Grades Faculty
Children don’t change parents every year. Why should they change teachers?
At Olympia Waldorf School, students have the same class teacher for up to eight years. This is an extraordinary commitment on the part of the teachers, and gives students a sense of security that makes learning here much easier.
Can’t imagine how this works? Sign up for a Tour of the Grades to see for yourself.
At Olympia Waldorf School, students have the same class teacher for up to eight years. This is an extraordinary commitment on the part of the teachers, and gives students a sense of security that makes learning here much easier.
Can’t imagine how this works? Sign up for a Tour of the Grades to see for yourself.
Pedagogical Chair
Now hiring!
Now hiring!
Ms. Katie Willems, Grade 1
Katherine Willems is from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of Temple University with a degree in Environmental Studies with a minor in political science and a certificate in sustainable food systems. She also has 18 credits in Early Childhood Education from Millersville University. She taught English in China and Taiwan and after moving back to the USA she transitioned to working as a Kindergarten assistant at the Susquehanna Waldorf School in Marietta, PA. A short time after experiencing the Waldorf pedagogy, she found the desire to focus on Waldorf and pursue a career in grades teaching. She began her Waldorf Grades training at the West Coast Institute for Studies in Anthroposophy. In her free time she loves to be outdoors. She was lucky to spend a summer working as a Park Ranger at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, giving daily presentations about wildlife and history. As a lover of nature in all aspects, she is excited to explore the land of her new home and find ways to incorporate it into her teaching. She has a keen interest in hiking, camping, foraging, gardening and crafting from nature. She loves to try new creative activities but spends a lot of time painting, drawing, embroidering, and sewing.
Katherine Willems is from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of Temple University with a degree in Environmental Studies with a minor in political science and a certificate in sustainable food systems. She also has 18 credits in Early Childhood Education from Millersville University. She taught English in China and Taiwan and after moving back to the USA she transitioned to working as a Kindergarten assistant at the Susquehanna Waldorf School in Marietta, PA. A short time after experiencing the Waldorf pedagogy, she found the desire to focus on Waldorf and pursue a career in grades teaching. She began her Waldorf Grades training at the West Coast Institute for Studies in Anthroposophy. In her free time she loves to be outdoors. She was lucky to spend a summer working as a Park Ranger at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, giving daily presentations about wildlife and history. As a lover of nature in all aspects, she is excited to explore the land of her new home and find ways to incorporate it into her teaching. She has a keen interest in hiking, camping, foraging, gardening and crafting from nature. She loves to try new creative activities but spends a lot of time painting, drawing, embroidering, and sewing.
Ms. Shauna Olmsted, Grade 2
My name is Shauna Olmsted. I have a Masters in Teaching from St. Martins University and a Bachelor's degree from The Evergreen State College. My experience with teaching has been in a project based multi aged classroom teaching second and third graders. I have also taught yoga in multiple state agency buildings. One of my favorite things about teaching is playing games with kids. I love the excitement I see when students are enthusiastic about a topic they are learning. In my free time I love to be out in nature. Skiing, hiking, camping and backpacking are some of my favorite activities. I grew up on a farm and spending time outdoors has always been a big part of my life. I enjoy learning about the medicinal herbs in the nature around me. I love taking walks with friends and spending time with my family. I'm also part of a few book clubs and like to chat about good stories. My mom is from Northern Ireland. Reading, listening and telling stories was an important tradition in my house growing up:)
My name is Shauna Olmsted. I have a Masters in Teaching from St. Martins University and a Bachelor's degree from The Evergreen State College. My experience with teaching has been in a project based multi aged classroom teaching second and third graders. I have also taught yoga in multiple state agency buildings. One of my favorite things about teaching is playing games with kids. I love the excitement I see when students are enthusiastic about a topic they are learning. In my free time I love to be out in nature. Skiing, hiking, camping and backpacking are some of my favorite activities. I grew up on a farm and spending time outdoors has always been a big part of my life. I enjoy learning about the medicinal herbs in the nature around me. I love taking walks with friends and spending time with my family. I'm also part of a few book clubs and like to chat about good stories. My mom is from Northern Ireland. Reading, listening and telling stories was an important tradition in my house growing up:)
Ms. Ashley S. Wilson, Grade 3
Born and raised in southern Arizona, Ashley's deep interest in the human experience led to diverse adventures across America and in western Europe for most of the 1990s. Finally, enchanted by the feel of the wetlands on a drizzly day, Ashley moved to Olympia in 1996. As an alumni of The Evergreen State College, former journalist and longtime multi-media artist and performer, Ashley is now the grateful parent of two OWS students: Silas and Jade. Enrolled as a family since 2012 and having also served as the school custodian for six years, Ashley's dedication to the OWS community remains strong as the devoted teacher of the class of 2028. Aside from having fun with children, Ashley also loves trees, the ocean, the wind, enjoys pencil drawing, singing, building things, cleaning things, reading books and eating potato chips.
Born and raised in southern Arizona, Ashley's deep interest in the human experience led to diverse adventures across America and in western Europe for most of the 1990s. Finally, enchanted by the feel of the wetlands on a drizzly day, Ashley moved to Olympia in 1996. As an alumni of The Evergreen State College, former journalist and longtime multi-media artist and performer, Ashley is now the grateful parent of two OWS students: Silas and Jade. Enrolled as a family since 2012 and having also served as the school custodian for six years, Ashley's dedication to the OWS community remains strong as the devoted teacher of the class of 2028. Aside from having fun with children, Ashley also loves trees, the ocean, the wind, enjoys pencil drawing, singing, building things, cleaning things, reading books and eating potato chips.
Photo by Kari Blunck/Studio K
Mrs. Sweekriti Apple, Grade 4
As a native of India, Mrs. Apple attended Waldorf school for the entirety of her primary education. From grades seven through twelve, she was educated at the Himgiri Rudolf Steiner School which was run by her parents in the Himalayas. Later, she taught there herself. She graduated from an Indian university with a B.A. degree, and attended Emerson College in England on scholarship. Mrs. Apple was also trained in Indian classical music since early childhood and she shares her love of music, reading, handwork, gardening, and movement with her students. Mrs. Apple graduated several classes at Olympia Waldorf School in 2008, 2018 and 2020.
As a native of India, Mrs. Apple attended Waldorf school for the entirety of her primary education. From grades seven through twelve, she was educated at the Himgiri Rudolf Steiner School which was run by her parents in the Himalayas. Later, she taught there herself. She graduated from an Indian university with a B.A. degree, and attended Emerson College in England on scholarship. Mrs. Apple was also trained in Indian classical music since early childhood and she shares her love of music, reading, handwork, gardening, and movement with her students. Mrs. Apple graduated several classes at Olympia Waldorf School in 2008, 2018 and 2020.
Ms. Lauren Lusk, Grade 5
Lauren Lusk grew up under the wide open skies on the Kansas plains. She is a graduate of Sterling College, and is designated as a "highly qualified" certificated teacher for K-8 in Washington State. After college, Lauren spent time in British Columbia volunteering at A Rocha Canada in their environmental education internship program. While there, she fell deeply in love with the forests and waterways of the Pacific Northwest and decided to make a home in Olympia. In the summer of 2014 Lauren got her first taste of Waldorf Education while working as a camp counselor at Olympia Waldorf School. While working at OWS the sense of reverence for the children and their play was different than any of her previous teaching experiences. As her professional journey continued into mainstream education she remained fascinated by Waldorf. In the intervening years Lauren has taught grades second through fifth in both the public and private school classroom. These experiences as a classroom teacher have supplied a rich groundwork for her future work within a Waldorf classroom. In the summer of 2022 Lauren completed her first year of teacher training at Sound Circle Center for Arts and Anthroposophy. She will graduate in the summer of 2024. Lauren is passionate about bringing a rich, holistic, soulful, integrative experience to the students in her care. When not teaching, Lauren enjoys painting, kayaking, reading children's literature, spending time near the water, traveling, quilting, sewing, and spending time with her family.
Lauren Lusk grew up under the wide open skies on the Kansas plains. She is a graduate of Sterling College, and is designated as a "highly qualified" certificated teacher for K-8 in Washington State. After college, Lauren spent time in British Columbia volunteering at A Rocha Canada in their environmental education internship program. While there, she fell deeply in love with the forests and waterways of the Pacific Northwest and decided to make a home in Olympia. In the summer of 2014 Lauren got her first taste of Waldorf Education while working as a camp counselor at Olympia Waldorf School. While working at OWS the sense of reverence for the children and their play was different than any of her previous teaching experiences. As her professional journey continued into mainstream education she remained fascinated by Waldorf. In the intervening years Lauren has taught grades second through fifth in both the public and private school classroom. These experiences as a classroom teacher have supplied a rich groundwork for her future work within a Waldorf classroom. In the summer of 2022 Lauren completed her first year of teacher training at Sound Circle Center for Arts and Anthroposophy. She will graduate in the summer of 2024. Lauren is passionate about bringing a rich, holistic, soulful, integrative experience to the students in her care. When not teaching, Lauren enjoys painting, kayaking, reading children's literature, spending time near the water, traveling, quilting, sewing, and spending time with her family.
Lead Teacher, Grade 6
Now hiring!
Now hiring!
Miss Sami Brisson, Grade 7
Miss Sami studied Philosophy and Peace and Justice Studies at Regis University, and participated in Casa Bayanihan, a study abroad program in the Philippines. She was also the captain of her school’s improv troupe. After graduation, she worked as a teacher in Micronesia and Djibouti.
Miss Sami’s interests include yoga, art and camping. She also enjoys farming and gardening.
Miss Sami is excited to join the Olympia Waldorf team, and to explore interesting topics with her students.
Miss Sami studied Philosophy and Peace and Justice Studies at Regis University, and participated in Casa Bayanihan, a study abroad program in the Philippines. She was also the captain of her school’s improv troupe. After graduation, she worked as a teacher in Micronesia and Djibouti.
Miss Sami’s interests include yoga, art and camping. She also enjoys farming and gardening.
Miss Sami is excited to join the Olympia Waldorf team, and to explore interesting topics with her students.
Mrs. Kelly Horn, Grade 8
Kelly grew up in a small town in New Jersey. After graduating from college in New York, she returned to New Jersey where she worked as a public school teacher for 6 years. She and her husband made the move to Olympia in 2006. They discovered Waldorf education when searching for a pre-school for their oldest daughter. They were drawn to Waldorf's curriculum and philosophy, and enrolled their three children at OWS. Kelly felt led to pursue Waldorf and worked for two years as the extended care coordinator, in which time she immersed herself in Waldorf studies. She then accepted a faculty position here, where she is known for being especially gifted at teaching math. Kelly graduated the Class of 2019 and is leading the Classes of 2025 and 2022!
Kelly grew up in a small town in New Jersey. After graduating from college in New York, she returned to New Jersey where she worked as a public school teacher for 6 years. She and her husband made the move to Olympia in 2006. They discovered Waldorf education when searching for a pre-school for their oldest daughter. They were drawn to Waldorf's curriculum and philosophy, and enrolled their three children at OWS. Kelly felt led to pursue Waldorf and worked for two years as the extended care coordinator, in which time she immersed herself in Waldorf studies. She then accepted a faculty position here, where she is known for being especially gifted at teaching math. Kelly graduated the Class of 2019 and is leading the Classes of 2025 and 2022!
Specialty Teachers
Photo by Kari Blunck/StudioK
Mr. Jesse Partridge, Strings
Jesse Partridge grew up in Olympia and attended the Olympia Waldorf School as a child. He graduated from the University of Washington with a major in Comparative Religion. As a musician, Jesse performs at concerts and contra dances throughout the Pacific Northwest. Jesse specializes in North American and Celtic styles of fiddle music. Outside of music and teaching, his interests include growing food, cooking food, and enjoying nature. He lives in Olympia with his cat, Sunny.
Jesse Partridge grew up in Olympia and attended the Olympia Waldorf School as a child. He graduated from the University of Washington with a major in Comparative Religion. As a musician, Jesse performs at concerts and contra dances throughout the Pacific Northwest. Jesse specializes in North American and Celtic styles of fiddle music. Outside of music and teaching, his interests include growing food, cooking food, and enjoying nature. He lives in Olympia with his cat, Sunny.
Sr. Luis Allende, Spanish & Woodworking
Luis Allende was born in Santiago de Chile in a family with four children. When he became an adolescent he demonstrated interests in many fields; among them universal history and languages. He self taught Portuguese and experienced a strong fascination with the arts and the outdoors, especially mountain activities in the magnificent Andes. His extended family, mostly people associated with escenic art, painters, poets, writers and politicians, were the fertile ground from which grew a deep vocational interest in Philosophy and Pedagogy. At the college level, Allende studied languages like Euzkera (the language of the Basques), classical Greek, Latin and some modern Greek. He also studied Philosophy and Elementary Education. His vocational path led him to work for several years with students with learning disabilities and as an elementary teacher. He discovered Waldorf education in Chile 30 years ago, while working consistently as a tutor. In Chile, Luis experienced teaching outdoor education, manual techniques (handwork) and gardening.
When Luis moved to the USA in 2000, he became a Spanish teacher, teaching his mother tongue as a second language in different institutions and levels, mostly in the Olympia area. He was very fortunate to teach Spanish at the Olympia Waldorf School for seven consecutive years. Now, after enhancing his experience as a foreign language teacher in other Waldorf schools in the PNW, he is back at Olympia Waldorf School teaching Spanish and Woodworking. His other interests at the moment are woodworking, permaculture, sailing and cooking.
Luis Allende was born in Santiago de Chile in a family with four children. When he became an adolescent he demonstrated interests in many fields; among them universal history and languages. He self taught Portuguese and experienced a strong fascination with the arts and the outdoors, especially mountain activities in the magnificent Andes. His extended family, mostly people associated with escenic art, painters, poets, writers and politicians, were the fertile ground from which grew a deep vocational interest in Philosophy and Pedagogy. At the college level, Allende studied languages like Euzkera (the language of the Basques), classical Greek, Latin and some modern Greek. He also studied Philosophy and Elementary Education. His vocational path led him to work for several years with students with learning disabilities and as an elementary teacher. He discovered Waldorf education in Chile 30 years ago, while working consistently as a tutor. In Chile, Luis experienced teaching outdoor education, manual techniques (handwork) and gardening.
When Luis moved to the USA in 2000, he became a Spanish teacher, teaching his mother tongue as a second language in different institutions and levels, mostly in the Olympia area. He was very fortunate to teach Spanish at the Olympia Waldorf School for seven consecutive years. Now, after enhancing his experience as a foreign language teacher in other Waldorf schools in the PNW, he is back at Olympia Waldorf School teaching Spanish and Woodworking. His other interests at the moment are woodworking, permaculture, sailing and cooking.
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Mr. Ben Kapp, Music Ensemble, Faculty Support
Ben Kapp moved to Olympia, WA in 2007 to attend The Evergreen State College where he studied music composition, performance, and cybernetics. As an active musician since he was 16, Ben’s various musical activities found him playing concerts all across the United States, the U.K and Europe, and Northern Africa. Ben called Olympia home until 2015 when he attended Michigan State University and received his Master's in Music Composition. Degree in hand, he then re-packed his Toyota Prius and trekked his way back to Olympia, where he started working at the Waldorf school in 2018. Ben enjoys teaching students of all ages and is greatly looking forward to starting a family with his fiancee Shannon Kerrigan. |
Ms. Aria Alessandri-Goodman, Middle School English Language Arts
Aria grew up in Sacramento, California and attended Waldorf schools her entire life until college at the University of Puget Sound where she graduated with degrees in African American Studies and History, with a minor in Education Studies. As a teacher, Aria's goal is to instill confidence in her student's ability and to diversify Waldorf curriculum.
In her free time, Aria enjoys reading, long walks in her neighborhood, spending time with her dog and gecko, and fiber arts.
Aria grew up in Sacramento, California and attended Waldorf schools her entire life until college at the University of Puget Sound where she graduated with degrees in African American Studies and History, with a minor in Education Studies. As a teacher, Aria's goal is to instill confidence in her student's ability and to diversify Waldorf curriculum.
In her free time, Aria enjoys reading, long walks in her neighborhood, spending time with her dog and gecko, and fiber arts.
Interested in joining our talented team of faculty and staff? Check out the Employment page!
