ADMINISTRATION TEAM

Angela Cowham

HIGH SCHOOL COORDINATOR

Angela (she/her) joined Sacramento Waldorf School in 2018 and is now serving as the High School Coordinator. Angela and her family have been part of the school community since 2012.

Through volunteering and serving as Class Parent, Angela developed a deep appreciation for the spirit and beauty of the Sacramento Waldorf School campus and is proud to be a member of our administrative team. She appreciates the whole-child approach of Waldorf education.

Misty DeGennaro

OFFICE ASSISTANT & AP/PAYROLL SPECIALIST

Misty (she/her) joined the Sacramento Waldorf School administrative team in 2018. She assists children, parents, and faculty in the office and has been an integral part of the school’s marketing efforts.

Misty brings a positive attitude to her position and strives for kindness and compassion with every interaction. She feels fortunate to be a part of the amazing education and beautiful campus offered at Sacramento Waldorf School.

Misty holds a BS in Business Administration Finance from California State University, Chico, and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Chapman University.

She and her husband, Paul, have three sons, all of whom recently graduated from Sacramento Waldorf School.

Hunt Griggs

DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS

Hunt Griggs (she/her) was born and raised in the Midwest and fell in love with the Pacific Northwest when she moved to Portland, Oregon to attend Lewis and Clark College in 1995. Then, after moving to Northern California and having numerous adventures, she eventually settled with her (very soon-to-be) family of four in the Sierra Foothills. She discovered Waldorf education as she sought a community and school that nurtured and protected the innocence of childhood while also fostering a love of learning and the development of socially responsible, engaged, and compassionate human beings.

Her family began their Waldorf educational journey in 2004 at Live Oak Waldorf School where Bella joined the preschool and Phaedon joined the parent child classes shortly thereafter. Hunt watched as her children not only grew but flourished, throughout their years of Waldorf education, prompting her to begin working at Live Oak in 2014. She served in many different capacities at Live Oak Waldorf School for over ten years and for the last four as the Assistant Administrator of Admissions and Enrollment.

Hunt became a high school parent at Sacramento Waldorf School in 2019 and is thrilled to continue her professional journey here as well. She lives in the Sierra Foothills with her spouse, Cory, and their two children. Hunt appreciates her time with family and friends in nature: hiking, swimming in the local rivers (the Yuba River is her favorite), visiting hot springs, enjoying live music, gardening and reading.

Alicia Hansell

COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING COORDINATOR

Bio coming soon…

Bailee Hobbs

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT & ADMISSIONS COORDINATOR

What brought Bailee (she/her) to Sacramento Waldorf School and to Waldorf education was the approach to seeing children for who they are and who they are becoming: “I wanted to work here because I want to be a part of a community that allows children to simply be and to fully embrace their whole selves,” she says.

Bailee has a BA in Accounting from Bethany College in West Virginia and lives in Elk Grove with her husband, their daughter Olivia, and son Braeden. She is committed to social renewal, inclusion, and equity in our school, and her work with Tuition Assistance is part of that commitment to broadening access to Waldorf education. She firmly believes that everyone should have the kind of education that is for life. “I think age-appropriate education experiences are incredibly important. The emphasis on life-long learning will help our children to become strong, compassionate, and thoughtful adults.”

Valerie Leksich

LOWER & MIDDLE SCHOOL RECEPTIONIST

Miss Valerie (she/her), as she is known on campus, moved with her family to Fair Oaks from Atlanta in 1988, so that her children could attend Sacramento Waldorf School. For many years, she enjoyed volunteering for the school, and in 2001, she decided to join our staff officially. The mother of two Sacramento Waldorf School graduates (Classes of 2000 and 2004), Valerie holds a BA in Psychology from Georgia State University. In her early career, before her family’s move to California, she worked as an adult protective services caseworker.

Sidonie Ospina

DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Sidonie has been a parent and worked in Administration at both Camellia and Sacramento Waldorf Schools since 2012. With experience as a receptionist and Admin. Assistant, a registrar, office manager, Admissions Director, and Business Manager, Sidonie has a thorough knowledge and nuanced understanding of the behind-the-scenes workings of Waldorf schools in Sacramento.

As a parent whose children brought to her certain questions and observations, Sidonie came to Waldorf schools searching for an education that grounds the child in a clear understanding of what it means to be human. “a grounding education that teaches kids a love for learning, respect for our everyday environment, respect for their learning curve, hands-on learning classes with arts, play, experiments, field trips, and so much more,” she says. “Waldorf education is bringing more conscious humans to our society.

Sidonie sees a strong link between the ideals of Waldorf education and the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. DEIJ work in schools “A diverse and inclusive community and workplace that will help us to have a unified future,” she says. Through her work and experience in Admissions, Finance, and Human Resources, Sidonie brings a wealth of perspectives to help SWS achieve its goals.

Betsy Petering

SIS COORDINATOR & ADMISSIONS ASSISTANT

Betsy (she/her) joined Sacramento Waldorf School in the admissions office in 2014. She supports faculty, staff, and families with Portal, ParentSquare, and other needs.

Betsy has a BS in Statistics from Iowa State University and, in 2020, received a certificate in Coding from UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education. Betsy is married to former staff/faculty member John Petering. Their children, Julia and Niko, attended Sacramento Waldorf School.

Melissa Rainsford

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

An alum of Sacramento Waldorf School, a long-time parent volunteer and leader, and a beloved presence on campus, Melissa lives out her commitment to Waldorf education and to SWS each day. Knowing that this education is highly relevant today and in the future drives her to share our school with the broader community and to demonstrate its potential. “When I went to school here, people had never heard of a Waldorf school and would kind of laugh at it. Now, more than ever, I think our world needs more of ‘Be who you are’ rather than pretending to be something else. Fewer electronics, more movement, more human kindness, more interaction with the natural world—these are so healthy for our children,” she says.

After graduating from SWS, Melissa earned her AA at American River College and her cosmetologist license from Elite Academy. Her strong connection to the school also comes through her three sons, who are currently students in the Lower, Middle, and High School and who are highly active and cherished members of many sports teams on campus. Melissa is also a coach at the school, leading both the Middle School Girls Basketball and High School Varsity Girls Basketball teams.

Scott Rulon

IT MANAGER

Scott joined Sacramento Waldorf School in 2018 with a focus of supporting staff and faculty in all electronic endeavors. From forgotten passwords to frozen computer screens, Scott is the go-to guy to solve all technological challenges. Much of his work involves engaging with staff and faculty to determine the root cause of the challenges they face and then working behind the scenes to get everything functioning properly.

The father of two children, Scott came to California from Michigan seeking to apprentice with an electrician. He spent four years in that role until a back injury led to a career pivot. He decided to pursue engineering and IT at American River College. Scott is motivated by a desire to solve mysteries in the technological world.

In 2005, his oldest son enrolled at Sacramento Waldorf School. Ironically, one of the things he loves most about this school is its de-emphasis on technology in the younger grades. “It’s all about thought process,” he says. “Computers are tools for when you’re older. I like that the students work on a board, writing and drawing,” he says.

Terri Stewart

TEACHER EDUCATION COORDINATOR

Terri (she/her) joined the Sacramento Waldorf School staff in 2017 and has worked in various roles on the administration team, supporting the school. Terri is the mother of a Sacramento Waldorf High School graduate and has been part of the school community since 2007.

She approaches her work every day as an opportunity to serve the school. Terri enjoys being part of the Teacher Education Team striving to guide young people toward adulthood and the ability to live free and joyful lives.

Ireland Stirling

EXTENDED DAY & SUMMER PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Ireland’s (she/her) Waldorf story spans her entire education and beyond. She is a Waldorf Alum having attended Alice Birney from Kindergarten through Eighth Grade and George Washington Carver School of Arts and Science for High School. “Waldorf Education has always heald a special place in my heart since I was able to experience it fully myself,” she says. Her experience and love for this education informs all aspects of her work as our Extended Day Program Coordinator.

“I have always wanted to work with children whether it was in a school setting or not. It is incredibly rewarding to witness their drive to explore, learn, and discover the world,” she says. “Children’s creativity and the joy they bring to everyday moments make working with them extremely inspiring.”  

Early Childhood Education holds a special place in Ireland’s heart, and she hopes to complete further Early Childhood Education coursework and to pursue her Waldorf teacher training. Ireland has also completed coursework in Curative Education and sees the immediate need for a more therapeutic education. “I recognize that each child is unique. Each child learns differently and has different strengths and challenges. I do my best to create a space where all children feel comfortable to use their differences to their advantage.”

Elizabeth Tiedemann

HIGH SCHOOL REGISTRAR

Elizabeth (she/her) holds a BA in Psychology from University of California, Berkeley. She began her career as a technical recruiter in Santa Clara. After a move to the Sacramento area, she worked in a public high school and Folsom Lake College before joining Sacramento Waldorf School.

Sean Dibble

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

Sean joined Sacramento Waldorf School in 2023 as a Maintenance Technician, bringing more than 25 years of experience in construction, facilities maintenance, and custodial services. Whether he's repairing building fixtures, maintaining equipment, or helping keep the campus safe and welcoming, Sean takes pride in ensuring that every part of the school is well cared for.

Before joining Sacramento Waldorf School, Sean spent 16 years with JAG Janitorial Services, where he developed extensive expertise in commercial cleaning, facility maintenance, equipment repair, and inventory management. His earlier experience in residential construction gave him a strong foundation in building maintenance and problem-solving, skills that continue to serve the school community every day.

Sean enjoys solving problems, taking on new challenges, and ensuring that every corner of campus is ready to support learning and community life. His behind-the-scenes dedication helps create an environment where students and teachers can thrive.

Andrew Winberry

DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES

Andrew Winberry came to Sacramento Waldorf School with a wealth of experience working in real estate development and land-use planning. He enjoys working outside, moving, and using his hands, and he says that fixing something is “immediately gratifying.”

As Facilities Manager, Andrew’s goal is to create a comprehensive blueprint for facilities and maintenance at Sacramento Waldorf School that allows future stewards to keep the campus safe and environmentally sound and ensure it thrives into the future.

Andrew has a BA in Philosophy from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a Master of Business Administration from Sacramento State University.

Andrew and his wife, Holly, have two daughters who attend Sacramento Waldorf School. They live in Fair Oaks with their two chickens, and their cat, Athena. In their free time, Andrew and his family enjoy backpacking, exploring, skiing, and home improvement projects.