Special Subject Teachers

Meghan Gomez

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

Maria Ebersole

Why I work at AWS

The dignity and spirit of each unfolding human being is honored at AWS. The faculty and staff are committed to their own self development in service of the students. Art permeates and enriches the curriculum. Stewardship of the natural environment is a pillar, celebrated in the seasonal festivals. It is so exciting to be a part of this!

What I find most special about AWS

The location is so unique and offers untold possibilities for learning about the natural world and the seasons. We have a very dedicated and creative faculty, capable and inspired administration and Board of Trustees, and a very special student and parent body, all dedicated to the "road less traveled"!

My life outside of AWS

My husband Mark is also a eurythmist and therapist, and we have two adult children, both graduates of AWS. Katie lives locally and is active with the Volunteer Fire Department, and works in Buffalo as a Paramedic. John is pursuing his Masters in Special Education for the Severely Disabled in Boston, Mass. I love to garden and hike, and we spend a week or so every summer camping in the Adirondacks. In town we have all been involved with community musical productions at the Aurora Players theater, and sing with Buffalo Choral Arts Society.

Education & Training

• Therapeutic Eurythmy Training, Copake, NY
• Eurythmy Academy, The Hague, Netherlands, artistic and pedagogical
• Waldorf Teacher Training in Wanne-Eickel, Germany
• BA in German and Theater, Antioch College

Anke Bojanowski

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

• I have a degree in education from the PFI /PFS in Karlsruhe, Germany. Prior to moving to the United States, I was a teacher in Germany. Over the years I have completed numerous Waldorf workshops, studies, and intensives, both general education, and language-specific training.

Lisa Carrow

Why I work at AWS

I have witnessed the success of this educational approach based on child development. I appreciate working collaboratively with all of the teachers and staff for the benefit of the children in our care. I believe that there can be a new outlook for the future of mankind and that this way of educating is a strong factor in its creation.

Even after decades of working as a Handwork Teacher, I still look forward to every school day and never tire of experimenting with technique and approach so that the students can develop their fine motor ability in an atmosphere of warmth, support and enthusiasm.

What I find most special about AWS

The strong collaboration within the faculty and staff as well as the beautiful campus which offers so much health giving space and beauty.

My life outside of AWS

Winter is my favorite season! I love to ski downhill, cross country ski and snowshoe. I also love to travel and have had the opportunity to see many places in the world. Gardening with a focus on wild edibles and remedies is also a hobby of mine.

Education & Training

• Applied Arts Program, the Fiber Craft Studio at Sunbridge Institute
• Handwork as a Healing Art summer program, Sunbridge Institute
• Numerous Waldorf professional development workshops

Megan Munson

Why I work at AWS

I teach at a Waldorf School because the curriculum embodies my core beliefs about childhood. Childhood should be a gentle exploration, full of play and wonder, where children have time to learn about themselves and their connection to the world around them.

What I find most special about AWS

I am continually amazed by the love and kindness that surrounds our community. From the way the teachers really, truly care about their students, to the way the parents are always willing to lend a helping hand.

My life outside of AWS

My husband, Phillip, and I have two sons, Perrin and William. Our family enjoys camping, biking, kayaking, sports and going for walks in the woods. I, personally, love knitting, sewing, and getting lost in the pages of a good book.

Education & Training

• Master’s in Waldorf Early Childhood Education, Sunbridge College
• BS in Elementary Education, SUNY Fredonia

Pamela Brady

Why I work at AWS

I love how Waldorf Schools teach the curriculum, but also how they nurture each child's soul, allowing them to become who they were born to be.

What I find most special about AWS

AWS is a gem of a community. From the moment my family stepped through the doors we found kindness, support, and an armful of friends (and counting!)

My life outside of AWS

My husband, Griffin, children Cormac and Gwendolyn live in West Falls in an 160 year old house full of instruments, yarn, stories and animals. If we are not at home we are most likely canoeing to our favorite camping spot, or sitting on the shores of Lake Ontario at our family's cottage.

Education & Training

• BA in Biology and Environmental Sciences, Adrian College

Kara McKenney

David Meyer

Why I work at AWS

I enjoy working with children and showing them how exciting and fun music can be.

What I find most special about AWS

AWS has such a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

My life outside of AWS

I live in Orchard Park with Felicia my wife of 29 years, Barkis the cat, Stevie, and Angel our two dogs.

I have an active private music studio, perform with my wife in the musical duo Kindred, and play many local free-lance cello gigs (BPO, The Who, Stevie Wonder, Weird Al).

Experience & Education

• Private music instructor since 1987
• Master of Music (performance and literature) Eastman School of Music
• Bachelor of Music (performance) West Virginia University

Karen Wittmer

Why I work at AWS

I choose to work at AWS because of the incredible movement program.

What I find most special about AWS

The variety and scope of movement activities through the curriculum is like no other movement program offered in WNY!

My life outside of AWS

My husband Brian and I have two grown children, Alex and Sydney. I enjoy gardening, cooking and baking.

Education & Training

• BA in Human Service/Early Childhood, University at Buffalo
• BS in Elementary Education, Buffalo State College
• USA Gymnastics certified instructor

Mark Lim-Aranduque

Why I work at AWS

Teaching at Waldorf gives me the opportunity to make a difference in children’s lives and to help usher them toward a bright future. I feel a sense of duty to serve my community and what better place to do so than at AWS.

What I find most special about AWS

What I find most special about AWS is what the faculty and staff bring to cultivate and nurture every student’s needs.

My life outside of AWS

I live in East Aurora with my wife, Marguerite, daughter and current AWS student, Elizabeth (Ellie) and young son, Joshua. I value time with my family, enjoy the outdoors, health & fitness and all sorts of games (from card games to family bike rides to sports.)

Education & Training

• Currently attending Spacial Dynamics Level 1 Training
• Movement for Childhood Intensive Training
• Associates Degree in Personal Training, Heritage College
• 4 years Marine Corps

Nathan Kershner

Why I work at AWS

I came to AWS first as a parent and was so taken by the warmth of the school and community that I knew I wanted to become more involved. When this teaching position became available, I jumped at the opportunity to share my enthusiasm for working with wood and turning raw materials into finished products.

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 know that these elements are the envy of many other Waldorf schools.

My life outside of AWS

I live with my family and a variety of animals on a forested property in the Town of Aurora, where we practice modern homesteading and strive to live seasonally. I am an avid gardener and self-proclaimed plant geek with a particular interest in wild edibles.

Education & Experience

• B.S. in Biology, Brandeis University
• Over the past 20 years I have taught children on and off in such subjects as Hebrew language, rock climbing, challenge course and team building, and martial arts before landing at Aurora Waldorf School.