Faculty Profiles
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wallowtail's faculty and staff are inspired, talented, and devoted educators with a firm belief in the sanctity of childhood. They are tireless advocates for an education that honors the natural world, the arts, and the strengthening of spirit that is possible through a curriculum working with the developmental stages of youth. Every adult called to work at Swallowtail has a unique story of their own; be they musician, athlete, artist, or healer— all bring the wisdom of their lives into the classroom. Swallowtail's strength resides with the people who shape her community. Here are their stories . . .
Ms. Beth - Early Childhood Instructor
I grew up in north Portland. Although I was raised in the middle of a city, I was blessed with a charming 'rural-like' childhood- always camping, swimming, hiking, riding my bike, and building forts. My mother ran a daycare, so there were always lots of friends around. I also remember spending days at a time in the stacks of the Central Library. My dad and I worked on building things and doing home repairs together- he let me help with everything.
When I became a mother, I intended to home school, but decided to research and check some local options anyway. Luckily, my family found Waldorf education, and discovered that the curriculum had a really soulful quality... Waldorf valued what my family valued, and it felt very much like an extension of home.
My husband and I chose Swallowtail for our kids specifically for its combination of Waldorf education and environmental components. The peace we felt within the teachers and within the community made it easy to see we had made the right choice for our children. Joining the faculty was an easy decision— I work with an unparalleled group of teachers who are devoted to our children and each other. They provide me thoughtful support, guidance, and daily inspiration.
I like to spend time with my family. It seems that the older my children get, the busier life gets, and I realize that time is truly sacred. At our home we have rabbits and chickens, which is about all the farm I can handle at the moment. I always look forward to camping, hiking, reading, sleeping in the sun, building things, doing home repairs, talking for hours on end with my daughter, catching newts with my son, and sharing my dreams with my husband.
Ms. Lynzie - Early Childhood Instructor
Born and bred in Los Angeles, CA, I spent the majority of my childhood in ballet class. Insatiably curious by nature, I began investigating esoteric schools of thought as a young teenager, which eventually led me to study the work of Rudolf Steiner while still in High School. At NYU's Gallatin School of Individualized Study, I was blessed with an unconventional approach to undergraduate education, being afforded the opportunity to study language, movement, applied theatre, sociology, politics, and philosophy. Driven by an equal passion for social justice and sustainability, becoming a Waldorf Teacher was, by all intents and purposes, the realization of my life's work.
After over three years teaching both Early Childhood and Eurythmy in Los Angeles, I relocated on a whim to Portland, OR, in August of 2011. It was fate that guided me to Swallowtail School, and within moments of meeting the community, I knew I had found the place I had been searching for. I am especially thrilled to join a faculty comprised of such talented and dynamic people dedicated to whole-child education, and to teach, for the first time, in a rural setting. I look forward to growing with the school, and am happy to have found such a loving place to do so.
A burgeoning vegan chef, I author Small Time Cook, a blog filled with recipes, stories, and really pretty pictures of delicious things to eat. Whether riding my bike, running, dancing, or practicing yoga, I'm nearly always moving, and am very excited to explore my new home here in the Pacific Northwest.
Ms. Erica - Early Childhood Assistant
I grew up in a small town on the Arizona/Mexico border and my siblings and I played outdoors from sun up 'til sundown in the warm Arizona sunshine. We practically lived in the trees at our mom's house and when we weren't outdoors; our talented mother taught us many wonderful skills; crocheting, sewing, needlepoint and baking, among others. At our dad's house we were allowed to explore the abandoned railroad cars nearby and even discovered a double-decker bus that led to countless hours of play! We also enjoyed a lot of camping and fishing, horseback riding, mountain climbing, swimming and always had a garden to tend (no simple task in the harsh desert climate). It was a carefree and cherished time I will never forget!
Once I had children of my own, I realized how precious those times were and I longed to give my children memories they would treasure as well. I came to believe that when children are rushed into growing up, they miss the gift of childhood. This began a stirring in my heart that fanned into a passion for teaching young children. I earned my Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education and Family Studies while employed for three years with a federal preschool program. But there seemed to be a gap between what I was learning and what I saw in our classrooms and I felt there must be something more I could do for children.
Then, through a wonderful opportunity, I was granted permission to serve as a student teacher at Swallowtail School during my final term of college. The moment I walked into the Early Childhood classroom at Swallowtail, I felt my heart leap for joy; this is what I envisioned a young child's environment should be! It is a magical and nurturing environment in which children can bask in the joy of childhood while maintaining a balance of learning through play and art with social and environmental awareness. I look forward to beginning my journey toward attaining my certification as a Waldorf Teacher at the Micha-el Institute and growing as an educator of young children.
When I am not teaching, I love spending time with my husband and my two children. I am amazed at how my children are growing up so quickly! I also serve as a volunteer at my church in their children's program and I make jewelry, experiment with scrapbooking, and am working on learning to sew again!
Mr. Kris - Grades Instructor
I grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska under wonderfully expansive skies. A great deal of my childhood was spent at an automotive shop where I was free to get really dirty and tinker with different objects. I always enjoyed getting to use my hands to explore both the mechanical and natural world.
After college I came to Portland and worked for a time as an educator at a school for students with emotional and social challenges. During this time my wife shared with me stories about a Waldorf-inspired school called Swallowtail School where she was serving as an assistant in the classroom. Swallowtail seemed a place where teachers were afforded great freedom, and it was a desire for that freedom that led me to obtain my Waldorf training from the Micha-el Institute in Portland, Oregon. As a Waldorf teacher I hope to serve children body, soul, and spirit.
Outside of school I enjoy hiking, camping, and spending time with my two wonderful children. I also love riding bikes and fiddling around with different musical instruments.
Mr. Justin - Grades Instructor
I grew up in the mighty mid-western state of Michigan. I then moved to Chicago and went on to earn degrees in Elementary Education and Philosophy from Loyola University Chicago. After graduating I spent time traveling in the United States, Canada, and Europe playing music professionally. In 2011 I graduated from a three-year intensive Waldorf teacher-training program at the Micha-el Institute in Portland, Oregon. I have taught children of all ages, from preschool through eighth grade, in both public and private settings, although I feel I have found my calling as a Waldorf teacher.
I began teaching at Swallowtail in the fall of 2006. I worked for two years in the Early Childhood program before deciding to take a first grade class and to continue with them on a journey through the grades. Swallowtail has become an extremely important part of my life and is such a beautiful and unique school. I am pleased to be an employee and avid advocate of this wonderful institution.
When I am not at the school or busy preparing lessons I love to play music, work in my garden, play with my dogs, draw, paint, ride my bike around Portland, cook, build furniture, read, and spend time with my wife, friends, and family.
Ms. Ingrid - Grades Instructor
Having grown up in a family that highly values the arts, music and painting remain a great source of inspiration for my life. In college I chose to pursue painting, graduating from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Soon after that I immersed myself in exhibiting artwork in galleries around Oregon.
Years later, when raising my own children, I discovered Waldorf Education and instantly recognized the power of its three-fold approach to child development. I felt a strong calling towards this form of education and began my teacher training. From the initial opening of Swallowtail's doors in 1995, I worked in the classroom while continuing my studies of Waldorf pedagogy. Presently, I am joining my second class on a journey through the grades.
With the first children I worked with now enrolled in college, I am witnessing the impact that Waldorf education can make on a young life. An educational journey that slowly builds; enriched as it is with a creative curriculum timed to meet the needs of the developing child, connects both the children and the adults involved in the process to a wonder that will sustain and guide them all of their lives. Waldorf education helps children understand and strive for a life of purpose— a life that contributes to, and enhances, the society of which they are part.
Apart from teaching I continue to enjoy working in my painting studio, cultivating my family's 26 acres, and spending time in the splendors of nature.
Ms. Puanani - Middle School Grades Instructor
I grew up in a large and noisy family: four boys, four girls. Being the last of the bunch led to an introspective childhood. I longed for quiet time and spent many hours walking in nature, picking handfuls of wildflowers and volunteering in the library. It was so quiet in the library. I would latch on to one author and read everything they ever wrote, submersing myself in their language and mood. After attending Whittier College in Southern California, I moved back to Oahu and started a family. We lived a nomadic life in those years and spent an extended time in South India. Eventually, we found ourselves in Seattle, before landing in Eugene.
It was in Eugene that I raised my two children and attended The Eugene Waldorf Teacher Training from 1999-2001. I took my first class of 30 children at The Pasadena Waldorf School in Altadena, California in the fall of 2001. During this time, I developed and taught the arts curriculum for the Waldorf Institute of Southern California, preparing striving Waldorf teachers for the full spectrum of artistic possibility in a Waldorf classroom on both the Northridge and San Diego campus'.
Swallowtail called to me in a quiet whisper and I am so happy to be a part of this warm community. I look forward to many days at the farm and discovering the treasures that this school has to offer. It is a welcome change from the fast pace of Los Angeles and I look forward to a bright beginning.
When not teaching, I enjoy painting and repurposing found items. I enjoy the thrill of the hunt and transforming free things into useful items. I like to grow things outside, and I spend way too much of my free time baking. We recently moved to Portland and are still adjusting to the lack of sun, but we have embraced The Pacific Northwest and are happy to call this home.
Ms. Jean (maestra Juanita) - Spanish Instructor
It is a joy to share and awaken the Spanish language for the grade school students. The peoples of the United States, Mexico, Chile and Spain, who speak this musical language, have generously shared their language with me through my work and play. Sharing this with others is the best way I can express my gratitude.
I was introduced to Waldorf Education in 1985 and began studying the ideas of Rudolf Steiner in 1997. I continue to participate in ongoing studies of Rudolf Steiner's works and attend conferences annually in Waldorf Education. I am also a member of the Coalition of Foreign Language teachers in Oregon, COFLT.
My undergraduate studies conferred on me the degrees of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Services. I lived and worked in Santiago, Chile and have worked with Latin Americans in health care, civic and religious capacities in the States. I love to spend time with my husband and three daughters and enjoy gardening, yoga and cooking.
Ms. Renee - Handwork Instructor
I was born and raised in Colorado. This is where my love and enthusiasm for nature, animals, and physical outdoor movement began, and was nurtured. I earned a Bachelor of Psychology and a minor in Social Sciences at Boise State University. After college I worked for several agencies and institutions as a child therapist— positively touching the lives of children, adolescents, adults, and families. While raising my own three children, I happened upon the practice of Waldorf education and was so inspired by this way of schooling that I co-founded the Cedarwood Waldorf School in Portland, OR.
I have worked in Waldorf classrooms for the past 16 years, starting out with the preschool and kindergarten age groups. For the last 9 years, I have put my gifts to work as Handwork Teacher and Educational Support Therapist at Swallowtail School. I am a graduate of the three-year Extra Lesson Program at the Rudolf Steiner College in Fair Oaks, CA and have completed intensive training at the Handle Institute in Seattle. I have a deep respect for the Waldorf curriculum; where teaching is not trying to fit the children into a mold, but instead enables the children to reveal their gifts and talents.
In my free time I enjoy biking, hiking, backpacking, and I'm an avid cross-country skier. I love exploring with my classroom kids, family members, the family dog (of course), and anyone else who matches my enthusiasm for the great outdoors!
Ms. Pam - Performing Arts and Music Instructor
I grew up all over the country, attending a wide variety of schools in several different states. I saw how varied schools could be, and was thus drawn towards teaching from a young age. After graduating from college, I taught many different ages, from pre-schoolers to high school students, and a wide variety of subjects, including music, drama, English, and history. I particularly enjoyed looking for the connections between subjects, and finding ways to fire students' imaginations through story, song, and hands-on projects.
After my own children were born, I looked for a school that would nurture their imagination via this kind of interdisciplinary learning. I looked for a school where the arts were an integral part of everyday learning and where a great respect and wonder for the natural world abounded. I also looked for teachers who found joy in the uniqueness of each child and let them grow at their own pace, with respect for diverse learning styles and gifts.
All four of my children have gone to Swallowtail; two have graduated and two are still attending. Our family lives in the country and we enjoy taking care of our animals and growing fruits and vegetables there. In my spare time, I enjoy making music, reading, researching, performing in community plays, and writing.
Ms. Tina - Administrator
I grew up on a dairy farm in southwest Oregon. My strong beliefs about education came from my father, who served on the school board and always ensured that I made it to school, even if we had to cross flood waters on a tractor or boat.
After receiving my Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from the University of Oregon I taught physical education in both Oregon and Australian schools. Later, I went on to receive my Master of Education Policy, Governance, and Administration Degree from the University of Washington. I have served as an administrator for over fifteen years, and am exceedingly pleased to be a part of Swallowtail School.
I love contributing to a community of learners where everyone is valued and feels safe to practice new skills. I enjoy working with other people to get things done— it's a lot more fun and I believe that the end results are better if everyone in a community shares their ideas and contributes to the work. The strong community spirit at Swallowtail, in conjunction with an integrated learning model that values the natural environment, make it the ideal place for me to contribute my time and talents.
I have traveled extensively, including a sixteen-month tandem bicycle tour with my husband and two children that spanned five continents. I enjoy bicycling, walking, kayaking, gardening, building chicken coops, beekeeping, sewing, sketching with ink, and visiting the library.
Ms. Karmen - Office Manager
I grew up in the mid-west, where you can see for miles, in the beautiful state of Wisconsin. Living out in the country on boundless acres I love wide open spaces and being quiet in nature. I was taught at a young age about hard work and the rewards of growing a big garden. I went to private school for elementary, and attended a boarding academy for high school. I then moved to Texas to attend college and receive my degree in Office Administration.
After working a few years, I married and started a family. We moved to the Portland area in the spring of 2000. I heard about Waldorf Education from a good college friend. I looked for Waldorf Schools in the area and we found Swallowtail. Waldorf Education's foundation is based on bringing learning to the child in an imaginative way and that is what drew my family to Swallowtail. We enrolled our children in the fall of 2006, and I became the Lavender Garden Preschool Assistant. We have been with the school ever since, and I started working with the Administration Team in the spring of 2009.
In my extra time I am a parent and wife. I enjoy spending quality time with my husband, children, family and friends. I also like to crochet, scrapbook, play the piano, sing, garden, camp, swim, bike, fly, and be in nature.