• Meet Our People

Experienced Faculty & Staff

Whistler Waldorf School’s faculty consists of all teachers employed at the school who are responsible for delivering the Waldorf curriculum to the students. Our Administration Team works together to support the Faculty of Teachers, Board of Trustees, and Parent Council and ensures the smooth functioning of daily operations of the school, including admissions, implementation of Waldorf Education and BC Ministry of Education policies, enrollment, facility management, community relations, and marketing.

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ADMINISTRATION  |  HIGH SCHOOL  |  GRADE SCHOOL  |  SPECIAL SUBJECT | STUDENT SUPPORT |  EARLY YEARS  & BOARD OF TRUSTEES

(Revised August 2024)

Administration

Acting High School Principal

Ms. Zelikovitz is Vice Principal for WWS’s High School as well as part of our High School teacher team. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, and a Bachelor of Education with a focus on Environmental science, Biology and experiential education.

Ellen also has a Masters in Education and Waldorf High School Teacher training at Rudolf Steiner College, Sacramento.

Acting Grade School Principal

Ms. Eleanor West is originally from Luxembourg (where yes, we speak Luxembourgish, and are technically called ‘Luxembourgers’) through her family originate from Belgium and England. Eleanor has a degree in Sociology and a Masters in Child Education from King’s College London.

Following her studies, Eleanor started her teaching career in a London Primary School teaching Kindergarten through to Grade 6. She specialized in and headed up the Math and French department as well as working in conjunction with a University as a teacher trainer. After a short career break travelling South America and landing in Canada, Eleanor decided Whistler was to become home and the classroom beckoned again.  When not teaching she enjoys skiing, biking and scouting for good cheese.

Director of Administration

Mr. Gohlke joined WWS in 2015 as the Grade 7 teacher. Brian was a class teacher at the Vancouver Waldorf School since 2007, taking a class from Grade 2 – 7 and then another class for Grade 7 and 8.

Brian has a BA in Economics and International Business and a Diploma in Rudolf Steiner Education, having completed his Waldorf teacher training in New Zealand in 2006. Previous to his work as a Waldorf teacher, Brian worked as a class teacher for eight years at a school in Taiwan.

Director of Advancement

Ms. Dodds serves as our Director of Advancement. She has a Bachelor of Arts as well as a Masters of Arts Education. She has over ten years of non-profit administrative experience and extensive experience working in the education sector. Jen has been involved with Waldorf education since 2006 and currently has three daughters enrolled in the school. In addition to being a Waldorf parent, she is also a certified Simplicity Parenting Coach.

Jen’s door is always open and she warmly welcomes ideas on how we can further deepen our collective understanding of Waldorf education and child development through Parent Enrichment offerings and how we can cultivate increased community connection.

School Receptionist

Maeve Bellmore, born in Dublin, Ireland. Island hopped to London, UK, then again some (many) years later after finishing her Art degree, landed in Whistler in 2006.  For the past thirteen years Maeve have been working in the hospitality and retail industry, nine years of which were managing a children’s retail store, enjoying the high paced life of sales and customer service. In her spare time she loves traveling, embracing the great outdoors and lakeside chilling. Maeve is also an artist, having had many exhibits in town, and is currently writing & illustrating children’s stories, inspired by her young daughter Areli.

Business Manager

Cassie joined WWS in 2020 after moving to Canada from Northern England.  After graduating, Cassie began her career in Private business administration and accounting. She comes to Waldorf with extensive experience in the Business, Financial and Administrative industry and is thrilled to be working in the Education sector for a thriving Non-Profit Organization. Originally from the UK, Cassie’s passion for mountain living lead her to spending some time in the European Alpes before relocating to Whistler. She has settled in to the Whistler Lifestyle with ease and so when away from her desk of spreadsheets and numbers, you can catch Cassie on the mountain. In her spare time she enjoys downhill mountain biking, ski touring, or an early morning paddleboard at the lakes with a coffee in hand. Cassie resonates with the Waldorf philosophy of learning and is grateful to be part of the team.

Registrar, Early Years Admissions Manager

Bio coming soon…

Early Years Chair & Licensing Manager

Gabriel Alden joined WWS in the 2020. Waldorf Education is the big tent where Gabriel’s wide range of curiosity and practice has found a home. She received her BFA in music composition at SFU and went on to work in non-profit arts administration, where she discovered her interest in organizational life and human collaboration.

Gabriel became a part of the Waldorf movement in 2007 as a parent at Squamish Waldorf School, and later served there as board member, administrator, and music teacher learning her subject teaching certificate in music. She studied Waldorf school administration through Leading with Spirit, and attended Waldorf intensives in teaching music through the Grades. She went on to serve as Principal of Squamish Waldorf School. Outside of school, Gabriel enjoys exploration in the wilderness, music, writing, philosophy, the arts, literature, handcrafts, cooking, and time with family and friends.

HS Program Coord., Math & Biology Teacher

Ali’s journey at WWS began in 2009, where she has since worn many hats, spanning various roles across all school sections, from early years to high school. Currently, Ali is engaged in supporting students in her role as post-secondary, student exchange and AEP Coordinator and serves as a dedicated educator, imparting her knowledge in Science and Math to high school students. 

She brings a wealth of academic achievement to her role, boasting degrees in Geography and Environmental Science from Queen’s University, along with a Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia. Ali’s commitment to holistic education led her to complete her Waldorf Teacher Training at the Centre for Anthroposophy in New Hampshire. 

Beyond her professional life, Ali is a mountain enthusiast who found her way to Whistler in 2005, driven by her love for the great outdoors. In her leisure moments, she can be found exploring the mountains by foot, bike, or skis, often alongside her husband and two children—both of whom are members of the WWS community. Ali’s dedication extends to the broader community as well, as she actively contributes to the Whistler Public Library Board and continuously pursues further education through various classes and programs. 

Development Manager

Bio coming soon…

Communications & Website Manager

Cristiana Spooner has been the Communications Manager for Waldorf since 2019. Cristiana has extensive experience working in communications design, public relations & online marketing in Whistler, with a Visual Design Arts and Film degree.

When not at WWS, Cristiana is busy running her own communications and design company, as well as imparting her experience to post-secondary students at several schools around the Sea to Sky. When not designing, Cristiana can be found gathering inspiration from skiing, running and biking around Whistler with her border collie Chinook.

High School Faculty

English, French & Humanities

Mr. Feagan joined Whistler Waldorf School in 2013, working in student support as a classroom assistant. He brings over 15 years of experience and training working in special needs education and in children’s recreation. He completed a Bachelor’s degree at the University of Victoria, and post grad studies in Australia in group facilitation, HR and education. Although Wes was born and grew up in Toronto, he is drawn to the mountains of BC and loves his life in Whistler.  Along with his wife and two children, Wes takes full advantage of the beautiful outdoor environment in Whistler through running, mountain biking, skiing, as well as playing and coaching soccer.

Humanities & Drama

Louise Mayocchi grew up in Queensland, Australia. After school, she completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama and English, and a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education at Queensland University of Technology to become a registered High School Teacher. Louise then moved to Central Queensland to a small, rural school where she spent the next six years running the school Drama department and teaching English and Social Studies.

Louise moved to Canada in 2022 to explore all that BC has to offer. She is a keen skier, mountain biker and hiker who enjoys all things outdoors. Louise is excited to embed her love of the Arts into her teaching and become part of the WWS community.

Grade 8 Math/Science & HS Physical Ed.

Miss Susie Moore grew up in the North of England. She completed a Bachelors degree in Sport and Exercise Science in Leeds, as well as completing her post graduate teacher training at the University of Durham. During university Susie volunteered to support sports camps for children in South Africa and coach her local netball team. She moved to Whistler in 2022 and after her love of the mountains and surrounding areas grew, she joined the Whistler Waldorf team in 2023. Prior to this, Susie had spent time coaching and teaching at schools within the UK.

Susie has a passion for travelling and experiencing new things. When she is not in school, you will find Susie enjoying plenty of the outdoor activities Whistler has to offer or exploring somewhere new.

Math, Chemistry & Physics & Outdoor Ed. Coordinator

Perry Atkinson is will be teaching Science and Mathematics in our High School program. Born in the south of England, he immigrated with his family to Queensland, Australia as a teenager, gaining an interest in Physics and Mathematics. He attended the Queensland University of Technology for his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Degree, before working in the industry in road traffic technology projects. His love of the outdoors brought him to Whistler in 2015 for a year to pursue his passions. On returning back to Australia, he completed his Education certifications, and moved to a small rural school in Queensland, teaching Physics, Science and Mathematics for the next four years with his partner, who is also a teacher. A keen snowboarder, skier, mountain biker and kiteboarder, he sought the majestic mountains of BC again, and moved back to Whistler in 2022. Perry is passionate about igniting a love for Physics through practical experiences and hopes to integrate his love for sports and the outdoors

Special Subject Faculty

Ms. Katherine Fawcett

Lower School Music

Ms. Fawcett has been teaching music for over 30 years. She began as a piano teacher, and moved into violin and voice at Whistler Waldorf School. Katherine has lived all over Canada, including Montreal, Yellowknife, Calgary and Canmore, and even spent several years in Japan where she taught English.

In her spare time, Katherine is a yoga enthusiast, trail runner, skier, an award-winning writer and a member of the Sea to Sky Orchestra.

Strings & Orchestra

Ms. Iwanaga supports the High School Music Dept. with her specialty in teaching various string instruments. Yuko studied the Suzuki Method in Japan and completed a post graduate degree in Music. After completing the Suzuki Method, she played in a String Orchestra and a quartet before coming to Canada for the mountains. She has been teaching violin privately for many years in the Sea to Sky corridor and created the Sea to Sky string orchestra to share her passion for music in ensembles.

Ms. Romy Grayson

Applied Arts

Ms. Grayson joined Whistler Waldorf in November 2016. She has worked as a certified Carpenter in the Whistler area for over 10 years and prior to that, was an Administrative Assistant and Event Manager for over 13 years.

Romy was born in Eastern Germany and grew up in Stuttgart. She decided to come to Whistler with her dog in 2006 on a Work and Travel Permit and never left. She is now Canadian and has her daughter attending the school.

HS English & Drama

Bio coming soon…

HS Visual Arts

Mrs. Santamaría, a very hyperactive child, grew up in Pamplona (Spain), surrounded by arts (painting, theatre, sewing, etc.) and sports (soccer and track & field).  She enrolled in a after High School Art program and then decided to study Primary Education at the Public University of Navarra followed by a postgraduate degree in Physical Education. Rebecca has worked in different school communities in Pamplona as a teacher’s assistant in Kindergarten and up to grade 6. She has also worked as a track & field coach.

In 2021 she joined Whistler Waldorf as a teacher assistant from Early Years to grade 10. She became passionate about the Waldorf ethos. Now, Whistler is becoming her new home. Outside of school she is a passionate mountain biker and you can  find her camping all over BC, looking for new bike trails and dabbling in her art. In Spain, Mrs. Santamaria has illustrated two books: “El Equilibrista Alarmista” and “Nefelibata”.

French Teacher

Ms. Eleanor West is originally from Luxembourg (where yes, we speak Luxembourgish, and are technically called ‘Luxembourgers’) through her family originate from Belgium and England. Eleanor has a degree in Sociology and a Masters in Child Education from King’s College London.

Following her studies, Eleanor started her teaching career in a London Primary School teaching Kindergarten through to Grade 6. She specialized in and headed up the Math and French department as well as working in conjunction with a University as a teacher trainer. After a short career break travelling South America and landing in Canada, Eleanor decided Whistler was to become home and the classroom beckoned again.  When not teaching she enjoys skiing, biking and scouting for good cheese.

LS Nature Studies & Art

Bio coming soon…

Grade School Faculty

Grade 1

Ms. Johnson grew up on the extremely remote Shetland Islands (Scotland), surrounded by knitting and folk music. Early in life she developed a passion for Sports and Education which lead to her gaining her Bachelors degree in Physical Education at the University of Edinburgh. After University she took some time to focus on family and spent these years coaching junior elite wakeboarding across the UK and officiating ski events across Europe.

In 2017 she made the move from Europe to Canada and Whistler immediately became home. In early 2021 she began work at the Whistler Waldorf school as an Educational assistant and soon enrolled in the West Coast Institute’s Grade School training course in order to broaden her knowledge of education. When she’s not at school you’re likely to find Ms. Johnson up the mountain, in her kitchen baking desserts, playing music or curled on the couch with her latest knitting/crochet project.

Grade 2

Ms. Higgins grew up in Guelph, ON, and made the move to Whistler, BC in 2022. From a young age Ms. Higgins knew she wanted to be an educator, and further explore the beautiful west coast of BC! She studied Outdoor Recreation Parks and Tourism for her undergrad at Lakehead University, in which she was introduced to outdoor education. Ms. Higgins was excited to learn that she could combine her two passions, working with children and being outdoors! 

After completing her undergrad, she taught at a Nature School in Elora, ON for a year, which led her to completing her Bachelor of Education at Queens University, specializing in Outdoor and Experiential Education. Ms. Higgins is enthusiastic about joining the WWS team. When she is not teaching, you can find Ms. Higgins enjoying the outdoors in various activities or cooking/baking up a storm in her kitchen. 

Grade 3

Ms. Reynolds attended Waldorf schools in Vancouver, Germany and Toronto, and after a few years in the health and vitamin industry and at a bio-dynamic farm, she decided to become a Waldorf teacher herself. With a Bachelor’s degree in English under her belt already, she completed a 2-year Waldorf Teacher Training program at the world’s first Waldorf Teacher Training Institute in Stuttgart, Germany.

Mollianne joined Whistler Waldorf in 2004 as a class teacher for a Grade 6 to 7 before taking on a Grade 1 in 2006. After taking this class to Grade 6 and another class from 2-4, she most recently indulged her creative side, focussing on the handwork curriculum from grades 1-7. She looks forward to returning to class teaching with Grade One this year. In addition to exploring the fabric arts, Mollianne enjoys creating in chalk, watercolour, pencil and sometimes even music. When not at school, she can be found inventing children’s stories and cuddling with her two dogs in Pemberton.

Grade 4

Bio coming soon…

Grade 5

Nina Moore has lived in Whistler taught at WWS since 2010.  A graduate of the London Metropolitan University with a BA in Modern History and International Relations, Nina has lived and taught in the UK, Ireland, Japan and Canada.  A certified Early Childhood Educator and Simplicity Parenting group leader, she taught preschool, kindergarten and served as the Early Years Faculty Chair and Licensing Manager. She played a key role with the WWS team opening the Early Years Centre in 2019.

Nina trained at the West Coast Institute and graduated from the Rudolph Steiner Centre Toronto as a Waldorf and certified BC teacher in 2015. She took her first grade 1 class in 2017 and has continued with them to Grade 7 in the 2023-24 school year.  She is an active member of the school, and has served in many capacities – on committees, as PAC chair, as a faculty representative on the Board of Trustees and currently as the Middle School Chair. She is an artist who loves to paint, specialising in acrylics, and enjoys teaching art as well as class teaching.  She has two children enrolled WWS.

Grade 6

Ms. Wells has fond childhood memories growing up in Newfoundland and Labrador. Following her Bachelor of Science at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Amy moved to Toronto to study at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. The call of the ocean enticed her to travel west and she settled on Vancouver Island. Amy began a small Naturopathic Medical clinic and practiced for five years.

When researching schooling options for their older son, Waldorf education also inspired Amy to begin her second career. She completed her Waldorf Teacher training with the West Coast Institute and joined Comox Valley Waldorf School in September 2012 as a Kindergarten Assistant and then Class One Teacher. She then guided them through the grades until they graduated in June 2020. Amy and her family have moved to Whistler to continue their journey in Waldorf Education.

Grade 7 Math & Science

Miss Susie Moore grew up in the North of England. She completed a Bachelors degree in Sport and Exercise Science in Leeds, as well as completing her post graduate teacher training at the University of Durham. During university Susie volunteered to support sports camps for children in South Africa and coach her local netball team. She moved to Whistler in 2022 and after her love of the mountains and surrounding areas grew, she joined the Whistler Waldorf team in 2023. Prior to this, Susie had spent time coaching and teaching at schools within the UK.

Susie has a passion for travelling and experiencing new things. When she is not in school, you will find Susie enjoying plenty of the outdoor activities Whistler has to offer or exploring somewhere new.

Grade 7 Humanties

Louise Mayocchi grew up in Queensland, Australia. After school, she completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama and English, and a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education at Queensland University of Technology to become a registered High School Teacher. Louise then moved to Central Queensland to a small, rural school where she spent the next six years running the school Drama department and teaching English and Social Studies.

Louise moved to Canada in 2022 to explore all that BC has to offer. She is a keen skier, mountain biker and hiker who enjoys all things outdoors. Louise is excited to embed her love of the Arts into her teaching and become part of the WWS community.

Early Years – EYC & Spruce Grove

Briar Rose / Kindergarten Teacher

Ms. Lancaster is thrilled to join the Early Years teaching team at WWS. Prior to coming to Whistler, she taught both Junior and Senior Kindergarten as well as Grade Three at Crofton House School in Vancouver. She has a BA from UBC with a major in visual arts and a BED from UBC with a focus on elementary arts-based education. During her elementary school years, Autumn had the opportunity to attend Sunrise Waldorf School  and a unique wilderness school in the West Kootenays.

Prior to teaching, Ms. Lancaster lived in Calgary and gained ten years of experience in private childcare; including daycare, summer camps, tutoring and nannying. She also volunteered at the children’s art gallery and ran a photography darkroom and classes at Windsorhouse. When Ms. Lancaster is not teaching, she explores the outdoor wonders that Whistler has to provide, such as snowboarding, mountain biking and paddling with her son. Her passion for working with the early years as well as the arts support her in bringing a sense of wonder, curiosity and play into her classroom.

Briar Rose Asst.

Olga Sabaté joined WWS in January 2021 as a Briar Rose/Kindergarten Assistant. Following her Bachelor Degree of Industrial Engineering at Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya in Barcelona and her MBA in Business Administration, Olga worked during 20 years in multinational companies as a Plant Manager and Operations Director until the family decided to move to Canada in 2014. After spending 6 years in Montreal working as Operations Director of a Food Company, the desire to travel West made the family settle in Pemberton. When researching schooling options for their daughters in the Sea to Sky corridor, Waldorf education also inspired Olga to begin her second career. She completed her ECEA at the Coastal College of British Columbia in November 2020 and she is currently finishing her Waldorf Teacher training with the West Coast Institute.

When not at the school, you can find Olga on the yoga mat in Pemberton, walking her dog Tuca or enjoying outdoor activities with her family.

Briar Rose Asst.

Aida Clarito is originally from the Philippines and graduated at Philippine Christian University (PCU) in Manila. She earned a degree of Bachelor Science in Secretarial Administration (Diploma) and has a Certificate of Caregiving.  After living in Hongkong for 2 years, she came to Canada in 2006 where she studied online at Montessori School in Vancouver taking an ECEA Certificate.

Over the last few years Aida has worked at Pemberton Children’s Centre and Whistler Children’s Center. At Whistler Waldorf School, Aida is a teacher assistant and support teacher for Briar Rose. When not at work, Aida enjoys spending time with her daughter and friends, and attending Whistler’s Catholic Church. She also enjoys the beautiful scenery of  nature and loves to travel, shop,  cook and especially barbecue at the park during the summer.

Little Cedars Lead Teacher

Ms. Matsunaga has worked with young children over 25 years in Japan, Canada and Indonesia as a teacher and cultural exchange facilitator.  After completing ECE diploma and BA in Child and Youth Care at Malaspina University-College on Vancouver Island, she moved to Whistler in 2001, drawn to the beauty of the summer mountain’s nature.

Since then, Ms. Matsunaga has worked for daycares and preschools in Whistler and Pemberton as a teacher, HR assistant and supported child care workers.  She started substituting at Whistler Waldorf in 2012 and has worked as  an Assistant Preschool and Kindergarten teacher as well since September 2018.  Originally from Hiroshima, Japan, she obtained a BSc in Biology from Shimane University.  She lives in Whistler and enjoys family rock climbing, as well as growing vegetables at Community Garden during summer. Ms. Matsunaga has two children that attend Whistler Waldorf.

Little Cedars Teacher

Tracy has been working on and off at WWS since 2003 and first discovered Waldorf education while working at a daycare in Nelson.  She immediately fell in love with the philosophy and the warm, nurturing classroom and when she initially stepped into the Nelson Waldorf Kindergarten, it felt like coming home. There was bread making, storytelling and lots of singing. A move to Ottawa the next year, Tracy worked as a Waldorf Early Years Assistant at Ottawa’s Parsival Waldorf School. When she returned the next year, she was excited to hear about Whistler’s Waldorf School.

A lifelong learner, Tracy has an ECE Teacher Certificate and Bachelor of Education. Over the years she has taught both Kindergarten and Playschool. She loves working and playing in Whistler with her husband and daughter – skiing, hiking together and spending time camping. When Tracy is not outside, you will find her on a yoga mat or baking sweet treats for family and friends.

Early Years Centre Lead Teacher

Mrs. MacKenzie is a teaching assistant providing student support and assistance with the Early Years program. Growing up in the highlands of Scotland, Heather fell in love with Whistler when on holiday almost 10 years ago, and made it her mission to one day call this place home. In March 2019, she moved to Pemberton with her husband and dog; they love the beauty, serenity and the incredible outdoor activities. In 2015 Heather graduated from Strathclyde University with a BSc in Prosthetics and Orthotics. She then went on to work in hospitals and specialist schools as an Orthotist for two years, before switching careers and working at a Camphill Community in rural Scotland.

Heather is currently doing an ECEA course as she is passionate about the Waldorf ethos.

Early Years Centre Teacher

Originally from Perth, Australia, Ms, Carnevali has a background in competitive springboard and platform diving, which eventually led her to coaching the state team. This experience sparked her passion for travel and working with children to help them achieve their goals. In pursuit of new adventures, Mercedes made her way to New York, where she coached circus further expanding her skill set.

In 2019, Mercedes found her home in Whistler, where she has dedicated her time to the Whistler children’s centre and has also worked as a long-term nanny for a local family. In 2024, she joined the Waldorf community, where she continues to share her love for nurturing young children.

Outside of the classroom you can find Mercedes skating, hiking, paddling, or snowboarding!

Early Years Centre Teacher

Gabriel Alden joined WWS in the 2020. Waldorf Education is the big tent where Gabriel’s wide range of curiosity and practice has found a home. She received her BFA in music composition at SFU and went on to work in non-profit arts administration, where she discovered her interest in organizational life and human collaboration.

Gabriel became a part of the Waldorf movement in 2007 as a parent at Squamish Waldorf School, and later served there as board member, administrator, and music teacher learning her subject teaching certificate in music. She studied Waldorf school administration through Leading with Spirit, and attended Waldorf intensives in teaching music through the Grades. She went on to serve as Principal of Squamish Waldorf School. Outside of school, Gabriel enjoys exploration in the wilderness, music, writing, philosophy, the arts, literature, handcrafts, cooking, and time with family and friends.

Early Years Centre Teacher

Bio coming soon…

Student Support Department

Student Support Manager & French Teacher

Coming soon…

Education Asst.

Ms. Hewitt provides learning support as an education assistant. She earned her BA in Journalism from California State University, Chico in 1995 and completed her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential in 1998. She taught grade school for seven years and loved the challenges, opportunities and learning it brought into her life.

Once in Whistler, which she has lovingly called home since 2005, she began work at the Whistler Youth Centre and LUNA (Late & Unique Nighttime Alternatives) designing programs for youth.  At this time she started a family with her husband, Lon. Her daughter Lola, and son Niko, both attend Whistler Waldorf. Living in the snow-covered mountains has been a childhood dream since riding ski lifts in California, Utah and Colorado on family ski trips. And although living in Whistler is her dream come true, she still loves to soak up the sun, ride the waves and spend time with family in California.