Libby grew up in Bristol, England. She has fond childhood memories of exploring castles, going on long bike rides in the Welsh countryside, and spending summers in rural France with her family. From an early age, she has found great joy in art, crafts and music, and plays a range of instruments (harp, piano and saxophone). During her time in the Netherlands, Libby became fluent in Dutch, and taught English in elementary and middle schools including specialized education for children with learning differences. 

Studying in Oxford, UK, and Utrecht, The Netherlands, Libby completed a degree in child development and education with a focus on learning differences. She continued her studies in Maastrict in Neuroscience before relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area to work as a clinical researcher. It was in California that Libby met her husband and together they relocated to Oregon for a slower-paced life and to be more in touch with the seasons. Together, they have three young children, a Newfoundland dog, and a sweet senior kitty.

After experiencing the magic of Swallowtail’s parent-child circle with her youngest child, Libby was intrigued by Waldorf education and pursued a foundation year in anthroposophy, followed by the graduate program in Waldorf Education at Antioch University, completing her Waldorf teacher training diploma. Prior to teaching first grade, Libby spent the last couple of years working at Swallowtail, providing remedial support and teaching 8th grade. In her classes, there is much singing, improv, storytelling, creativity, and humor.

Libby has spent much time volunteering with children over the years, in the PICU at Doernbecher, as a counselor at the Dougy Center, and organizing an international summer camp for blind / vision impaired teenagers. Volunteering continues to be an interest that she tries to pursue as much as time allows. Libby also loves to travel, go on nature walks with the family, make music and crafts with her children, and write songs, stories, and poetry. Her favorite places are the coast and the mountains. 

As a teacher, Libby cares deeply about each of her students and her class community, fostering strong relationships with every child and a close-knit community of families. Something that especially draws her to Waldorf education is the intention and connectedness interwoven throughout the curriculum. Each aspect of what she teaches is brought in multiple ways so as to speak to each student on their level and to deepen their understanding. It is this connectedness that brings relevance and meaning to what the children are learning and experiencing, and helps them carry the work beyond the classroom and into the world around them.