Faculty & Staff 2021-2022 School Year
The Boulder Valley Waldorf School is proud to employ a dynamic and accomplished faculty that is deeply invested in student success. Please click on the teacher photos below to read more about individual educational background, experience and guiding philosophy as a teacher!
Class Teachers – Elementary and Middle School
Peter Alexanian
First Grade Teacher
Peter brings a wealth and diversity of life experience to his work as a Waldorf class teacher. He is excited to bring his genuine interest in life to his young students in a way that sparks a special beauty, wonder and learning.
Elizabeth West
Second Grade Teacher
Elizabeth is thrilled to be part of a dynamic education that recognizes students for who they are, encourages them to unfold naturally as themselves, and honors them in the process.
Renee Lambo-Barnes
Third Grade Teacher
An experienced teacher, mentor and consultant, Renee is excited to share her passion for mathematics with younger students. Renee and her students revel in fresh and lively experiences discovering patterns in nature and exploring through stories and physical activities.
Martina Simunek-Suarez
Fourth Grade Teacher
Martina was first introduced to the Waldorf philosophy years ago by her cousin, who, just like Rudolf Steiner and Martina herself, grew up in a little town in Lower Austria. After a whirlwind year back in Europe teaching at the Freie Waldorfschule Wien West, Martina is back with some new ideas!
Sara Pironti
Fifth Grade Teacher
Sara has long had a passion for teaching and an international outlook. She has taught across the world including in Argentina, China, Brazil and her native Italy. Sara has published two novels and is fluent in French and Italian. Sara has a passion for art and education.
Karl Johnson
Sixth Grade Teacher
Karl has been a Waldorf educator for over 40 years. He enjoys the depth and complexity that the middle school curriculum inspires in adolescents. An experienced mentor and educational consultant, Karl has mentored hundreds of teachers at dozens of schools and has trained teachers around the globe.
Ralph Doane
Seventh Grade Teacher
Ralph is flexible and skilled at maintaining a sense of humor. As a middle school teacher, Ralph believes strongly in creating a stimulating learning environment in which students can develop to their full potential.
Kindergarten & Preschool Teachers
Danielle Regan
Kindergarten Sunflower Lead Teacher
Danielle has a love of art, beauty and nature, and finds joy exploring those things with young children. She has over 15 years of experience working in Early Childhood Education. She is particularly excited to work with six year olds for their stand-alone play-based kindergarten year as they transition from preschoolers into the Waldorf 1st grade program.
Julie Voss
Marigold Lead Teacher
Julie sees Waldorf methods as both revolutionary and traditional – sometimes simple traditions of human interaction can be revolutionary in this complicated world! Julie finds deep wisdom in observing nature’s quieter revelations and encourages the young child to spend time in these moments.
Rachel Nielsen
Bluebell Lead Teacher
As an early childhood educator, Rachel feels it is equally important to work with parents and provide them with the same nurturing, guidance, and warmth as the children.
Jennifer Palmer
Lavender Lead Teacher
Jennifer considers herself a life-long learner, deeply interested in expanding the potential of our kindergarten programs to continue to meet the unique and ever-changing needs of our young friends.