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Faculty and Board of Trustees

Holly Thompson

Holly Thompson

(She/Her)

Nursery Teacher

In addition to her position as Nursery Team Lead, Holly is also a dedicated Chair to our College of Teachers and an alumni parent.

Carol Cornelius

Carol Cornelius

(She/Her)

Nursery Teacher

Carol joined the Nursery Team in 2023. While new to our faculty, Carol has been a loving and involved parent at our school for many years.

Carole Bennighof

Carole Bennighof

(She/Her)

Kindergarten Teacher

A dedicated teacher with more than twenty years of service, Carole is also an alumni parent. She shares her love for music with her class.

Ivy Merritt

Ivy Merritt

(She/Her)

Grades Teacher

The magic of grace and acceptance are what Ivy sees and cherishes most in our community. She carries these attributes with her into the classroom.

Sarah Langford

Sarah Langford

(She/Her)

Handwork Teacher

A talented textile artist and musician, Sarah teaches Handwork to grades students and is our dedicated Grades Team Lead.

Diana Rueda

Diana Rueda

(She/Her)

World Language Teacher

Diana brings Spanish language and culture to our students in the most joy filled and engaging ways! She ushers Spanish language, art, and history throughout our school.

John Huckstein

John Huckstein

(He/Him)

Preschool Teacher Aide

John Huckstein, affectionately known as “Mr. Huck,” brings over 20 years of Waldorf teaching experience. His calm, cheerful presence and gift for storytelling bring warmth and wisdom to our youngest students.

Lisa Moyer

Lisa Moyer

(She/Her)

Nursery Teacher

Lisa is a loving and dedicated Nursery Teacher, taking care and time to know each of the nursery children and their families.

Sadhna Malkani

Sadhna Malkani

(She/Her)

Kindergarten Teacher

Sadhna joined Alabama Waldorf School many moons ago. She is also a Board Member representing early childhood education.

Arden McDonald

Arden McDonald

(They/Them)

Kindergarten Teacher

As a young child, Arden attended Morning Garden at Alabama Waldorf School. They are gentle, kind, and their light shines throughout our school.

Chez Knox

Chez Knox

(She/Her)

Grades Teacher

Childlike wonder fills Chez' classroom. Her thirst for knowledge and love for learning are abundant and visible in the experiences she shares.

Melissa Downs

Melissa Downs

(She/Her)

Gardening Teacher

Melissa gently cares for our students and our gardens as they grow. She brings her years of experience to her role of Faculty Chair.

Emily Hoppe

Emily Hoppe

(She/Her)

Music Teacher

Bringing performing arts from her classes to our community is one of the many ways Emily cultivates joy and unity. Her students can be heard celebrating in song!

Meredyth Moss

Meredyth Moss

(She/Her)

Grades Teacher Aide

Meredyth brings a spirit of creativity and warmth to our community. Her love for hands-on learning and guiding young minds shines through in her work with students each day.

Kristen McArthur

Kristen McArthur

(She/Her)

Nursery Teacher

We're excited to have Kristen back at Alabama Waldorf School. Her voice of experience both comforts and instills confidence in our youngest students.

Andrea Holley

Andrea Holley

(She/Her)

Kindergarten Teacher

Andrea's loving ways, unmistakable laughter, and firm guidance are known and loved by the faculty and families of her kindergarteners.

Beth Blackwell

Beth Blackwell

(She/Her)

Grades Teacher

Holding our youngest grade students, Beth brings a refreshing honesty and years of experience to our school and her class families.

Jodie Bradley

Jodie Bradley

(She/Her)

Grades Teacher

With many years of teaching experience, Jodie serves as a College of Teachers member and AWSNA Delegate.

Rita Meikson

Rita Meikson

(She/Her)

World Language Teacher

As a world language teacher and alumni parent, Rita shares her love for Russian language and culture with our students and greater community.

Jill Garrett

Jill Garrett

(She/Her)

Movement Teacher

Jill brings exciting new activities to our movement classes. She is gentle and engaging, guiding students to build confidence through movement, feeling grounded, balanced, and connected.

Board of Trustees

2024-2025

Interim Board Chair

Jenn Gray

Vice Chair

Elizabeth Brooke

Secretary

Cassia Kesler

Trustees

Bri Wright, Ex Officio

Brian Gosdin

Enisa Perez

Preschool Representative

Sadhna Malkani

Grades Representative

Lynda Powell

Administrative Staff

Administrator &
Director of Advancement

Annie Damsky

Director of Admissions & Enrollment

Kristin Nunnelley

Director of Operations

Lindsay Parris

Director of Business

Kaitlin Caruso

Director of Marketing & Communications

Jeannie Leighton

Director of Pedagogy

Michelle Lucas

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