Heather Ward
Classroom Teacher, 6th Grade
Allow me to introduce myself – I am a mother of two wonderful daughters who are all but grown up now (ages 19 & 22). Between six years of homeschooling them and teaching in the classroom, I have accumulated over 20 years of teaching experience. I suppose you could say I am wired to teach.
I’m inspired to search after deeper understandings, challenged by the individuality of learning and discovery, and motivated by the belief that all can learn and achieve greatness. I continually pursue expanding my understanding of learning, and have recently completed my Masters Degree in Curriculum and Development and Linguistically Diverse Education (Summa Cum Laude) from the University of Colorado at Denver. My BA is in Elementary Education with and emphasis in Special Education and Hearing Impairments’ from t the University of Northern Colorado.
Over the years, I have served as Reading Specialist, Instructional Coach, Curriculum Designer, Special Education service provider, School Site Coordinator, Diverse Learning lab Director, Mentor, and also taught Colorado History, Sign Language, Math, Physical Education, Science, Writing, and ESL Instructor. Most importantly, I was a teacher at the core.
I have taught students ranging in ages from 4 to 34 and each grade or age has brought about new joys and treasures for me to discover. Therefore, it is with great anticipation that I look forward to the year ahead as we create a dynamic community, saturated with the joy of learning! I can’t wait to meet each of you and get started.
Joshua Anander
Classroom Teacher, 6th Grade
Josh graduated from the University of Washington with an emphasis in history and then earned his teaching credentials through a partnership with Regis University. He is entering his sixth year of classroom education, previously teaching second grade at Assumption Catholic School. He chaired the student government council and assisted in preparing and scoring the school science fair. Josh was instrumental in setting up data measures to verify student achievement and growth. He is most excited about incorporating the arts into everyday classroom learning. When not teaching, Josh likes to spend time with his wife and two young children enjoying the outdoors and taking in a baseball game.
David Smith
Classroom Teacher, 7th-8th Grades
Dave comes to us from Coal Creek Campus where he taught a multi-aged classroom. After having spent many years studying and working in much of Europe, Dave Smith discovered the sublime soundness of Waldorf education. With a B.A. in Germanic Languages and Literature, coupled with extensive graduate research in Medieval Literature and history, Dave was certified as a Waldorf Elementary School teacher after completing studies at the Rudolf Steiner College in Sacramento, California. His work developing a unique approach (NeuroReactivation™) for identifying and overcoming language learning disabilities in the classroom and his understanding of multiple learning styles strengthen his ability to gain the confidence and trust of the children in his classroom. Dave was raised as a “space child;” growing up with a rocket scientist for a father and a librarian for a mother. Being an avid reader, he believes that exemplifying in the classroom his love of learning is the greatest gift that he can give to a child. In his spare time, you might find Dave building and launching High-powered rockets, camping with his four children, or relaxing with his guitar. Ultimately, Dave’s history makes him a passionate storyteller and a persistent seeker of knowledge.
Edward Michalenko
Middle School Math & PE Instructor
Edward Michalenko is the Middle School Math Teacher & Physical Education Instructor. Ed graduated from State University of New York at Cortland, with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. He is currently working on his M.A. in Mathematics Education 5-12 at Western Governors University. Ed has worked in New York (Physical Education K-12), Mooloolaba Australia (Health/Physical Education grades 7-10), and Colorado (Physical Education grades 1-7 / Math grades 6 & 7). Edward believes all students should be able to demonstrate competencies in motor skills and movements, understand concepts, principles and strategies regarding physical activities, developing responsibility and social behavior in respects to themselves and others. Values physical activity as a life long learning process of health, enjoyment, challenges, self-expression and social interaction. Maintains a passion for instilling in children the importance of lifelong learning, health and fitness. Serves as a positive role model through extensive participation in recreational activities, music, arts, and community service.
