Motria Shuhan

Motria Shuhan completed her Waldorf Early Childhood training at Sunbridge College. She has eighteen years of experience working with young children including founding the Acorn Waldorf School, a full member of WECAN. She spent nine formative years at the Mountain Laurel Waldorf School in New Paltz, NY. There she worked in the nursery and kindergarten and served as the Pedagogical Chair for three years. 

She also serves as a mentor and teacher educator for Sunbridge Institute in Chestnut Ridge, NY. With a special interest in the art of puppetry, Motria has staged shows for conferences, festivals, and other community events. Mrs. Shuhan completed a three-year Advanced Therapeutic Course for Early Childhood Educators taking place in Denver, Co., where she continued to deepen her understanding of the young child. 

Mrs. Shuhan is the Founder/Director of the school.

Elia Gilbert

Elia Gilbert completed her Waldorf Early Childhood training at the Alkion Center in Ghent, N.Y. Elia is a Waldorf alumnus having attended the Nursery at the Rudolf Steiner School in NYC and graduating from Green Meadow WS in Spring Valley N.Y. She began teaching in Waldorf early childhood centers in 2008, and has also served as the program director for a Waldorf forest kindergarten and Emmi Pikler inspired school in Vermont, working with ages 1 thru 6yrs old. She also is a licensed teacher with a birth-5 endorsement. In 2024, Elia completed her Nurturing the Roots training, a three-year advanced professional development course for experienced teachers to develop observational and support skills to assist young children. She has also offered mentoring and professional development seminars to the teachers at the Kathmandu Waldorf Kindergarten in Nepal.

Elia is an avid gardener and takes care that the space surrounding her children invites and inspires their imaginative play, and supports their developmental growth. Playing the fiddle, storytelling, celebrating festivals, and making things are also favorite activities that she loves to share with the children in her classroom. As part of school leadership, Elia works closely with her colleagues around questions of inclusion and belonging within her classroom and in the school as a whole.

Ms. Elia is the Class Teacher in the Lindens Mixed-Age Kindergarten.

Joanna Dorman

Joanna Dorman completed her Waldorf Early Childhood training at the Sunbridge Institute. She is a Waldorf alumnus having attended the Waldorf School of Garden City from nursery through senior year. After a career focused in the healing arts, Joanna turned her attention to teaching and has been working in Waldorf early childhood classrooms ever since. Prior to Acorn, Joanna was a Lead Nursery Teacher at the Rudolf Steiner School in NYC. In 2024, Joanna completed her Nurturing the Roots training, a three-year advanced professional development course for experienced teachers to develop observational and support skills to assist young children. As someone with a passion for community building and the belief in accessibility for all, Joanna currently serves as a board member of the Kingston City Land Bank.

Joanna is passionate about working with young children and a deep believer in the power and beauty of Waldorf education. In her work with parents, she strives to help them feel empowered and confident in their parenting choices as they navigate the precious years of early childhood.

As a Waldorf kid herself, Joanna is happiest when out in nature and exploring. She enjoys reading, singing and movement and is a collector of beautiful things, songs and stories. 

Ms. Joanna is the Class Teacher in the Sprouts Nursery.

Caitlin McGinn-Nice

Caitlin grew up in New York City, attended public schools that placed an emphasis on progressive education, and graduated from the New School University with a BA in Liberal Arts. She moved to Accord after the birth of her son, and began her journey with Waldorf education as a Sprouts parent. Caitlin is inspired by the dedication of the Waldorf community-- educators, children, families, and their work in bringing the intuitiveness, beauty and simplicity of childhood to the world around us.

Caitlin is a graduate of the Sunbridge Institute, and is passionate about making Waldorf education accessible to all children and their families. She sees immense beauty in the daily rhythms of taking care of young children. Caitlin is honored to be a part of the Acorn community, and grateful for the opportunity to nurture a foundation of love and kindness that will hold our littles ones throughout their lives. 

When she’s not at Acorn, Caitlin enjoys taking in the natural beauty of where we live. She loves flower gardening, cooking, reading, antiquing, going on long walks with her dogs, and of course spending time with her family.

Ms. Caitlin is the Class Teacher in the Saplings Nursery.

Sky Melcer

A proud product of Waldorf education, Sky attended the Austin Waldorf School from

kindergarten through her freshman year, graduating with a scholarship a year early from

a nearby charter school. After years of inspiring education, she returned to the Austin Waldorf School to work in various capacities, eventually becoming a lead teacher.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of

Arizona. Additionally, she has a degree in American Sign Language, specializing in interpreting, and loves to share her love of languages in the classroom. She is fluent in American Sign Language and proficient in Spanish. Her love for Waldorf philosophy deepened when she earned a Certificate in Waldorf Early Childhood Education from Sunbridge Institute in 2022, where she delved deeper into Anthroposophy and the “why” behind all the magic of Waldorf she

experienced growing up.

In her free time, Sky enjoys reading, exploring local bookstores and thrift stores,

dancing, and going on adventures with her dog Beans. She looks forward to sharing this exciting new chapter with her students, families, and the community.

Ms. Sky is Class Teacher in the Oaks Mixed-Age Kindergarten.

Bevin Gill

Bevin Gill received her Waldorf teaching diploma at Taruna College in New Zealand. She also holds a BS in International Trade from The Fashion Institute of Technology. 

In 2020, she graduated her class at Mountain Laurel Waldorf School after teaching them from first to eighth grade. Prior to that, Bevin taught in a Waldorf-inspired parent cooperative in Brooklyn, NY, a Waldorf farm school on Waiheke Island, and was a lead teacher at Waldorf summer camps in Brooklyn, and at Mountaintop Waldorf School. 

She is mother to a toddler, a teenager, and an adult all of whom have benefitted from the healing education of Waldorf communities. 

Bevin Gill is the Roots and Shoots Parent Child Class Teacher.

Seana Elias

A native of California, Seana Elias is a UC Berkeley graduate who moved to New York in 1999.

She became involved in Waldorf education after the birth of her first child in 2007, and avidly undertook a lifelong learning process, including studying Biodynamic farming at the Pfeiffer Center in NY.

After the birth and adoption of her two children with Down syndrome, Seana became a passionate advocate for inclusive education. More recently, she has become earnestly focused on racial justice . She serves on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion groups at both Acorn and Mountain Laurel Waldorf Schools.

In her spare time, Seana enjoys traveling, gardening, snowboarding, and learning new skills in all areas of her life. She lives on a farm in New Paltz with her children. Seana is proud and grateful to be part of the Acorn Waldorf School community.

Ms. Seana is Lead Afternoon Teacher in the Oaks Mixed-Age Kindergarten. 

Jamie McGinnis

Jamie McGinnis is a native of New York’s scenic northcountry who came to the Hudson Valley to attend college at SUNY New Paltz in 1997. She completed her BS in Elementary Education in 2001 and her AS in Environmental Science in 2004.

Jamie brings a love of gardening, local living and the nurturing of young children to all of her work. She has experience as a program coordinator with New York State Parks and Historic Sites, a home-based Waldorf-inspired child care provider, an after school care provider and substitute teacher at Acorn School, and a nursery assistant at Mountain Laurel Waldorf School.

With deep gratitude for the pedagogical wisdom she has gained from her experiences in Waldorf education, Jamie continues to develop her skills and understanding of Waldorf pedagogy and is pleased to have the opportunity to continue work and grow in the enchanting and nurturing environment at Acorn Waldorf School. 

Ms. Jamie is the Afternoon Lead Teacher in the Lindens Mixed-Age Kindergarten.

Annamaria Franck

Annamaria moved to America in 1998 from Budapest Hungary, and raised her four children in the Stone Ridge area. We welcomed her to the Acorn School in 2019 as an afternoon teacher, and we were happy to have her as part of the summer camp program. 

Before joining the faculty at Acorn Waldorf  School, she worked as a home care provider for 11 years. Her natural ability and love of our littlest ones makes her a joy to be with and brightens everyone's day. Annamaria is continuing her studies through workshops in Waldorf Early Childhood Education. 

In her spare time she enjoys hiking, gardening and photography. 

Ms. Annamaria is a Morning Assistant Teacher and Afternoon Lead Teacher in the Sprouts Nursery.

Alison Mones

Alison is an artist, designer, and educator from Woodstock, NY. She graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a BFA in Illustration in 2013 and spent years in New York City working as both a freelance artist and as an in-studio designer for children’s media production.

Eventually, Alison felt called to return to her beloved roots in the Hudson Valley, and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education from SUNY New Paltz in 2020. She worked as a public high school art teacher during the pandemic, and in the fall of 2021 her heart led her to Acorn Waldorf School. 

Alison brings her creativity, warmth, and dreamy nature to the Sapling’s afternoon program. She is passionate about nurturing children’s sense of wonder, creativity, and their relationship with the natural world. She is grateful to be a part of the beautiful Waldorf community. 

When she’s not at Acorn, Alison works in graphic design, illustration, and embroidery from her barn studio that she and her husband built at the back of their property.

Ms. Alison is the Afternoon Lead Teacher in the Saplings Nursery.

Catherine Kreibich Domitrovits

Catherine Kreibich Domitrovits grew up in Ridgewood, NY and worked for over 15 years in the Photo/Art industry in NYC until she moved up to the Hudson Valley where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education. After earning her degree, Catherine worked in the Human Service field and various public schools until she met her husband John. Three amazing children followed!

Cathy was first introduced to Motria and the Acorn school in 2011 when her daughter attended the first Acorn class. A few years later, their youngest son attended the school as well. Cathy is ardent about children spending as much time exploring and playing outdoors, as part of their daily rhythm, especially in the early foundation years. 

Catherine enjoys the outdoors with her family. She loves skiing, biking, gardening and hiking. Cathy brings a mood of kindness and patience to the children, parents and the colleagues she works with. She is passionate about building a strong sense of community as part of her own personal growth and is thankful to be part of this wonderful community she calls home! 

Ms. Cathy is an Assistant Teacher in the Saplings Nursery.

Minka Wasylyk Hrechniw

Minka is a sincere and eager student for all things Waldorf-inspired with a keen eye and a penchant for organization. She brings joy and warmth to our circle that is infectious and much appreciated. Her kind inquisitive nature is a pleasure to be around. Before embracing her role in the Acorn family, Minka enjoyed a successful career in the graphic design industry for over 20 years.

These days, when not at Acorn, she also works alongside her husband, Taras, as a finisher to his custom base-making in their home-based studio — both are graduates of the School of Visual Arts in NYC. Over time, Minka and Taras have come to a mutual obsession with all things lighter-than-air. They currently live in a house built of their own design in the Heights of the Catskill Mountains, with their cats, and take great pleasure in occasionally flying off their front lawn in their solid blue hot-air balloon, BluRadius. 

Ms. Minka is an Assistant Teacher in the Saplings Nursery.

Tyraina Walker

Originally born and raised in NYC, Raina made her move to upstate NY back in 2013. Before joining the Waldorf family, she was a childcare provider for 10+ years. Working closely with families, Raina understands the significant impact of nurturing core developmental skills in children. Over the past year she’s integrated this knowledge and her love for the outdoors into wilderness education with Wild Earth.

In addition to her childcare career, Raina specializes in floral design and foraged art. She creates personalized pieces using organic materials & has experience as a floral assistant, catering weddings and events. Her calming yet bright and fun spirit is a magnet that aids in growing the innate curiosities children possess. 

Raina enjoys passing time by writing poetry, hiking, strengthening her green thumb, and hula hooping.

Ms. Raina is an Assistant Teacher in the Oaks Mixed-Age Kindergarten.

Izzy Lacedonia

Izzy Lacedonia grew up just down the road in Rosendale, New York, and after many heartfelt attempts to leave, she found herself drawn back, realizing there’s truly no place as magical as the Hudson Valley. With nearly a decade of experience in the fine arts, Izzy’s creative work has centered on bronze sculpture, welding, and lost wax casting. She brings to the classroom a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, patience, and the beauty of the creative process.

Izzy is deeply inspired by alternative education and the gentle, imaginative world of early childhood. She cherishes the opportunity to build meaningful, one-on-one relationships with each child and to nurture their natural curiosity through rhythm, presence, and care. A lover of the outdoors and an active member of her local community, Izzy finds joy in hiking in the Catskills, connecting with the land, and weaving herself into the fabric of our home.

Ms. Izzy is Assistant Teacher in the Sprouts Nursery.

Alana Potter

Born and raised in Kingston, New York, Alana has always had a deep-rooted passion for

nurturing and connecting with children. She began providing childcare in her early teens, a

calling that has continued to shape her path both personally and professionally. In 2022, Alana began working as a Teacher Assistant in the dual-language classroom at Meagher Pre-K, where she spent three years immersed in the vibrant cultural diversity of her community. This experience deepened her understanding of the unique backgrounds and needs of the children and families she serves.

To further her skills and educational approach, Alana completed the Waldorf Early Education

Training at Sunbridge Institute in the summer of 2025. She is dedicated to creating

environments where children feel supported, inspired, and free to explore their natural curiosity.

In her spare time, Alana finds joy in artistic expression through drawing and painting, and

reconnecting with nature—often barefoot in the rocky creeks she loves to explore.

Ms. Alana is an Assistant Teacher in the Lindens Mixed-Age Kindergarten.

Megan Hyland

Megan Hyland grew up in Pearl River, NY and graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a BS in Early Childhood and Childhood Education. She is currently getting her MS in Reading through SUNY Albany. After receiving her BS, Megan spent a few years travelling the country, working in places like Yellowstone National Park and Lake Tahoe. In her travels, she discovered the Waldorf community. She worked as a floating teaching assistant for grades K-8 with an outdoor Waldorf program in Jacksonville, FL. Megan decided to move back to her family in NY and continue pursuing Waldorf teachings in her home of the Hudson Valley. 

Megan is excited to begin working with the fellow teachers, students, and families at the Acorn school and continue learning about the Waldorf curriculum. She looks forward to continuing to weave her love for nature, music, and the arts with her passions of teaching.

Ms. Megan is an Assistant Teacher in the Saplings Nursery.

Daniela Arizmendi

Daniela is an artist and educator who graduated from SUNY New Paltz in 2024. With a degree in social Justice education, she is passionate about creating a warm, inclusive and loving classroom for all children. Daniela has taught at outdoor education programs and was a kindergarten assistant at Mountain Laurel Waldorf school. With a deep admiration for Waldorf education, Daniela brings joy, kindness and wonder for the natural world. She seeks to inspire children’s imagination and creativity through storytelling, play and handwork. 

As a fiber artist she is passionate about the slow and magical process of creating with your own hands. She teaches handwork classes in the Hudson valley that center creativity and working with materials from nature.

Daniela finds peace hiking in nature and deepening her yoga practice. During her free time she loves crocheting, plant dyeing, sewing, and baking. 

Ms. Daniela is an Assistant Teacher in the Sprouts Nursery.

Carol Jordan

Carol was raised in southern Indiana in a very fun and loving family. She has a BS in political science from Purdue University and a law degree from Indiana University. She practiced trial law until becoming a mom in 1998. In 2000, Carol and her husband Mark, who is from Brooklyn, moved their family to New Paltz so their children could attend Mountain Laurel Waldorf School. 

Carol was the Business Manager at Mountain Laurel for eleven years. During this time, she served on the Board of Trustees, the Finance Group, the Personnel Group, the Enrollment Group and was the chair of the Full Faculty Business meeting for three years. 

Carol is honored and excited to serve the Acorn Waldorf School community as Administrator and also looks forward to the continued opportunity to deepen her connection to the Waldorf movement, such a vital and powerful gift to the world. 

Carol Jordan is the Administrator for the school.

Amanda Odmark 

Amanda was born and raised in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina and is now grateful to call the Catskills home. With a BA in Religion and the Arts, she has a born curiosity about the way people move through the world in relation to each other and to nature. Amanda spent the past 10 years working in sustainability communications and marketing and takes a people-first approach to communications grounded in empathy, enthusiasm, and connection.

As a mom of one current Acorn student and one alum, Amanda is honored to support both the vibrant parent community and the dedicated Acorn team as Communications Director. When she's not at Acorn, Amanda loves cooking for friends and family and believes that time spent in nature is never wasted.

Amanda Odmark is Communications Director for the school.

Larry Jackson

Larry Jackson is an accomplished illustrator, designer, maker, curator and educator based in Kingston, New York. A graduate of the School of Visual Arts in New York City, his extensive work includes illustrations for fashion, magazines, and holiday window campaigns. He has exhibited art in both group and solo shows. He’s also had the opportunity to curate and design exhibitions for numerous art organizations in the New York art education community.

Larry is passionate about creating innovative ways to motivate and educate students of all ages. He enjoys creating art vehicles for sharing stories through projects such as fashion shows, illustration, graphic novels and architecture.

Larry is proud to share his love for education through play and art at the Acorn Waldorf School.

Mr. Larry is a Visiting Teacher for the Oaks, Lindens, Sprouts and Saplings classes.

Employment Opportunities

Are you interested in joining our faculty, or becoming involved with AWS as a substitute teacher? Please get in touch with us at at admin@acornws.org to inquire about current openings.

• Substitute Teachers: We always appreciate expanding our list of wonderful substitute teachers! No training is necessary and experience can be minimal. Please provide references. 
  
• Assistant Teacher: Experience in early childhood education is a plus. No training is required. 
  
• Afternoon Lead Teacher: Experience in teaching, and especially in early childhood is required. No training is required, but an interest in growth as a Waldorf teacher is a plus.
• Classroom Teacher: Experience in Waldorf early childhood is required. Training in Waldorf early childhood must be in process or already completed.