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Early Childhood Teachers

Meet our Faculty

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.

Nadine Merrick (she/her)

Nadine Merrick (she/her)

Willow Wood Pre-K Lead Teacher

“AWS provides children with the space and resources to delve into their imagination, creativity and natural curiosity.”
Nadine Merrick (she/her)

Nadine Merrick (she/her)

Willow Wood Pre-K Lead Teacher

Why I work at AWS

AWS provides children with the space and resources to delve into their imagination, creativity and natural curiosity. I enjoy being a part of the children’s growth process and helping them develop their physical, cognitive and social abilities. This not only provides a strong foundation for academic learning but also helps them see value in themselves and what they have to offer to society as they grow.

What I find most special about AWS

AWS offers a campus and curriculum like no other. The children can say they hiked through a wooded forest to picnic near a bubbling creek where they eat bread that they baked the day before. The children are involved in a wide variety of everyday activities guided by loving and caring faculty.

My life outside of AWS

I live with my husband and two boys in beautiful East Aurora. I love to travel, eat good food and go for long hikes. In the summer, I travel to California where I am from and in the winter, my family and I love to snowboard.

Education & Training

  • Outdoor Education training, Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools
  • BA in Communications, Syracuse University
Tara Miller-Kuhn (she/her)

Tara Miller-Kuhn (she/her)

Rose Meadow Pre-K Lead Teacher

I love teaching kindness, compassion and a love of the outdoors!

Tara Miller-Kuhn (she/her)

Tara Miller-Kuhn (she/her)

Rose Meadow Pre-K Lead Teacher

Why I work at AWS

I love the Waldorf School. I love teaching kindness, compassion and a love of the outdoors!

What I find most special about AWS

The most special thing about AWS is working with such great teachers and supportive families.

My life outside of AWS

I have lots of hobbies outside of AWS! I do a lot of reading, yoga, baking, hiking, biking, skiing, canoeing and more! I have a daughter and two sons and enjoy sharing these activities with them and my husband Jim.

Education & Training

  • Master’s Degree of Business Administration
  • Bachelor’s Degree of Humanities
  • Associate’s Degree of Liberal Arts
Jaime Thompson (she/her)

Jaime Thompson (she/her)

Lilac Pre-K / Kindergarten Lead Teacher

“The authentic moral development provided through the Waldorf curriculum leads to successful, altruistic graduates eager to bring positive changes to our world!”

Jaime Thompson (she/her)

Jaime Thompson (she/her)

Lilac Pre-K / Kindergarten Lead Teacher

Why I work at AWS

I see this work as an opportunity to help make the world a better place. Waldorf students develop the necessary skills and capacities to bring positive and much-needed change to our society. This education is so much deeper than just learning facts for a test!

What I find most special about AWS

The way childhood is honored at AWS stands out. When we allow children to develop at their own pace, we give them the gifts of security and a strong sense of self confidence. Couple that with the authentic moral development provided through the Waldorf curriculum and you have a recipe for successful, altruistic graduates!

My life outside of AWS

My husband and I have two adult children (both AWS graduates) and a current AWS middle schooler. In my free time, I love to bike, hike, garden, and cook!

Education & Training

  • LifeWays Early Childhood Training, Lifeways North America
  • Foundation Studies, Center for Anthroposophy
  • MS in Education: Curriculum and Instruction, SUNY Fredonia
  • BS in Early Childhood Education, SUNY Fredonia
Julia Scherer

Julia Scherer

Oakwood Pre-K / Kindergarten Lead Teacher

"I am grateful to be part of AWS and especially grateful to witness the unfolding of the children thru an education that speaks to my heart."
Julia Scherer

Julia Scherer

Oakwood Pre-K / Kindergarten Lead Teacher

Why I work at AWS

Waldorf education fosters fulfilling relationships with a whole community. The teachers place immeasurable value on the child's well-being and together they hold space for each individual child to thrive/succeed. I am grateful to be part of AWS and especially grateful to witness the unfolding of the children through an education that speaks to my heart.

My life outside of AWS

When I am not at school I treasure my time with family, friends and our animals - three dogs and a bunny. I love sharing walks with others and admiring nature. Creating has been a lifelong passion and painting is one of the ways I honor my love for nature.

Education & Training

  • BS Art Education, Rhode Island College
  • Waldorf Early Childhood Education Certification, Sophia's Hearth
Monica Wrobel

Monica Wrobel

Oakwood Pre-K/Kindergarten Assistant

"I am energized by how Waldorf pedagogy can empower young people to sustain wonder in academics, to center the role of community in their learning, and to participate meaningfully in creative arts."
Monica Wrobel

Monica Wrobel

Oakwood Pre-K/Kindergarten Assistant

Why I work at AWS

I work at AWS because Waldorf education’s care of the whole child restored my commitment to transformative learning. I am energized by how Waldorf pedagogy can empower young people to sustain wonder in academics, to center the role of community in their learning, and to participate meaningfully in creative arts.

What I Find Most Special About AWS

I find the reverence for storytelling in learning extremely compelling at AWS. Whether through participation in diverse cultural events, celebration of annual festivals, or the development of daily learning concepts, it is incredibly special to see young people cultivate lasting knowledge through the power of story.

My Life Outside of AWS

Outside of AWS, I love to compose music on piano and ukulele and spend time outdoors with family and friends.

Education & Training

  • Masters of Science in General Education, grades 1 - 6
  • Special Education from Canisius College

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