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Grades Class 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.

Kate Ronan

Kate Ronan

Grade 1/2 Class Teacher

“I love the strong connection to nature and how art is integrated into everything we do.”

Kate Ronan

Kate Ronan

Grade 1/2 Class Teacher

Why I work at AWS

Part of my background is in environmental and outdoor education, so I was really drawn in by how much time classes spend outside at AWS.

What I find most special about AWS

I love the strong connection to nature and room for creativity as a teacher, that seems special. I admire how hard teachers work to get to know each student and how art is integrated into everything we do. I love how AWS feels like such a community, I love the spirit here.

My life outside of AWS

I moved to East Aurora in 2020. A hike or run and a stop at the farmers market to gather fresh ingredients is an ideal Saturday morning for me. My parents and siblings (two brothers and a sister) are my biggest support team. They make me laugh, inspire me, and love being active outdoors as much as I do.

Education & Training

  • Currently enrolled in Foundations Studies, Rudolf Steiner College Canada
  • Waldorf education training, Sunbridge College
  • BA in Geography, Syracuse University
Sara Kensinger

Sara Kensinger

Assistant Teacher for Grades 1-4

“There is magic that happens within the walls of AWS. It’s something I’ve yet to find anywhere else.”

Sara Kensinger

Sara Kensinger

Assistant Teacher for Grades 1-4

Why I work at AWS

I teach at a Waldorf school because its philosophy supports the entire being of a child through every day and builds students who are lifelong learners.

What I find most special about AWS

There is magic that happens within the walls of AWS. It’s something I’ve yet to find anywhere else. Each day the students participate in movement, music, creativity, imagination, and brain work.

My life outside of AWS

I’m a mom to two sons both of which attend AWS and a dog mom to Duke, our mixed lab rescue pup. I love being outside in nature and if it’s warm enough, you’ll usually find me barefoot. My husband and I work hard tending to and harvesting in our gardens which seem to be expanding with each new summer. I love reading, bumblebees & honey bees, playing in the creek with my kids and soaking up the warmth of the sun.

Education & Training

  • Bachelor’s in Inclusive Education, Houghton College
Krystal Weston

Krystal Weston

Grade 3/4 Class Teacher

“I love watching students grow into the people they are meant to be!”
Krystal Weston

Krystal Weston

Grade 3/4 Class Teacher

Why I work at AWS

I love the Waldorf pedagogy and curriculum! I love how I can teach to a student’s head, heart and hands! I love watching students grow into the people they are meant to be!

What I find most special about AWS

AWS cultivates authentic relationships between teachers and students, between students and students, and between different families. AWS is a community that shares joys and challenges and gets through things together, even a pandemic.

My life outside of AWS

My husband, Lee and I have a young son named Colton, (a future AWS student!) and a black lab named Meadow. I love hiking, drawing, and reading.

Education & Training

  • Waldorf education training, Sunbridge College
  • Masters in Elementary Education with an advanced teaching certificate: Teaching Students with Disabilities, Medaille College
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Arts and Letters, Buffalo State College
Anke Bojanowski

Anke Bojanowski

Grade 5/6 Class Homeroom/Block Teacher

“I appreciate the freedom to be able to adapt my lesson to respond to the needs of the students on any given day.”

Anke Bojanowski

Anke Bojanowski

Grade 5/6 Class Homeroom/Block Teacher

Why I work at AWS

I am committed to the educational philosophy of the school. We educate the whole child and introduce subjects when they are developmentally appropriate. I appreciate that the Waldorf curriculum affords me the freedom to adapt my lesson to respond to the needs of the students on any given day.

What I find most special about AWS

The school's location is really special, we are in nature, surrounded by a public park and woods and the students really enjoy their time outside learning, playing, and exploring. I am also grateful for the Waldorf community; the parents are very supportive of the school, and there is a unique colleagueship amongst all employees.

Education & Training

  • Numerous Waldorf workshops, studies, and intensives, both general education, and language-specific training from Sunbridge College
  • Education Degree, PFI /PFS in Karlsruhe, Germany
LauraLee Naughton

LauraLee Naughton

Grade 7/8 Class Teacher

“The Waldorf curriculum is designed to pique a student's interest and entice them to think independently and to want to learn more!”

LauraLee Naughton

LauraLee Naughton

Grade 7/8 Class Teacher

Why I work at AWS

AWS helped my husband and I to raise three confident, compassionate, interesting, amazing adults. A joyful and rigorous early education at AWS prepared them well for the twists and turns of high school, college, adulthood and a challenging military career. I teach here, so that I can help in part to give future students these same gifts as they walk out into the world.

What I find most special about AWS

AWS teaches the way kids learn best. The curriculum is designed to be brought to the students at just the right stage in their development. It's designed to pique a student's interest and entice them to think independently and to want to learn more! When you get to the end of a Main Lesson and the children don't want you to stop...which happens frequently, you know you are helping to cultivate a passion for learning that will be carried into adulthood.

My life outside of AWS

I am blessed to be married to the love of my life, the mom of three happy, successful AWS graduates and grandmother to a second generation AWS student! I like gardening, camping, reading, long road trips, and spending time with my kids & grandkids.

Education & Training

  • Waldorf education training, Sunbridge College
  • BA in Psychology, Long Island University
  • AAS in Human Services, Alfred State College
Meghan Gomez (she/her)

Meghan Gomez (she/her)

Middle School Block Teacher Middle School Math Teacher Cyber Civics Teacher

“Waldorf education is a life-changing force that can shape and change students to be the best possible version of themselves.”

Meghan Gomez (she/her)

Meghan Gomez (she/her)

Middle School Block Teacher, Middle School Math Teacher, Cyber Civics Teacher

Why I work at AWS

Waldorf education has had the most profound effect on my life. There is a lasting sense of community. Waldorf education is a life-changing force that can shape and change students to be the best possible version of themselves.

What I find most special about AWS

We teach kids how to breathe, how to find space in their lives to follow their passion, how to find quiet moments to reflect.

My life outside of AWS

I am the proud mother of two future AWS graduates. When I am not at AWS, I enjoy spending time with my whole family where we mostly just play board/card games together. I also enjoy anything and everything about the Arts! We are so fortunate to live in WNY, where there is an abundance of theatre, art galleries, and live music.

Education & Training

  • Extra Lesson Training, Association for a Healing Education
  • Waldorf Education Trainings at Rudolf Steiner Center and Center for Anthroposophy
  • Masters in Childhood Education from University at Buffalo
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from University at Buffalo

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