Meet Our Faculty and Staff |
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Early Childhood Faculty
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Mary Huggard (she/her)
Director and Facilitator of Parent and Child Programs and Parent and Infant Programs, Early Childhood Faculty Chair She has been facilitating Parent and Child groups every year since 2001. Mary has a B.A. and B.Ed. from Queen’s University. She has completed Foundations in Anthroposophy Part I. Mary joined the Mulberry Waldorf School faculty in 2001 and is an alumni parent. When not focused on Mulberry, Mary enjoys hiking, paddling, swimming, snowshoeing and/or skiing in the woods and lakes of the country north of Kingston where her family shares land and ‘off-grid’ living with friends. |
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Holly Blommers
Facilitator of Parent and Infant Program and Pregnancy Circle Holly has a B.A. from Trent University and a B.Ed. from Queen’s University. She has completed two intensive training weeks at the Rudolf Steiner Centre Toronto. Holly joined the Mulberry Waldorf School faculty in 2017. Holly has recently completed the Holistic Doula training with The Matrona Institute. |
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Janie Jang
Morning Garden Lead Teacher Janie has a B.A. from Concordia University, a Culinary Certificate from Niagara on the Lake, and a diploma in Early Childhood Education from St. Lawrence College. She completed Foundations in Anthroposophy Part I through the Rudolf Steiner Centre. Janie joined the Mulberry Waldorf School faculty in 2014 and is an alumni parent. |
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Jessica Lindeman
Morning Garden Assistant Teacher Jessica received her Waldorf Early Childhood teacher training from the Rudolf Steiner Institute in Thornhill, Ontario. She grew up in New York State where she attended the Green Meadow Waldorf School (kindergarten – Gr. 2) and the Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School (Grades 3-8). She has her B.A. in Anthropology and Indigenous Studies from Trent University. She also studied Photography and Visual Arts at Portland School of Art in Maine. She received her diploma in Graphic Design from Fleming College. She studied Music at Ohio Univ. and plays the cello. She has an abiding love and respect for the natural world and finds her greatest moments of joy and meaning when she can bring children outdoors to explore, play and wonder. |
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Julia Miranda
Morning Garden Assistant Teacher Julia has a B.A.H. in History and Spanish from Queen's University, a B.Ed. in Primary/Junior Education also from Queen's University, and a certificate in Foundations of Early Childhood Music Pedagogy from the Royal Conservatory of Music. She has completed Foundations in Anthroposophy Part 1 and has completed a Grade School intensive training week at the Rudolf Steiner Centre (RSCT). She is a returning member of the Mulberry faculty, having worked previously in Kindergarten, Morning Garden, KinderCare, After Care, and Grade 1 & 2. |
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Atallia Burke
Morning Garden Assistant Teacher Atallia is a graduate from the Early Childhood Education program from St. Lawrence College and a Registered Early Childhood Educator. She completed a General Arts and Science Diploma from Algonquin College in addition to certificates in Pre-Animation and Illustration and Introduction to Fine Arts. With her passion for creating and teaching fine arts, Atallia taught at the Kingston School of Art for five years, serving as both the Children's Program Coordinator and Instructor. Her interest and admiration for Waldorf education were sparked when she first attended the Mulberry Parent and Child program with her son in the fall of 2022. |
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Tammy Caldwell (she/her)
Lead Kindergarten Teacher Tammy has a B.A. from Brock University, and a B.Ed. and Certificate of Experiential and Outdoor Education from Queen’s University. Tammy completed Foundations in Anthroposophy and Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Education at the West Coast Institute for Anthroposophy, as well as Collaborative Leader Training and Part I of the HEART training through the Rudolf Steiner Centre Toronto. Tammy is a member of the Faculty of Part-Time Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Education at the Rudolf Steiner Centre Toronto. She joined the Mulberry Waldorf School faculty in 1999. Tammy is an alumni parent of two daughters. |
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Claudia Lama
Kindergarten Assistant Teacher Claudia has a B.A. in Psychology from Universidad de las Americas-Puebla in Mexico and a Certificate of Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher from Rudolf Steiner College Canada . Claudia became passionate about Waldorf education when she homeschooled her children in a Waldorf inspired way, which led her to began studying Foundations in Anthroposophy and to complete her Waldorf Early Childhood Education in 2022. Claudia and her family (two children ) joined Mulberry in 2021. |
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Gillian Goff
Kindergarten Assistant Teacher; Afternoon KinderCare Lead; EC Enrichment Teacher Gillian Goff completed her Early Childhood Education studies at St. Lawrence College, followed by her Foundation Studies at the Rudolf Steiner Centre in Toronto. With a passion for holistic and child-centered education, she expanded her expertise through summer training programs in Vermont and New York. A part of the Mulberry community since 2005, Gillian brings her love for learning and a playful spirit to her work, helping little ones grow and thrive with creativity and care. |
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Shay Feuer
Nutritional Coordinator Shay earned her BA (Theology and Philosophy) from Sarah Lawrence College in New York and her MA in Philosophy from Concordia University in Montreal. She holds a graduate certificate in Mental Health and Addictions from St. Lawrence College. Shay joined the Mulberry community in 2012 as a parent of a child who is currently enrolled in grade 8, and embarked on her role as nutritional coordinator in 2022. Shay feels passionately that wholesome food, intentionally prepared, nurtures mind, body and spirit. |
Grade School Faculty
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Claire Ree (she/her)
Grade 1/2 Lead Teacher Claire has a B.A. and Postgraduate Certificate in Education from Sheffield Hallam University, and obtained her Qualified Teacher Status in the U.K. She has a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design Studies and has completed an intensive training week with the Rudolf Steiner College Canada (RSCC). Prior to moving to Ontario, Claire was a Class Teacher, Senior Year Leader and Deputy Curriculum Team Leader in London, England. Claire joined the Mulberry Waldorf School faculty in 2020. |
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Remira Pryce
Grade 1/2 Assistant Teacher Remira has a B.A. and B. Ed. from Queen's University, and is OCT certified as an Intermediate/Secondary teacher in Music and History. She has worked in Early Childhood care for eight years, and has been making and teaching music for many more years than that. She joined Mulberry Waldorf School as an After Care teacher in 2019, and the Music Specialty Teacher in 2022. |
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Shelsey Taylor (she/her)
Grade 2/3 Lead Teacher and Handwork Teacher Shelsey has a B. Sc. from Royal Roads University and a B. Ed. from Queen's University. This past summer she completed the Grade 4 Intensive Training at the Toronto Waldorf School. Shelsey joined the Mulberry Waldorf School faculty in 2019-2020 as an Assistant Teacher, then from 2021-2022 was the Physical Education and Handwork Teacher. Prior to teaching at Mulberry, Shelsey was the Outdoor Education Facilitator for the ALCDSB at the H.R. Frink Centre in Plainfield, ON. |
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D'Arcy Colby
Grade 4/5 Lead Teacher D’Arcy brings over 25 years of teaching experience in Waldorf education, having guided students from Grades 1 to 7 at schools across Canada. She holds a B.Ed. from the University of British Columbia, a Waldorf Teacher Certificate from the Steiner Centre in Toronto, and a BFA in Dance from York University. Her background in the arts supports a rich, integrated approach to learning that nurtures creativity, confidence, and whole-child development. In addition to her classroom work, D’Arcy is a certified yoga and meditation instructor who has co-led mindfulness retreats across North America. Her teaching is deeply rooted in contemplative practice and Anthroposophy, fostering a calm, attentive, and compassionate classroom environment. D’Arcy believes strongly in the healing and empowering potential of Waldorf education—an approach that meets children where they are and helps them grow into capable, thoughtful individuals prepared for a complex world. |
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Marion Gardiner
Gr 4/5 Assistant Teacher (skills periods) Marion has over fifteen years of international teaching experience in the UAE, China, and most recently, Northern Ontario. She is passionate about fostering a love of learning while supporting students’ social and emotional well-being. Marion enjoys walking, cooking, and spending time with her husband and children. |
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Maureen Mellor (she/her)
Educational Support Teacher Maureen has a B.A. and B. Ed. from Queen's University. She completed Ministry of Education courses in Music, Reading, and Intermediate Education during her 29-year teaching career with the Upper Grand District School Board. Maureen joined the Mulberry Waldorf School faculty in 2018. |
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Sue McCoubrey
Grade 4/5 Educational Assistant Sue has a diploma in Early Childhood Education from St. Lawrence College, a Developmental Service Work Diploma from Algonquin College, and a certificate in Infant Mental Health from York University. Sue joined the Mulberry Waldorf School faculty in 2018. |
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Cam Watson
Grade 4/5 Educational Assistant Cameron has 10 years experience working with children and youth in recreational, and classroom settings. Currently Cameron is the Executive Director of Blue Canoe Productions and an instructor at Arabesque Academy of Dance where she continues to nurture her passion for a holistic approach to developing children as a whole through art and movement. Cameron joined the Mulberry staff in 2025 after working as a supply during the 2024/2025 school year. |
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Mhairi Gray (she/her)
Grade 6/7 Lead Teacher Mhairi has a B.A. from the University of Toronto and completed Waldorf Teacher Training through the Rudolf Steiner Centre Toronto. She has an AMI Montessori Teaching (preschool) Diploma. She completed Foundation Studies in Anthroposophy and one year of Visual Arts Studies at Emerson College in the U.K. Prior to joining the Mulberry Waldorf School faculty in 2012, Mhairi was a Class Teacher at The Acorn School, a Waldorf-inspired school in the U.K. She is an alumni parent of two children. |
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Carlina Heins (she/her)
Grade 8 Lead Teacher and Handwork Teacher Carlina has a B. Sc. (Mechanical Engineering) from Queen’s University and she holds a Honourary Waldorf Teacher Certificate, Waldorf Applied Arts Teacher Certificate and New Adult Educator Certificate from Rudolf Steiner Centre Toronto. Carlina is a co-founder of Mulberry Waldorf school, is a former Faculty Chair and Grade School Teacher, and is an alumni parent. |
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Maria Biasotti
Grade 1-8 French Language Teacher Maria has a B. Ed. at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, a M. Ed. at Mount Saint Vincent University. She has taken multiple courses at University of Ottawa for French Methodology and has taught French, English and Spanish as second languages. She has completed Foundations in Anthroposophy part 1 through RSCT, and has begun part 2. Maria joined the Mulberry Waldorf School faculty in 2018 and has a child in the grade school. |
Sarah Utting
Gr 3 to 8 Movement Teacher; Gr 2/3 Assistant Teacher (AM)
Sarah holds a B.A and B.Ed from Queen’s University and brings over a decade of experience in designing and leading inclusive, student-centered programming with an emphasis on healthy, active living. She has coordinated youth recreation at Queen’s University and at BGC South East, serves on the Kingston Lacrosse Association Board, and volunteers as a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor. Her experience also includes supply teaching, coaching, and several years as a camp counsellor. Outside the classroom, Sarah enjoys playing sports and crafts, which further inspire her creative and active approach to teaching.
Gr 3 to 8 Movement Teacher; Gr 2/3 Assistant Teacher (AM)
Sarah holds a B.A and B.Ed from Queen’s University and brings over a decade of experience in designing and leading inclusive, student-centered programming with an emphasis on healthy, active living. She has coordinated youth recreation at Queen’s University and at BGC South East, serves on the Kingston Lacrosse Association Board, and volunteers as a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor. Her experience also includes supply teaching, coaching, and several years as a camp counsellor. Outside the classroom, Sarah enjoys playing sports and crafts, which further inspire her creative and active approach to teaching.
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Jess Koehn
Gr 1/2, 4/5, and 6/7 Handwork Teacher Jess has a B.A. in Art History from Queen’s University and a Certificate in Community Herbalism from Pacific Rim College. Her art focuses on textile design and the use of natural plant dyes. She is drawn to plants not only for their quality of colour but also for their medicinal properties. Before joining the Mulberry Waldorf School in 2025, Jess worked with the Child and Adolescent Development Research Group in the Queen’s University Department of Psychology. |
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Ariel Zaichick
Gr 4 to 8 Music Teacher |
Administration
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Peelu Hira (she/her)
Administrative Head Peelu has a B. Sc. (Biochemistry) from Laurentian University and a M. Sc. (Biochemistry) from Queen’s University. She worked for nine years in a number of federal government departments and central agencies. She and her family joined the Mulberry community in 2001, beginning in the Parent & Child program. She was the Board Chair from 2004 to 2008. Peelu joined the Mulberry Waldorf School staff in 2008. She is an alumni parent of two children, who have graduated from Queen's University. |
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Jenny Taylor (she/her)
Pedagogical Director and Human Resources Chair Student Support Teacher Jenny has a B. Sc. (Biology) from McMaster University, and a B. Ed., M. Ed., and Ph. D. in Education from Queen's University. She has completed Foundations in Anthroposophy Part I and II. Jenny joined the Mulberry Waldorf School faculty in 2010. She started as a Parent and Child facilitator and Kindergarten Assistant, and was a Kindergarten Lead Teacher for over seven years. Previous leadership roles have included Early Childhood Pedagogical Chair and Governance Chair. She is an alumni parent of three children. |
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Lois Bulch (she/her)
Finance Officer Lois has a Business and Marketing diploma from St. Lawrence College. She worked in the banking and financial services industry for almost 15 years. Lois joined the Mulberry Waldorf School staff in 2012. She is an alumni parent of two children. |
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Christine Chapman (she/her)
Administrative Assistant Christine has a B. Sc. (Chemistry/Physical Geography) and a M.Ed. from Queen’s University, and a B. Ed. from Lakehead University. She taught Middle School Science in South America and the Caribbean for six years and worked with educational research groups at Queen’s University for eight years. She and her family joined the Mulberry Community in 2011 when they started in the Parent and Child program with their son. She has completed Foundations in Anthroposophy part 1. Christine joined the Mulberry office team in 2018 and she is an alumni parent. |
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Gema Balderas
Administrative Assistant and Marketing Coordinator Gema has a Bachelor of Communications from ITESO, Universidad Jesuita de Guadalajara in México. In 2022 she completed the Digital Marketing Communications and User Experience Design diplomas from St. Lawrence College. Gema and her family arrived in Canada in 2021, and her child is a current Mulberry grade school student. |
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Rob Hudson
Facilities Manager |
