PROUDLY INTRODUCING OUR KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS

Kristen Albright

/ "Our highest endeavor must be to develop free human beings who are able of themselves to impart purpose and direction to their lives. The need for imagination, a sense of truth, and a feeling of responsibility-these three forces are the very nerve of education." ― Rudolf Steiner
Through imagination, a sense of truth and the development of deep responsibility we provoke purpose and provide altruistic direction. As educators, we need to be deeply concerned with these developments, or lack-thereof. The nerve of education is one that can pulse either for peace, unity and freedom, or fear, competition and isolation. This task is nothing short of life-changing. As both an educator and a parent of three young children, I am deeply committed to this task. I have studied, worked and volunteered within this vocation for almost twenty years. I was a student of both English and Elementary Education with an endorsement in English as a New Language at Boise State University and will graduate this fall with a Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies. I have been a student of Waldorf education for the past six years and am currently enrolled in two Waldorf teacher training programs: The Kentahten Teacher Training as well as The Sophia Institute. I have completed my Foundation Studies Year in Waldorf Education and will continue my Early Childhood Studies at Rudolf Steiner College this summer. In addition, I am enrolled in an in-depth art study program, Awakening Arts, based on Steiner's theory of color and form. I have worked as a teacher, substitute and director in a variety of Early Childhood settings within the Wood River Valley and have also worked as an Art Teacher in public elementary schools.
In addition to my educational/professional endeavors, I am a longtime resident of the Wood River Valley. I am an avid backcountry skier, runner, and all around outdoor enthusiast. My husband and I have enjoyed sharing our love of adventure with our three children. I have a deeply creative
nature and enjoy crafting of all sorts, knitting, gardening, sketching, painting, cooking, sewing, yoga and more! I am overjoyed to be working with the amazing young children of our community; to nurture and honor each child as they each grow and develop into their beautiful life expressions. I am so grateful for this extraordinary opportunity.

Jessica Banks

/ Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains, Buffalo River and rolling farm land, Jessica enjoyed a sweet, simple and dreamy childhood in the small town of Fayetteville, Arkansas. Inspired as a child and adolescent by a couple of outstanding teachers, she began to consider what it would look like if she could actively work to change the world. In this vein she enrolled at The Eugene Waldorf School in Eugene, Oregon earning her certification in Waldorf Early Childhood Education in 2007 and has been teaching at The Mountain School in Bellevue, ID ever since. Through her time at TMS Jessica has taught; preschool, kindergarten, after school, summer camp and handwork for grades 1-3. Her educational interests lie in brain development, student-centered teaching, parent and teacher education, and supporting and advocating for special needs students. This summer Jessica will be attending Nurturing the Roots: A Three-Year Advanced Therapeutic Course for Early Childhood Educators. Jessica is a mother to a beautiful five year old boy, Edyn, who will be attending Kindergarten at SMS.

Kristin Funk

/ Thisnative Idahoan is "over the moon" with excitement at the opportunity to be involved with the Syringa Mountain School's early childhood team.Kristin holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Boise State University and a Masters of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Idaho.She taught for the Twin Falls School District for 12 years. Additionally, Kristin has developed curriculum and taught undergraduate math, reading and basic computer courses for the College of Southern Idaho. She volunteered for the American Red Cross teaching lifeguarding, water safety instruction, and CPR/First Aid courses. Now, inspired by the teachers at The Mountain School and Syringa Mountain School,Kristin eagerly adds the Waldorf philosophy to her on going educational instructional development. She is currently attending a two week Waldorf intensive at the Michi-el Institute in Portland. She is pictured here with her daughter Cheltzie.

Mandy Palan

/ Thank you so much for allowing me to become part of the Syringa Mountain School team. I am truly honored and blessed to embark on this new adventure, and my family couldn’t be more excited!
My adventures after high school began when I accepted an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy with fixed plans to play collegiate basketball then serve with a military career. My knee had other plans. After a medical discharge I finished my degree at George Mason University in Fairfax County, VA with a B.S. in Psychology. During this time in my life I substitute taught various grade levels and I worked in a physical therapy clinic assisting with patient rehabilitation regimens. At some point during this fast paced season, Idaho called and I answered...
I spent my first night under the stars in 2003 at SUWS of Idaho as a Wilderness Field Instructor for at-risk adolescents. Over the span of two and a half years I lived in the desert for 38 weeks. During breaks I traveled, played rugby overseas, and hiked most of the Idaho Centennial Trail with an awesome pal who eventually asked me to marry him. This trip ended around mile 650; however, we’ve walked many miles together since. After spending time living in a tipi, we settled in Fairfield, ID to raise our family.
My formal teaching career began and I became certified in Idaho for secondary mathematics. For eight years I have taught high school math, coached various teams, and volunteered with youth in Fairfield.
I was asked recently by one of my former students why I decided to teach kindergarten. I expressed that my desire is to have more freedom to take the classroom outside the classroom. I think each day should have activities that feed our soul and Waldorf pedagogy will allow for this. Spending time with family, playing piano, gardening, sewing, adventuring, practicing yoga, and being outside, feeds my soul. My desire is to learn alongside the kindergarteners and share in their wonder as they enter their first schooling experience. This summer I will attend the Kentahten Teacher Training and Rudolf Steiner College Kindergarten Intensive, and prepare for our pioneering first year at Syringa Mountain School.