Board of Trustees

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.

What I love about participating on the Board of Trustees:

I like being able to help support the stability of the school and its plans to grow for the future.

What I find most special about AWS:

I think the location of the campus is advantageous as the faculty and students are able to utilize the surrounding natural environment as a resource that helps support its educational programs and physical activities. Because of the small size of the school, each student is able to have their needs met to help them thrive.

My Connection with AWS:

My wife and I are grateful that we have been able to send our three kids to AWS. We feel that the environment here has helped them develop in all aspects of their childhood.

What I love about participating on the Board of Trustees:

I love being a part of the Board of Trustees and participating in strategic decision-making. Through this work, I look to help keep AWS fiscally healthy and strong for many years into the future.

What I find most special about AWS:

AWS provides an exceptional education that develops the capacity for mental flexibility, creative problem solving and confidence in self. What is also special is the deep commitment to this education from AWS educators, the community of parents, and supporting friends of the school.

My Connection with AWS:

My wife and I were involved with other families in the founding of Aurora Waldorf School. I have been on the tuition adjustment committee since the beginning of the founding of the school. I have previously served on the school board of trustees and currently on the finance committee. Our three children are graduates of AWS, and my wife was a handwork teacher and faculty chair at AWS for many years.

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.

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.

What I Love About Participating on the Board of Trustees

I deeply value the opportunity to work with a diverse group of individuals who bring their expertise and experience to help the school thrive. It’s truly inspiring to witness the incredible dedication of everyone on the Board, which extends to the broader school community as well. We are fortunate to have an exceptionally committed group of parents, faculty, and staff who work tirelessly to ensure AWS students receive an outstanding education.

What I Find Most Special About AWS

AWS creates a truly unique environment for children, where preserving childhood is a priority and learning comes alive through experiential and culturally rich experiences. The school’s emphasis on nature and art fosters curiosity, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the world around us—an ideal foundation for growth and discovery.

My Connection with AWS

I have two children in the grades, both of whom started in the early childhood program at age three. They couldn’t be happier!

What I love about participating on the Board of Trustees:

I like learning how the board operates in supporting the faculty and the school community. I also enjoy being able to help and give my input to the board on what is happening within the school.

What I find most special about AWS:

I find the education it offers to its students and the school community to be most special at AWS.

What I Love About Participating on the Board of Trustees

I enjoy being a part of something greater than myself and interacting with others who share a common goal. As a member of the community, I am glad to provide my experiences and capabilities to continue the school's growth and success. I have spent many years supporting the open house effort, meeting new or potential families and providing insight into the benefits the school provides. Being a part of the board allows me to join with the other dedicated trustees in ensuring those benefits continue to grow and adapt. I am also learning lessons in strategic planning and communication which I utilize professionally, improving my effectiveness as a leader outside of the school.

What I Find Most Special About AWS

There is a warm and welcoming community at Aurora Waldorf where one can find a sense of belonging. The school's focus on all aspects of childhood and its holistic approach to education provides a wonderfully layered process for strong academic and social growth. It is an interconnected and continually reinforcing model which excels in raising capable and responsible children. What is truly remarkable is the way this warmth and strength extends beyond the walls of the classroom, the hours of the school day, and into the community. We cannot control what the future holds for our children, but we can ensure they are provided beautiful memories to buoy their spirit and a strong foundation on which to build their life.

My Connection with AWS

My daughter started with the early childhood classes and is now a student in the grades. I am often involved in activities which let me tap into my extroversion - open houses, Parents of AWS (PAWS) events, and anywhere else I can help while also talking with people. We moved here with no connections to the area and were welcomed immediately by other families. I work to offer the same experience to new families I meet.