• School Staff

    (Revised November 2025)

Address Address icon

Administration Staff

Responsible for admin and school services.

PrincipalSchool ReceptionistDirector of AdvancementRegistrar & EY Admissions Coord.Director of AdministrationBusiness ManagerCommunity Development Coord.Communications Coordinator
PreviousNext

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.

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.

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.

Shelby Jenkins is the Early Years Admissions Manager at Whistler Waldorf School, where she leverages her extensive background in nonprofit administration and the K-12 and post-secondary education sector to create a supportive and informative admissions experience.
Shelby looks forward to welcoming new families and helping them navigate the exciting path ahead.

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.

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.

Bio coming soon…

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.

Address Address icon

Educational Chairs & Support

Faculty leads and support team.

EY Chair & Licensing ManagerGS ChairGS Student Support ChairHS Chair & Guidance Counsellor
PreviousNext

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.

Nina Moore has been a valued member of the Whistler Waldorf School community since 2010, teaching and supporting our students and families across multiple roles. A graduate of London Metropolitan University with a BA in Modern History and International Relations, Nina has lived and taught in the UK, Ireland, Japan, and Canada. She is a certified Early Childhood Educator, Simplicity Parenting group leader, and Waldorf-certified teacher, having completed her training at the West Coast Institute and the Rudolf Steiner Centre Toronto in 2015.
With expertise in early childhood and elementary education, Nina has taught preschool, kindergarten, and served as Early Years Faculty Chair and Licensing Manager. She played an instrumental role in launching the WWS Early Years Centre in 2019. Nina later led a class from Grade 1 through Grade 7 and is currently teaching in the middle school.
Nina’s contributions to WWS extend beyond the classroom. She has served in many capacities, including as PAC Chair, Middle School Chair, a faculty representative on the Board of Trustees, and as a member of multiple committees. An accomplished artist specializing in acrylics, she enjoys teaching art alongside her class teaching. Nina also has two children enrolled at WWS, strengthening her ties to the school community.
Ms. Mel is grateful to serve as the Student Support Chair at Whistler Waldorf School. A Whistler local, she grew up exploring the forests, rivers, and mountains of the Sea-to-Sky. She holds both a BA and a BEd from the University of British Columbia, where she focused on Education, Theatre, and Geography. Following her studies, Mel taught in schools throughout the Sea-to-Sky Corridor, specializing in French and alternative education. Her journey then led her to Montréal and the Kootenays, where she worked in Human Resources, Administration, and Coordination within post-secondary institutions and community organizations.
A musician and writer, Mel values creativity, community, and connection. She appreciates a good cup of coffee along with meaningful conversation and can be found hiking or skiing in the mountains with her family. She is committed to fostering a supportive, smooth, and enriching experience for all members of the WWS community.

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. 

Address Address icon

Junior & High School Faculty

Responsible for Grades 7-12

Senior Math & ScienceSenior English & SocialsSenior High AssistantJunior Math & ScienceGr. 8 ScienceJunior English & SocialsGr. 7 English LanguageHumanities & English (on leave)
PreviousNext

Perry Atkinson was born in the south of England, and 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.

Emma joined the Whistler Waldorf School in 2015 as a High School Humanities teacher. She grew up in Ontario and completed her Bachelor’s Degree in English and History at Queen’s University. She then moved to New Zealand where she earned a Graduate Diploma in Teaching at the University of Otago. She gained teaching experience in New Zealand at International Baccalaureate and mainstream high schools before moving to Whistler and discovering Waldorf education. She completed her Waldorf High School Teacher training program at the Centre for Anthroposophy in New Hampshire in 2017.

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”.

Mr. Neil McFadden, originally from the Highlands of Scotland, earned his degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cambridge before beginning his teaching career in Birmingham, England. In his second year of teaching, he was appointed Head of Year, taking on responsibility for the behaviour, academic progress, and attendance of middle school students. In this role, he contributed to the development and implementation of the school’s behaviour policies.
In 2023, Mr. McFadden relocated to Revelstoke, BC, to pursue his passion for skiing, ski touring, and the challenges of summer alpinism. During this time, he combined substitute teaching at Revelstoke Secondary School with summer work in construction and roofing at TJ Developments.
In August 2025, Mr. McFadden moved to Whistler with his partner to join Whistler Waldorf School and embrace all that the Whistler community has to offer.

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.

Chelsea grew up in Ontario but spent a lot of her childhood in Whistler each year with her family. After graduating high school, Chelsea moved to BC where she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in English and Communications at Simon Fraser University and spent time living and working in Whistler. 

She then moved to Queensland, Australia in 2017 where she earned a Graduate Diploma in Education at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Chelsea went on to gain teaching experience in Gold Coast, Australia, teaching English, Literature, Business, and Humanities.

Chelsea is excited to share her love of teaching and learning with the WWS students and community. She loves all things nature and outdoors and is excited to be back in BC, and to enjoy everything Whistler has to offer.

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.

On Maternity Leave (2025/2026)

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.

Address Address icon

Grade School Faculty

Responsible for Grades 1-6

Grade 1Grade 1 AssistantGrade 2Grade 3Grade 2-3 AssistantGrade 4Grade 5Grade 6Grade 4-6 Assistant & Literacy Coordinator
PreviousNext
Ms. Rounds grew up in Vancouver, BC, where she attended the Vancouver Waldorf School. She later moved to Wakefield, QC, where she spent several years before completing her degree in Early Learning and Community Development in Ottawa, ON. Following her studies she has spent her time traveling and living in the mountains which has nurtured her passion for outdoor adventures. Recently, she completed her Waldorf teacher training at the Rudolf Steiner Centre in Toronto, ON, which has inspired her teaching journey in Whistler. When she’s not in the classroom, Ms. Rounds enjoys climbing, biking, skiing and hiking, as well as many forms of arts and crafts.

I grew up in Far North Queensland, Australia. In 2014, I began working in Kindergarten programs and primary schools as an educational assistant. While completing my Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. I continued to work with children and youth as a mentor and group facilitator, while completing Bachelor of Social Work in 2023.

The past three years I have been working with families in the Northern Territory, Australia. I have a passion for travel. I love learning new things and creating new memories with family and friends. On weekends you’ll find me exploring new places, camping or going to the markets.

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.

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. 

Kristen Andreasen began her journey in education working in recreational facilities and nursing homes as a Recreational Therapist and Instructor. She earned her degree in Applied Health Sciences from the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario, and, shortly after graduation, relocated permanently to Western Canada in 2008.

In her new home, Kristen continued to pursue her passion for supporting children with special needs. She worked in adaptive programs and as a contract support worker, providing care and assistance to individuals in their homes. In 2012, she was introduced to the Whistler Waldorf School, where she began working as a one-on-one Educational Assistant. This experience sparked her interest in Waldorf education, inspiring her to move to Toronto to attend the Rudolf Steiner Centre, where she completed her Waldorf Teacher Certification.

Upon completing her training, Kristen became a lead Kindergarten teacher at the Squamish Waldorf School. She later returned to the Whistler Waldorf School, taking on the role of a Grade One teacher. During her time teaching the next year in Grade Two, Kristen began her journey into motherhood and is now a proud mother of two children who both attend the Whistler Waldorf School.

Kristen is honoured to be part of the Whistler Waldorf School community, not only as a parent but also as a committed teacher and educator. Outside of the classroom, she is a devoted wife and mother who enjoys music, gardening, yoga, mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding.
Ms. Amy Wells holds a Bachelor of Science from Memorial University of Newfoundland and later pursued studies at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto. Her love for the ocean eventually brought her to Vancouver Island, where she established a small naturopathic clinic, practicing for five years.
While exploring educational options for her son, Amy discovered Waldorf education, sparking a new career path. She completed her Waldorf Teacher training at the West Coast Institute and began teaching at Comox Valley Waldorf School in 2012, initially as a Kindergarten Assistant and later as a Class Teacher through the grades. Now a middle school teacher at WWS, Amy is deeply committed to the Waldorf approach to education. Her son is also part of the WWS community, currently attending high school.

Dafny Miernik is a proud graduate of Whistler Waldorf School and brings her deep connection to Waldorf education into the classroom. She holds a teaching degree from Vancouver Island University and completed her bachelor studies at Quest University, where she specialized in authoring an outdoor education curriculum.

Dafny is passionate about incorporating Waldorf principles into her teaching, guiding her students through their academic, social, and emotional growth with warmth and enthusiasm. She is committed to creating a nurturing learning environment that encourages curiosity and fosters a love of nature and exploration.

Outside the classroom, Dafny enjoys all things outdoors and loves to explore the natural beauty of Whistler.

Nina Moore has been a valued member of the Whistler Waldorf School community since 2010, teaching and supporting our students and families across multiple roles. A graduate of London Metropolitan University with a BA in Modern History and International Relations, Nina has lived and taught in the UK, Ireland, Japan, and Canada. She is a certified Early Childhood Educator, Simplicity Parenting group leader, and Waldorf-certified teacher, having completed her training at the West Coast Institute and the Rudolf Steiner Centre Toronto in 2015.
With expertise in early childhood and elementary education, Nina has taught preschool, kindergarten, and served as Early Years Faculty Chair and Licensing Manager. She played an instrumental role in launching the WWS Early Years Centre in 2019. Nina later led a class from Grade 1 through Grade 7 and is currently teaching in the middle school.
Nina’s contributions to WWS extend beyond the classroom. She has served in many capacities, including as PAC Chair, Middle School Chair, a faculty representative on the Board of Trustees, and as a member of multiple committees. An accomplished artist specializing in acrylics, she enjoys teaching art alongside her class teaching. Nina also has two children enrolled at WWS, strengthening her ties to the school community.

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.

Address Address icon

Specialities Subject Faculty

Responsible for Art, Handwork, Music & More

Physical Ed. & Outdoor Ed Coord.French TeacherApplied ArtsHandworkStrings & OrchestraGrade School MusicHS Visual & Media ArtGS Visual Arts
PreviousNext

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.

Ms. Harms grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education with a specialization in French Immersion Education and    Japanese Language from the University of British Columbia, as well as a Professional Master’s of Education with a focus on Global Education from Queen’s University.
She began her teaching career in the Greater Vancouver area and later expanded her experience internationally, teaching in France and Switzerland. These opportunities have shaped her inclusive and culturally responsive approach to education. Now excited to join the Whistler community, she looks forward to getting involved in winter sports and outdoor activities.
Outside of the classroom, Ms. Harms enjoys water sports—especially swimming—and is always eager to spend time in or around the water.
Ms. Romy Grayson has been a valued member of Whistler Waldorf School since November 2016, bringing extensive expertise in carpentry and practical arts to her role as a teacher. She has a passion for woodworking and is dedicated to imparting craftsmanship skills with a focus on sustainable resource use.
Originally from Eastern Germany and raised in Stuttgart, Romy came to Whistler in 2006 with her dog on a Work and Travel Permit—and quickly decided to make it her home. Now a Canadian citizen, Romy’s connection to the school is further strengthened as a parent, with her daughter attending Whistler Waldorf School.
Ms. Romy Grayson
Ms. Mollianne Reynolds brings a wealth of Waldorf experience to WWS, having attended Waldorf schools in Vancouver, Germany, and Toronto. With a bachelor’s degree in English, she completed her Waldorf Teacher Training at the world’s first Waldorf Teacher Training Institute in Stuttgart, Germany.
Since joining Whistler Waldorf in 2004, Mollianne has been a dedicated class teacher, guiding numerous grades over the past 20 years. She is also a skilled handwork instructor and lead many of our handwork classes across the grades. Outside of school, Mollianne enjoys crafting children’s stories and spending time with her dog in Pemberton.

Ms. Iwanaga supports the Lower and 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. 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.

Ms. Katherine Fawcett

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 School 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”.

TBA….

Address Address icon

Early Years Faculty

Teachers in Spring Creek & Spruce Grove

Briar Rose/Kindergarten TeacherBriar Rose Asst.Briar Rose Asst.Little Cedars Lead TeacherLittle Cedars TeacherWildflowers TeacherWildflowers TeacherWildflowers TeacherWildflowers TeacherWildflowers Teacher (on leave)
PreviousNext

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.

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.

Ms. Michaela was raised in Slovakia and has traveled to China, Poland, and Spain to enhance her English and art education before settling in Canada in 2017. She holds a Master’s degree in Art Education and ESL from the University of Presov and obtained her BC teaching certification after an evaluation. Additionally, she possesses an ECE certificate from the Pacific Rim Early Childhood Institute and has been working in early childhood education at Whistler Children’s Centre for nearly three years.
Michaela previously served as a teacher’s assistant at a primary school in the Canary Islands and worked as an Art and English teacher at a high school in Slovakia prior to relocating to Whistler.
Whistler has become her new home, where she discovers inspiration for her artistic endeavors. Michaela creates paintings and mixed media artwork and takes part in local art events. She enjoys hiking, skiing, and exploring the great outdoors.
Ms. Matsunaga brings over 25 years of experience working with young children, having served as a teacher and cultural exchange facilitator in Japan, Canada, and Indonesia. In Whistler and Pemberton, she has held various roles in daycares and preschools, including teacher, HR assistant, and childcare support worker. Ms. Matsunaga joined Whistler Waldorf as a substitute in 2012 and became a full-time teacher in 2018.
Originally from Hiroshima, Japan, Ms. Matsunaga now resides in Whistler with her family, where she enjoys rock climbing, gardening at the Community Garden, and spending time with her two children.

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.

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.

TBA…

Toni Swickis is a licensed Early Childhood Educator, birth doula, and children’s yoga facilitator whose connection to Waldorf education began in the early 1990’s during her ECE practicum. Her daughter also attended Waldorf preschool, further weaving the philosophy into her family life.

Toni has facilitated StrongStart, developed and taught children’s yoga programs, and supported families through her doula practice. She is currently completing her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education, deepening her knowledge and strengthening her practice. Toni brings warmth, creativity, and a deep respect for childhood to her work, fostering nurturing spaces where children and families feel supported and inspired.

TBA

Will be on maternity leave August 2025-Aug. 2026
Ms. MacKenzie grew up in the highlands of Scotland and first fell in love with Whistler nearly a decade ago while on holiday. Determined to one day call it home, she moved to Pemberton in March 2019 with her husband and dog. They enjoy the natural beauty, serenity, and abundance of outdoor activities the area has to offer.
Heather graduated from Strathclyde University in 2015 with a BSc in Prosthetics and Orthotics. She initially worked as an Orthotist in hospitals and specialist schools before transitioning to work in a Camphill Community in rural Scotland, where she discovered her passion for the Waldorf ethos. She now serves as a faculty lead in our Early Years division, bringing her dedication and care to our youngest learners.