“Our highest endeavor must be to develop free human beings who are able out of their own initiative to impart purpose and direction to their lives.”
- Rudolf Steiner
Our Teachers
Sara Smith
—Early Childhood Teacher, Faculty Lead Early Childhood Program
My education began in the reflection of my mother’s eyes. From the first adventuring out of those arms into the clover-fields of Okinawa, to the cedar forest behind my childhood home, I marveled in what lay under the leaf or beyond the next tree. However, it was that which generated the twinkle in the eye and the warm smile that held my greatest interest.
Teachers from kindergarten to university, from shipyards to the high seas have inspired a life long intrigue in what lay underneath, behind, and beyond. The Kindergarten provides rich experience to serve as both guide and participant in this incredible journey.
I initially began my work at Tacoma Waldorf School in 1996. I completed my Waldorf teacher training in 1999 and returned as a lead kindergarten teacher in 2000.
Rebecca Nelson
—Early Childhood Teacher
Education: BA in Expressive Arts Evergreen State College; Waldorf Teaching Certificate from Sound Circle Center Teacher Training.
Professional Experience: Child Care Provider, Nanny, Preschool Teacher, Waldorf Kindergarten Teaching Assistant, Waldorf Grades Teacher (Grades one and two).
I love my job! I am grateful to be able to do this work. Every day is a new day. I gain insight, hope, creativity, and opportunities to foster personal growth everyday while working with the children, parents, and faculty at our school! I am reminded of the beauty that exists in the simple things in life and while guiding the children in their learning, I end up learning too! Nothing is more beautiful then watching a child who loves what they are doing and learning, and it is something that I have the opportunity to see regularly!
Kim Gonczar
—Grade 1 Class Teacher
Education: Antioch University New England, Waldorf Grades Certification; Foundation Year at Sound Circle Teacher Training, Seattle, WA; University of Hawai'i, B. Ed. Elementary Education.
Professional Experience: Olympia Waldorf School, Class Teacher- grades 5 through 8, graduated in 2009; Washington State Teacher Certified; OWS Grade 3 gardening teacher; OWS Summer Camp 2009, 2010 & 2011; 4 years OWS Early Childhood 2 years Preschool Assistant & 2 as Kindergarten Assistant (2 years p.m. Nap-care Lead Teacher); 1/2 year Kindergarten morning teacher, Lacey Elementary School; 1 year each as Kindergarten, 3rd and 4th grade teacher, Waikele Elementary School, Hawai'i; 5 years Kindergarten teacher and 1/2 year Gifted-Talented teacher, Iroquois Pt. Elementary School, Hawai'i.
I am truly blessed to have Waldorf education as my touchstone. Each day that I am able to look into my students' eyes as we shake hands and then strive together as human beings, leaves me both satisfied and wanting more. Working with colleagues and parents ensures that my cup is filled to the brim with the nectar of life, cheers!
Sandra Roulette
—Grade 2-3 Class Teacher, Faculty Lead Grades Program, Faculty Chair
Education: Rudolf Steiner College, Two Year Degree in Early Childhood; Antioch University Seattle, B. A. Education; Sound Circle Teacher Training, Seattle, WA continuing studies pursuing Waldorf Grades Certification.
Professional Experience: Founded a Waldorf inspired preschool program, Garden Gate Preschool, taught and administered for 6 years in Seattle, WA. Kindergarten Assistant at Seattle Waldorf School, 2 years, taught mixed-aged classes at Bjorn Lih Primary School and Fremont Community School, 9 years, Aurora Waldorf School in Anchorage, AK, 1st and 2nd grade, Tacoma Waldorf School, 1st, 2nd, 3rd grades.
The unique honor and deep responsibility of teaching and working collegially together with the richness of a Waldorf classroom keeps me engaged and inspired to continue to grow as an individual and as an educator.
Elizabeth Doshi
—Grade 4 Class Teacher
Elizabeth Doshi leads the grade four classroom. Elizabeth is a graduate of Antioch New England Graduate School, and has recently returned after three years in Singapore and India. A native of Massachusetts, Elizabeth is from a family of seven children, and has in her own family a husband from Bombay and a daughter from Ethiopia. She has taught at the Cape Ann Waldorf School, The Waldorf School of Lexington, Massachusetts, and, most recently, at The Waldorf Steiner Education Association in Singapore. She is very happy to be back in the US, and teaching at the Tacoma Waldorf School.
- Rudolf Steiner
Our Teachers
Sara Smith
—Early Childhood Teacher, Faculty Lead Early Childhood Program
My education began in the reflection of my mother’s eyes. From the first adventuring out of those arms into the clover-fields of Okinawa, to the cedar forest behind my childhood home, I marveled in what lay under the leaf or beyond the next tree. However, it was that which generated the twinkle in the eye and the warm smile that held my greatest interest.
Teachers from kindergarten to university, from shipyards to the high seas have inspired a life long intrigue in what lay underneath, behind, and beyond. The Kindergarten provides rich experience to serve as both guide and participant in this incredible journey.
I initially began my work at Tacoma Waldorf School in 1996. I completed my Waldorf teacher training in 1999 and returned as a lead kindergarten teacher in 2000.
Rebecca Nelson
—Early Childhood Teacher
Education: BA in Expressive Arts Evergreen State College; Waldorf Teaching Certificate from Sound Circle Center Teacher Training.
Professional Experience: Child Care Provider, Nanny, Preschool Teacher, Waldorf Kindergarten Teaching Assistant, Waldorf Grades Teacher (Grades one and two).
I love my job! I am grateful to be able to do this work. Every day is a new day. I gain insight, hope, creativity, and opportunities to foster personal growth everyday while working with the children, parents, and faculty at our school! I am reminded of the beauty that exists in the simple things in life and while guiding the children in their learning, I end up learning too! Nothing is more beautiful then watching a child who loves what they are doing and learning, and it is something that I have the opportunity to see regularly!
Kim Gonczar
—Grade 1 Class Teacher
Education: Antioch University New England, Waldorf Grades Certification; Foundation Year at Sound Circle Teacher Training, Seattle, WA; University of Hawai'i, B. Ed. Elementary Education.
Professional Experience: Olympia Waldorf School, Class Teacher- grades 5 through 8, graduated in 2009; Washington State Teacher Certified; OWS Grade 3 gardening teacher; OWS Summer Camp 2009, 2010 & 2011; 4 years OWS Early Childhood 2 years Preschool Assistant & 2 as Kindergarten Assistant (2 years p.m. Nap-care Lead Teacher); 1/2 year Kindergarten morning teacher, Lacey Elementary School; 1 year each as Kindergarten, 3rd and 4th grade teacher, Waikele Elementary School, Hawai'i; 5 years Kindergarten teacher and 1/2 year Gifted-Talented teacher, Iroquois Pt. Elementary School, Hawai'i.
I am truly blessed to have Waldorf education as my touchstone. Each day that I am able to look into my students' eyes as we shake hands and then strive together as human beings, leaves me both satisfied and wanting more. Working with colleagues and parents ensures that my cup is filled to the brim with the nectar of life, cheers!
Sandra Roulette
—Grade 2-3 Class Teacher, Faculty Lead Grades Program, Faculty Chair
Education: Rudolf Steiner College, Two Year Degree in Early Childhood; Antioch University Seattle, B. A. Education; Sound Circle Teacher Training, Seattle, WA continuing studies pursuing Waldorf Grades Certification.
Professional Experience: Founded a Waldorf inspired preschool program, Garden Gate Preschool, taught and administered for 6 years in Seattle, WA. Kindergarten Assistant at Seattle Waldorf School, 2 years, taught mixed-aged classes at Bjorn Lih Primary School and Fremont Community School, 9 years, Aurora Waldorf School in Anchorage, AK, 1st and 2nd grade, Tacoma Waldorf School, 1st, 2nd, 3rd grades.
The unique honor and deep responsibility of teaching and working collegially together with the richness of a Waldorf classroom keeps me engaged and inspired to continue to grow as an individual and as an educator.
Elizabeth Doshi
—Grade 4 Class Teacher
Elizabeth Doshi leads the grade four classroom. Elizabeth is a graduate of Antioch New England Graduate School, and has recently returned after three years in Singapore and India. A native of Massachusetts, Elizabeth is from a family of seven children, and has in her own family a husband from Bombay and a daughter from Ethiopia. She has taught at the Cape Ann Waldorf School, The Waldorf School of Lexington, Massachusetts, and, most recently, at The Waldorf Steiner Education Association in Singapore. She is very happy to be back in the US, and teaching at the Tacoma Waldorf School.
