Early Childhood Faculty & Staff

Robin Brough, MPCS Early Childhood Teacher

Robin Brough

Buttercups Lead Teacher

Updated Bio Coming Soon

Miranda Thibodeau, MPCS Early Childhood Teacher Assistant

Miranda Thibodeau

Buttercups Assistant

Updated Bio Coming Soon

Jenny Wendland, MPCS Early Childhood Teacher

Jenny Wendland-Diaz

Dandelions Lead Teacher

Updated Bio Coming Soon

Leah Hickler, MPCS Early Childhood Teacher Assistant

Leah Hickler

Dandelions Assistant

Updated Bio Coming Soon

Ashley Bernier, MPCS Early Childhood Teacher

Ashley Bernier

Sweet Peas Lead Teacher

Updated Bio Coming Soon

Mountain Phoenix Community School Early Childhood Assistant, Megan Vance

Megan Vance

Sweet Peas Assistant

Updated Bio Coming Soon

Mountain Phoenix Community School Early Childhood Assistant, Janet Romero

Janet Romero

Preschool Float

Updated Bio Coming Soon

Mountain Phoenix Community School Early Childhood Teacher, Bettina Huber

Bettina Huber

Chickadees Lead Teacher

Updated Bio Coming Soon

Mountain Phoenix Community School Early Childhood Assistant, Michelle Fraas

Michelle Fraas

Chickadees Assistant

Updated Bio Coming Soon

Mountain Phoenix Community School Early Childhood Teacher, Liz McCune

Elizabeth McCune

Bluebirds Lead Teacher

Updated Bio Coming Soon

Mountain Phoenix Community School Early Childhood Assistant, Danett Hernandez

Danett Hernandez

Bluebirds Assistant

Updated Bio Coming Soon

Mountain Phoenix Community School Early Childhood Teacher, Melissa Windram

Melissa Windram

Honeybees Lead Teacher

Updated Bio Coming Soon

Mountain Phoenix Community School Early Childhood Assistant, Shana Robertson

Shana Robertson

Honeybees Assistant

Educational Experience & Professional Journey. Shana's journey into Waldorf education began with a recommendation from a friend about a unique school known for its child-led teaching philosophy and enchanting seasonal celebrations. Her initial tour of a kindergarten classroom at the school left a profound impression, leading to her current role.

In her role as an EC Assistant Teacher with the Honeybees, Shana is instrumental in supporting the early childhood program. Her enthusiasm for the Waldorf teaching philosophy and her dedication to nurturing young minds are evident in her interactions with students. Her connection to the community and her commitment to holistic education make her an invaluable part of the team.

Personal Background & Interests.
A Colorado native, Shana's life and career have been deeply rooted in her home state. Her connection to the natural and cultural environment of Colorado has shaped her personal and professional outlook. Shana is a mother of two boys, one in 6th grade and the other in 9th grade. Her role as a parent complements her professional life, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the developmental and educational needs of children at different stages.

Shana is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking, camping, and visiting hot springs. Her love for knitting and mountain weekend trips, along with her passion for travel, reflect a blend of creativity, adventure, and relaxation in her lifestyle.

Mountain Phoenix Community School Early Childhood Teacher, Jackie Votanek

Jackie Votanek

Sunflowers Lead Teacher

Updated Bio Coming Soon

Mountain Phoenix Community School Early Childhood Assistant, Sarah Spica

Sarah Spica

Sunflowers Assistant

Updated Bio Coming Soon

Mountain Phoenix Community School Early Childhood Assistant, Rie Kashiwagi

Rie Kashiwagi

Extended School Day Assistant - Honeybees

​​Educational Experience & Professional Journey. With a background in ecology and over 15 years in Waldorf communities, Rie brings warmth, creativity, and deep experience to her role at Mountain Phoenix. She previously worked at San Francisco Waldorf High School as a Handwork Assistant and sees the Waldorf philosophy not just as an education model, but as a way of life. Now in Colorado, she’s grateful to be immersed in the beauty and intention of the MPCS community.

Personal Background & Interests. Originally from Japan, Rie lived in San Francisco for 19 years before moving to Colorado two years ago. She loves cooking, gardening, and handwork. Rie lives with her husband, Keiji, and their daughter Aina, who is now in 7th grade at MPCS. She cherishes the opportunity to be surrounded by such joyful and curious children each day.

Mountain Phoenix Community School Early Childhood Assistant, Marion Kleinschmidt

Marion Kleinschmidt

Extended School Day Assistant - Bluebirds

Updated Bio Coming Soon

Mountain Phoenix Community School Early Childhood Assistant, Tiffany Kwak

Tiffany Kwak

Extended School Day Assistant - Chickadees

Updated Bio Coming Soon

Mountain Phoenix Community School Early Childhood Assistant , Jinjian Fager

Jinjian Fager

Extended School Day Assistant - Sunflowers

Educational Experience & Professional Journey. Jinjian holds a B.A. in Business, a B.S. in Computer Animation, and an Early Childhood Assistant Teacher Certificate. Her passion for working with children and helping them grow holistically led her to MPCS; a place she first admired when her sister attended years ago. She brings a blend of creative energy and heart-centered care to her work supporting students outside the classroom.

Personal Background & Interests. A native of Arvada, Colorado, Jinjian enjoys hiking, rock climbing, painting, weaving, and playing board games. She lives with her husband, their baby, and two dogs. Her vibrant spirit and love of childhood development shine through in all she does at Mountain Phoenix.

Joy Wegs, MPCS Program Director for Early Childhood

Joy Wegs

Program Director for Early Childhood

See bio on Faculty page 

MPCS Seedlings Program Coordinator, Susan Skokan

Susan Skokan

Seedlings Program Coordinator

Updated Bio Coming Soon

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