns to us part-time, after several years of tending to the needs of her father, who recently passed away at age 101.

Susan Elmore

Eurythmy Teacher

Susan did an orientation year at the Detroit Waldorf Institute (now Sunbridge) and went on to the 4-year full-time eurythmy training at The London School of Eurythmy under the direction of Marguerite Lundgren. Over decades, she has taught eurythmy in numerous Waldorf schools, teacher trainings, and adult workshops, most notably the Toronto Waldorf School, Rudolf Steiner College in Ca., the Santa Cruz Waldorf School, and, for 13 years, the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs. Along the way she performed in Canada, the US, and the UK, and became certified in Therapeutic Eurythmy at Peredur Centre for the Arts in Sussex. Her favorite creative experiences have been in bringing eurythmy and drama together, especially in large-scale all-school performances. She returns to us part-time, after several years of tending to the needs of her father, who recently passed away at age 101.

Tamara received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health from SUNY Potsdam, where she also studied music at Crane.  She has substitute taught and assisted in our Early Childhood Program since 2018. She lives in Saratoga Springs with her husband and two children. 

Tamara Woolsey-Davis

Aftercare Lead Teacher, African Drum Teacher - Lower School

Tamara received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health from SUNY Potsdam, where she also studied music at Crane.  She has substitute taught and assisted in our Early Childhood Program since 2018. She lives in Saratoga Springs with her husband and two children. 

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