Maggie Crawford
Early Childhood Coordinator
Maggie Crawford serves as the Early Childhood Coordinator at RSSAA. She
has been working with families for almost two decades as a childbirth
educator, doula and Early Childhood parent mentor. She received her
Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Certification from Sunbridge Institute in
New York and is currently a member of the Washtenaw County Early
Childhood Director’s Association. Maggie is also a Regional Representative for
the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America. She enjoys
reading, music, travel, writing and being a mother of three RSSAA students.
Angela Gladstone
Early Childhood Faculty Chair
Chickadee Lead Teacher
Parent-Child Lead
Angela Gladstone started her teaching career at RSSAA in 2008 working as a
Kindergarten assistant and Afternoon Care Coordinator. She then spent two
years teaching Pre-school at the Potomac Crescent Waldorf School in
Arlington, VA before returning to Ann Arbor and rejoin the RSSAA
community as a lead Pre-Kindergarten teacher and she is also a lead ParentChild facilitator. She received her Waldorf Early Childhood Teaching
Certificate from the Waldorf Institute of Southeastern Michigan in 2010, and
is now delighted to teach future teachers as a faculty member of the WISM
teacher training. She enjoys singing, cooking, puppetry and starting each
morning in the woods with the children. Angela is also the mother of a
future RSSAA student.
Wendy Abate
Bluebird Lead Teacher
Wendy Abate has been a lead Kindergarten teacher at RSSAA for the past
six years. Wendy has her Early Childhood Development degree, and her
Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Certification. She has a young daughter
who is a student at RSSAA. Wendy’s interests and hobbies include cooking,
baking, and running and felting however, spending quality time with her
daughter and husband take top priority now.
Paul Trombley
Redbird Lead Teacher
Paul Trombley gained his Waldorf Teaching Certification in Elementary
Education in 2007. Paul began working at Detroit Waldorf at that time as a
substitute, then as a class teacher for 4th and 5th grade. For the past five
years Paul has worked at DWS as a Kindergarten Assistant with a master
teacher and is now a Lead Kindergarten teacher at RSSAA. Paul has a
Bachelor’s Degree in English from University of Detroit Mercy. He enjoys
reading, writing, biking, playing music and spending time with his family.
Rachel White
Wren Lead Teacher
Rachel White has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan and
earned her Waldorf Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education from the
Waldorf Institute of Southeastern Michigan in 2011. She is the proud mother
of two RSSAA students, has bicycled through much of Europe, and loves to
garden, sew and spend time outdoors.
Anne Birney
Robin Lead Teacher
Anne Birney has a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of
Oregon and her Waldorf Early Childhood Education Teacher Certification
from the Waldorf Institute of Southeastern Michigan. She has 15 years of
experience working with children in a variety of childcare and home
settings. Anne has two daughters who attend RSSAA. She enjoys travel,
reading, knitting and spending time with her family.
Tara McKnight
Nuthatch Lead Teacher
Tara McKnight took her first early childhood class in 1997. Filled with
direction and purpose, the following 10 years were dedicated to learning
biodynamic gardening, studying the healing arts, earning a diploma from the
Waldorf Institute of South Eastern Michigan, and graduating from University
of Detroit Mercy as Magna Cum Laude. Tara worked with many early
childhood centers where she had firsthand experience with the younger child,
all the while raising her own daughter and son. Tara has worked as a first
grade teacher at Detroit Community schools and dedicated two years at
Oakland Steiner School as a class teacher. Tara has also earned her
professional education certificate for grades K-8 this school year. She is
delighted to join the RSSAA early childhood faculty this year.
Allyssa Kadlitz
Purple Finch Lead Teacher
Allyssa Kadlitz is a Lead Kindergarten Teacher here at RSSAA. She has ten
years of experience working in Waldorf Education. Previously, she had
worked at Oakland Steiner School where she gained experience teaching
Parent and Child classes, Pre-school and a mixed age kindergarten. Allyssa
completed a year of Foundation studies through the Waldorf Institute of
Southeastern Michigan. After learning more about the Waldorf Pedagogy
through these studies, she knew she wanted to devote her time to
becoming a Waldorf Early Childhood Educator. This led her to the Rudolf
Steiner College in Fair Oaks, CA where she achieved her EC Certification.
Allyssa has been an active member of the Anthroposophical Society and
Waldorf early Childhood Association for over 15 years. Allyssa feels that
working with children is a great gift, they teach her as much as she teaches
them. Some of her hobbies include spending time with her family, reading,
enjoying nature, learning new things and traveling.
Sara Schropp
Purple Finch Lead (April-June), Afternoon-Care EC Lead
Sara Schropp has been an assistant teacher in the EC, and has taught
sample Parent Child Classes. She is currently enrolled in the WISM Early
Childhood Teacher Training program. She has years of experience working
with young children as a volunteer and nanny. Sara is the proud mother of
Nick, a Grade 4 student at RSSAA, and spends her free time singing, sewing
and crafting.
Caitie Shaughnessy-Parrish
Forest Parent-Child Lead
Caitie Shaughnessy-Parrish has been a part of the RSSAA community since
2008. She has worked throughout the school in kindergarten, first grade, and
in the high school as well. She is an alumna of Oakland Steiner School, in
Rochester, MI and has her Waldorf teaching certificate from the Waldorf
Institute of Southeastern Michigan.
Naomi Avril
Early Childhood Coordinator Assistant
Naomi Avril has a Bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy from Capital
University. She is currently finishing her Master’s degree in Clinical
Mental Health Counseling at Eastern Michigan University. Naomi
attended RSSAA from k-12 and now serves as the Early Childhood
Coordinator Assistant doing admin work and filling the role as substitute
teacher as needed. She enjoys traveling, dancing, and painting.
Elysse Dowden
Early Childhood Coordinator Assistant/EC Floater
Elysse Dowden is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a B.A. in
African American Studies. In addition to working with early childhood, she
works with Ypsilanti high school students after school discussing social
issues and conflict resolution. She enjoys cooking, drawing, and finding
new places to play with her baby girl.
Junko Meschievitz
Redbird Assistant Teacher/Golden Eagles Lead
Junko Meschievitz has been teaching Parent Child class and a Forest
Parent Child class at RSSAA. She is completing her Waldorf Early Childhood
teacher training through Waldorf Southeastern of Michigan. She has a
Bachelor’s degree in elementary/middle school/high school education
from University of Hiroshima in Japan, and also teaches at the Japanese
school of Detroit. She has three young children who attend RSSAA and
loves to spend time singing, crafting, cooking, and playing outside with
them.
Anna Kamitses
Golden Eagles Lead
After four years exploring environmental philosophy and sciences at the
University of Vermont and six years exploring the Pacific Northwest, Anna
Kamitses settled down with a degree in secondary education and taught
middle and high school science in California. Then marriage and children
changed her trajectory. She gave up public school teaching and has been
pursuing Waldorf education ever since. She is a few classes away from a
Waldorf teaching certificate.
Maria Mack
Aftercare Director
Maria Mack grew up in a Waldorf inspired school in Costa Rica. Her liberal
arts education in Studio Art and Music intensified her interest in creating an
integrated environment for children. During the past four years Maria was
the lead Grade 5 teacher at an international school in Costa Rica. She also
performed and recorded with a young professional orchestra, while
pursuing graduate studies in Literature at the University of Costa Rica and
completing her certification as a yoga instructor.
Annie MacDougald
Bluebird Assistant Teacher
Annie MacDougald has three children at RSSAA. She is in the process of
going through Waldorf teacher training through WISM. She enjoys sewing
and knitting and has just started playing the cello.
Angelica Hangartner
Nuthatch Assistant Teacher
Angelica Hangartner brings a culinary/baking background with
her which she enjoys sharing with the children during snack
preparations and bread day. She is currently working her way
through the Early Childhood Certification program through
WISM. In the future, she wishes to continue developing her skills
and broaden her knowledge of child development and become a
full time kindergarten teacher.
Trina Lacey
Robin Assistant Teacher
Trina Lacey is a nature and travel enthusiast who loves road trips more
than anything! She is an avid yoga practitioner, and a writer. She is
presently working on a fantasy novel for young adults. Trina holds a
Master's Degree in Education from City College of New York, a
Bachelor's in Creative Writing from Sarah Lawrence College, and is a
current student at the Waldorf Institute of Southeastern Michigan. In
addition to her work at the Lower School, Trina teaches part-time
English courses at the Rudolf Steiner High School.
Nissa Hoermann
Chickadee Assistant Teacher
Nissa Hoermann has a deep calling to nurture and care for mothers,
infants, and children and has had many blessed opportunities of divine
service. She has completed a full 4+ year Traditional Home Birth
Midwifery Apprenticeship, assisting in home births and providing holistic
prenatal and postpartum care throughout the Detroit area. She has also
worked as a Doula, supporting women birthing in hospitals and providing
holistic aftercare. Additionally, she has completed certification courses in
Midwifery Skills, Water Birth Protocol, Labor Support & Postpartum
Doula Skills, Herbalist Training, Herbal Medicine-making, and Medicinal
Wildcrafting. She has worked as an Infant Room Lead in a Fine Arts
Childcare Center and also as a Nanny for many years, offering Waldorf
inspired family care. Her deepest blessing is to be a Mother to her bright
& sunny 15 year old daughter, Ayla. Together they enjoy all activities
outside year round. They also love to cook & bake, celebrate holidays,
sew & create, learn new things, pass time with dear friends and family, and walk their puppy, Mari.
Daiga Nixon
Purple Finch Assistant Teacher
Daiga Nixon holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She is
currently half way through the WISM training program, and assisted for two
years in the pre-school at Oakland Steiner School in Rochester before
coming to RSSAA. Daiga enjoys being outdoors, skiing, camping, and hiking.
Olivia Kagen
Before-Care Staff/Wren Assistant Teacher
Olivia Kagen attended RSSAA for a few years in her childhood and has
come back as an educator. In addition to being the Wren assistant
teacher, she also leads one of the afternoon napping rooms in EC. She
has a degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and enjoys
singing and sewing in her free time.
Aline Nass
Wren Assistant Teacher
Aline Nass is an assistant teacher in the outdoor Wren class. She is
originally from Germany and moved with her family to the U.S. three
years ago. Aline is a former Waldorf student and went for one year to
an anthroposophical-based college for theater, speech, and
education. Aline has three daughters who are all at RSSAA. She loves
spending time outdoors with her family, sewing, and reading.
Barbara Nitsche
Afternoon-Care Assistant
Barbara Nitsche received her B.A. from Concordia University St. Paul, MN
and is currently working towards a Waldorf teaching certificate. She greatly
enjoys crafts, reading, hiking, and traveling and time with her family.
Kristina Chetcuti
Afternoon-Care Assistant
Kristina Chetcuti graduated from Pioneer High School in 2014, and
attended Kalamazoo College for two years as a prospective art
major. She is currently taking a gap year to join the Rudolf Steiner
family, and to start up a local ceramics business. She is a potter
and an artist who loves ceramics and photography.
Petar Simic
Afternoon-Care Assistant
Petar Simic studied Biology and Psychology at Kalamazoo College.
He is in love with the outdoors and enjoys kayaking and hiking. He
has a passion for Strawbale home building and Permaculture.
Miles Greenstone
Afternoon-Care Assistant
Miles Greenstone graduated from the Rudolf Steiner High School in 2015
and is currently taking a gap year from Kalamazoo College. For fun he
likes to play basketball, soccer, and guitar.
Crystal Collin
EC Floater
Crystal Collins has a MPA from Eastern Michigan University and since
graduation has worked at the Dispute Resolution Center, the Cedars of
Dexter, and Healing Hands Therapy. After sustaining a serious injury in a car
accident, she had the opportunity to re-evaluate her life and to bring her
work more in alignment with her values. She adores children and sees it as
part of her life calling to support and nurture them in the most
compassionate and empowering way possible. She discovered the Steiner
philosophy through her study of biodynamic farming and realized that it was
an educational structure that embodies everything she believes it takes to
help children become self-actualized adults.
Jackson Greenstone
EC Floater
Jackson Greenstone graduated from Kalamazoo College with a B.A. in
Religion and African Studies. He currently coaches soccer and enjoys
reading, hiking, and art-especially ceramics and woodwork. He plans to one
day open up a public art studio with his partner.
Cassidy Kutella
EC Floater
Cassidy Kutella is from Chelsea, Michigan and is currently a student at WCC
for Early Childhood Education. After finishing her degree, she is planning on
furthering her skills and becoming a certified Early Childhood teacher for
RSSAA through WISM. She is passionate about her love for art, animals,
hiking and children. She spends her time on her family’s micro farm taking
care of animals and gardening. She enjoys spending time outdoors, camping,
reading, crafting, dancing and singing. She is delighted to be involved in the
RSSAA family and cannot wait to learn more.
Sophie Hart
EC Floater
Sophie Hart was a Rudolf Steiner student for her middle school years and is
eager to get back into the Waldorf classroom! She graduated from Hope
College in 2014 with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Studies for Secondary
Education. In September of 2014 she embarked on her next adventure,
serving in the Peace Corps in Rwanda as an Education Volunteer. She taught
English, led youth leadership camps and teacher trainings, and helped start
a women's bakery in her village during her two years there. Upon returning
from Rwanda in December of 2016, Sophie began substitute teaching in the
Ann Arbor area. Sophie loves the outdoors, canoeing, rock-climbing, tap
dancing, and making ceramics.
Sarah VanderMeulen
Parent-Child Assistant/Substitute Teacher
Sarah VanderMeulen is a life-long Michigan resident, graduate of WMU
and Waldorf Early Childhood teacher training, and former Bluebird
Kindergarten teacher. She is the mother of two grown children, both
RSSAA alumni. Her favorite pastimes include handwork, gardening,
reading, and studying music and art.
Ingrid Picazo
Parent-Child Assistant/Substitute Teacher
Ingrid Picazo has had Waldorf training and has a wonderful time subbing
for early childhood and Spanish classes. Her children are at the school in
the 4th grade and kindergarten. In addition to subbing, she helps out in
the garden at the school.
Tyler Kieras
Substitute Teacher
Tyler Kieras has worked in Waldorf schools for three years. He attended the
Rudolf Steiner High School of Ann Arbor grades 9-12. He is currently taking
WISM classes and has finished two years of Waldorf teacher training. He
loves painting, and his favorite color is purple.
Nina Jackson Levin
Substitute Teacher
Nina Jackson Levin is excited to be assisting as a substitute in the Early
Childhood classrooms this year. As a student, she attended Oakland Steiner
School and is so pleased to return to the warmth of a Waldorf environment.
Lesley Kabza Criscenti
Substitute Teacher
Lesley Criscenti has worked in EC as an assistant teacher and will be returning
as a substitute. She has lived her whole life in Ann Arbor, attended the
University of Michigan for a BS in Education, and Art and Dance and to
Eastern Michigan for a MA in Creative Writing. She is so happy to help care
for the children through such a loving philosophy that celebrates the arts
within the daily rhythms of life.
Martha Leabu
Substitute Teacher
Martha Leabu and her husband Victor have two daughters who attended
RSSAA K-12. She has been the assistant in the current 8th grade, since they
started in 1st grade. She also serves as the coordinator for the Shop for
Steiner fundraising program at the school, and is delighted to be a
substitute teacher in the Early Childhood Program.
Kathy Judge
Substitute Teacher
Kathy Judge has a son in the 8th grade at RSSAA and has a career in Real
Estate. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University
majoring in Drama/Theatre/Communication and minoring in
English/Language and Literature both with an emphasis in writing. Sher
hobbies are hiking, horses, dogs, animals, painting and
photography. Children are a recharge to her soul and she truly enjoys
her time with them when she acts as a substitute teacher at the school.
Nika Bareket
Substitute Teacher
Nika Bareket lives in Ann Arbor with her family - her husband, two high
school aged children, cats, dogs, and fish! She has two degrees from the
University of Michigan, loves to cook and bake, garden, teach occasional
cooking classes, and in addition to subbing at Steiner, is currently reeducating in the fields of holistic nutrition, social work, and naturopathic
medicine. She was a Steiner mom for seven years and had kids at the
school in grades K-8.
Mary Goode
Substitute Teacher
Mary Goode became a Steiner parent in 1990 when her oldest daughter
entered kindergarten as a Yellow Bird. She began substitute teaching in
the Lower School when June was in second grade and has been subbing at
the Lower School ever since! Prior to having children, she worked as a
substitute teacher in the Detroit Public Schools, as a second grade teacher
in Adrian and as the coordinator of the bilingual program in Adrian. Her
favorite past times are playing volleyball & pickleball and seeing her
grandson on Skype. She is very grateful for the chance to stay connected
with the wonderful staff and students of the Rudolf Steiner School
through substitute teaching.