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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.

Sara Kensinger (she/her)

Sara Kensinger (she/her)

Class Lead Teacher

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

Sara Kensinger (she/her)

Sara Kensinger (she/her)

Class Lead Teacher

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
Anke Bojanowski (she/her)

Anke Bojanowski (she/her)

Class Lead 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 (she/her)

Anke Bojanowski (she/her)

Class Lead 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 (she/her)

LauraLee Naughton (she/her)

Class Lead 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 (she/her)

LauraLee Naughton (she/her)

Class Lead 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
Maggie Warren (she/her)

Maggie Warren (she/her)

Class Lead Teacher

“Waldorf education-what a gift for a child; to learn and develop your sense of self within a nurturing environment that sees your worth and loves you for your efforts. Waldorf students are truly seen and cherished by teachers who have the vision of what they will someday become.”
Maggie Warren (she/her)

Maggie Warren (she/her)

Class Lead Teacher

Why I work at AWS

I attended AWS as a student, and felt that I needed to return and support our school community. I want my own children to have an opportunity to experience the joy of learning that a Waldorf education provides.

What I find most special about AWS

AWS offers a unique opportunity where students combine skillful artistry, creativity, and high level academics to dive deep into every topic of study! The faculty and staff put their heart, soul, and body into what is being taught every year in order to meet the needs of each and every student.

My life outside of AWS

My family moved back to WNY from Utah in 2019, and we recently bought our first home in Elma. I am a mother of two children, Addie and Elaina. I enjoy reading, singing, knitting, theater, and hiking in my free minutes.

Education & Training

  • BS in Special Education, Brigham Young University
  • Level 2 Licensure for teaching (State of Utah)
  • Certification in Deaf Education from Utah State
Tam Power

Tam Power

Class Lead Teacher

"I love Waldorf education because it gives me the opportunity to tailor my lessons for the individuals in my class. This makes for a more interesting and exciting educational experience."
Tam Power

Tam Power

Class Lead Teacher

Why I work at AWS

The first thing I noticed about Aurora Waldorf School was the beautiful natural surroundings and the sense of space. I had a very warm welcome from faculty and the community. I find it reassuring when I see so many faculty that used to be students at the school.

What I find most special about AWS

I love Waldorf education because it gives me the opportunity to tailor my lessons for the individuals in my class. This makes for a more interesting and exciting educational experience.

My life outside of AWS

In my spare time, I am an artist and a musician.

Education and Training

  • Bachelor of Education with honors from the University of Plymouth in Waldorf (Steiner) Education
  • Teaching experience at Exeter and Bristol Steiner Schools in the UK and Sanderling Waldorf School in California
Susanne Becker

Susanne Becker

Class Lead Teacher

"AWS allows children to have a childhood that is not inundated with racing through a curriculum, the stress of testing, and the constant use of technology."
Susanne Becker

Susanne Becker

Class Lead Teacher

Why I work at AWS

AWS allows children to have a childhood that is not inundated with racing through a curriculum, the stress of testing, and the constant use of technology. Following a natural and predictable rhythm, fosters security and trust, which are fundamental to AWS students becoming lifelong learners.

What I find most special about AWS

AWS is a close-knit community where one can find support, friendship, and engaging dialogue. I love the location of AWS and I can often be found hiking the trails with my kids and our dog in the evening and on weekends.

My life outside of AWS

My three teenagers and our dog, Moose, keep me on my toes and entertained. I like to hike, box, and spend time with my kids and friends.

Education and Training

  • Waldorf Teacher Training in process
  • M.A. in Teaching, Elementary Education (NYS-certified grades 1-6)
  • M.A. in Student Personnel Administration
  • B.S. in Psychology

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