ADMINISTRATION TEAM

Caleb Buckley

WHOLE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR

My teaching philosophy, as well as my administrative work, is focused on supporting others to develop their own capacities to serve the world. For staff, that looks like helping to create systems and decision-making that supports individual growth and creates community. For students, breaking down learning into action items is essential, so kids know what they know and can understand how the world works around them. I have taught social studies in high school, and I have been an administrator for 21 years. My formal education includes a Doctor of Education degree from UC Davis, a Master of Arts in Political Science from San Francisco State University, a BA in Political Science/German Literature from San Francisco State University, and Waldorf High School Teacher training from the Center for Anthroposophy.

I was inspired to teach because I began to tutor middle school students and believed I could make a difference in creating more opportunities for them. Later, I got involved in starting the high school program at the Austin Waldorf School. 

All the way through graduate school at San Francisco State University, I have sought learning experiences that are based on diversity as a sign of strength. Twice I lived overseas, and I have worked in New York City. The future waiting for our children is one of diverse backgrounds and ethnicities, and when we complement this culture with justice and understanding, we create a better society. Diversity gives everything the ability to adapt and grow, not just for learning but for our whole ecosystem. 

Waldorf education is the most relevant to the 21st century because it is based on a child development model that is shared by the faculty. As we move into a technological picture of the human being, through AI, it is even more important to develop a sense of imagination and creativity. One has to be more human to set ourselves apart from the revolution in technology. 

My goal in my career has been to learn from both the Public Waldorf and the Independent School Movement, to take best practices across the Waldorf Movement, and create excellent learning environments that are true to the impulse for education given by Rudolf Steiner. 

My greatest accomplishment is recognizing, the more that I learn, how little I truly know. I am equally proud of the dissertation I wrote as well as when to pick a pear that is perfectly ripe from my fruit trees. In Austin and in Grass Valley, I ran capital campaigns to build new school buildings, and I feel grateful that they will be there for generations of future students. The biggest accomplishments are yet to come. 

I live in Orangevale with my two children, who are in 5th and 7th grades this year. My parents moved from New Jersey to the Bay Area many years ago, and I have four sisters nearby.  Our household also consists of ducks, chickens, turkeys, a cat, and a golden retriever. 

Whitni Carlson

HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR

BIO Coming Soon…

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.

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.

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

EC, 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.

Dena Malon

LOWER SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR

Dena Malon (she/her) came to Sacramento Waldorf School (SWS) in August of 2024 with a diverse background that began in New York City, where she earned her BA in Theater and Communications. Her path to SWS took her through various experiences that have shaped her deep dedication to Waldorf education.

Early in her career in Atlanta, Dena was an actress and the artistic director of CREATE, an educational theater company. Here, she leveraged the power of performance, writing, directing, and acting in plays and one-person shows that targeted the social, emotional, and academic needs of students from first grade through high school. She also imparted her knowledge to fellow educators, training teachers on creative strategies for classroom management and curriculum development.

The turning point in Dena's educational philosophy came with the birth of her sons, Max and Jack (now 32 and 36). Convinced that only Waldorf education could fulfill her deepest aspirations for them, she became a Waldorf parent. This personal connection quickly led her to embrace the profession; she completed her Waldorf teacher training at Sunbridge Institute in 1997 and subsequently became the class teacher for the Class of 2007 at the Waldorf School of Atlanta, completing the eight-year cycle with them.

Dena returned to New York City to teach the Class of 2015 at the Rudolf Steiner School, guiding them from first to eighth grade. More recently, after relocating to California to be with her husband, Thom Schaefer, she served as the Grades Director at the Marin Waldorf School for four years. Last year (2023-24), Dena and Thom were instrumental as mentors and teacher trainers for a new Waldorf initiative in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. This year, at SWS, Dena has served as a mentor, middle school support teacher, and language arts teacher to the 8th grade. Since February, she has been class teacher to the 5th grade.

At both the Rudolf Steiner School and Marin Waldorf School, Dena actively served on DEIJB committees. These were deeply important experiences to her as a teacher, administrator, and human being.

As the new Lower School Administrator, Dena is eager to support the faculty with ongoing guidance and collaboration. She is especially excited to build meaningful partnerships with the parents of Sacramento Waldorf School, enriching their understanding and deepening their experience of Waldorf education. With a strong commitment to fostering connections within the school community, Dena believes that cultivating these relationships is essential to best serve and nurture the students. 

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.

Stephen Payne

FARMER, LOWER SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL GARDENING TEACHER

Farmer Steve, as he is known, came to Sacramento Waldorf School in 2001 and runs the campus’ 3.5-acre working farm, including our school’s Gardening curriculum. With 10 years of experience in organic farming and five years of experience as a market garden business owner, Stephen holds a BS in Business Marketing from Central Connecticut State University.

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.

Dean Stark

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR, HIGH SCHOOL MOVEMENT & PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER

Since joining SWS in 1984, Dean has helped build our sports program into a successful and important part of school life. As a basketball coach, he has amassed 17 championships over his decades-long career. His more than 660 victories in Varsity Boys Basketball set the all-time record in California Interscholastic Federation Sac-Joaquin Section history.  In addition to receiving numerous "Coach of the Year” awards in both baseball and basketball, Dean was selected as the 2017 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section and overall State Model Coach Award Winner. He was also the recipient of the 2016-17 California State Boys Basketball Coach of the Year. Dean has led our baseball program to eight league titles over his tenure. He is the author of Uncommon: Inside My Coaching Career at Sacramento Waldorf and   A Waldorf Approach  to Coaching Team Sports, as well as the producer of the video  High School Basketball: The Seven Defensive Principles of Building a  Championship Team.

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.

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.