Peachblossoms Preschool (ages 3-6)
CAMI Mucino
Peachblossoms Lead Teacher (morning)
Growing up in the melting pot of Southern California and having parents that were equally culturally passionate, I found myself questioning the world and seeking my place/purpose in it. As a child, I quickly found myself deeply immersed in the mythologies of the world, beginning with Hindu, Egyptian, and Celtic mythologies. These led me to Carl Jung's psychoanalytics/archetypal language and dream analysis, Rudolf Steiner and Waldorf, and esoteric sciences, specifically Evolutionary Astrology. During my time at the University of San Francisco, I pursued a Bachelor's in Communications with a specialization in Cross-Cultural Communication.
Along the way I found myself journeying through Yin yoga teacher certification, a specialization in several esoteric systems, Alchemical Herbalism, the importance of holistic healing, and most importantly - motherhood. In this homecoming, I remembered how to live my purpose which is to walk alongside others as they remember their way home to themselves, others, and the Earth. As a parent and faculty member of The Juniper School, I truly believe that this is our passion and the heartbeat of our community, and our greatest intention for the children - that they may be nourished by an unconditionally loving space and heart-led guides that exist to support their authentic becoming so that they can live in a beautiful world that we know is possible.
Tiffany JAckson
Peachblossoms Assistant (morning)
I grew up in Pennsylvania and am happy to be in Columbus with my four children (But I can often be found driving back to Pittsburgh to visit family!) My professional background is in art and graphic design. I’ve also worked in a natural food coop and appreciate the balance and health that comes with eating fresh and local. I am humbled to be a part of this school. I look forward to watching the children learn and grow in this wonderful healthy and peaceful space.
Lea Aldag
Peachblossoms Lead Teacher (afternoon)
I am originally from a small town in Cocoa Beach, Florida. I moved to California at 16 to work as a Huntington Beach Ocean Rescue Guard for 10 years. Throughout that time I started working with children during my slow season and I discovered a love for this work.
I studied Early Childhood Education at Saddleback College in Orange County. When my husband and I moved to Colorado, I found the Boulder Waldorf School and felt right at home. We moved to Columbus to be near family and the minute I found The Juniper School, I knew that I had found my community of people. My heart belongs to the Waldorf way!
Rosebuds Preschool (ages 3-6)
Chelsea Burrell
Rosebuds Lead Teacher
I am fortunate to have attended Waldorf schools for most of my educational journey. I was also deeply influenced by my mother, who was herself a Waldorf teacher. The spirit and philosophy of Waldorf education were woven into the fabric of my upbringing. After graduating from high school, I pursued studies in early childhood education and, during this time, applied for a position as an assistant at a Waldorf preschool that I had attended as a child. That experience marked the start of my own teaching career.
I eventually became a Lead Teacher and remained there for eleven years, including three years teaching kindergarten. The opportunity to return and teach in my childhood school was both unique and deeply meaningful to me.
While teaching, I enrolled in a Waldorf teacher training. I began this journey in 2015 and earned my Waldorf teaching certification in 2017.
I met my husband in 2019 , and we moved to Ohio, started a family, and bought a home. Some of my favorite activities include needle felting, crocheting, and taking evening walks with my family. Two of my favorite children’s books are The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn and Grandfather Twilight by Barbara Berger.
After two and a half years as a stay-at-home mom, I felt called back into the classroom. I feel truly honored to step into the role of Lead Preschool Teacher in the Rosebud Room at the Juniper School.
Zaryana Bezu
Rosebuds Assistant (W,TH,F mornings)
I was born and raised in the old and beautiful city of Kiev, Ukraine. I came to the U.S. in 1998 to study art at Columbus College of Art and design where I got my BFA majoring in illustration. My passion to work with children led me to teach art classes for many years and in 2010 I founded Children’s Art Program (CAP) an after school art classes for children ages 3-15 y.o. The Waldorf educational methods and approach always were my guide and inspiration to introduce art to young children.
Since 2014, I have worked at the Juniper School and I have taken a number of classes at the Waldorf Institute of Southeastern Michigan. Knowing how important these early years of childhood are in the overall development of a child gives me a great honor and delight to be able to be a part of this beautiful magic-filled time.
Working with young children, storytelling and puppetry, also, greatly influenced my work as an artist. You can see my artworks at: www.bezuart.com
Waterlilies Kindergarten (ages 5 and 6)
Amruta Ghanekar
Waterlilies Lead Teacher
In my pursuit of new creative endeavors, I was excited to find the Waldorf Kindergarten Teacher opportunity with The Juniper School. As a progressive professional with Waldorf Kindergarten experience, I believe that I can bring valuable contributions to the faculty. My philosophy is that introducing fresh perspectives and new techniques allow schools to evolve and grow. I am Certified Walforf Kindergarten Teacher who fosters growth and development in children while encouraging strong connection with families. I strive to be a teacher who connects to the young child at multiple levels -body, soul and spirit, which enables to create an environment of love, care and warmth for the learning to unfold in the most natural way.
Charis Briley-Olsen
Waterlilies Assistant
I grew up in San Francisco, surrounded by fog and a big family, where caring for little ones came early and naturally. Childcare led me to nannying, where I was first introduced to Waldorf. This deeply influenced my understanding of childhood and education.
My professional path has woven together performing arts, textile design, bodywork, and birth work, each thread rooted in art and care. Most recently, I worked as a postpartum doula in Los Angeles.
When my family and I moved to Columbus and discovered Juniper in 2024, it felt like coming home. I look forward to continuing my Waldorf studies and to growing with an open heart in this beautiful community.
Poppies: Grade One and Two
Kate Curlis
Grade One and Two Lead Teacher
I am from rural Wyandot County, Ohio and was raised on a farm that has been in my family since the 1880’s. I have been teaching for 20 years: with Peace Corps Thailand, as a Special Education Teacher in the public schools of Chicago, Boulder and Columbus, and at the Juniper School since 2015. I hold a Master’s Degree in Special Education and am engaged in coursework towards a Waldorf Grades Teacher Certificate at the Great Lakes Waldorf Institute. I am a poet, mother and yogi.
To touch the world of a child’s imagination and heart in such a way that allows them to cultivate their own intelligence is an art and a practice. May countless children and families grow strong and kind through their time spent at the Juniper School!
Abi Gray
Poppies ASSISTANT , Grades 3-5 Music
Abi is a recent graduate from the Ohio State University with studies in Politics, Philosophy, Economics, and History. Prior experience in direct service social work, childcare, and eco-restoration lead her to the Juniper School where she is excited to participate in a community of shared values, enriching the beauty of childhood and a love for learning. In her free time, you might find her working out in her garden or playing fiddle in the local bluegrass band, Slim Pickins.
Marigolds: Grades Three and four
Nicole Graf
Marigolds Lead Teacher
I am originally from Dayton, OH and attended school at Miami University for Early Childhood Education. I’ve taught preschool through third grade in Western Australia, California and Minnesota and earned a Masters degree in Education from University of Minnesota Duluth. I have also taught the Early Childhood classes at The Juniper School for the past eight years. As a Certified Simplicity Parenting Coach, I’m delighted to offer parent/community classes at The Juniper School. I am committed and eager to formalize my relationship with Waldorf Education as I pursue my path to a formal credential.
Sunflowers: Grade Five
Laurel Gourrier
Sunflowers Lead Teacher / Curative care coordinator / Caregiver Class
I am a native of Ohio but have called many places home and lean into those experiences as I navigate life. With a Master's in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I began my journey of supporting families first as a special education teacher, then as a family advocate, specifically serving children on the Autism spectrum. The birth of my children shifted my own work in some ways. I started a podcast called Birth Stories in Color and began working as a birth/ postpartum doula, supporting families throughout Central Ohio and in New Orleans. My family was introduced to Waldorf education during our time in New Orleans, and we are thrilled to be a part of the Juniper School Community. After a year working with the aftercare program, lead in the full-day early childhood class, I am now looking forward to sharing my love of academics with the Fourth and Fifth Graders.
Grades Specialists
Zaryana Bezu
Art Specialist
I was born and raised in the old and beautiful city of Kiev, Ukraine. I came to the U.S. in 1998 to study art at Columbus College of Art and design where I got my BFA majoring in illustration. My passion to work with children led me to teach art classes for many years and in 2010 I founded Children’s Art Program (CAP) an after school art classes for children ages 3-15 y.o. The Waldorf educational methods and approach always were my guide and inspiration to introduce art to young children.
Since 2014, I have worked at the Juniper School and I have taken a number of classes at the Waldorf Institute of Southeastern Michigan. Knowing how important these early years of childhood are in the overall development of a child gives me a great honor and delight to be able to be a part of this beautiful magic-filled time.
Working with young children, storytelling and puppetry, also, greatly influenced my work as an artist. You can see my artworks at: www.bezuart.com
Hollie Lau
Handwork/ Reading Intervention Specialist
Growing up in rural Ohio, I had a childhood filled with nature’s wonders. I spent countless hours by the ponds, catching frogs and dreaming of finding a gnome. My parents instilled in me an early appreciation for nature’s magic and its grounding effects. My love for arts and crafts began young, providing me with both skill and solace. Some of my fondest memories are of sitting on my parents’ porch with a ball of yarn in hand.
I graduated from the University of Findlay with a degree in Early Childhood Education and began my teaching career in my hometown, working with third graders. After moving to Columbus and starting my family, I shifted to work as a lactation counselor and birth doula, a role that deeply fulfilled me for over a decade.
As a mother, I rekindled my love for sewing and gardening, starting quilting when my sons were babies. I now enjoy creating clothes for myself and my daughter, and my hobbies include thrifting, collecting vintage sheets for clothing projects, gardening, rock hunting, and making art. When I have free time, you’ll likely find me at my sewing machine or outside tending to my garden and arranging cut flower bouquets.
I am thrilled to embrace Waldorf methodologies, which resonate deeply with my personal beliefs about child development. I look forward to sharing the magic of nature and fiber arts with your children!
Administration Staff
Jennifer Zegler
Administrator
I came to the Columbus area by way of Irvington, NY and Durham/Greensboro NC. I earned my BS Degree in Middle School Education from UNC-Greensboro. I taught for 4 years in NC before moving to Ohio, where I've lived ever since. Otterbein College is where I earned my Master's Degree in Curriculum & Instruction. In Ohio I taught both in school, online, and homeschooled my own children. I found Juniper when looking for a magical place for my three youngest children. My involvement in Juniper grew as I became more and more amazed by the community and felt the incredible warmth and loving spirit within. Currently, I serve as the Grades Administrator. This school thrives and grows beautifully as a result of the many hearts that beat within it- the families, the students, and the dedicated teachers. I look forward to continuing to learn and work among this special community.
Meghan Western
Admissions Director and Admin. Assistant
Raised by artist/educators in Florida, I made my way to Ohio as a young adult. I live with my family of literature, music, and nature lovers inWhitehall, where we play at homesteading and enjoy the rhythms of life together. My introduction to The Juniper School came in fall of 2018 when our eldest began preschool at "Little Juniper". I have worn several hats at school as my children have skipped and sung their way through the halls, and I am thrilled to be part the formal staff in the Admin Office, welcoming families and supporting them through the Admissions/Enrollment process.
I hold a BFA in Dance from OSU, am a self-proclaimed 'dance nerd', and when I'm not parenting or at school, can be found choreographing, dancing, and teaching dance all over Columbus.