
Meet our team
Grades Teachers

Director &
Grade 4 Teacher
I am a Waldorf educator with over a decade of experience, and have taught grades Kindergarten through 7th. Before discovering Waldorf Education, I taught in traditional public schools for several years. And for the last 4 years, I have worked directly with homeschooling families, developed curriculum, and led outdoor kindergarten.

Kindergarten Teacher
Specialty Class:
Little Blossoms
Rooted in the rich soil of Ecuador and nurtured by the rhythms of motherhood and Waldorf education, Monica walks beside children with reverence, guiding them through play, wonder, and love—ever inspired by family, nature, and the courage to follow her heart.

Kindergarden Assistant
My name is Katie O'Mara, and throughout my professional journey, I’ve worn many hats — entrepreneur, registered dietitian, and lactation consultant. However, the place where I’ve truly felt at home has always been around young children. Whether caring for my own children, engaging with our community, or working in Sunday Schools and daycares for over 25 years, I’ve found joy and purpose in nurturing and supporting little ones.

Grade 8 Teacher
& P.E.
Specialty Class: Sportsmanship
Eric is passionate and energetic about life and children. Eric was an avid boy scout for his entire
childhood and loves being outdoors, working with his hands, wood working, and teaching. He worked in
special education, preschool, and camp leadership for several years before pursuing a career in
Operations in the United States Air Force.

Grade 5 Teacher
Ashley is a creative force of nature, inspired by the beauty of Mother Earth. Driven by her passion for art, science, and education, she seeks to inspire the next generation to be compassionate to each other and the environment.

Grade 1 Teacher
Specialty Class: Reading Club
Teaching for me encompasses discovery, imagination, and our connectedness to the world around us. I have spent the last 6 years as a Reading Specialist for Kindergarten/2nd grade at Top of the World Elementary School. While in my position, I was able to build a reading program that emphasized art, games, and sensory play. Together, we shall spark curious minds and a lifelong love of learning.

Admin & Communications Director, Grade 1 Assistant
Specialty Class:
Yearbook
I’m so happy to be joining the Head, Heart + Hands teaching team as the First Grade Assistant this year. One of the things I love most about Waldorf education is how it honors the pace of childhood—bringing rhythm, nature, and beauty into learning in such a thoughtful way. As a mom and former homeschooler, I’ve always been drawn to ways of learning that protect childhood and give kids the space to grow through play, creativity, and connection.

Grade 3 Teacher
Specialty Class:
Art
The Waldorf pedagogy
is woven into every aspect of her home and educational belief system. Parenting intentionally and
fostering independence and decision making skills in her children and students from a young age has
enabled each of them to have confidence in themselves and trust in their choices.

Kindergarten Assistant
I am honored to be part of the Head, Heart, and Hands community as a Kindergarten Assistant—a role that feels deeply aligned with my heart’s calling. As both a parent and a lifelong learner, I am continually inspired by the reverence and wonder that lives at the heart of Waldorf education. Being in this nurturing environment nourishes my soul and supports the way I feel called to raise my own children—with creativity, presence, and a connection to the rhythms of nature.

Kindergarten
Teacher &
Enrollment Director
I grew up in the French-speaking part of Canada, dividing my time between the city and a rustic cabin on a lake that’s been in my family since I was a baby. That special place—and the surrounding forest—holds my most treasured childhood memories. It was there that I learned the value of staying engaged and present, spending my days gardening, hiking, observing wildlife, learning to identify plants and trees, practicing survival skills, woodworking, and creating art. My connection to the land is at the heart of who I am and continues to guide the way I live and work.

Grade 2 Teacher
I’m so excited to be joining the Head, Heart, and Hands community. Before coming here, I spent four years as a second-grade teacher in a traditional public school. While I loved working with my students, I always dreamed of working in a setting that values creativity, imagination, and outdoor learning as much as academics. As soon as I discovered Head, Heart, and Hands, I immediately fell in love with its philosophy and knew it was where I belonged.

Grade 7 Teacher
A Southern California native, I am the mother of four and a vegan/vegetarian organic chef. I discovered Waldorf education fourteen years ago when I sent my first child to school, and I was immediately enthralled by Rudolf Steiner’s philosophy and Anthroposophy. To deepen my love and understanding of these principles, I took the Waldorf teacher training and foundation studies.

Grade 6 Teacher
Specialty Class:
Hip Hop Dance
& Cooperative Games
My calling in life is teaching. I love performing, inspiring, connecting, learning, problem solving and creating. I have been teaching from San Diego to LA county since I graduated high school. I started out teaching dance and fitness classes extending into directing and managing. I have had the pleasure of training professional dancers, singers, and athletes. My academic passion took me to Cal State Long Beach pursuing the wonders of the human psyche with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Graduating on time allowed me to have many job experiences while pursuing my passions and the world around me.
Specialty Teachers
Handwork
The purpose of craft is not so much to make beautiful things as it is to become beautiful inside while you are making those things. I truly believe it is a gift to share my knowledge of handwork and love of nature with children and to inspire them to build this within themselves and carry it with them always.

Ukulele & Music
I believe that music curriculum and teaching methods can be inspiring and beautiful. Surrounding our children with uplifting words, brilliant colors, and creative curriculum that allows them to move through becoming a musician in a free and artistic way will fuel them with light.

Cooking
I’m so grateful to share my love of healthy, seasonal food with the children at Head, Heart + Hands. Cooking together brings me such joy—whether we're harvesting herbs from the garden, making sourdough cinnamon rolls, or tasting something new for the very first time. These moments are a beautiful reminder that food is so much more than fuel; it’s a way to nurture connection, inspire creativity, and practice care.
Dance Alive
I'm a certified Dance Alive Movement Teacher and Coach. i've been studying and teaching movement for the last 15 years, and has been working with kids for over 20! I love to share the gift of movement with others and look forward to moving with all the beautiful families of Head Heart and Hands!

Girl Group
Kundalini Yoga
Jana is a certified Kundalini yoga instructor through KRI. She received her bachelors of science degree in 2004 and has practiced as a registered nurse since. Jana has a deep love for mantra practice and is a Metaphysical practitioner who specializes in crystal energy healing, Healing Touch, sound vibration healing, and chakra activation.

Strategic Chess
Coach Adam will bring fun story-based curriculum that will bring the game of chess to life! Lessons are tailored to the skill level of the students meaning all chess levels are welcome!

Recycling
Julie Ellis is a craftswoman, recycling advocate, and entrepreneur with a passion for community and sustainability. As the founder of Rais Case, Rising Co., and Refusion, Julie has dedicated her career to creating businesses that foster well-being and environmental responsibility.

Jiu Jitsu
A Southern California native, husband, and father to 3 beautiful girls, John has been training martial arts for 20 years. John is a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Theatre Arts

Skateboarding

Games & Nature Exploration
I am grateful everyday to be able to support our children, their growing
bodies and mind, and help them achieve whatever is in their hearts.