News & Announcements

Honoring Retiring and Leaving Faculty and Staff

This year we are saying a heartfelt goodbye to a number of faculty and staff members as they retire or take on new adventures. Each of these faculty and staff members has helped shape the Austin Waldorf School into the place it is today.  The impact of their contributions will be felt for many years to come, both at the Austin Waldorf School and in the lives of the students and alumni they influenced.

In the time that Catherine Ashton served as the Development Director, she made great strides in building a development program to support and sustain the school with an eye toward the future. Catherine has stepped into her next great adventure, parenthood, and expects to remain part of the AWS community in the future. We will miss her vision, infectious positivity, and joy for the school.

Julie Barsam Cummings has been a part of the AWS community since 2014. Julie stepped in at a time when she was greatly needed, taking over a class in the 7th grade. After her first class moved on to high school, Julie took on the wonderful challenge of a 1st grade class. In the time that Julie has been a teacher at AWS, she has proven herself to be a tireless worker, with endless dedication, determination, and joy. We are saddened by the fact that Julie’s time with us is coming to a close, but wish her and her family all the best on their move to North Carolina.

Linda Burke began volunteer work as a parent in the AWS library in 1989 and was hired part-time in 1999; the position became full-time in 2008. Linda has patiently developed the library program over 28 years to become what it is today including the grades and high school libraries and the faculty library. She began the popular Children’s Award program which has inspired students and encouraged them to read a wider variety of books. The library has been a quiet haven for our students where Linda’s knowledge has guided many to discover just the right book for them. In addition to volunteering in the library in the 1990s, Linda also helped to establish the Juniper Tree Store and supported the popular AWS Learning Fair that ran for 14 years.

Patricia Daunt-Grogan has served as the high school guidance counselor since the high school opened in 2001.  What many people don’t know is that Patricia has been an active part of the AWS community since 1994, serving as the Winter Fair chairperson, Spring Fair chairperson, class parent in the Stargarden, and began working in the high school office in 1995 — 24 years at AWS. Patricia began her work here with many years experience as a teacher and counselor at other schools and was instrumental in AWS receiving its first accreditation in 2001. She has helped countless students transition from high school to the college of their choice and has served a major role in the work and development of the high school.

“There are so many treasured memories – as a volunteer, as a parent, as faculty! My favorite memories are of all the laughter. The Spring Fair dunking booth! The Fall square dances! The Class of 2005!” -Patricia Daunt Grogan

Shannon Honigblum began her career at the Austin Waldorf School as a class teacher (Class of 2019). For the past three years, Shannon has served as the Lead Teacher in the Moongarden. Shannon is known for being a talented writer, she published Making a Family Home in 2010, and edited Waldorf Early Childhood Education: An Introductory Reader. Shannon shared her love of drama and the outdoors with all of her students.

Charlotte Lovett brought her many years of experience to the Austin Waldorf School in a number of capacities. In her time with AWS, she has been a kindergarten teacher, led two classes from first to fifth grade, and most recently took a class from first to third grade. We are grateful for what Charlotte has given to our community.

Dawn McLachlen was the first grades student support teacher at AWS, establishing the beginnings of our program in 1995, and has continued her work to strengthen the program for 22 years. Dawn has attended and completed many workshops and trainings over the years to deepen her knowledge and skill in the extra needs of students. She generously applied her administrative skills to many areas of the school including the Finance Committee, substitution, and mentoring colleagues.

Heather Smith began her career at the Austin Waldorf School in the extended care program. Since 2014, we have been fortunate to have Heather as a kindergarten assistant. She has helped provide a warm and nurturing environment for the children and has supported them on their journey. We will miss Heather’s warmth and passion.

Rosa Vela-Sachs began as a grades Spanish teacher at AWS in 1996 when she first brought her musical and artistic talents as well as her love for the Spanish language and culture to our language program. The traditions she has created over 21 years, including Dia de los Muertos and Las Posadas, have brought meaning and joy to our community.