Faculty & Staff

Ms. Kimberly Raine

Parent Child and Rose Play Group Teacher

Kimberly Raine was born in Los Angeles and raised in Orange County by a single mother with her five brothers. In her childhood, she spent hours with her mother gardening, sewing, grinding grains, baking, cooking, preserving fruits and vegetables and lots of crafting. Kimberly found her way to Waldorf through her two sons in 1994. 

Kimberly is a Waldorf parent at heart. Her own sons attended Waldorf School of Orange County from Parent Child Class until 8th grade. She brings over 30+ years of Waldorf Teaching and Parent Education experience. 

Kimberly is currently in the Biodynamic Farmer Training living on 10 acres near Lake Nacimiento in Bradley, CA along with her goats, chickens, sheep and new lambs.

Ms. Ellie maiorana

Lead Teacher

Hummingbird Nest Preschool   

Hi, I’m Ellie, and I am so grateful to be part of the Central Coast Waldorf community. It is a joy to spend my days in such a beautiful environment alongside children and their families. My journey as an educator has taken me from New York to California, and I feel incredibly fortunate that it has led me here.

For more than 15 years, I have worked as a lead teacher with young children, including young threes and fours, kindergarten, and first grade. Throughout my career, I have been a play-based educator, deeply believing in the importance of honoring childhood through imagination, creativity, exploration, and connection. One of my greatest joys as a teacher is creating a nurturing environment where children feel truly seen, develop confidence in who they are, and grow a deep sense of trust in themselves and the world around them.

I discovered Waldorf education while teaching at a forest school in Southern California and immediately connected with its reverence for childhood, rhythm, imagination, and the natural world. I am grateful to be continuing my Waldorf education and recently participated in an immersive summer course at the Sunbridge Institute in New York. I look forward to deepening my understanding of Waldorf education and bringing this learning into my work with children and families.

When I’m not at school, you’ll most likely find me playing in the ocean, exploring nature and soaking in the beauty of the Central Coast.

Ms. jewel nicholson

Lead Teacher

Sunflower Kindergarten

Jewel is a Southern California native whose passion for children, creativity, and the natural world led her to Waldorf education. She began her journey in Early Childhood, serving as an assistant teacher for three years before completing her teacher training through the Waldorf Institute of Southern California (WISC). She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art with an emphasis in Photography from California State University, Long Beach.

In 2021, Jewel relocated to the Central Coast to lead a Waldorf-inspired homeschooling program on a small urban farm in San Luis Obispo, where she guided children through a blend of academics and nature-based learning rooted in Waldorf pedagogy.

Inspired by the rhythms of the seasons, Jewel believes meaningful learning happens through relationship, imagination, beauty, and hands-on experience. Outside the classroom, she enjoys gardening, making music, hiking, reading, and working with clay. She is honored to be part of the Central Coast Waldorf School community and looks forward to growing and learning alongside the children and families in her care.

MS. ARIANNA REEDER

ASSISTANT Teacher

Sunflower Kindergarten

Raised in the Central Valley, Arianna moved to the Central Coast six years ago and quickly found herself inspired by the natural beauty of the area. She is currently pursuing her degree in Early Childhood Education at Cuesta College and has a deep passion for nurturing and teaching young children.

Arianna is eager to learn more about the philosophy of Waldorf education and is inspired by its holistic, creative approach to guiding children’s growth. She brings warmth, patience, and care into her work with children, striving to create safe and joyful environments where they feel supported and celebrated as they explore the world around them.

Outside of the classroom, Arianna enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, hiking, and baking. She is grateful for the opportunity to grow as an educator while walking alongside the children and families she serves.

Ms. amber Pupa

Lead Teacher

extended care 

Amber is a certified Educational Therapist with a deep passion for helping children achieve academic independence, confidence, and success. She received her bachelor’s degree in Education Sciences with a specialization in Children’s Learning and Development from UC Irvine in 2018. Amber has worked with children of all ages in a variety of capacities for more than a decade. In her free time, she enjoys playing pickleball, reading, rock climbing, and baking.

MRs. Norah Gist

grade one teacher

Norah joins CCWS with nine years of experience teaching grades 1–5 and holds a Master of Teaching from Pepperdine University. With a strong foundation in literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional learning, she is passionate about creating classrooms where children feel both supported and inspired.

After discovering Waldorf education while searching for the right school for her own children, Norah found a deep connection to its holistic, child-centered approach. Her teaching emphasizes experiential and project-based learning, integrating movement, storytelling, and hands-on exploration to nurture confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

A lifelong lover of nature, Norah enjoys weaving outdoor experiences and environmental awareness into the classroom. Outside of school, she and her husband, Carl, enjoy traveling and exploring the outdoors with their two young children. She is grateful to join the CCWS community and teach in a way that honors the whole child—head, heart, and hands.

MRs. alyssa steller

grades two/three teacher

Alyssa has always wanted to work in education as a teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Child Development at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Eager to understand how we learn, she asks, "What does a child need to be healthy and to thrive?" This query has fueled her enthusiasm for outdoor learning and an education that honors human development. She was introduced to Waldorf Education through CCWS in 2011, and this encounter inspired her to pursue Waldorf teacher training. While studying at Rudolf Steiner College in Fair Oaks, CA, she also earned a Waldorf Learning Support certificate, motivated to meet diverse learners' needs. 

Proudly having taught her first cycle of students at the San Francisco Waldorf School from first through eighth grades, Alyssa dedicated herself to delivering the full Waldorf curriculum to her lively class. She finds the dynamic curriculum fulfilling, nourishing both students and teachers alike.

Beyond the classroom, Alyssa and her family embrace the enchanting beauty of the central coast. Nature walks with her family bring joy and inspiration.

Mr. Anders Johnson

Grade four Teacher

Born and raised on the Central Coast, Anders Johnson has a deep connection with the community and its natural places. As he made his way through his B.S. in Biology at California Lutheran University, he became aware of the vulnerability of the earth’s resources and our responsibility, as humans, to steward them. With hopes of discovering a more responsible and harmonious way of life, he began to educate himself on permaculture and regenerative agriculture. He honed his skills and knowledge both on farms abroad and on his family’s land on the Central Coast. His desire to share his love for plants and gardening led him to a position teaching in the garden at Wishing Well School many years ago. This was his gateway into Waldorf Education. As his responsibilities and roles grew, his focus shifted from gardening and agriculture, to holistic and well-rounded education. With support from in-school mentorship, he brought his teaching into the classroom and spent two years teaching second/third grade and third/fourth grade.

The past few years, he took a hiatus from teaching and completed his Masters of Education in Sustainability Education. Following his graduation, he embarked on a three month adventure through Ecuador, during which he practiced Spanish, worked on small farms, trekked, surfed, and enjoyed meeting new people. He is thrilled and grateful to return to the community and good work at Central Coast Waldorf. 

Mrs. Teresa Beekman

GRADEs five/six Teacher 

Teresa grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida, where her love of nature inspired her to study biology and ecology. She holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Biology from the University of South Florida and later earned an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Oregon. With more than ten years of teaching experience in Oregon and California public schools, Teresa has taught students from 4th grade through high school in science, math, and English language development.

Since moving to Los Osos in 2018, Teresa has embraced the Central Coast as home. During her time as CCWS Office Coordinator, she developed a deep appreciation for the school's community and Waldorf philosophy. After discovering her spark for Waldorf class teaching last year, she is enthusiastic about guiding her students through the upper grades, fostering meaningful relationships and helping each child grow into a confident, capable, and joyful learner.

Ms. Kyra Smith

Grades seven/eight Homeroom Teacher

Kyra Smith grew up in the Silicon Valley.  Kyra was part of the first graduating high school class at the Waldorf School of the Peninsula.  She has recently relocated to the central coast and is loving the coastal air. She is currently studying for her California teaching credentials.  Kyra was previously working at the Waldorf School of the Peninsula for the past two years.  She has had a lifelong passion for handwork, even though there are a pair of unfinished socks in her project basket.  In her off time Kyra likes to read, play games, and of course knit and sew. 

Ms. Anna Dinh

Music & Orchestra Instructor (4th – 8th Grades)

Anna Dinh grew up in San Bernardino, California. Her music education began with her parents, as she joined them singing and playing guitar for the church praise team. She began learning cello at age 9, and went on to attend Orange County School of the Arts. Anna received her B.M. in Instrumental Performance for cello from California Baptist University. Here she explored many new facets of music such as conducting, composition, and recording, and developed her skills in piano and guitar. She especially loved singing with the jazz band and playing cello for opera productions. Following graduation, Anna had the opportunity to play cello for the Corona Symphony Orchestra. 

Anna began her career as a strings teacher with the Riverside Arts Academy, while spending her summers working for Thousand Pines Christian Camp. More recently, she had the opportunity to teach science as a trail guide for American Outdoor Education, and it reawakened a passion for learning and nature. Since moving to the Central Coast with her husband, Anna has been working as a behavior technician with neurodivergent children. She is very excited to be joining Central Coast Waldorf School and to share her passion for music!

Ms. Kyra Smith

Handwork Teacher

Kyra Smith grew up in the Silicon Valley.  Kyra was part of the first graduating high school class at the Waldorf School of the Peninsula.  She has recently relocated to the central coast and is loving the coastal air. She is currently studying for her California teaching credentials.  Kyra was previously working at the Waldorf School of the Peninsula for the past two years.  She has had a lifelong passion for handwork, even though there are a pair of unfinished socks in her project basket.  In her off time Kyra likes to read, play games, and of course knit and sew. 

Mrs. Lillian Dennis

SPANISH TEACHER and GRADES EXTENDED CARE LEAD

Lillian Dennis is a San Luis Obispo native. She graduated from San Luis Obispo high school and earned her BCLAD, multiple subject teaching credential from Cal Poly. Additionally, Lillian holds an Associates degree in Mathematics. She has enjoyed the challenge of teaching a range of subjects to a variety of students across the grades, from the Pacific Valley School in Big Sur to Georgia Brown Elementary in Paso Robles. Lillian is very excited to finally teach close to home at Wishing Well School and explore the foundations of Waldorf Education. Lillian loves being creative by playing her violin, making jewelry, and crafting. Lillian enjoys being active by hiking, dancing, camping, playing basketball and pretty much any other sport that involves activity. 

MRs. Laura Cobb

Education & Resource Specialist

Laura was born and raised in Japan, where she grew up navigating two cultures and languages. As a child Laura was surrounded by a family full of teachers, so it was no surprise that she decided to pursue her bachelors in Elementary Education when she moved to Minnesota for college.  Post-graduation she was ready for a new adventure and moved to Yosemite in 2007.  There, she spent six wonderful years teaching outdoor education at Yosemite Institute.  In her free time, Laura enjoyed all that nature had to offer, including rock climbing, backpacking, and playing in the snow.

After leaving Yosemite, Laura delved into the world of Waldorf Education and spent three years working at a Waldorf charter school in Sacramento while earning her Waldorf Teaching Certificate at Rudolf Steiner College.  She moved to the Central Coast in 2017 and was thrilled to find Wishing Well School in Los Osos.  Laura was honored to work as the class teacher for the First & Second Grade class at CCWS. In 2018, she and her husband welcomed their daughter Alice (aka Bunny) and Laura decided to take several years away from teaching to stay be home.  Bunny is now a student at Wishing Well in the early childhood program and Laura is grateful to be a part of the CCWS community again!!
 

Mrs. Annette Parry

Grades Games Teacher

Ms Parry brings together a richness of experience, a depth of training and knowledge, and a commitment to fulfillment of the individual child in a manner that is infused with humor, joy, and play. With 25 years of teaching experience in Waldorf programs, she carries an enthusiasm for nurturing and inspiring the spirit of each individual child, and an affinity for learning through the whole self, particularly through physical expression. Ms Parry grew up in a beautiful suburb of Manchester England, where she played “footy” with neighborhood friends, wearing her “wellies & kini,” and caught frogs in the creek near her home. Her childhood was blessed with the freedom of many uninterrupted years of glorious play, when she developed and honed her love of “play.”  Following her time in Her Majesty’s Women’s Royal Navy, she gained a degree in Sports Development, teaching and mentoring teachers how to feel comfortable delivering and instructing children in sports. 

Ms Parry then found herself in the United States, running her own soccer business. It was then that her Waldorf teaching journey began, having been recommended for a position at the Waldorf School of Orange County (WSOC). Ms Parry taught Games & Movement at WSOC for 10 years. During this time at WSOC, she spent many years in the Waldorf educational system, getting her certifications in Foundation Studies, Spacial Dynamics, and other teacher modules.

The following 15 years, Ms Parry taught at various Waldorf Schools and Waldorf Home Schools in many capacities, such as Lower Grades teaching, long term substituting, mentoring, evaluating, and as a Games/Movement Teacher. Additionally, Ms Parry has been a tutor and staff member for WISC (a Waldorf teacher training institute), as well as for Los Angeles area Charter Schools and the Waldorf Intensive Summer Trainings.  She continues to mentor new Waldorf teachers. Throughout the years, she has had many opportunities to serve as a long term substitute and fulfill the needs of various classroom environments.

Ms Parry’s hobbies are playing, reading, and spending time with friends and family. Currently, her utmost favorite pastime is now being on her 10 acres with her beloved farm animals.

Mrs. Kim Wishon

School Founder and administrative director

Kim Wishon was born and raised in Marin County, California.  After receiving a B.A in Spanish with a minor in Special Education from The University of Oregon, she knew she wanted to teach but was discouraged with the public school system.   She found Waldorf education, fell in love and has made it her life’s work.  She completed her Waldorf teacher training in San Francisco through Rudolf Steiner College and then dove into Waldorf teaching. She has taught every grade and every subject (except Eurythmy, which she loves) over her twenty plus years of experience.

After a flood uprooted her family, they made their way to the Central Coast.  She started the school in her home in 2008 with 6 children (two of which were her twins).  After becoming a non-profit 501c3 and building the school by hand and with heart, it sprouted wings. With steady nurturing and the efforts of many beautiful people along the way, it has grown to what it is today, a preschool – 8th grade, full school program following Waldorf principles. Kim has worn all the hats of founding a school.  She loves working with the teachers, students and families to bring the best educational experience to all.  On the side, you can find her coaching Morro Bay High girls soccer, hiking, cycling, loving being with her teenagers, and taking walks along the bay with her little dog Mikey Biggs.  She is thrilled to have brought Waldorf education to the Central Coast and hopes to help CCWS to continue to grow and shine in the years ahead.

Ms. Liza O’Sullivan

Business Operations MANAGER

Liza grew up in the small town of Davis, CA and graduated from Sacramento Waldorf High School. She holds an Engineering Degree in Construction Management from Chico State and spent 15 years in the construction industry, as a Project Manager running large scale projects.

In 2018, Liza “retired” and spent three years traveling/camping with her husband, two young children and their dog, exploring California and Southern Oregon in search of beauty, community, and a new place to call home. While traveling Liza began studying Leadership Education and Waldorf Home school curriculum, web design, and initiated a new small family business. In the Fall of 2020, their family stumbled upon Morro Bay, fell in love and became residents in January of 2021. 

Enthusiastic and passionate about Waldorf education, she is thrilled to join the office team and the school in their mission to grow and to become an AWSNA-accredited organization. We did it! Go CCWS!

Mrs. Casey Farrell

Development & Community Outreach

Casey supports Central Coast Waldorf School through community outreach, engagement, and event leadership. Her work includes managing the school’s social media presence, representing the school at local festivals and farmers markets, coordinating volunteer “pods,” and planning community events and fundraisers that bring families together in meaningful ways.

She is deeply drawn to Waldorf education for its ability to nurture curiosity, critical thinking, and a genuine love of learning. Skills she believes children will need most as they grow into the future. Casey especially loves that her role allows her to connect with families across all grades while building bridges between the school and the broader Central Coast community.

Casey’s journey with the school began as a parent and volunteer. After organizing the Spring Gala for several years, she recognized an opportunity to expand the school’s fundraising and outreach efforts and stepped into a larger role supporting the school’s growth and visibility. Her family found Waldorf education during the COVID years, and she has since watched both of her sons thrive, an experience that continues to inspire her work.

Outside of school, Casey enjoys hiking, spending time at the beach, reading, and traveling. She is naturally social and loves connecting with others, so don’t hesitate to stop by the office and say hello.