our faculty

jim fitzpatrick Class Teacher, Class of 2020 jim fitzpatrick Class Teacher, Class of 2020 According to his mom, a young Jim Fitzpatrick would return to his pens and papers only days after Christmas. Real toys were often a let-down to him compared to the fun of creating. The enchanted mountains of Central Pennsylvania, and, in particular, the tall spruce trees of the street he grew up on, imparted an appreciation for seeing some magic in nature. All these things fed his imagination. So when a co-worker told him about the Waldorf school her kids attended, he knew he had found his bliss. His interest in drawing, writing, religion and even Greek myths has found a home. Kutztown University—B.A. in psychology; Certification in Art Education Landmark Education—professional development seminars on transformation and possibility. Sunbridge College—yearly trainings in Waldorf Education.	kris miller Class Teacher, Class of 2013 kris miller Class Teacher, Class of 2013 Waldorf education has awakened long-sleeping joys for Kris. A long-time student and instructor of literature and the humanities, she never really had the chance to live in a world of numbers, or to use soft pastels, or to slurp history through the straws of mythology and biography—until now. SWS’s class teacher for the Class of 2013 is currently presiding over a distinguished Roman Forum, with the help of her trusty and brave students. Having recently completed her M.S.Ed. from Sunbridge College, she remembers daily that to be a teacher is to perpetually be a student, and for this she is most grateful. When not in a book, Kris can be found in her family’s York County vineyard, which she tends with her patient husband and two exuberant boys, both of whom are students at SWS. Earlham College—B.A. Penn State University—M.A. Sunbridge College—M. Ed. Sunbridge College: Intensive Studies Center for Anthroposophy: Renewel Courses	salvatore martino Class Teacher, Class of 2014 salvatore martino Class Teacher, Class of 2014 Salvatore is now teaching his twentieth year at the Susquehanna Waldorf School. Through these many years he has learned more from his students than he has taught them. Salvatore's life long love of learning, his dedication to his students and their families and his familiarity with Anthroposophy has sustained him through the many years he has been of service to the school. Salvatore has had many varied experiences, jobs and training over the years. He has marked timber and fought forest fire in the Cascades; has sat long meditation retreats with Zen Master Philip Kapleau and with Tibetan lamas, particular His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, in Boulder and Upstate New York on his way to earning a Master’s Degree in Religion; he has studied Anthroposophy and Waldorf pedagogy with the likes of Eugene Schwartz, Georg Kühlewind, Jack Petrash, Kim Payne, Roberto Trostli, Robert McDermott, Hans Schuberth, Else Gottgens, Leo Klein and others. He is now on his third cycle at the Susquehanna Waldorf school. Sal has learned this from his years of teaching: the moral capacity and intellectual striving of the students are firmly grounded in the rich feeling and cultural life that Waldorf education offers. It is one of the few antidotes to the ills of our modern time. University of Rochester—B.A. in English Naropa University—M.A. in Buddhist studies	sharon hill Class Teacher, Class of 2015 sharon hill Class Teacher, Class of 2015 From the beginning of her life, spent in the cradle of Libya’s deserts, to the farm near Millersville where she nestles with her three children, Sharon Hill has lived surrounded by love, adventure, children and learning. Education fascinates her and learning as a discipline has been her chosen path since high school. Sharon has earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education at Shippensburg University, followed by teaching positions at Harrisburg public schools and three campuses of the Harrisburg Community College. Consulting for other educators and school districts all over the country has enlivened Sharon’s conviction that teaching is, at its heart, the artistry of human development. Her own children led her to discover the Susquehanna Waldorf School in 2004; Waldorf’s rootedness in a deep understanding of child development has made it a rich place for her family to grow. The SWS Class of 2015, with its tapestry of movement and music, humor and humanity, has flourished in her stewardship. And the world which welcomes them will be bright and wide. Shippensburg University—B.S.E.D. Shippensburg University—M.E.D. Sunbridge College—Intensive Studies Center for Anthroposophy—Curriculum and Arts training
elizabeth curtis Class Teacher, Class of 2016 elizabeth curtis Class Teacher, Class of 2016 Elizabeth Curtis has honed her keen skills of discernment through years of immersion in art, mathematics, craft and community. She holds a B.F.A. from Millersville University and has completed graduate-level coursework in textiles, weaving and papermaking, as well as the Waldorf Teacher Training Program at Sunbridge College. After following an early calling toward entrepreneurship as owner of a frame shop, a handwork shop and an at-home sewing business, Elizabeth was recruited to the SWS Early Childhood faculty in 2000 by founding teacher Linda Heywood. Elizabeth led her first class through the Grades with style; together they built bridges, gained perspective and found beauty in the world and in each other, graduating in 2010. As proud parents of daughter Lillie, who graduated from SWS in 2009, Elizabeth and her ever-supportive husband Lance are as present on the bleachers of the basketball court and poolside as they are in their other own varied elements. When not practicing the next incarnation of her penmanship, puttering in her garden, or knitting very warm socks, Elizabeth can be found inspiring her colleagues to search for truth, good humor and her coveted stash of chocolate. She is honored to be leading the Class of 2016 through their fourth-grade year. Millersville University—B.F.A. Pennsylvania Private School Certification Sunbridge College: Waldorf Teacher Training Certificate HANDLE Therapy—Intro training	melissa mcintyre Class Teacher, Class of 2019 melissa mcintyre Class Teacher, Class of 2019 It was during her adventures abroad that Melissa first heard about Waldorf Education. Having Art History and Elementary Education degrees from Rollins College tucked into her backpack, Melissa and her husband, Jim, set off to teach and travel in Europe. Only after she returned to their hometown of Orlando, finished her Master’s degree and became the mother of three boys—Max, Thomas and Colin—did the topic of Waldorf re-emerge. Their oldest son was ready for school, so the McIntyre family headed north to Pennsylvania for their next great adventure. It was upon entering the doors of the Susquehanna Waldorf School that these two parents/teachers fell in love with education as an art and immersed themselves in all things Waldorf. When the youngest son entered SWS, Melissa seized the moment and became the Morning Glory kindergarten teacher. Four years passed and, feeling adventurous again, she said yes to becoming the new class teacher for this past year’s graduating class of 2011. Melissa’s adventurous journey continues as First Grade teacher for the SWS class of 2019. Rollins College—B.A. University of Central Florida—M.Ed. Sunbridge College: Summer Intensive Studies Center for Anthroposophy: Summer Renewel Courses	wendy dougherty Periwinkle Kindergarten Teacher wendy dougherty Periwinkle Kindergarten Teacher Twenty years and many incarnations ago, Wendy joyfully dove into the cool waters of Waldorf education and has yet to satiate her thirst. Having received her M.Ed. and Waldorf certification from Antioch University in Keene, New Hampshire, she returned to Pennsylvania after sixteen years teaching young, hearty New England souls. Wendy once believed she was called to teach the grades, until she was drawn into the kindergarten with all its magic and profound wonder. There, her soul sang its joyful song of recognition and her deep passion for early childhood was awakened. Wendy’s love of the kindergarten is fully embraced by her husband, John, and their four children: Lindsay, Connor, Maya and Jack. It is not unusual for Wendy to receive pleas for emergency millet rolls and honey butter from their eldest daughter, Lindsay, at the University of Vermont. Look for Wendy and her train of singing children as they explore the mysteries of Marietta’s natural world this year. Penn State University—B. A. Antioch University—M. Ed. Antioch University—K-8 Waldorf certification New Hampshire K-8 certification Pennsylvania Private School Certification—Kindergarten HANDLE Therapy—Intro training	linda heywood Rosebud Kindergarten Teacher linda heywood Rosebud Kindergarten Teacher Linda is from Wisconsin, a northern place, full of wind, wilderness, cold and lakes. She has always loved adventure. Moving to Pennsylvania, with its mountains, rivers and forests, she met her expectations for new possibilities—hiking, canoeing and a home in the woods. When the opportunity arose to help begin a Waldorf school and teach its first class, love, courage and the blessings of the world buoyed her enthusiasm and energy. And so it began – a little school alongside a big river. Twenty-some years later, this deeply joyful adventure into sharing life with young children continues, informed by Anthroposophy and the children themselves. Linda still feels the lake-like liftedness of daily joy and work, and usually—but not always—the wind is at her back, whispering, sometimes howling, encouragement.
jackie randazzo Parent/Child Class Teacher jackie randazzo Parent/Child Class Teacher Jackie has immersed herself in felting together the joys and challenges of parenting young children with the families in her care. When she first encountered Waldorf education it felt like coming home. Reawakened were childhood memories of exploring the forests of Sullivan County, frolicking in the streams and summers of peaceful meditation on her horse’s back. Her love of children, animals and nature dovetailed beautifully with the Waldorf pedagogy. She drank in her training at Sunbridge College and received her Waldorf Kindergarten Teacher’s Certificate. Jackie has taught and been involved with Waldorf education for fifteen years. She continues to craft together the joys of Waldorf parenting with young children while weaving life also as the mother of three beautiful daughters, supported by a loving husband, three dogs, one cat and two horses. Life is good. Sunbridge College: Waldorf Teacher Training Certificate	ruth hessong Resource Coordinator ruth hessong Resource Coordinator Ruth Hessong has always been a survivor. Her path to Kindergarten in Munich, Germany, led her past bombed-out houses. While being a Benedictine nun, also in Munich, she earned a diploma as Occupational Therapist. At the age of 39, and with the help of Anthroposophy, she left the convent. Four years later, Ruth found herself married in PA with a baby boy in her lap. Since she wanted Waldorf education for her son, she contributed her talents and has been helping children at SWS since 1997. She is Waldorf-certified for remedial teaching from Sunbridge College. Ruth is enjoying life. Occupational Therapy, Germany Sunbridge College: Remedial Teacher Training	nina radanovic Music Teacher nina radanovic Music Teacher Ithaca College—Bachelor of Music The American University—M.A. Sunbridge College—Music Programs	michael cameron Orchestra Teacher michael cameron Orchestra Teacher
kate nation French Teacher kate nation French Teacher Kate discovered early in life that the more languages one knows, the more people one can speak with and the more one can understand about the world. She is grateful for the different languages, cultures and travels that have been part of her life. She has lived and laughed, studied and taught, sung, danced and savored delectable cuisines in six fascinating and beautiful countries. Mme Nation first encountered Waldorf education during her sojourn in Germany. Her interest in Waldorf traveled with her to Switzerland and on to Italy, where she finally had the opportunity to teach in a Waldorf school. As the SWS French teacher, Mme Nation seeks to pass on to her students the thrill of communication in another language. Her advice to all is: Never let your passport expire, and always cook your pasta al dente. LaSalle University—B.A. French, Language Pedagogy Sunbridge College—Foreign Language Training Fulbright—Hayes Scholar-in-Residence	tina quintana Handwork Teacher tina quintana Handwork Teacher 15 years teaching handwork in Waldorf Schools. Fiber Artist, loves anything fiber and chocolate. Tina is known to stay up too late felting or cooking up plant dyes in her studio. Gardener of cotton, berries, and plant dyes. Rockland Community College—Associates Degree Sunbridge College—First Class in Applied Arts Waldorf Institute—Foundation Year Essential Waldorf Grades Intensives—1, 2 and 3 Sunbridge College—Lead handwork courses for teacher-training students Handwork Teacher Mentor AWSNA Delegate Blog littlemountainfiberstudio.blogspot.com	donald kelly Woodwork Teacher donald kelly Woodwork Teacher Donald has always had a deep curiosity of the inner workings of “things.” This curiosity has morphed from tearing apart scavenged electronics as a kid, through delving into the intricacies of the natural world, and finally into using his hands and found materials to create unique articles. Over the years he has variously worked as a camp nature counselor, mercantile assistant manager, grease monkey, teaching assistant for various undergraduate courses, bartender, carpenter, free-lance (for free) biologist, environmental rehabilitation point-man for the Donegal Creek project, photographic researcher, mason, roofer, amateur electrician and plumber, and multimedia artisan and small business owner. He always finds joy associated with the “I finally understand” moment when he learns or passes on some bit of information or skill, whether it be the realization of an entire world in a drop of water or acquiring the ability to drive a nail without hitting a thumb. Donald earned his bachelor’s degree from Juniata College, where the vastness of the natural world was shown to him. He then earned his Master’s degree in Limnology (inland aquatic habitats) from Bucknell University. After marrying his wife, Jennifer, and acquired their current property, they set out to grow chemical-free produce and developed a cooperative art and craft gallery and learning center where anyone can learn almost anything. His philosophy: “Make or make do.”	maria wherley Admissions Coordinator maria wherley Admissions Coordinator With a passion for people and a high regard for “liberty and justice for all,” Maria’s role as SWS Admissions Coordinator offers the experience of these very elements in her everyday life. In a voice of celebration, she finds joy and rejuvenation in sharing the many wonders of Waldorf education that ring true for her through her well-rounded, growing sons and others whose lives are changed through this profound education. Earning a degree in Business Administration as a non-traditional student, combined with her years of experience in marketing, advertising and development, has afforded opportunities both professionally and personally. Maria has achieved all of this while continuing to evolve as a parent, wife, woman and human being. York College of Pennsylvania—Associate of Science, Business Administration
deborah duke Business Manager deborah duke Business Manager Business Manager Deborah Duke arrived to SWS in 2007. To her work she brings her experience from both the corporate and closely held, in sectors profit (exhibit and merchandising design & production) and non profit (community arts organization). Deborah attended the Penn State and Oregon State Universities and is our resident "out of the box" thinker and solution finder. She is the mother of three children (the youngest graduated SWS in 2010).	tracie couch Administrative Coordinator tracie couch Administrative Coordinator Miss Tracie first came to the Susquehanna Waldorf School in 2004 and quickly established herself as a trusted member of the school community with her warmth, humor and eagerness to help. After being led astray and wandering the wilderness in a desperate search to find her way, she fell gratefully back into the loving arms of the SWS in 2012. She's overjoyed to be back amongst so many beloved and familiar faces and has taken such pleasure in getting to know all the new ones, too. Miss Tracie brings with her years of administrative and school-based experienced, as well as a particular handiness with crafts, sewing, cooking and entertaining. She also has spent almost 30 years honing her patience, wit and big-heartedness in her career as a mother to an adult daughter, now based out of Brooklyn, NY.	kim manka-white Class Teacher, Class of 2017 kim manka-white Class Teacher, Class of 2017 Kim graduated with an Elementary Education degree from the University of Illinois. She completed her Waldorf teaching training at Ann Arbor, Michigan after she was inspired by learning about the artistic integration of the Waldorf curriculum and the wisdom of its pedagogy. She and her family moved to Pennsylvania in 1990 and Kim then began teaching at the Susquehanna Waldorf School. She took her first class through to Sixth Grade (when they stopped in those years). Kim also has 3 children who attended SWS and her family has a long connection with many parents and children who have been a part of the SWS through the years. During the early years of the school, while class teaching, Kim also taught Handwork lessons. After graduating her class, Kim became the SWS Handwork teacher and taught Grades 1-8 until 2006. Kim loves knitting, spinning, weaving as well as many other crafts, and found teaching handwork offered a wonderful way to share her joy of fibre arts with the children. In 2006, Kim went abroad on a UK work visa to teach at the Elmfield Steiner School in England. Elmfield was founded in 1945 after the war, and is a long, established community with a high school. There Kim took a class from 1 through 5 before returning to the US. The opportunity of being able to live and work in another Waldorf community in which much was familiar, yet foreign at the same time, was a wonderful experience. In January of 2012, Kim began teaching the combined 2/3 class back at the Susquehanna Waldorf School. She is excited about working with this group of children and happy to be able to share the many gifts the Waldorf curriculum has to offer with this class.	joe nabholtz Mandarin Chinese joe nabholtz Mandarin Chinese Joseph Nabholz (Teacher Lee, “Lee Lao-shi”) has lived and taught English in Taiwan for four years, where he also learned Mandarin Chinese. His interest in Asian culture and language began while studying at Warren Wilson College in Asheville, NC when he participated in a travel-abroad program that took him to Southeast Asia and Taiwan. He has now moved back to his hometown in southern York County with his wife Fiona Lee and their 21-month-old son William. He is delighted to share Chinese language and culture with SWS and looks forward to a fun, interesting semester.