OAKLAND STEINER SCHOOL FACULTY AND STAFF
At Waldorf schools, a teacher is chosen for a first grade class and journeys with this class for several years through the grades, this can be for up to eight years. The teacher and children come to know and understand each other in a deep way. The children, feeling secure in a long-term relationship, are better able to learn. The interaction of teacher and parents also can become more deep and meaningful over time, and they can cooperate in helping the child.
FACULTY Highlighted names in green will direct you to the e-mail of each person.
Star Class Lead Teacher - Allyssa Kadlitz
Allyssa Aurellia Kadlitz was born and raised in Michigan and is thankful for its four seasons. As she grew up she attended the Rochester Public Schools. After high school she spent years traveling and taking classes in dance, herbalism, art and midwifery. After much searching she came across the teachings of Rudolf Steiner thus leading her to a lifelong path in Waldorf Education. She has a Waldorf Teacher Certification in Early Childhood from the Rudolf Steiner College in Fair Oaks, California. Allyssa started as a kindergarten assistant and substitute teacher in the Oakland Steiner Children's Center. Alyssa has been the lead teacher of the Star Class since 2009. She is an active member of the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America. She feels honored and grateful to be working with children and their families.
Allyssa Aurellia Kadlitz was born and raised in Michigan and is thankful for its four seasons. As she grew up she attended the Rochester Public Schools. After high school she spent years traveling and taking classes in dance, herbalism, art and midwifery. After much searching she came across the teachings of Rudolf Steiner thus leading her to a lifelong path in Waldorf Education. She has a Waldorf Teacher Certification in Early Childhood from the Rudolf Steiner College in Fair Oaks, California. Allyssa started as a kindergarten assistant and substitute teacher in the Oakland Steiner Children's Center. Alyssa has been the lead teacher of the Star Class since 2009. She is an active member of the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America. She feels honored and grateful to be working with children and their families.
Star Class Assistant - Daiga Nixon
Sun Class Lead Teacher - Judy Amso-Bassett
Judy Amso was born and raised in Bristol, England where she graduated from the Bristol Steiner School. Judy knew immediately that this education would be her life’s work, and began her road to teaching, beginning as an assistant at the Bristol School. Judy immigrated to America in 1992 and joined Oakland Steiner School in 1994. Judy holds a Waldorf Early Childhood Teaching Certificate from the Waldorf Institute of Southeastern Michigan. She has been a lead teacher in the Children's Center at Oakland Steiner School since 2000. Judy is an active member of the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN). She is active in school leadership and has served on many curriculum and governance committees. She is the Faculty Chair.
Judy Amso was born and raised in Bristol, England where she graduated from the Bristol Steiner School. Judy knew immediately that this education would be her life’s work, and began her road to teaching, beginning as an assistant at the Bristol School. Judy immigrated to America in 1992 and joined Oakland Steiner School in 1994. Judy holds a Waldorf Early Childhood Teaching Certificate from the Waldorf Institute of Southeastern Michigan. She has been a lead teacher in the Children's Center at Oakland Steiner School since 2000. Judy is an active member of the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN). She is active in school leadership and has served on many curriculum and governance committees. She is the Faculty Chair.
Sun Class Assistant - Abigail Gavulic
Miss Abbi first entered the Oakland Steiner School in 1990 as a 3-year-old. She spent 3 happy years in the Children's Center and then eight more in the grades, graduating in the spring of 2001. She attended public high school and graduated with a Cum Laude Bachelors of Science from Eastern Michigan University in 2009. After a brief time in Ohio, Abbi rejoined OSS in 2011 completing the circle back to the Children's Center as the Star Class Assistant. Abbi is a talented artist, avid knitter, and a voracious reader; a lover of children and rubber ducks. Abbi is enrolled in the Waldorf Institute of Southeastern Michigan where she takes classes in Waldorf Early Childhood education.
Miss Abbi first entered the Oakland Steiner School in 1990 as a 3-year-old. She spent 3 happy years in the Children's Center and then eight more in the grades, graduating in the spring of 2001. She attended public high school and graduated with a Cum Laude Bachelors of Science from Eastern Michigan University in 2009. After a brief time in Ohio, Abbi rejoined OSS in 2011 completing the circle back to the Children's Center as the Star Class Assistant. Abbi is a talented artist, avid knitter, and a voracious reader; a lover of children and rubber ducks. Abbi is enrolled in the Waldorf Institute of Southeastern Michigan where she takes classes in Waldorf Early Childhood education.
Moon Class Lead Teacher - Helen Stormer
Helen was born and raised in England. After completing High School she attained an Associate diploma from the London School of Music. Before coming to America, Helen traveled to and lived in many countries, including Japan, Sweden and Germany. Helen joined OSS in 2002 and was a Children’s Center Assistant for over 10 years. She is completing the requirements for the Waldorf Early Childhood Teaching certification at the Waldorf Institute of Southeastern Michigan. After ten years working in different positions in the Children's Center, Helen became the lead teacher of the Moon class in 2014.
Helen was born and raised in England. After completing High School she attained an Associate diploma from the London School of Music. Before coming to America, Helen traveled to and lived in many countries, including Japan, Sweden and Germany. Helen joined OSS in 2002 and was a Children’s Center Assistant for over 10 years. She is completing the requirements for the Waldorf Early Childhood Teaching certification at the Waldorf Institute of Southeastern Michigan. After ten years working in different positions in the Children's Center, Helen became the lead teacher of the Moon class in 2014.
Parent & Child Program - Lillyan Fernandez
Lillyan has extensive experience with crafts, games and artistic activities for children. She has been active in the field of Waldorf education for over ten years; leading parent & child classes, as a preschool teacher of young children and in childcare. Lillyan is fluent in Spanish, German and English and also has experience as a language teacher for Elementary School children. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Preschool Education and in International Commerce as well as completing classes towards a Masters Degree in Humanistic Studies. Lillyan has completed much of the Waldorf Certification Program for Preschool Teachers through the Cuernavaca Waldorf School (AWSNA Certified) in Mexico as well as additional Waldorf education class completion in Wilton, New Hampshire. She has completed a Waldorf Certificate Program with Helle Heckman, a Waldorf preschool expert who leads a Waldorf Preschool in Denmark and is a noted author and keynote speaker. Lillyan has additional training and courses for infant and parent/caregiver education with the RIE Center, Los Angeles, California (Resources for Infant Educators) and the Pikler Institute, Loczy, Budapest, Hungary. In the classes with caregivers and children, Lillyan provides meaningful experiences for the children and shares with the participating adults a strong foundation of child development, parenting issues and Waldorf education.
Lillyan has extensive experience with crafts, games and artistic activities for children. She has been active in the field of Waldorf education for over ten years; leading parent & child classes, as a preschool teacher of young children and in childcare. Lillyan is fluent in Spanish, German and English and also has experience as a language teacher for Elementary School children. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Preschool Education and in International Commerce as well as completing classes towards a Masters Degree in Humanistic Studies. Lillyan has completed much of the Waldorf Certification Program for Preschool Teachers through the Cuernavaca Waldorf School (AWSNA Certified) in Mexico as well as additional Waldorf education class completion in Wilton, New Hampshire. She has completed a Waldorf Certificate Program with Helle Heckman, a Waldorf preschool expert who leads a Waldorf Preschool in Denmark and is a noted author and keynote speaker. Lillyan has additional training and courses for infant and parent/caregiver education with the RIE Center, Los Angeles, California (Resources for Infant Educators) and the Pikler Institute, Loczy, Budapest, Hungary. In the classes with caregivers and children, Lillyan provides meaningful experiences for the children and shares with the participating adults a strong foundation of child development, parenting issues and Waldorf education.
Grade 1 - Adele Kieras
For over 16 years, Adele has taught in various capacities in Montessori, independent and Waldorf schools. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Environmental Biology from Indiana University; a Masters of Science in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College and has completed a Post Graduate Elementary Education Certification program at Oakland University with certified majors in Science and Social Studies. Adele is enrolled in the Waldorf Institute of Southeastern Michigan (WISM) where she has only a few remaining requirements to complete her Waldorf Elementary Education Teaching Certification. Adele joined Oakland Steiner School in 2013 and after a brief hiatus she has returned as a class teacher.
For over 16 years, Adele has taught in various capacities in Montessori, independent and Waldorf schools. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Environmental Biology from Indiana University; a Masters of Science in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College and has completed a Post Graduate Elementary Education Certification program at Oakland University with certified majors in Science and Social Studies. Adele is enrolled in the Waldorf Institute of Southeastern Michigan (WISM) where she has only a few remaining requirements to complete her Waldorf Elementary Education Teaching Certification. Adele joined Oakland Steiner School in 2013 and after a brief hiatus she has returned as a class teacher.
Grade 2 - Noelle Frerichs
Noelle grew up in west Michigan, and enjoys all of the magic that Michigan’s cycle of seasons brings. Growing up, she enjoyed art, math and science, which led her to obtain a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University, and a Master’s of Science in Systems Engineering at Oakland University. She worked as a product design engineer at Chrysler for 13 years prior to following her true calling in life – becoming a Waldorf teacher. Noelle originally discovered Waldorf education as a parent, where she enrolled her children in the OSS Children’s Center, and later the grade school. During that time, Noelle began taking courses at the Waldorf Institute of Southeastern Michigan, and discovered her love of Waldorf education and desire to teach. In 2014, Noelle completed the last stages of her training, obtained her Waldorf Elementary Education Teaching Certificate, and enthusiastically transitioned from engineering to teaching.
Noelle grew up in west Michigan, and enjoys all of the magic that Michigan’s cycle of seasons brings. Growing up, she enjoyed art, math and science, which led her to obtain a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University, and a Master’s of Science in Systems Engineering at Oakland University. She worked as a product design engineer at Chrysler for 13 years prior to following her true calling in life – becoming a Waldorf teacher. Noelle originally discovered Waldorf education as a parent, where she enrolled her children in the OSS Children’s Center, and later the grade school. During that time, Noelle began taking courses at the Waldorf Institute of Southeastern Michigan, and discovered her love of Waldorf education and desire to teach. In 2014, Noelle completed the last stages of her training, obtained her Waldorf Elementary Education Teaching Certificate, and enthusiastically transitioned from engineering to teaching.
Grades 3 & 4 - Gretchen Osgood
Gretchen has a Bachelor of Arts in History and German from Mount Holyoke College; a Master of Arts in History from Boston University and a Waldorf Teacher Certification from the Freie Hochschule, Stuttgart Germany. As a trained Waldorf teacher Gretchen has experience working with a wide range of ages. For three years she taught at a Waldorf-based outdoor forest kindergarten in Germany and after moving to New Hampshire she spent time raising her family and working with children in a variety of non-Waldorf settings. She used her Waldorf teacher background to support her work, developing strong relationships with students and colleagues. She demonstrated her ability to help children actively participate in the learning process by engaging their imaginations and feelings. Gretchen joined the Oakland Steiner School faculty in 2015.
Gretchen has a Bachelor of Arts in History and German from Mount Holyoke College; a Master of Arts in History from Boston University and a Waldorf Teacher Certification from the Freie Hochschule, Stuttgart Germany. As a trained Waldorf teacher Gretchen has experience working with a wide range of ages. For three years she taught at a Waldorf-based outdoor forest kindergarten in Germany and after moving to New Hampshire she spent time raising her family and working with children in a variety of non-Waldorf settings. She used her Waldorf teacher background to support her work, developing strong relationships with students and colleagues. She demonstrated her ability to help children actively participate in the learning process by engaging their imaginations and feelings. Gretchen joined the Oakland Steiner School faculty in 2015.
Grades 5 & 6 - Anna Kamitses
Anna obtained her Masters of Education from Antioch University, receiving state teaching certification in California. She also holds a B.S. in Environmental Studies, with a focus on Women’s Studies. Anna lived for many years in California, where she began her professional work in outdoor education and activism, then spent about five years in private and alternative middle and high schools as teacher assistant, substitute, and science teacher. Since coming to Michigan, she has been involved with OSS as a parent, substitute teacher and program assistant. She is obtaining her Waldorf elementary teacher certification through the Waldorf Institute of Southeast Michigan and she expects to complete the program this year.
Anna obtained her Masters of Education from Antioch University, receiving state teaching certification in California. She also holds a B.S. in Environmental Studies, with a focus on Women’s Studies. Anna lived for many years in California, where she began her professional work in outdoor education and activism, then spent about five years in private and alternative middle and high schools as teacher assistant, substitute, and science teacher. Since coming to Michigan, she has been involved with OSS as a parent, substitute teacher and program assistant. She is obtaining her Waldorf elementary teacher certification through the Waldorf Institute of Southeast Michigan and she expects to complete the program this year.
Grades 7 & 8 Elizabeth Kata
Elizabeth Kata started as a parent at OSS, her two sons attended K-8. Her Waldorf journey began while on maternity leave from her clinical microbiology job. She discovered storytelling at the Waldorf Teacher Training Institute which at the time was in Detroit. What began simply as parenting enrichment classes, soon became a new path and new love; teaching. Her eldest son is now a C.C.S. graduate in Detroit working in concept design and her youngest is attending college.
Elizabeth has taught a wide range of ages at OSS. Starting as the parent & child teacher, then on to the kindergarten where she was a lead teacher for six years. Elizabeth taught math and history in the seventh and eighth grades for several years while she pursued her certification in Waldorf Elementary Education. She became the class teacher for her current class as a combined first and second grade beginning in 2009/10. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and chemistry and diplomas in Waldorf elementary and early childhood education. She has a Level I certification from the Spacial Dynamics Institute in New York, a center for training in movement education and movement therapy. Whenever possible, she brings her love of folk-dance to the students. She also has a fondness for dabbling in culinary arts.
Elizabeth Kata started as a parent at OSS, her two sons attended K-8. Her Waldorf journey began while on maternity leave from her clinical microbiology job. She discovered storytelling at the Waldorf Teacher Training Institute which at the time was in Detroit. What began simply as parenting enrichment classes, soon became a new path and new love; teaching. Her eldest son is now a C.C.S. graduate in Detroit working in concept design and her youngest is attending college.
Elizabeth has taught a wide range of ages at OSS. Starting as the parent & child teacher, then on to the kindergarten where she was a lead teacher for six years. Elizabeth taught math and history in the seventh and eighth grades for several years while she pursued her certification in Waldorf Elementary Education. She became the class teacher for her current class as a combined first and second grade beginning in 2009/10. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and chemistry and diplomas in Waldorf elementary and early childhood education. She has a Level I certification from the Spacial Dynamics Institute in New York, a center for training in movement education and movement therapy. Whenever possible, she brings her love of folk-dance to the students. She also has a fondness for dabbling in culinary arts.
Math Specialist - Danielle Serlin
Danielle always felt a strong sense of social responsibility, desire to support growth and development in others, and love of all types of learning. After other professional work, she began pursuing a career in education and returned to the University of Michigan for a Master’s degree program. There a professor gave a ho-hum introductory assignment to write an essay on the students own philosophy of education. Based on this assignment, Danielle was told her philosophy sounded a lot like Waldorf education. This led to Danielle’s path into Waldorf education.
Danielle holds Bachelor’s of Science degrees in business and elementary education from the University of Michigan with state certification to teach in all grades K-8, specializing in math and science. In December 2013, Danielle completed her graduate studies at the University of Michigan, in Dearborn, and received a Master of Science in Education degree, as part of the Math Education Enhancement and Leadership program. During that time, she worked with fellow graduate students and university professors to initiate a unique professional development program for K-12 teachers in Southeast Michigan, called Lesson Study. Lesson Study enables teachers from different grade levels, and even different schools, to work collaboratively in examining their practice and how students learn in the subject area, thereby doing the personal, inner-work necessary to become more effective educators. In the spring, Danielle was named one of the university’s Honor Scholars for these dynamic activities and overall academic achievement. Danielle is currently enrolled at the Waldorf Institute of Southeastern Michigan where she is close to completing the Waldorf elementary education teacher certification program.
Danielle always felt a strong sense of social responsibility, desire to support growth and development in others, and love of all types of learning. After other professional work, she began pursuing a career in education and returned to the University of Michigan for a Master’s degree program. There a professor gave a ho-hum introductory assignment to write an essay on the students own philosophy of education. Based on this assignment, Danielle was told her philosophy sounded a lot like Waldorf education. This led to Danielle’s path into Waldorf education.
Danielle holds Bachelor’s of Science degrees in business and elementary education from the University of Michigan with state certification to teach in all grades K-8, specializing in math and science. In December 2013, Danielle completed her graduate studies at the University of Michigan, in Dearborn, and received a Master of Science in Education degree, as part of the Math Education Enhancement and Leadership program. During that time, she worked with fellow graduate students and university professors to initiate a unique professional development program for K-12 teachers in Southeast Michigan, called Lesson Study. Lesson Study enables teachers from different grade levels, and even different schools, to work collaboratively in examining their practice and how students learn in the subject area, thereby doing the personal, inner-work necessary to become more effective educators. In the spring, Danielle was named one of the university’s Honor Scholars for these dynamic activities and overall academic achievement. Danielle is currently enrolled at the Waldorf Institute of Southeastern Michigan where she is close to completing the Waldorf elementary education teacher certification program.
Sabbatical/Support Teacher Maureen Shaughnessy
Maureen grew up the middle of five children and in the flower, fruit and vegetable gardens of her four grandparents in Waterford, Michigan. When she re-discovered the fairy folk of her childhood in the biodynamic gardens at the Waldorf Institute in 1981, she knew she had found her way back home. She earned a BA in Education and a Michigan Secondary Education Teaching Certificate from Oakland University (1978) and later completed the teacher training program through the Waldorf Institute in Detroit and Southfield. Maureen was involved in the study group that led to the establishment of Turtle Hollow, a Waldorf Kinder-home, and later to the founding of the Oakland Steiner School in 1989 when she taught the original class of first and second graders. Maureen also holds an MA in Waldorf Education from Antioch New England Graduate School in New Hampshire (1999).
Maureen grew up the middle of five children and in the flower, fruit and vegetable gardens of her four grandparents in Waterford, Michigan. When she re-discovered the fairy folk of her childhood in the biodynamic gardens at the Waldorf Institute in 1981, she knew she had found her way back home. She earned a BA in Education and a Michigan Secondary Education Teaching Certificate from Oakland University (1978) and later completed the teacher training program through the Waldorf Institute in Detroit and Southfield. Maureen was involved in the study group that led to the establishment of Turtle Hollow, a Waldorf Kinder-home, and later to the founding of the Oakland Steiner School in 1989 when she taught the original class of first and second graders. Maureen also holds an MA in Waldorf Education from Antioch New England Graduate School in New Hampshire (1999).
Educational Support - Lori Cataldo
Spanish - Lilia Rivera
Lilia has been involved in the field of education for more than 25 years. In Mexico, she was part of the faculty of the National University of Mexico where she was a professor of the Engineering department. Here in the USA, she has been an interpreter, translator and teacher.
Lilia was also the Spanish teacher at the Detroit Waldorf School for Grades 1 through 8 for over seven years. Lilia joined OSS in 2013.
Lilia has been involved in the field of education for more than 25 years. In Mexico, she was part of the faculty of the National University of Mexico where she was a professor of the Engineering department. Here in the USA, she has been an interpreter, translator and teacher.
Lilia was also the Spanish teacher at the Detroit Waldorf School for Grades 1 through 8 for over seven years. Lilia joined OSS in 2013.
German - Gabi Meyer
Gabriele Meyer was born in Soest, Germany. She graduated from the Gerhard-Mercator-Universität in Duisburg with an MA in Medieval History and German Literature and worked as a research assistant in the History Department. She also holds a degree for Teaching German as a Foreign Language (by Goethe-Institut in connection with University of Kassel). Gabriele and her family moved to the United States in 2000. She has been teaching German at the Deutsche Schule Bloomfield Hills for several years before she joined OSS as the German Teacher in January 2012.
Gabriele Meyer was born in Soest, Germany. She graduated from the Gerhard-Mercator-Universität in Duisburg with an MA in Medieval History and German Literature and worked as a research assistant in the History Department. She also holds a degree for Teaching German as a Foreign Language (by Goethe-Institut in connection with University of Kassel). Gabriele and her family moved to the United States in 2000. She has been teaching German at the Deutsche Schule Bloomfield Hills for several years before she joined OSS as the German Teacher in January 2012.
Woodworking - Mike Murphy
Mike teaches woodwork to grades five though eight.
Mike teaches woodwork to grades five though eight.
Gardening - Margret Davis
Teaching and gardening are both passions of Ms. Davis. Growing up on a farm, gardening was part of her life from the very beginning. Over the years she developed a great interest in organic and biodynamic gardening and farming. Her special interests are European farm and kitchen gardens deriving from the Medieval Monastic gardens with Hildegard of Bingen as one of her main influences. These types of gardens combine the utilizable and ornamental elements. Vegetables, herbs and fruit trees are grown to provide food and medicine, flowers as decorative elements are grown to please the senses and also attract pollinators. Ms. Davis holds a Master’s degree in Religious Science from the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany and a Master’s degree in Elementary and Middle School education from the University of Koblenz - Landau, specializing in Religion, English as a second Language, German as well as Elementary instruction in reading and writing. Ms. Davis holds a certificate in Montessori Early Childhood education from the Montessori Academy in Nürnberg, Germany. She is also a certified Master Gardener in the State of Michigan. Her pedagogical approach follows the principles of holistic learning; her teaching methods
involve all senses to ensure the best learning possible for each individual student. She has teaching experience in Germany and the US.
Music (Choir, Strings, Orchestra, Ensemble) - Maggie Cocco
Maggie is a performer and teacher. Her primary instruments are voice, viola and piano. Since graduating with her Bachelor's in General Music Education and Voice Performance, she has experience conducting an adult and a children's choral ensemble, teaching private music lessons, and working as a substitute teacher for Rochester Schools. Maggie also recorded and released an album, and expanded the music program at St. Michael's Episcopal Church where she has served as music director since 2012.
Teaching and gardening are both passions of Ms. Davis. Growing up on a farm, gardening was part of her life from the very beginning. Over the years she developed a great interest in organic and biodynamic gardening and farming. Her special interests are European farm and kitchen gardens deriving from the Medieval Monastic gardens with Hildegard of Bingen as one of her main influences. These types of gardens combine the utilizable and ornamental elements. Vegetables, herbs and fruit trees are grown to provide food and medicine, flowers as decorative elements are grown to please the senses and also attract pollinators. Ms. Davis holds a Master’s degree in Religious Science from the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany and a Master’s degree in Elementary and Middle School education from the University of Koblenz - Landau, specializing in Religion, English as a second Language, German as well as Elementary instruction in reading and writing. Ms. Davis holds a certificate in Montessori Early Childhood education from the Montessori Academy in Nürnberg, Germany. She is also a certified Master Gardener in the State of Michigan. Her pedagogical approach follows the principles of holistic learning; her teaching methods
involve all senses to ensure the best learning possible for each individual student. She has teaching experience in Germany and the US.
Music (Choir, Strings, Orchestra, Ensemble) - Maggie Cocco
Maggie is a performer and teacher. Her primary instruments are voice, viola and piano. Since graduating with her Bachelor's in General Music Education and Voice Performance, she has experience conducting an adult and a children's choral ensemble, teaching private music lessons, and working as a substitute teacher for Rochester Schools. Maggie also recorded and released an album, and expanded the music program at St. Michael's Episcopal Church where she has served as music director since 2012.
Handwork and Upper Grades Art Teacher - Patty Urda
Patty has been an active Waldorf parent since 2005. Over the years, she has enjoyed taking part in the handwork group, leading children’s puppet shows for the Holiday Bazaar, and offering wet felting workshops for parents and children. Patty has participated in Waldorf education classes at the Waldorf Institute of Southeast Michigan. She has worked in the kindergarten and has been a substitute teacher in the grades.
Patty completed her degree at Wayne State University, School of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts where she received a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) Cum Laude with a major in ceramics. Following graduation, she worked nine years at Pewabic Pottery in the production and education departments. During the next decade, Patty was artist-owner of Two Rivers Tile Company. She designed and fabricated handmade art tile and limited edition commemoratives for galleries and clients in Southeast Michigan. In the course of her career, Patty has taught a variety of classes at local art centers. Now she enjoys sharing her skills in handwork and art with the children at Oakland Steiner School.
Patty has been an active Waldorf parent since 2005. Over the years, she has enjoyed taking part in the handwork group, leading children’s puppet shows for the Holiday Bazaar, and offering wet felting workshops for parents and children. Patty has participated in Waldorf education classes at the Waldorf Institute of Southeast Michigan. She has worked in the kindergarten and has been a substitute teacher in the grades.
Patty completed her degree at Wayne State University, School of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts where she received a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) Cum Laude with a major in ceramics. Following graduation, she worked nine years at Pewabic Pottery in the production and education departments. During the next decade, Patty was artist-owner of Two Rivers Tile Company. She designed and fabricated handmade art tile and limited edition commemoratives for galleries and clients in Southeast Michigan. In the course of her career, Patty has taught a variety of classes at local art centers. Now she enjoys sharing her skills in handwork and art with the children at Oakland Steiner School.
STAFF
Administrator - Lisa Peyser
Lisa has over twenty years of experience successfully managing for-profit and non-profit organizations. She brings a wealth of experience in finance and collaborative operations leadership as well as a love of Waldorf education and Oakland Steiner School. Lisa’s son graduated from Oakland Steiner in 2004 and she is grateful for all her son and family received from OSS. Interacting with graduates as they actively engage in life after Oakland Steiner has convinced her of the value of Waldorf education. Seeing how OSS alumni meet opportunities, solve problems and show respect and compassion for others motivates her to want to share Waldorf education with other children and families. Lisa returned to Oakland Steiner School in 2013. She is grateful to be involved in this joyful, learning environment. Lisa welcomes families to join our community; our children have many interesting adventures ahead of them and with a Waldorf education they will be well prepared to meet the challenges and gifts their life brings
Lisa has over twenty years of experience successfully managing for-profit and non-profit organizations. She brings a wealth of experience in finance and collaborative operations leadership as well as a love of Waldorf education and Oakland Steiner School. Lisa’s son graduated from Oakland Steiner in 2004 and she is grateful for all her son and family received from OSS. Interacting with graduates as they actively engage in life after Oakland Steiner has convinced her of the value of Waldorf education. Seeing how OSS alumni meet opportunities, solve problems and show respect and compassion for others motivates her to want to share Waldorf education with other children and families. Lisa returned to Oakland Steiner School in 2013. She is grateful to be involved in this joyful, learning environment. Lisa welcomes families to join our community; our children have many interesting adventures ahead of them and with a Waldorf education they will be well prepared to meet the challenges and gifts their life brings
Enrichment Program: Before School Care and After School Care Director - Eva Leventer
Eva is a graduate of the Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor and Earlham College. She has been a teacher and camp director since 2005. Eva brings artistic, academic and sporting activities to the after school program.
Enrichment Program: Before School Care - Abbi Gavulic, After School Care Assistant - Linda Helmink
Eva is a graduate of the Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor and Earlham College. She has been a teacher and camp director since 2005. Eva brings artistic, academic and sporting activities to the after school program.
Enrichment Program: Before School Care - Abbi Gavulic, After School Care Assistant - Linda Helmink