Georgia Johnson

Teacher, Grade 1 

I was born and raised in Vancouver where I enjoyed a well-rounded upbringing and education and was involved in the arts, community service, and outdoor sports.

After graduating high school, I moved to New York to pursue a BFA in Acting at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. I lived in NYC for five years and was engaged in collaborative theatre and community-engaged arts.

Following my graduation, I returned to the West Coast to Vancouver and the Gulf Islands, during which time I continued my artistic path as a performing singer/songwriter while working as a childcare provider for several families. In seeking to bridge my two passions – children and the arts – I re-stumbled upon Waldorf Education (my younger sister attended the Vancouver Waldorf School) and felt the spark ignite! I moved to Stuttgart, Germany where I enrolled in a MA in Waldorf Education at the Freie Hochschule, focusing on Class Teaching and Music Pedagogy.

In 2020 I began working as a Class Teacher and Music Teacher at Whistler Waldorf School until 2022, when I welcomed my son to the world. I’m grateful to now live and work in Squamish and become more deeply embedded in the Squamish Waldorf School community. 

Outside of teaching, I enjoy song writing, practicing Taekwondo, and hiking with my family.

Alyssa d’Allmen

Teacher, Grades 6 & 7

Having been born and raised in Montreal, Quebec I have the experiential and cultural knowledge of the French language to help students connect in a deep and meaningful way. I understand the rich heritage embedded in languages and the importance of keeping them alive. Knowing how acquiring a second language supports creative thinking greatly inspires my drive to guide learners in this pursuit. 

Whilst finishing my teaching degree I travelled to India and received my certification to become a yoga instructor. Yoga in Sanskrit means unity of the body and mind, and the individual to the collective. The understanding of the interconnectedness of all things has informed my teaching methods and philosophy. I believe in educating the whole child and inspiring them to engage in the world in a conscious manner that considers others and the planet we inhabit.

I have worked supporting students as an ADHD coach and students with learning differences which is practical experience for all student-teacher relationships.

I further developed my ability to support students holistically through my experience and certification in Teaching English as a Foreign Language using theatre and play across Italy. I facilitated play-based learning through the Total Physical Response (TPR) method and the Rational Emotional Affective Learning (REAL) approach. Teaching enthusiastically and creatively with an emphasis on kinesthetic learning has given me hands-on experiential knowledge and tools to support students in the acquisition of a second language.

Katherine Fawcett

Music Teacher

I’m a musician, writer, outdoor enthusiast, star-gazer and mother who recently moved to Squamish from Pemberton.

A violin and choir teacher at Whistler Waldorf School for the past nine years, I specialize in inspiring young musicians with a wide range of musical styles within the Waldorf framework. Music is also my passion outside of school – I teach private piano lessons, am a founding member of the Sea to Sky Orchestra, and continue my own violin studies under the mentorship of Yuko Iwanaga. I enjoy attending bluegrass camps and festivals throughout the year.

My two children have been Waldorf students since their early years 2017. My son, Jack, was part of the second ever graduating class at Whistler Waldorf School.

Koeun Buck

Teacher, Huckleberry Preschool

I grew up in Seoul, South Korea, and I was fortunate to have loving and dedicated parents who spent a lot of time taking me and my brother into nature when we were little. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education, I began a career as a kindergarten teacher and have taught in Japan and Germany for the past 13 years.

I met my husband, who is from BC, while teaching in Japan. After travelling and exploring so many beautiful places in the world, we have decided to live closer to our Canadian family. Our love for the mountains brought us to Nelson, and then beautiful Squamish. 

My time teaching in Germany for eight years gave me a lot of ideas that are connected to the Waldorf education. With a group of 17 children of mixed age, I believed that education had to take into account the physical, behavioural, emotional, cognitive, social and spiritual aspects of each child and encourage them to use their imagination for learning. I also felt passionately about taking them outside and connecting with nature every day so that our children learned to be more attentive to the world around them.

I feel fortunate to have joined SWS where every day I encounter children, parents and teachers who bring new joys and ideas for growth. When I am not at school, I love snowboarding, split boarding, hiking and camping with my husband.

Nicola O’Brien

Teacher, Buttercup Preschool

I am delighted to join the Buttercup classroom at Squamish Waldorf School as a preschool teacher. With a passion for nurturing young minds, I believe in honoring childhood as a sacred time of wonder, creativity, and natural development.

My interest in early childhood and outdoor education began after having my own three children, when I witnessed how influential connecting to nature was for their development. This led me to five years of experience at a forest school in the UK, working as both a preschool teacher and education assistant in a woodland-based learning environment. I have seen firsthand how children thrive when connected to nature and look forward to creating a warm, rhythm-filled environment where children can explore, play, and grow at their own pace.

Moving to beautiful Squamish, I find the surrounding mountains and forests the perfect complement to the Waldorf emphasis on connecting children with the natural world. My lifelong love of the outdoors through horse riding, adventuring, hiking, and connecting to nature enriches my understanding of nature’s role in child development.

I am excited to partner with families in supporting each child’s unique journey of discovery and growth at Squamish Waldorf School.

Julia Pitcher

Teacher, Grades 2 & 3

Growing up on the North Shore of Vancouver, I spent my childhood enjoying all kinds of outdoor activities ranging from skiing, camping, and going on canoe trips with my family. In high school, my parents discovered Waldorf education and took me to an open-house because they thought it would be a good fit for me. I instantly felt connected and comfortable, and this began my love of Waldorf education. 

After high school, I attended Concordia University in Montreal where I got a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. Once I completed my degree I moved to Toronto and began working at a preschool for children with disabilities, and was extremely inspired by the dedicated community of teachers and parents at the school. In addition to this work, I completed my certification as a birth and postpartum doula and worked with a group of midwives to assist with the birth process and support new families in their transition into parenthood.

Although I loved moving to different cities in Canada I knew that I always wanted to settle back on the West Coast. Combining my love of children and supporting families, and reflecting on my positive experiences in educational settings, led me to begin my career as a classroom teacher. I am currently completing my Waldorf teacher training certification while I work, and could not be more excited to be joining this community and to enjoy all that Squamish has to offer. 

Annamaija Summers 

Education Assistant, Grades 2 & 3

I was born in Vancouver and received my Bachelor of Arts from Simon Fraser University. I am currently working toward my Waldorf Early Childhood Education degree through the West Coast Institute. Before becoming a mother, I worked in writing, editing, and customer service. My two daughters inspired my career change, leading me to the Waldorf philosophy, which deeply resonated with our family values.

I enjoy tea parties, reading, musicals, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. I am delighted to be joining Squamish Waldorf School as an Educational Assistant while I continue my studies. I look forward to participating in the school festivals and getting to know the children and community.

Jennifer Demard

French Teacher / EA (Grades)

Growing up in the serene embrace of the French Alps, my childhood was woven with love, adventure, and the beauty of nature. Nestled in a house surrounded by a lush forest, I was fortunate to be part of a caring family that instilled in me the values of kindness and gratitude.

My early years were filled with laughter and exploration, as friends and cousins gathered to climb trees, play in the sand, bike through the trails, and embrace the thrill of skiing. 

As I grew older, snowboarding captured my heart, becoming not just a hobby but a passion that drove me to work hard towards becoming a professional snowboarder during my Junior years. My snowboarding days were some of the most exhilarating and joyful moments of my life. However, after several years immersed in the world of snowboarding, I felt a yearning for something more. 

I returned to my studies and pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Italian language, literature, and civilization, a path that could have led me to become an Italian teacher. Yet, after three years of academic life, I realized I missed the physicality and dynamism of being an athlete.

This realization sparked a new direction in my career: I ventured into the Fitness Industry, where I could blend my love for exercise with my passion for teaching. Earning my Personal Training degree, I dedicated 12 fulfilling years to helping others achieve their Fitness goals.

Life took a beautiful turn when I became a mother to my son, Louis, who is now five years old. During his time at the Squamish Waldorf School, I discovered the enriching principles of Waldorf education. The values and sense of community at SWS resonated deeply with me, and I felt incredibly fortunate to have such a nurturing environment just a trail away from our home.

Now, I am thrilled to embark on a new chapter in my life—teaching my mother tongue at my son’s school. It feels surreal, yet I believe this opportunity is a culmination of my journey, perfectly aligning my passions and experiences. I am excited to contribute to the community that has already given us so much.

Astrid Lackner

Teacher, Rainbow Preschool

I grew up in the foothills of the Austrian Alps and spent my childhood roaming the forests with my two brothers. My destiny brought me to Vancouver after I graduated from a Kindergarten pedagogy training. Throughout my 30+ year career in early childhood, I have accompanied children and their families in many ways. Among many educational adventures, I received the Waldorf teacher training certificate in 2006, completed the RIE program (Resources for Infant Educarers) in 2016 and the Pikler training (Austria) in 2021.

Through my own two daughters, I discovered the Squamish Waldorf School in 2002. With much enthusiasm and lots of help I headed the pre-school and parent/child programs. I am currently the WECAN (Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America) regional representative, and teach and mentor upcoming  Waldorf teachers at the West Coast Institute for Anthroposophy. 

In my free time I join my partner in working on our biodynamic farm, growing holistic foods. My passion however, will always be with the little ones, who have so much to teach me.

Olivia Zarboni

Administrative Coordinator

I moved to Squamish in July 2024 only expecting to be here for a few months. I ended up falling in love with the beauty of this town and all of its adventure. I’m originally from Aurora, Ontario, and completed my bachelors degree in Media and the Public Interest (MPI) at Western University. My program focused on connecting media and communications to social justice issues. My journey in MPI has enhanced my passions for journalism, travel, non-profit work, and working within the community to achieve social change. 

Throughout my time at Western, I completed a practicum with the El Sistema after school music program for kids and spent my fourth year as the Vice President of Events for the Autism Awareness Association. These experiences developed my strong passion for working in educational environments. I’m very excited to bring what I have learned about media and communications and working with kids of diverse needs to the Squamish Waldorf school team. 

I spend my free time singing and performing at different pubs around Squamish. I’m a part of a musical duo called the Riverbank Roses. I also enjoy playing the guitar, writing music, reading, hiking, skiing, paddle boarding and spending time with my friends.

Anastassiya Markevich

Business Administrator

I moved to Squamish from Central Asia in 2024, and from the moment I arrived, I was deeply inspired by the breathtaking natural beauty and the warm, welcoming spirit of this community. Surrounded by towering mountains and a strong sense of togetherness, Squamish quickly felt like home.

My mother, an English as a Second Language teacher, played a key role in shaping my path – thanks to her influence, I got a Bachelor’s Degree in English as a Second Language.

Throughout my life, I have worked in both education and administration. As an ESL teacher, I have had the privilege of working with students of all ages – from curious three-year-olds to dedicated seniors – each with diverse backgrounds and unique learning needs. In addition to teaching, I have gained valuable experience in office administration, having worked as an office clerk managing daily operations and supporting teams.

I am truly grateful to be able to use my skills and experiences here at Squamish Waldorf School, contributing to a place that reflects the same values of care, community, and growth that are so important to me.

Harriet Haines

Vice Principal

Beginning life in the UK, I completed a BSc in Sport & Exercise Science and a PGCert in Professional Studies in Education (with a specialism in teaching PE). After working as a Year 4 Class Teacher in London, I went on to teach PE & performing arts across North Yorkshire for students aged 4-11.

Upon arrival to Canada, I became acquainted with Canadian schools as an Education Assistant in Banff, AB before my love for the mountains and lakes of BC brought me to Squamish. Here, I spent three years broadening my experience at an outdoor environmental & Indigenous cultural education centre. This involved teaching outdoor environmental education programs (Grades 1-12), mentoring high school students, and leading teams as the Program Coordinator.

More recently, I worked at the Whistler Waldorf School as the Pedagogical Administrator alongside teaching music and career education for students in Grades 8-12 (including coordinating the exchange, fundraising, and post-secondary planning programs).

Outside of work, I enjoy playing music (violin, guitar, ukulele) and various activities (figure skating, yoga, skiing, cold-water swimming). I am so grateful to be a part of this SWS community!