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.

Jane Ried (she/her)

President

“The people involved in this school are, without exception, completely dedicated to helping children unfold their highest potential in a healthy and harmonious way.”

Jane Ried (she/her)

President

What I love about participating on the Board of Trustees

This board is so committed and collaborative! Really a pleasure to work with.

What I find most special about AWS

The people involved in this school are, without exception, completely dedicated to helping children unfold their highest potential in a healthy and harmonious way.

My Connection with AWS

I was a founding trustee, music teacher, and admissions director. I have also been part of an anthroposophical study group supporting AWS since the late 1980’s.

Jim Anderson

Treasurer

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

Jim Anderson

Treasurer

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)

Secretary

"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)

Secretary

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.

Dana Kemp (she/her)

DEI Chair

“I have truly enjoyed interacting with the amazing intersection of community members.”

Dana Kemp (she/her)

DEI Chair

What I love about participating on the Board of Trustees

I have truly enjoyed interacting with the amazing intersection of community members. It's heartwarming to know that as we collaborate to ensure the quality, longevity, and sustainability of the school, we work on behalf of the whole school community in support of this education.

What I find most special about AWS

There are too many things to name! The children bring many treasures home that the family can enjoy-- I see somersaults, rocks, leaves, paintings, and elaborate handwork. From these I get a "peek" into their educational world. One of my favorite aspects of Aurora Waldorf would have to be the festivals. Each festival is unique, meaningful, reverent, and filled with the sensory experiences that Waldorf schools are known for.

My Connection with AWS

I am an AWS parent to a 7th grader, and had a daughter graduate from AWS in June 2020.

Nathan Kershner (he/him)

Governance Chair

“Every meeting, I notice anew the level of thoughtfulness and care that goes into our school's decision-making and planning.”

Nathan Kershner (he/him)

Governance Chair

What I love about participating on the Board of Trustees

Every meeting, I notice anew the level of thoughtfulness and care that goes into our school's decision-making and planning. I'm thankful for the opportunity to be part of this dedicated group of people working to ensure Aurora Waldorf School's viability and sustainability for many years to come.

What I find most special about AWS

To me, two of the most special features of AWS are our robust movement program and our access to extensive wild outdoor space. I think a number of AWS parents may not realize that these elements are the envy of many other Waldorf schools.

My Connection with AWS

I am a parent of two current grades students and one Parent-Tot participant, as well as the Woodwork and Practical Arts teacher. I serve on the board as the faculty representative.