Board of Trustees

Within these biographies are represented the strength of the human spirit as evidenced by the dedication, integrity, and perseverance embodied in our faculty, staff, and board members. Also represented is a love for humanity, with all its diverse cultures and perspectives, and a respect for each individual’s stage of development. Additionally, there lives a reverence for our planet, its biodiversity, and life-sustaining gifts. We invite you to meet us here and we look forward to meeting you soon.

Jim Anderson

President

“I feel that AWS is one of the guiding lights inspiring the way we run our household and lead our lives.”

Jim Anderson

President

What I love about participating on the Board of Trustees

What I like most about participating on the AWS board is the people that I work with. Not just the board members but everyone at the school and involved with the school. First, everyone is very nice and are just all around good people that are willing to do anything you need. Second, I get very inspired by the complete unselfish dedication that everyone involved puts into AWS to make it a success.

What I find most special about AWS

For me the most special quality of AWS is that the education model is built around kids being kids. The encouragement to keep kids off of screen time and to explore their own imaginations is a very strong quality that the school is instilling in our children. There are way too many distractions in life and I feel that the kids at AWS have a great ability and guidance to keep grounded and to stay more in tune with the environment and the Earth.

My Connection with AWS

My entire family and life are connected to AWS. I have 3 children that attend AWS. In addition, my wife is a teacher at AWS. With our entire family being very connected to AWS and the philosophies of the Waldorf education, I feel that it is one of the guiding lights inspiring the way we run our household and lead our lives.

Kayla Czysz (she/her)

Board Member

"At its core, the Waldorf education model is absolutely singular and special for the sheer breadth, dynamic rigor, joyful process, and ongoing impact it brings to the realms of holistic learning and living."

Kayla Czysz (she/her)

Board Member

What I love about participating on the Board of Trustees

As an AWS alum, I love participating on the Board of Trustees because it’s offered me a clear path of reconnection to AWS. It feels purposeful to be a part of this team that works hard to support the school as a whole, so it may continue to grow strong roots and flourish in all conditions. Each meeting, I especially love seeing the ways that Board members work together and problem-solve with consideration, cooperation, humor, and expertise to help expand the vision, reach, and stability of AWS for future generations.

What I find most special about AWS

At its core, the Waldorf education model is absolutely singular and special for the sheer breadth, dynamic rigor, joyful process, and ongoing impact it brings to the realms of holistic learning and living. The supporting curriculum is rich, varied, and expansive. At AWS in particular, we are so lucky to have the surrounding property and natural environment for students to enjoy all-season outdoor play, experiential activities, exploration, and connection with nature; it is a wonder to both witness and experience.

My Connection with AWS

I am an AWS alum, Class of 2005. My brother Japhy is also an alum, Class of 2002. My mother Lynne was a Kindergarten & Early Childhood teacher at AWS for nearly two decades, and her work as a Waldorf teacher was formative in our home life and upbringing. I also worked at AWS as a First Grade Assistant with my class teacher, Beth McNamara, in 2013. To this day, I remain best friends with many of my classmates from AWS; all of the relationships and connections I carry from AWS run deep.

Allita Dockery

Board Member

"Kindness, humanity and critical thinking are at the core of why I love Waldorf education."

Allita Dockery

Board Member

Jonathan Zybala

Secretary

"The community of committed teachers, staff, parents, and extended families work together to foster an enriching environment for the education and development of the children at AWS."

Jonathan Zybala

Secretary

What I love about participating on the Board of Trustees

Collaborating with amazing people to support and contribute to AWS towards its stated mission.

What I find most special about AWS

The community of committed teachers, staff, parents, and extended families that work together to foster an enriching environment for the education and development of the children at AWS. As a geologist I view the exceptional outdoor space and facilities available at AWS as integral to the quality Waldorf education being provided.

My Connection with AWS

I am a parent of two grade students at AWS who values and truly appreciates the Waldorf education available to the region at this school.