John Huckestein has been teaching 2 1/2 to 4 year olds at Alabama Waldorf School since 1995 when it was The Redmont School in the Waldorf Tradition. He is extensively trained in the Waldorf methods for the care and nurturing of the young child, including coursework in pastel drawing, the importance of play, and early childhood education. Mr. Huckestein also leads the Early Morning Care for all the enrolled children. A favorite among children, "Mr. Huck" is known for his jocular manner and his storytelling ability. He also serves the school as a Preschool Representative for the College of Teachers.

Ashley Dulaney graduated from Auburn University in 2001 with a degree in Elementary Education.  She is Alabama-Certified to teach kindergarten through grade eight.  Ms. Ashley came to the AWS Extended Care Program in 2004 and later became a Nursery school teacher.  She enjoys working with all ages of AWS students and is also a proud mother of two girls at AWS. She also serves the school as Faculty Chairperson. 

Holly Thompson was a Kindergarten teacher at Alabama Waldorf School and then took a break for motherhood!  3 years into the parenting of Oskar, she rejoined the Faculty in the Nursery and as a standing member of the Hiring Committee. Her second child, Charlie, was welcomed in the fall of 2012.  Holly graduated from UAB with degrees in Psychology and Biology with an emphasis in child development.  She spent several years studying Neurobiology as a research assistant before being called to the teaching profession.  She loves being surrounded by children and getting to share in their excitement as they discover earthworms beneath the tree stumps, strawberries in the garden, and all of the other simply extraordinary things about daily life.  She appreciates how Waldorf education nurtures the whole child along with a strong sense of community.  Outside of school, her interests include crafts, gardening, spending time in Nature, and laughing with her son. 

Samantha Hall has been a parent at AWS since 2000. In 2001, she began leading the Morning Garden playgroup and joined the Nursery Team in January 2004. Ms. Samantha has been a childcare provider since 1982 and continues to enjoy learning and growing along with the Nursery children. She has a particular interest in healing work and hopes to pursue an education in homeopathy and anthroposophical healing. Ms. Samantha is the mother of three daughters, one AWS alum who is now at the Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School and two AWS elementary students.  Ms Samantha also serves AWS as the Chair of the College of Teachers which represents the pedagogical leadership of the school.  

 
Morning Garden 

Sarah Gurganus, AWS' Handwork teacher and proud parent of a toddler, will lead Morning Garden beginning in the fall of 2011.  She is happy to bring both her nurturing style and her love of handwork to our parent/toddler playgroup!  Sarah also serves the school as the Faculty Representative for the Family Association.