Our Faculty and Staff

Current Job Postings

Our Waldorf curriculum is delivered by a qualified faculty supported by a governance philosophy that recognizes that institutional life is dynamic and must respond to changing needs. Organizational systems such as peer mentoring, self-review, and engagement in pedagogical research have resulted in a faculty dedicated to the growth and development of their skills. A commitment to insight and evaluation actively informs decision-making of the Administration and Board of Trustees.

Early Childhood Faculty

Jane Francis – Early Childhood Class Teacher

BS Human Development, SUNY Empire State

Waldorf Early Childhood Certificate, Sunbridge College

Jane has been working at MWS since 2008.

Jane grew up, and experienced her ‘first’ career in Management and Human Resources while living in England, Scotland, and Australia. She first discovered Waldorf education in the U.S. when looking for a holistic educational program for her own 4 year old daughter. Jane immediately fell in love with the focus on protecting childhood and the care of the natural world, and volunteered and worked in several Waldorf schools in Colorado, California, and New Jersey. With this deeper experience, she began to fully appreciate the philosophy that stands behind Waldorf education, and joined the first foundation studies program at the Princeton Waldorf School in 2004. Jane began Waldorf teaching for all grades in a biodynamic gardening program, but ultimately found that her heart lies in Early Childhood.

Jane worked at MWS alongside Nancy St Vincent for 8 years in the Primrose Early Childhood classroom before becoming the afternoon teacher in the Morning Glory Early Childhood classroom. She was delighted to start the Acorns Outdoor Parent Child program here, and is now leading our Parent Child program which allows more children to enjoy our programs and explore our beautiful land.

She relates, “Having taken the ‘leap of faith’ with both my (adult) children, I am happy to talk to parents about how this education really succeeds. With its strong foundation in early years development, the arts, and movement, it is an “alive’ academic curriculum that nurtures human relationships.”

Jane’s interests include bringing Waldorf education to all children, woodland work and play, fairy tales and marionettes, gardening, felting and beach walking.

Su Rubinoff – Early Childhood Class Teacher

BS Natural Resources, University of Rhode Island

MS Remedial Education, Sunbridge College

Waldorf Early Childhood Certificate, Sunbridge College

Su has been teaching at MWS since 1992.

Su has been working with children in many capacities for over 35 years, ranging from camp counselor and director, cooperative extension agent working with agriculture and 4H clubs, to Peace Corp volunteer in the Philippines doing animal care and teaching children of various ages.  She has been to Africa twice to teach teachers about Waldorf Education. Su has many interests that she likes to bring into our curriculum including: being outside in nature and gardening, woodworking, cooking, crafts, singing, animals (she has chickens, bees, cats and dogs at home), yoga and more. Su is a Red Cross instructor and part of the disaster shelter team in South Kingstown. A true believer in peaceful resolutions, Su enjoys teaching a block in non-violence to the 8th grade class each year.

Su relates, “I am more passionate about Waldorf Education now then when I discovered it 32 years ago.  It helps bring the balance that is essential for children of today. I love ‘planting the seeds’ with children in Early Childhood.  I also enjoy working with parents and helping to share what I learned as a parent and what I know as an educator.”

Nancy St. Vincent – Early Childhood Class Teacher

BS Natural Resource Development and Education, University of Rhode Island

Attended Rudolf Steiner College summer workshops in MA and VT, WECAN Conferences, and international conferences held in NH.

Worked at MWS since 1999, is an Outward Bound Alumni, and Anthroposophical Society member.

Nancy notes, “Waldorf Education is compatible to my lifestyle and our family values. I read something out of Steiner’s lectures every day. Some days it may be a simple verse or re-reading a particular book that speaks to me. Working with children and being outdoors in nature has been a lifelong passion.”

Nancy has had goats in her life longer then her husband, to whom she has been married for 36 years! The goats share their riches of milk which she turns into cheese and soap. Two miniature donkeys joined their family four years ago.  Nancy loves gardening, especially growing garlic, and has begun dabbling in biodynamic agricultural practices. She considers herself a devout homebody and loves spending time with her family, especially their grandchildren.

Jocelyn Auld – Early Childhood Assistant and Camp Director

Coming soon!

Nehal Gosar – Early Childhood Assistant

Coming soon!

Laura Martin– Early Childhood Assistant

Coming soon!

Julia Scherer – Parent Child Program

Coming soon!

Matisse Silva – Early Childhood and After School Care Assistant

BA in Liberal Studies, minor in Child Development, California State University, Monterey Bay

Matisse Silva was born in Salinas, California, grew up in Rhode Island and attended MWS during that time. Matisse has experience in the public school settings with service learning in college and is eager to experience the other side of learning as a teacher. The Waldorf curriculum fascinates Matisse and she is eager to explore this innovative approach to schooling more in depth. She shares, “This is my first year teaching at MWS and I could not be any more excited and eager to come back to my childhood school.”  In her free time, Matisse enjoys swimming, writing, hiking, and teaching young children how to swim.

Elementary and Middle School Class Teachers

Kristina Boving

BA Anthropology, University of Chicago

MA, PhD Archaeology, University of California-Los Angeles

Waldorf Teacher Training Certificate, Sunbridge College

Teaching grades at MWS since 2004, previously had been Waldorf German Teacher and Kindergarten Assistant; Member, Board of Trustees; Current Faculty Chair

Interests include travel, foreign languages, camping and hiking, skiing, and cooking- not necessarily in that order!

Kristina shares, “I love working at MWS because it is such a multifaceted job with a profound sense of community and caring. I get to do great things all day long with great kids and great colleagues. From art and music and poetry, to science, math and writing- the curriculum nurtures the children who come here, as well as the teachers (and hopefully parents as well).  It took me awhile to find it- but teaching at MWS is truly my vocation.”

Andrew Gilligan

BA English, University of Vermont

Teacher Certification, University of North Carolina

M.Ed, Antioch University New England

Member, Board of Trustees

Andrew Gilligan grew up in Littleton, Colorado. He returned to his family’s New England roots when he graduated from the University of Vermont. Then moving south to Asheville, North Carolina, he worked for four years at an independent school, the Rainbow Community School. During this time he studied Anthroposophy and Waldorf Education in a two-year Foundation Course through the Center for Anthroposophy – while embarking upon teacher certification at the University of North Carolina – and realized his teaching path lay within the Waldorf schools. At the age of 26, he moved to New Hampshire and earned a M.Ed. from Antioch University with certification in both Waldorf and public education. He joined Meadowbrook Waldorf School in 2013. He is a member of the Anthroposophical Society and the Avalon Initiative, a musician, an aspiring gardener, and a pretty good cook.

Sara Gilligan

BA English Literature and Philosophy, Evergreen State College

MEd, Antioch University New England

Sara Gilligan grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and attended the Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. She holds a B.A. in English Literature and Philosophy. Sara completed her training at Antioch University New England earning a Master’s in Education with a Waldorf teaching certificate and a NH certificate in elementary education. She joined Meadowbrook as a class teacher in 2013.

Waldorf education connects Sara to what she loves best: a sense of community, the outdoors, the performing arts, and being with children. Sara’s interest in Waldorf Education was first piqued by the opportunity to teach the same children for many years. Since entering the classroom, Rudolf Steiner’s theory of education is a real source of inspiration for Sara. Most influential to her is his belief that the class teacher should model for her students being a life-long learner; a person with infinite interest in the world and its diversity. Sara appreciates the wisdom of the Waldorf tradition, and the freedom she has within her classroom to hone her craft and teach the children in her care.

Sara is a cyclist, former front-woman of an all-girl band, and an amateur historian. She lives with her husband, Andrew, and a small frisky dog in Charlestown.

Tricia Wolf Goldman

AA Liberal Arts, Community College of Rhode Island

BA Elementary Education, Rhode Island College

Waldorf Teacher Training, Antioch New England and Sunbridge College

Patricia Wolf Goldman grew up in a large family in Cranston, Rhode Island. After high school, she traveled before earning her degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis on English and Writing. Tricia studied Waldorf Education at Antioch University and Sunbridge College and did her student teaching at Meadowbrook.  She had a family, and joined Meadowbrook as a Parent-Child Educator in 1999. Tricia then taught for four years in Early Childhood before taking her first First Grade class at Meadowbrook. She graduated her 8th Grade in 2012 and began teaching her current class in First Grade in the fall of 2012. Currently,Tricia is deeply engaged in her Fourth Grade class, Norse Mythology, her family, the art of language, and is fascinated by octopuses.

Jun Matsuo

Jun holds a Doctoral Musical Arts degree in Piano Pedagogy and taught music at the college level. She has also taught piano privately for more than 20 years, and been the director of a community music program. Having reflected on her experiences as an educator, and researching different methodologies, Jun relates that “After more than twenty years of performing and teaching music in higher education, I came to realize that Waldorf education embodies all that I cherish in education: teaching that engages the whole human being, fostering a life-long love for learning, and meeting students in a developmentally appropriate manner.”

Isaac Roosa

Coming Soon!

Judie Sky

BS Human Development, minor in Plant Sciences, University of Rhode Island

MA Waldorf Education, Antioch University New England

Handwork Program Certification, Sunbridge College

Judie has been at MWS for more than 25 years, serving in many capacities including handwork teacher, Early Childhood teacher, and class teacher.

Interests:  Renewable energies of all kinds, organic gardening, biodynamics and permaculture, handwork of all kinds (although sewing and felting have her interest right now), food, kayaking, biking, hiking, dancing and music.

Judie says she chooses to spend her time teaching in a Waldorf setting because, “I get to encounter lovely, magnificent students on a daily basis as they unfold their abilities to acquire capacities.  I get to help guide them and sometimes tweak the direction that they are going.  Waldorf Education allows me the freedom to work as an artist in teaching.”

Ali Wade

Coming Soon!

Music, Practical Arts, Movement, Agricultural Arts, and Foreign Language

Ben Carlson – Woodwork Teacher

BFA, Painting, minor in Theater, New Mexico State University

Certified substitute teacher (NM, CA, RI)

Further studies in California, England, and the Center For Creative Studies in Detroit.

Other Interests:  Sailing, boatbuilding, vintage bicycles, and old cars, particularly Volvo station wagons.

Ben sees the connection between craftsmanship and Waldorf Education, “It takes a lot of energy to do something more personal, more individualized.  It’s hard to find a group of people who really believe this and are actually committed to making the effort.”

Anne Duda – German Teacher

MS in Agricultural Engineering, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen/Germany

Taught Animal Nutrition Classes at Justus-Liebig University

Anne has taught at MWS since 2001.

Other Interests: Coaching and playing basketball. Assistant Head Coach of an AAU team winning the Div. 3 10^th grade National Championship in July 2015. Played professional basketball for 10+ yrs on Division 1, 2 and 3 teams in Germany.

Anne was born in Wiesbaden, Germany.  After moving to the United States, she taught German to children at the YMCA, before joining MWS in 2001.  Her two daughters have attended MWS since nursery school.  Anne enjoys sharing her German heritage and culture with her students and feels Waldorf Education encourages students to become world citizens.

Jeremy Fortier – Strings Teacher

Coming Soon!

Kelly Hanks – Agricultural Arts

Steve LaVigne – Movement Teacher

BA Sports Management, SUNY Cortland

Steve grew up in upstate NY with his mom, grandparents, and younger siblings. He graduated from SUNY Cortland with a Sports Management degree and worked as part of a youth basketball organization. Teaching children and adults with special needs at sports camps was something that largely shaped his path.

Steve relates, “Teaching has always been something I have felt very strongly about, but it took me a little longer to get there.  Moving to Rhode Island and becoming a part of the Meadowbrook community has been a true gift. I am very excited to be here.”

Ann Lewis – Handwork Teacher and Reading Specialist

BFA, University of Texas and graduate work in Textile Surface Design, University of Washington

Montessori Teacher Certificate, Primary Level, Northeast Montessori Institute

Ongoing Teacher Training in Handwork at Fibercraft Studio, Threefold Education Center

Etta Parsons – Handwork Assistant and After School Care

Coming Soon!

Jen Bernard – Music Teacher

Coming Soon!

Administration and Staff

Jacquelyn Coker – Office Manager

Coming Soon!

Jennifer Farrelly – Administrator

BA Accounting, Bethany College, Bethany, WV

Experience in Public Accounting and Business Management

Jenn has been a parent in the community since 1997.

Jenn has served the school in many capacities (from weeding to long range planning) over the years and considers her involvement with MWS as a blessing in her life.

“We were looking for a preschool for our 3 year old with no intention of staying beyond early childhood. We discovered an incredible education for all of our children and ourselves, a community to share our lives with, and an appreciation for simple living.  I consider it a privilege to be able to work collaboratively with our faculty and staff in support of the mission of MWS”.

Jenn and her husband are the proud parents of three Meadowbrook alumni and two current students, and are happy to share their observations of how this education continues to support their children.

They live in Jamestown where Jenn enjoys being with her family, spending time outdoors, gardening, and Svaroopa yoga.

Liz DuFresne – Resource Support Coordinator

Coming Soon!

Christine Martuscello – Admissions Coordinator

BS Biology, University of Vermont

MS Nutritional Sciences, University of Vermont

Chris grew up in the Granite Capital of the World, Barre, Vermont. After graduating from the University of Vermont, she moved to Connecticut and spent 12 years as a bench biologist studying Osteoporosis and Muscle Frailty. She left corporate science after the birth of her eldest daughter. It was also through this daughter that she and her family discovered Meadowbrook Waldorf School. At Meadowbrook, her family discovered there was community of parents and teachers committed to honoring childhood while encouraging children to stretch academically, physically and socially. She is now Admissions Coordinator at Meadowbrook Waldorf School and spends her work life helping other families decide whether a Waldorf Education is right for them. She loves spending time with her daughters, and as an adult tries to incorporate some of the foundational ideas of the Waldorf Early Childhood curriculum into her daily life: spend time outdoors, have a rhythm to your days, explore the world with wonder, balance intellectual and creative activities, eat bread and share soup.

Andrew Palmer – Facilities Coordinator

Andrew Palmer is the proud holder of an education money can’t buy: 30 years in the skilled trades where he started as a laborer and worked his way up to lead AP Construction and Andrew Palmer Carpentry.   Andrew brings this vast and wide-ranging experience to facilities at MWS.  Andrew’s three children have been enrolled in Meadowbrook Waldorf School since Early Childhood, with a two year break abroad in New Zealand.  Andrew loves to garden and raise livestock with a goal of feeding his family year ’round with his hand-raised food. Andrew initially applied for this job because it would take him away from job sites, where he found he was spending too much time away from his family and missing birthday parties and other celebrations.

He found even more at MWS, “How surprised I was and how fortunate I am to watch the children move through their days at school.  They encourage me, and I hope others, to do what I can to support the school.

Beth Riungu – Development Coordinator

Beth discovered Waldorf Education in 1987 while working as a registered nurse in her country of origin, the United Kingdom. She subsequently became a personal chef, working on ocean going yachts and at homes across America, before landing in Rhode Island.  She joined the Meadowbrook community in 2006 and her two children are now in middle school. Beth began working at MWS as a handwork then kindergarten assistant, developing a strong interest in anthroposophy.  She is passionate about community work and has a deep love of this community in particular.  She is an active member of the MPA and the Adult Education committee.

Board of Trustees

The Meadowbrook Waldorf School Board of Trustees is accountable for upholding the mission of the school and also accountable to the taxpayers for all legal matters.  Trustees are volunteers and include parents, faculty, community members, and a specialist in anthroposophy. The Board is not involved in day-to-day operations but is an independent advisory board, and focuses its energies on development and long range planning.

Board of Trustees

Christine Chu – Trustee

Christine was born and raised in Pawtucket, RI. She graduated from Plymouth State University with a B.S. in Marketing and Graphic Design, and worked for ten years in the design industry in New York City
before moving back to RI in 2012. Christine is currently employed by Sappi, a South Africa-based pulp, paper, and packaging company, overseeing business development for the New York City and New England markets. She lives in South Kingstown with her husband, Howard, and their daughter Hanna, a MWS second grader.

Jennifer Farrelly – Trustee, Administrator

As Administrator of MWS, Jennifer’s seat on the Board is as an ex-officio, non-voting member.   A native Rhode Islander, Jennifer received a BA in Accounting from Bethany College in West Virginia, and she brings her experience as both a public accountant and a business manager for a privately held corporation to her roles.  Jennifer lives with her husband, Steve, in Jamestown, and they are the parents of four Meadowbrook alumni and a current student.

Andrew Gilligan – Trustee, Class Teacher

BA English, University of Vermont

Teacher Certification, University of North Carolina

M.Ed, Antioch University New England

Andrew Gilligan grew up in Littleton, Colorado. He returned to his family’s New England roots when he graduated from the University of Vermont. Then moving south to Asheville, North Carolina, he worked for four years at an independent school, the Rainbow Community School. During this time he studied Anthroposophy and Waldorf Education in a two-year Foundation Course through the Center for Anthroposophy – while embarking upon teacher certification at the University of North Carolina – and realized his teaching path lay within the Waldorf schools. At the age of 26, he moved to New Hampshire and earned a M.Ed. from Antioch University with certification in both Waldorf and public education. He joined Meadowbrook Waldorf School in 2013. He is a member of the Anthroposophical Society and the Avalon Initiative, a musician, an aspiring gardener, and a pretty good cook.

Tabitha Jorgensen – Board President

Tabitha grew up in Rhode Island and graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts with a BA in Classics.  Tabitha was the Admissions Coordinator for 14 years at Meadowbrook and spent ten years teaching Latin and Greek to Meadowbrook middle school students.  She is currently an author residing in North Kingstown with her husband, Ray, and they are the parents of 4 Meadowbrook alumni.

Doug Pearce – Trustee

Originally from Rochester, New York, Doug Pearce earned a BS in Package Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology and more recently earned an MBA from the University of Rhode Island.  Doug is currently a Director of Drug Product Design at Pfizer in Groton, CT and resides in Westerly with his wife, Anne.  They are the parents of a Meadowbrook alumna and a current student.

Lorna Persson – Trustee

Lorna was born and raised on the Richmond, Rhode Island property that was to become the permanent home of Meadowbrook Waldorf School.   She received her BS in Zoology from the University of Rhode Island and was a research assistant at Pfizer.  Lorna now manages The Nordic, owned by their family, and she and her husband Steve are the parents of three Meadowbrook alumni.

Lisa Richter – Trustee

Lisa was born and raised in Houston, Texas.  A graduate of Sam Houston State University with a BFA in Communications, she continued her education at the University of Rhode Island and received a Master in Library and Information Studies. Lisa is currently employed as Associate Director for Library Public Services at Salve Regina University.  Lisa lives in South Kingstown with her husband, Matt, and they are the parents of two Meadowbrook alumni.

Amy Lloyd Rippe – Trustee, Faculty Mentor

Born in Pittsburg, PA, Amy received a BA in English, Speech and Theater, with a Germon Minor, from Indiana University of PA.  She later earned a MA in Directing from the University of Connecticut, Storrs.  Additionally, Amy received a conservatory degree from Trinity Rep Conservatory, and a Waldorf Teaching Certificate from Antioch University New England. Amy’s past experiences includes teaching theater as an adjunct professor at URI and Providence College, directing at both Providence College and Rites and Reason Theater at Brown, as well as locally in Providence.  She held the positions of Associate Director of Conservatory at Trinity Rep, and Volunteer Coordinator in the Providence Public School system.  Amy was a class teacher at Meadowbrook from 1995-2013, and graduated three Grade 8 classes.  She lives with her husband, Mark in Kingtson, and they are the parents of two Meadowbrook alumni.

Mikhail Sagal – Board Secretary

Mikhail Sagal, a Waldorf School attendee, is a trustee and current Meadowbrook parent.  After earning a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Boston University, Mikhail founded Thermal Solution Resources, an LED lighting design and manufacturing company.  Mikhail resides in Wakefield, RI with his wife, Lisa, and they are the parents of two Meadowbrook students.

Stephen Thompson – Board Treasurer

Stephen was born in Providence and raised on a farm in East Greenwich.  He attended the University of Rhode Island and graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree.   Stephen is currently employed as a Software Engineering Lead at Experian Automotive.  He lives with his wife, Mia, in East Greenwich and is the parent of a current Meadowbrook student.

Ali Wade – Trustee, Class Teacher

Coming Soon!

Nils Wiberg – Trustee, Advisor

Coming Soon!