Faculty & Subject Teachers
Early Childhood Faculty
Susan Bagley
Parent Toddler Class
Ms. Susan brings over 19 years of early childhood experience to Camellia Waldorf School. Before joining Camellia, Susan worked at Cedar Springs Waldorf School and has been a valued member of the Camellia community for more than 11 years. During her time here, she has served as a lead preschool teacher, early childhood substitute, preschool licensing director and currently leads our Parent-Toddler Program. Ms. Susan holds an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education.
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Ms. Susan joined Camellia in 2013.
Contact Susan Bagley: sbagley@camelliawaldorf.org
Martie Fine
Apple Blossom Preschool Teacher
Martie holds a bachelor's degree in English from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and completed her Waldorf teaching certificate at The West Coast Institute for Studies in Anthroposophy in Vancouver, Canada. She also has multiple college credits in human development and early childhood. In 2000, Martie was the founding teacher of the Nevada Sage Waldorf School and helped to develop their early childhood program. Having worked with young children and their families for over 23 years in both Waldorf and mainstream settings, Martie is thrilled to be a part of the family at Camellia Waldorf.
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Committees: Leadership, Hiring Search, and DEI
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Ms. Marty joined Camellia in 2022.
Contact Marty Fine: Mfine@camelliawaldorf.org
Barbara Weiler
Apple Blossom Preschool Assistant Teacher
Barbara holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and has completed over 20 units of early childhood education. She is currently in her final year of Waldorf Teacher Training at the Bay Area Center for Waldorf Teacher Training. As a proud alumna of the Sacramento Waldorf School, where she attended kindergarten through 8th grade, Barbara feels right at home in the Camellia Waldorf School community.โ
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Ms. Barbara joined Camellia in 2023.
Contact Barbara Weiler: bweiler@camelliawaldorf.org
Shannon Leigh
Orange Blossom Preschool Teacher
Shannon Leigh holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and mathematics from Jacksonville University in Florida, and a master’s degree in organic chemistry from the University of California at Davis. Shannon received her Waldorf early childhood teaching certificate from Sound Circle Center for Arts and Anthroposophy in Seattle, Washington and also has 15 units of Early Childhood education.
Ms. Shannon has over 12 years of teaching experience, working in both the grades and early childhood - preschool and kindergarten and was the founding teacher of Camellia's summer program.
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Committees: Leadership Team and Preschool Licensing
Ms. Shannon joined Camellia in 2012.
Contact Shannon Leigh: sleigh@camelliawaldorf.org
Megan Ferrian
Orange Blossom Preschool Assistant Teacher
Ms. Megan studied child development at Sacramento City College, where she earned 15 units in Early Childhood Education, gaining deep insight and knowledge into preschool-aged children. With several years of experience in working with young children, Megan joined Camellia in 2021, teaching in Camellia’s Summer Program and Preschool Extended Care program, before taking a position as an assistant teacher in the Orange Blossom Preschool class. As an assistant teacher, Ms. Megan values the hands-on aspect of Waldorf Pedagogy. Megan is in her first year of teacher training at the Second Circle Center for Arts and Anthroposophy in Seattle, Washington, and is excited to learn and grow while continuing to work in the Orange Blossom class.
When Megan is not in the classroom, she finds joy in discovering new vegan recipes, exploring nature and finding treasures in local thrift stores.
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Ms. Megan joined Camellia in 2021.
Contact Megan Ferrian: Mferrian@camelliawaldorf.org
Olga Morozova
Lavender Kindergarten Teacher
Olga Morozova has a master’s degree in psychology from the State Pedagogical University in Russia and received her Waldorf early childhood teaching certificate from Rudolf Steiner College. Ms. Olga has lived worldwide, teaching in Russia, Hungary, Switzerland, Austria and Canada. She has teaching experience in both formal and informal settings with both children and adults.
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When Ms. Olga is not in the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. Both of her children are Waldorf graduates.
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Committees: Student Support and Hiring Search
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Ms. Olga joined Camellia in 2016.
Contact Olga Morozova: omorozova@camelliawaldorf.org
Catalina Soliman
Lavender Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
A former Waldorf student herself, Ms. Catalina attended the Waldorf school in Iasi, for grades 1through 12, and went on to complete three years of early childhood studies at Alexandru Ioan Cuza University in Iasi, Romania. While at university, she studied different teaching methods, including Waldorf, Montessori and traditional primary education in Romania. Following her time at university, Ms. Catalina taught preschool and grades 1-4, eventually finding her way back to Waldorf education when she was offered a kindergarten teacher assistant position at Edinburgh Steiner School in Scotland. While there, she felt back at home and had the opportunity to work, study, and research amongst other anthroposophical therapists.
In her spare time, Catalina enjoys artistic activities like drawing, singing, painting; spending time with family, and traveling. She also wrote, illustrated, and published two children’s books. Ms. Catalina is a Camellia parent of two children.
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Ms. Catalina joined Camellia in 2021
Contact Catalina Soliman: csoliman@camelliawaldorf.org
Courtney Wilson
Sunflower Kindergarten Teacher
Courtney Wilson holds a bachelor's degree in sociology and religious studies from Eastern University, a master's degree in art history from American University, and an Art of Teaching Certificate from the Gradalis Waldorf Teacher Education Program. Additionally, Ms. Courtney has her Waldorf early childhood teacher certificate from Sound Circle Center for Arts and Anthroposophy in Seattle, Washington.
Ms. Courtney has been a teacher for over nine years, including seven years in Waldorf schools as a kindergarten teacher, grades class teacher and subject teacher. In 2007, Ms. Courtney and her husband, Joshua, helped to found Escuela Caracol, Guatemala’s first Waldorf school. Ms. Courtney founded the kindergarten and taught in Spanish and English there for several years.
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Early childhood education has always been close to Ms. Courtney's heart. She is a storyteller with a profound love of nature which she strives to bring to her classroom in innovative ways. Courtney is a Camellia parent and an alumni parent.
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Committees: Festivals and Ceremonies
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Ms. Courtney joined Camellia in 2021.
Contact Courtney Wilson: cwilson@camelliawaldorf.org
Kelly Maroney
Sunflower Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Kelly Maroney brings with her years of childcare experience and is enrolled in early childhood education courses, helping to grow her knowledge of child development. Ms. Kelly has long been interested in alternative educational approaches and was introduced to Waldorf education in 2022 when she joined Camellia’s extended care program. During her time at Camellia, she has had the opportunity to witness the warm and magical nature of Waldorf education, especially in early childhood.
As her knowledge and love of Waldorf education continue to deepen and blossom she is thankful for the opportunity to work with Camellia's kindergarten children and considers Camellia a second home.
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Ms. Kelly joined Camellia in 2022
Contact Kelly Maroney: kmoroney@camelliawaldorf.org
Haley Cavanaugh
Marigold Kindergarten Teacher
As a proud Camellia alum, Ms. Haley is honored to be the founding teacher of Camellia’s third kindergarten class! She studied anthroposophy and Waldorf education at Rudolf Steiner College before earning her bachelor’s degree in philosophy from California State University, Sacramento. With over nine years of experience working with children, she spent three years teaching in a mixed-age Waldorf Kindergarten on California’s Central Coast, which deepened her connection to and belief in the transformative power of Waldorf education. Most recently, she worked with a local nonprofit serving foster youth for five years. This experience solidified her commitment to serving children, ultimately, leading her back to the classroom.
Haley recently became a mother, which has deepened her appreciation for the value of early childhood development and education. As a Camellia Kindergarten teacher, Haley holds invaluable lessons from her own Waldorf education, including a sense of wonder, joy, safety, and a deep love of learning.
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Ms. Haley serves on the following Committees: Festivals and Ceremonies
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Ms. Haley joined Camellia in 2024
Contact Haley Cavanaugh: Hcavanaugh@camelliawaldorf.org
Elementary and Middle School Faculty
Sarah Casebeer
1st Grade Teacher
Sarah Casebeer has a bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies from the University of New Hampshire. She earned her Waldorf teacher training certificate from the Bay Area Center for Waldorf Teacher Training in 2009, the same year she began working at Camellia Waldorf School.
Before becoming a teacher, Ms. Casebeer nannied for young children and worked at Lifeways at Rudolf Steiner College. She has been a Camellia parent for 15 years and a full-time teacher at Camellia for 12 years. She took the Class of 2017 from grades 1-4 and picked up the Class of 2024 in the 2nd grade, seeing them through graduation this past June. Sarah has also been a substitute teacher and an assistant teacher in kindergarten at Camellia.
Sarah is passionate about visual arts and enjoys yoga, paddleboarding, camping, reading, and playing games with her family. Her oldest son attended CWS from Kindergarten through 8th Grade and is now in college at UC Santa Cruz. She also has a son in Camellia's 5th Grade.
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Committees: Board of Trustees, DEI and Student Support
Ms. Casebeer Joined Camellia in 2009
Contact Sarah Casebeer: scasebeer@camelliawaldorf.org
Simone Mason
1st Grade Assistant Teacher
Simone Mason is passionate about child development and has over 13 years of experience working with children. She discovered Waldorf education in 2009 while working as a nanny, later deepening her knowledge through classes at Lifeways. She brings warmth, rhythm, and care to students, reflecting her strong Waldorf values.
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Simone is a Camellia parent of two children.
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Ms. Simone joined Camellia in 2024
Contact Simone Mason: smason@camelliawaldorf.org
Brittany Trollip
2nd Grade Teacher
Ms. Trollip has worked in education for over 12 years, since graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2012. She has a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology, with a Health Education specialization. Additionally, she has a California Education Specialist Credential with added authorizations in autism and teaching English-language learners. Ms. Trollip has a strong background in literacy and specializes in working with students with learning differences. She discovered Waldorf education as a parent. Since that discovery, her knowledge and love of Waldorf education have grown, both as a parent and educator, leading her to Camellia Waldorf School in the Spring of 2022. She is currently in the first year of her Waldorf Teacher Training program.
When Ms. Trollip is outside of the classroom, she loves to be in nature! She spends her summers exploring the great outdoors; some of her best adventures have been riding her bike around Iceland, au pairing in France, doing a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, visiting her husband’s family in South Africa, or riding her bike down the length of Eastern Europe. Her two personal rules for life are: one must always stop at lemonade stands and one must always jump at an opportunity to swim in wild water. On the weekends you will find her working in her garden or camping with her family. Ms, Trollip is also a Camellia parent of two children.
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Committees: Student Support
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Ms. Trollip joined Camellia in 2023
Contact Britt Trollip: btrollip@camelliawaldorf.org
Shane Jewell
3rd Grade Teacher
Shane Jewell holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in music performance from Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music, with concentrations in physics, mathematics, and environmental studies and has completed an International Honors Program in the study of climate change, economics, anthropology, social justice, and sustainable development. Mr. Jewell earned his Waldorf teaching certificate from Sound Circle Center for Arts and Anthroposophy in Seattle, Washington.
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Mr. Jewell joined the Camellia faculty in 2021 teaching Choir and Middle School Math and has quickly become a beloved member of our community. With over 20 years of teaching experience, including ten years as a Waldorf teacher, Mr. Jewell has taught both in the grades and at the high school level. Mr. Jewell grew up attending Waldorf schools as the child of two Waldorf teachers. In addition, Mr. Jewell is the founder and musical director of a choral ensemble, has hiked 1,000 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, has bicycled more than 100,000 miles in countries around the world, and is passionate about sustainable living and organic farming.
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Committees: Concerts and Assemblies, Board of Trustees and Leadership
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Mr. Jewell joined Camellia in 2021
Contact Shane Jewell: sjewell@camelliawaldorf.org
Zoë Simone García
3rd Grade Assistant Teacher
โZoe Garcia holds a Bachelor's of Music Degree in Vocal Music Education and has a passion for teaching music. After graduating, she worked as a 1st-8th grade music teacher at Davis Waldorf School, as well as a Kindergarten Teacher Assistant. While in college, she gained valuable experience working in K-12 schools as a student teacher in choir and general music classes. Additionally, she has worked as a voice teacher. Zoe is currently pursuing a Master's of Music Degree in Vocal Performance at CSUS while working with the 3rd-grade class.
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Ms. Zoë joined Camellia in 2024
Contact Zoë Simone García: zgarcia@camelliawaldorf.org
Denis Fitts
4th Grade Teacher
Denis Fitts grew up in the Bay Area and has taught in Waldorf schools for over 40 years. He received his Waldorf Teacher Certificate and BA in Waldorf Education from Rudolf Steiner College in 1981. Denis was the founding teacher of Portland Waldorf School, where he brought his first class through the grades beginning in 1982. He began teaching at Sacramento Waldorf School in 1990, leading three lower school classes through the grades as well as teaching mathematics for six years in the high school. Additionally, he was an adjunct faculty member for many years in the summer Teacher Education Program at Rudolf Steiner College. He recently taught at Live Oak Waldorf School for three years in grades 6 through 8.
Denis has four children, all of whom are Waldorf graduates. In addition to his family, Denis' special joys are paragliding, music, camping, and traveling.
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Committees: Hiring Search and Concerts and Assemblies
Mr. Fitts joined Camellia in 2023
Contact Denis Fitts: dfitts@camelliawaldorf.org
Elijah Egbert
5th Grade Teacher
Elijah Egbert holds a bachelor’s degree in Rhetoric from the University of California, Berkeley, and studied Philosophy at Sacramento City College. A former Waldorf student himself, Elijah attended Camellia Waldorf School, kindergarten through 8th grade, and later graduated from Sacramento Waldorf School. He joined the Camellia faculty in the 2020-2021 school year as a grades assistant teacher and substitute, where he developed a strong appreciation for the teaching aspect of Waldorf education. The following year, he returned as a class teacher and began studying with Dr. Lakshmi Prasanna, a renowned Anthroposophic Pediatrician and Waldorf teacher educator. Elijah is completing his first year of Waldorf teacher training, and is so happy to be back at Camellia, in the role of a teacher.
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In addition to his teaching role, Elijah is a skilled musician and music educator. He both plays and teaches guitar.
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Committees: Festivals and Ceremonies
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Mr. Egbert joined Camellia in 2020
Contact Elijah Egbert: eegbert@camelliawaldorf.org
Amber Fitts
6th Grade Teacher
Amber Fitts earned her bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from the University of California Santa Cruz. In 2010, she earned certificates in Waldorf education and Eurythmy from Rudolf Steiner College in Fair Oaks, California.
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Ms. Fitts taught Camellia’s class of 2018 from first through eighth grade, and has been a member of the faculty leadership team since 2014. Currently, she is delighted to be on the journey with the class of 2027 which she began teaching in first grade.
Ms. Fitts’ passions are in the movement arts: yoga, eurythmy, modern dance, folk dance, and ballet. She also enjoys spending time in nature, and cultivates an active interest in world travel and cultures, having ventured through Taiwan, Thailand, the Yucatan, Ireland, Peru, Italy, and Switzerland, as well as many of America’s national parks. In 2022, Ms. Fitts and her husband became proud adoptive parents, welcoming home their teenage son from Taiwan.
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Committees: Leadership Chair and Festivals and Ceremonies
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Ms. Fitts Joined Camellia in 2010
Alison Davis
7th and 8th Grade Teacher
Alison Davis is a native of Detroit, Michigan who has lived all over the world and called California home since 2009. She holds degrees from the University of Kansas, the University of Notre Dame, Stanford University, Rudolf Steiner College, and Antioch University, where she was the first student to earn a doctorate in education specializing in Waldorf pedagogy. Before joining Camellia's faculty, Alison taught at Sacramento Waldorf School and Waldorf School of the Peninsula.
Outside of school, Alison is a scholar and artist whose work has been featured in numerous literary and scholarly publications, popular media, and two books of poetry. She is a certified fitness, yoga, and meditation teacher, personal trainer, endurance athlete, and passionate advocate for food justice. She is happiest when exploring the American River Parkway with her children.
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Committees: DEI and Concerts and Assemblies
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Dr. Davis joined Camellia in 2024
Contact Alison Davis: adavis@camelliawaldorf.org
Iman Hassen
7th and 8th Grade Teacher Assistant
Iman is a Waldorf School graduate who attended Waldorf School of the Peninsula, where Alison Davis was one of her beloved teachers. Later, she worked alongside Alison as an assistant and substitute teacher at the same school.
Iman brings a passion for poetry, drama, music, and social justice, as well as creativity, empathy, and patience—all of which will enrich the experience of our students. She studied at Mills College and College of San Mateo.
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Iman joined Camellia in 2024
Contact Iman Hassen: Ihassen@camelliawaldorf.org
Subject Teachers
Grades 1st through 8th begin each day with their class teacher, in main lesson, followed by subject classes. These classes include Movement, Spanish, Woodworking, Gardening, Handwork, Strings, Guitar and Choir. While Main Lesson provides an in-depth exploration of subjects in blocks of four to six weeks, subject classes run throughout the year.
Carmen Gunn
Movement & Gardening
Carmen Gunn is a graduate of the Spacial Dynamics Institute and earned her associate’s degree in physical science from the Collegio Alessandro Manzoni in Monza, Italy. Ms. Gunn is a certified personal trainer, strength coach, group fitness instructor, and archery instructor. She is also certified in pilates and yoga. Before joining Camellia’s faculty, Ms. Gunn had worked for 20 years as a teacher in the health and fitness industry.
In her role as gardening teacher, Ms. Gunn leads elementary and middle school students in planting, growing, and harvesting fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
Carmen Gunn is a parent of two Camellia alumni students.
Committees: Hiring Search and Student Support
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Ms. Gunn joined Camellia in 2010.
Contact Carmen Gunn: cgunn@camelliawaldorf.org
Reylynn Imai
Strings Teacher & Ensemble
Ms. Imai comes to Camellia with almost 30 years of experience as a violin instructor, including positions as Applied Violin Instructor at Sacramento City College, String Coach at McClatchy High School, and private violin instructor. She has also performed in various settings including the Camellia Symphony and Delta Strings Quartet.
Ms. Imai received her Bachelor of Music in Performance and Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from Sacramento State University as well as her Masters of Arts in Humanities from San Francisco State University, and is currently the President of the American String Teachers Association of Sacramento. In addition to her vast professional experience.
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Ms. Imai joined Camellia in 2024
Lulú Flores
Grades Spanish Teacher
Lulú holds a bachelor's degree in Nutrition from Universidad del Valle de Atemajac. In college, Lulú’s interest in child development and maternal health grew and after giving birth to her son, she became a Certified Lactation Educator and accredited La Leche League Leader. Maestra Lulú worked at the Mexican Consulate in San Jose, offering nutrition education for families, and later became coordinator of the Parents cook with Heart program with the Latino College Academy parents.
After attending the Waldorf en casa" with Oswaldo Alvarez Pedroza, a Mexican Waldorf teacher, Lulú fell in love with Waldorf education. Maestra Lulú continued on with The Art of Teaching Spanish the following summer and later a curriculum workshop for Waldorf Spanish teachers with Michelle Jarvis. Additionally, Maestra Lulú recently completed the Maternal and Child Nutrition Masters program at the University of California Davis. When Lulú isn’t teaching Spanish, you will find her spending time with her son and husband, singing, writing, playing the guitar, and dancing. She enjoys bike riding with her family, taking care of her quails, hiking, baking, and cooking homemade Mexican food.
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Maestra Lulú joined Camellia in 2021
Contact Maestra Lulú: lflores@camelliawaldorf.org
Hubert Bones
Woodworking Teacher
Hubert Bones is a craftsman and woodworker. He has always enjoyed volunteering his time, sharing his skills, and making projects for the school. As the Woodworking teacher, he enjoys working with students of all grades, bringing new projects and opportunities for learning and growth. When Mr. Bones is not teaching, he is working to keep the Camellia campus beautiful and healthy, creating and maintaining our incredible grounds, and making sure it is as beautiful as it can be for the children to enjoy.
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Committees: Building and Grounds
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Mr. Bones joined Camellia in 2021
Contact Mr. Bones : hbones@camelliawaldorf.org
Isabela Guardia Ferragutti
Eurythmy Teacher
A graduate of Instituto Eduardo Laredo in Cochabamba, Bolivia, Isabela attended the University of Dance in Caracas, Venezuela, West Midlands Eurythmy Training in Stourbridge, England, and earned a Eurythmy Diploma from Rudolf Steiner College. She also holds a Eurythmy Spring Valley/Post-Graduate Diploma and spent time learning at The University College of Eurythmy in Norway, graduating with a BA in Eurythmy and Educational Eurythmy in Oslo, Norway.
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Isabela values Waldorf education for the way it educates the whole human being, engaging the willing, feeling, and thinking of the child harmoniously. She says, “Educating a child in a Waldorf school becomes an exciting, inspiring, learning and growing journey for all who are involved. It becomes a living experience.
Ms. Guardia joined Camellia in 2023
Contact Ms. Guardia: iguardia@camelliawaldorf.org
Elijah Egbert
Band Ensemble
Mr. Egbert has a bachelor’s degree in Rhetoric from the University of California Berkeley. Mr. Egbert was a Waldorf student himself, attending Camellia Waldorf School through 8th grade. He is an experienced musician, guitar player, and teacher, and is excited to offer his musical skills to 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade ensemble students.โ
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Mr. Egbert joined Camellia in 2020
Contact Mr. Egbert: eegbert@camelliawaldorf.org
Shane Jewell
Choir Teacher
Shane Jewell holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in music performance from Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music, with concentrations in physics, mathematics, and environmental studies and has completed an International Honors Program in the study of climate change, economics, anthropology, social justice, and sustainable development. Mr. Jewell earned his Waldorf teaching certificate from Sound Circle Center for Arts and Anthroposophy in Seattle, Washington.
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Mr. Jewell joined the Camellia faculty in 2021 teaching Choir and Middle School Math and has quickly become a beloved member of our community. With over 20 years of teaching experience, including ten years as a Waldorf teacher, Mr. Jewell has taught both in the grades and at the high school level.
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Mr. Jewell joined Camellia in 2021
Contact Mr. Jewell : sjewell@camelliawaldorf.org
Beatriz Garcia
Middle School Math Specialist and Substitute Teacher
Ms. Garcia has a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a single-subject credential in Mathematics from California State University Fresno. She comes to Camellia with six years of experience teaching Middle and High School math, including Algebra, Geometry, and AP Calculus.
In her free time, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, knitting, and reading, and looks forward to training for a half marathon. Ms. Garcia is passionate about math and is eager to share her excitement with her 7th and 8th Grade students.
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Ms. Garcia joined Camellia in 2024
Contact Ms. Garcia: bgarcia@camelliawaldorf.org