- Christopher LeeHigh School Math and Sciences
Christopher Lee
High School Math and Sciences
Joined Maine Coast Waldorf School in 2016BS, Natural and Applied Sciences with Highest Honors, University of Southern Maine, High School Teaching Certification, State of Maine. Certificate in Outdoor Leadership, Associations for Experiential Education.Growing up, Chris attended a small progressive school in Melbourne, Australia. Similar to Waldorf in its philosophical approach to childhood development, Preshil provided the foundation for Chris’ student-centered, experiential education philosophy. Chris went on to spend 16 years teaching in outdoor education. There he facilitated experiences that provided opportunities for reflection, critical analysis, and synthesis. It became clear to Chris that students needed more than a short immersion program; they needed these principles to be woven into their daily lives. In the classroom, Chris brings his passion for teaching to bear over the course of a year and in the context of a greater community and progression of experiences. Chris’ objective is to assist students to become engaged, informed, and conscientious members of society.
- Cyrus ShahanHigh School German Teacher and Exchange Program Coordinator
Cyrus Shahan
High School German Teacher and Exchange Program Coordinator
Joined Maine Coast Waldorf School in 2019PhD, German Literature, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill; MA, German Literature, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, BS, Biology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityCyrus has spent some time as an entomologist and a lot of time teaching German to college students in Maine, Massachusetts, and Indiana. In classes on Lady Gaga, poetry, or Spargelfest (asparagus fest), he works with students to develop an understanding of our society and of our places in it; his teaching provides students not only with a critical purchase on social life, but with the tools they can use to envision transforming it. Cyrus has spent a lot of time writing on punk rock and philosophy, so that means he tries to go to as many concerts as possible and then philosophize about the music. But with a family, a garden, and a wood stove, that tends to happen less often.
- David BarhamHigh School Humanities, HS Faculty Chair
David Barham
High School Humanities, HS Faculty Chair
Joined Maine Coast Waldorf School in 2008BA, English & Religion, Tufts University; MEd, Waldorf Teacher Certification, NH State Teacher Certification, Antioch University New EnglandDavid discovered the teachings of Rudolf Steiner and Anthroposophy through work as a Biodynamic farmer in California. His desire was to change the world and he felt that first Biodynamic agriculture and later life in Camphill Village and in Waldorf Education was the way to marry his professional, political and spiritual life. David loves to sing and play music as well as being outdoors, reading fantastic books and spending as much time as possible with his family. He still believes in the power of Waldorf education to change the world!
- Jeffrey O’BrienHigh School Math and Science
Jeffrey O’Brien
High School Math and Science
Joined Maine Coast Waldorf School in 2007BA, Mathematics, Colby College;, M.Ed, Antioch University New England; Waldorf High School Teacher Certification, Center for AnthroposophyJeff grew up six miles south of Freeport in Yarmouth. Jeff has been teaching high school math and science since 1987. He is a founding faculty member of MCWS's high school and has been teaching math and phenomenological science since its inception. Prior to that he taught at North Yarmouth Academy, The Academy at Charlemont, Northfield Mount Hermon School, and The White Mountain School. He also plays bass and sings in an adult "garage band". At one time he was a fly fishing guide in Montana.
- Jennifer McLeod-MarenghiInterim Coordinator of Music Education
Jennifer McLeod-Marenghi
Interim Coordinator of Music Education
Joined Maine Coast Waldorf School in 2014BA, Musical Theatre, University of Southern MaineJennifer served as an assistant in the nursery for four years. She first came to MCWS after working with mixed ages at the Peaks Island Children's Workshop, both as a teacher and as a lifeguard. Jennifer has a background in educational entertainment, working with local organizations such as PORTopera and Portland Symphony Orchestra with their educational outreach.
- Johanna FlathHigh School Art
Johanna Flath
High School Art
Joined Maine Coast Waldorf School in 2010BFA, Rhode Island School of DesignJohanna grew up on the island of Bermuda and had an active and creative childhood. She moved to Maine in 2001, along with her husband, to restore a 225 year old house, a place to live out their artistic ambitions. She has shared her joy of painting with children and adults for over a decade, teaching in many different private schools and institutions, both in Maine and Bermuda. She loves working with the high school students at Maine Coast Waldorf School, inspiring them to look deeper into the beauty of the natural world. She feels passionately that art-making is a vital skill of communication and self-expression for young people. She has two young children of her own and spends her time with her family cooking, playing, painting and in nature as much as possible.
- John ReinhartHigh School Humanities
John Reinhart
High School Humanities
Joined Maine Coast Waldorf School in 2018BA, Social and Political Movements and Theories of Governance, Hampshire College; M.Ed, Waldorf Education Certificate, Antioch University New EnglandA Denver native, John joins Maine Coast after eleven years teaching at the Denver Waldorf High School, where he was also a student for 14 years. Through teaching, John rediscovered the joys of writing poetry. In poetic circles, John describes his teaching work as arson after Yeats’s sentiment that ‘education is not the filling of pail, but the lighting of a fire.’ This collaborative act of breaking down walls and building anew from the flames is what gets John fired up in the classroom. When not at school, John immerses himself in stories, music, tinkering, and exploring the outdoors with his family.
- John SacconeBuilding Steward
John Saccone
Building Steward
Joined Maine Coast Waldorf School in 1991Spacial Dynamics® Institute - Level I Trainer, Spacial Dynamics® Institute - Movement Therapist, Spacial Dynamics® Institute - Level III Trainer, Certified Bothmer GymnastJohn toured in Tony Montanaro's Celebration Theater Ensemble. He is a resident guest artist with the Portland Ballet Company and has performed for over 20 years as Drosselmeyer in the Nutcracker. He is a past host of the Portland Symphony Kinderkoncerts. He taught for many years at the Rudolf Steiner Institute, and presently is an instructor at the Spacial Dynamics® Institute. He is a founding boardmember of Seeds of Independence, where he continues to facilitate in their Jumpstart program for first-time youth offenders. He performs a duet show with his wife.
- Joshua LytleHigh School Humanities, College Chair
Joshua Lytle
High School Humanities, College Chair
Joined Maine Coast Waldorf School in 2019BA, English and Philosophy, Hobart and William Smith Colleges; Waldorf High School Teacher Training Certification, English and History, Center for AnthroposophyJoshua was born and raised in Saratoga Springs, NY at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. After college he spent three years teaching English in Japan, and has taught high school humanities in Waldorf high schools for 18 years (Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs, and most recently Shining Mountain Waldorf School in Boulder, Colorado). In his free time he loves being with his family (wife, Kim and daughter, Forest) in the outdoors, reading, writing, and carpentry. He comes to Maine Coast Waldorf School with a passion for seeking out truth and meaning in life and the world with his students.
- Julie YeoHigh School Art
Julie Yeo
High School Art
Joined Maine Coast Waldorf School in 2016BA, studio Art, Connecticut College; AA, Classical Animation, Sheridan College of Applied Arts and Technology; MEd, Curriculum and Instruction, University of Colorado, Foundations Studies, Center for AnthroposophyThroughout her life Julie has always been a maker. She is motivated most when using her hands to create, She has worked in many media including wood, clay, glass, metal, stone, painting, drawing Teaching has always allowed her to learn and share her enthusiasms. Julie will always seeks out the opportunity to make something over buying it. She finds her greatest inspiration spending time with her family in the outdoors actively engaging in every season. She also loves to cook and share meals with friends, xc ski, and pick blueberries. Julie considers Maine her home where she lives a busy life with her husband and their daughter in a house they built on a little farm they created.
- Katy StetsonAccompanist
Katy Stetson
Accompanist
Joined Maine Coast Waldorf School in 2006BA, Music, Amherst CollegeKaty has been accompanying choirs in the greater Portland area for more than 20 years. She regularly works with several schools in the area, as well as many private choirs, ranging in age from elementary school through high school and beyond. Katy also teaches piano to students of all ages.
- Kelly WelchHigh School Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics
Kelly Welch
High School Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics
Joined Maine Coast Waldorf School in 2018BS Preveterinary Science, University of New Hampshire, Durham, MS Plant and Soil Science, University of Massachusetts, AmherstKelly comes to Maine Coast Waldorf School from 16 years teaching physics, chemistry, and agricultural science as a public educator. Passionate about making upper level content accessible and differentiated, Kelly's enthusiasm for STEM education naturally leads her to look for opportunities for her students beyond the walls of the classroom. Outside of school Kelly can be found tending her flock of heritage Jacob Sheep, hiking with her dogs, cross country skiing and crafting with her daughter.
- Nancy GoldbergHigh School Humanities Teacher
Nancy Goldberg
High School Humanities Teacher
Joined Maine Coast Waldorf School in 2018B.A., English, Colby College; M.A., English, Boston College; M.S., Education, University of Southern Maine; Waldorf High School Certification, Center for AnthroposophyA coin toss landed Nancy in Portland after graduate school, and she has called Maine home ever since. After teaching at the college level for five years, Nancy decided she wanted to teach adolescents and started teaching in public high schools. Nancy and her husband discovered Maine Coast Waldorf School when they were searching for a nursery program for their daughters eighteen years ago. Foundation Studies deepened Nancy’s understanding of Waldorf education and prepared her for Waldorf high school teacher training. Nancy enjoys helping bring plays to life, inspiring students to appreciate literature and transforming their thoughts to the written word. She loves spending time with her family, reading novels, writing poetry, and immersing herself in nature.
- Nowell StoddardHigh School Math/Science Teacher
Nowell Stoddard
High School Math/Science Teacher
Joined Maine Coast Waldorf School in 2019BA, Physics, Bard CollegeNowell returns to Maine Coast Waldorf school as both a teacher and an alumnus. He grew up in Brunswick attending the school from kindergarten, graduating with the high school’s fourth senior class in 2013. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in physics, Nowell spent several years in Washington D.C. teaching STEM focused after school classes and summer camps. He is excited to return to the community as a faculty member and share his enthusiasm for math and science with the newest generation of high school students.
Outside of school Nowell is an avid reader and enjoys spending time in nature, as well as the occasional Ultimate Frisbee game.
- Olivier GarrelHigh School French Teacher
Olivier Garrel
High School French Teacher
Joined Maine Coast Waldorf School in 2020BA, English Language and Literature, Université de Paris 10 Nanterre, France; MA, French Language Education, Université Sorbonne-Nouvelle Paris 3, France; CAPÈS, French teacher training program, IUFM Versailles, FranceA career teacher and a language lover, Olivier was born and educated in Paris, France. He taught in the French public school system for 19 years and at the French Institute Alliance Française in New York City for 6 years. Olivier believes the language class should be interactive, student-centered, and focused on the practical use of the target language. As a teacher, he sees himself as a facilitator, striving to create a nurturing environment for the students. He has also done volunteer work, as a translator, on several documentary films about Africa. When he is not teaching, Olivier likes to play the saxophone with a jazz band and enjoys taking long hikes with his wife.
- Sharyn PeaveyHIgh School Photography & Dance
Sharyn Peavey
HIgh School Photography & Dance
Joined Maine Coast Waldorf School in 2017BFA, Photography, Maryland Institute College of Art; Digital Certificate from International Center of PhotographySharyn grew up in Midcoast Maine on a small farm. She began taking pictures and dance classes at the age of 14. Art has always been her inspiration and she graduated high school from Walnut Hill School for the Arts. Sharyn worked as an architectural photographer up and down the east coast and ended up in New York City for seven years. She moved back to Maine in 2001 and has been in business for herself doing portrait, commercial and fine art photography.
Sharyn resides in Pownal with her 13-year-old daughter and rescue Rottweiler. She is a member of the Green Memorial AME Zion Church in Portland and of the Alma Cubana Dance team, which performs annually at the Boston Salsa Festival.
- Whitney BruceCollege Counselor
Whitney Bruce
College Counselor
Joined Maine Coast Waldorf School in 2016BA, International Studies, Johns Hopkins UniversityBeginning with her experience as a college senior interviewing prospective first year students, Whitney has spent more than two decades working with students as they make the transition from high school to college. She has worked as a college admissions officer, a high school counselor, and an independent counselor. She visits several dozen colleges each year and is always amazed by the diversity of higher education opportunities available in the United States and abroad. Whitney currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Higher Education Consultants Association.
High School Faculty
Our faculty bring a wide variety of life experiences and perspectives that inform our explorations and strengthen the richness of our school culture. Some have participated in Maine Coast Waldorf School life as parents of MCWS students, others as parents of children from other Waldorf Schools.