Faculty & Staff

Kolbi is a native New Orleanian with an impressive background, she attended Louise S. McGehee School for high school, Agnes Scott College, and Loyola University Chicago's Quinlan School of Business for her M.B.A. and Master’s Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications. She brings a wealth of experience in education, having worked in development for a New Orleans Charter Network, as well as in logistics and program coordination for educational nonprofits in both New Orleans and Los Angeles.

Kolbi has been a dedicated parent in the WSNO community for the past few years and is excited to take on this new role! As Waldorf School of New Orleans’ Enrollment and Outreach Director, hers is likely the first face you'll meet when you visit our school.

Mr. Reginald Coleman began his career in education nearly eighteen years ago as a Physical Education teacher and Dean of Students at ACE Tech High School on the Southside of Chicago. Having grown up in an era with limited public-school options for low-income families like his own, Mr. Coleman has been a strong advocate for greater access and opportunities in school choice. As his career progressed, he pursued leadership roles to have a more significant impact. He joined the Noble Network in the spring of 2006, recognizing charter schools as a crucial step toward educational choice, and played a key role in opening Pritzker College Prep, a Noble Charter School.

In August 2010, Mr. Coleman moved to New Orleans to work with Firstline Schools, where he contributed to the transformation of J.S. Clark High School, then the lowest-performing high school in the state. As Principal, he achieved the highest gains in one year, a notable accomplishment. His eighteen years in school leadership include serving as the founding Dean of Students for Noble’s Pritzker College Prep, which was ranked #2 among Chicago Public High Schools by Chicago Magazine. Additionally, he has overseen the opening of two charter high schools, established a vocational program at Clark High School, and consulted with numerous other schools.

Throughout his career, Mr. Coleman has demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit, consistently conceptualizing and implementing schools and programs designed to offer greater access to top-tier educational opportunities for underserved communities. He holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and a B.A. in Psychology from Lewis University.

Monique O'Toole-Vigé, the dedicated Lead Teacher at Gardenia Nursery. Ms. Monique brings a wealth of experience and a passion for Waldorf education to her role. Having completed her Waldorf Early Childhood training at Sophia's Hearth, she has honed her skills in providing a nurturing and holistic learning environment for young children. With a background of three years at the Edible School Yard, Ms. Monique has demonstrated her commitment to hands-on and experiential learning. As a Waldorf NOLA parent herself, with her daughter Opal graduating in 2023, she not only understands the philosophy but also embodies it in her teaching approach. Gardenia Nursery is fortunate to have Ms. Monique O'Toole-Vigé leading the way in early childhood education.

Lisa Landry is a New Orleans native who loves her home town almost as much as she loves working with young people. She is kind, hardworking and has a true gift of helping things grow. Since 2017, Ms. Lisa and her family have been invaluable members of the Waldorf community. Her journey began by helping in her son's classroom, transitioning to a substitute role, and ultimately securing a permanent position in 2023 as an assistant in Ms. Monique’s early childhood classroom.

Ms. Lisa attended the Glassell School of Art where she studied photography, multimedia and silversmithing. She is a certified level two Peak Pilates instructor and has taught all over the city of New Orleans. Her extensive professional background in the restaurant industry, where she excelled as a bartender, server and manager, has equipped her with exceptional management and interpersonal skills, making her a natural and cherished addition to the Waldorf School of New Orleans. She completed her Introduction to Assistant Teaching in a Waldorf Classroom from Sunbridge Institute in 2021 and Sophia's Hearth in 2023. She is currently enrolled at Sophia's Hearth, continuing her studies to deepen her understanding of the early years, in their Birth-to-Three program.

Heidi has been with Waldorf School of New Orleans since 2002. She was honored to be offered the task of creating the school’s Kindergarten, which began welcoming children in August of 2003. Heidi received her Waldorf Teacher Training from Rudolf Steiner College. Before becoming a Waldorf teacher, Heidi taught in New York, and for seven years in Orleans Parish Public Schools. She was awarded several grants to support her innovative work in the classroom with language development and young children. After becoming a mother, Heidi left the classroom for a few years. She ran a small program in her home for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. She also created and taught a dance class for toddlers and parents. Heidi’s son attended WSNO for nine years. Heidi's role as Kindergarten teacher provides the perfect opportunity to indulge in her love of storytelling, child development, sewing, gardening, singing, dancing, community building, and working with parents.

Hiroko was born and raised in Japan. She graduated from Kansai Gaidai University in Japan with a bachelor's degree in English. She moved to New Orleans is 2009 and earned an associate degree from Delgado in Child Development. Hiroko has taught Japanese for more than 8 years at the Japanese Weekend School of New Orleans. She possess six dan of Japanese Calligraphy. The mom of two is very proud of her trilingual children, they speak English, French, and Japanese. Hiroko says, “I love baking and traveling, but my goal is to provide a happy and safe environment for all children to learn through play. “

Ms. Kalindi first became involved with the Waldorf School of New Orleans community as a parent in 2018. She joined the school as a kindergarten teacher assistant and became the lead teacher for the Jasmine Kindergarten in the 2022/2023 school year. Ms. Kalindi began her teaching career at Southern Mississippi Prep Academy as an elementary teacher and at Abhay Academy in New Orleans. She values Waldorf education to such an extent that she commutes from Mississippi (one hour each way) daily so that she and her daughter can be a part of the Waldorf School of New Orleans community. Ms. Kalindi is currently enrolled in the Waldorf Early Childhood Education program at Sophia’s Hearth in New Hampshire.

Olivia Pope is a mother of four Waldorf NOLA students and midwife. It is through her motherhood journey that she became aware of Waldorf Education. Olivia has been a part of several Waldorf communities, including Long Beach, CA, and Sedona, AZ. Over the past seven years, she has worked as a teacher's assistant and dedicated volunteer in early childhood classrooms. Olivia is excited to contribute her passion for creative expression and love of learning to the Waldorf environment, where she values the holistic development of every child.

Ms. Emery’s love, commitment, and integration into Waldorf Education began at a young age. Her mother, Rita Amedee, brought the first Waldorf Kindergarten to New Orleans, with Emery being her first student. Throughout her life she has reflected her experience and foundation she gained from Waldorf Education.

Jan is a teacher with a wealth of experience. She has taught Waldorf School of New Orleans Grades Students as well as being a warm and loving presence to our Early Childhood community. Ms. Jan also leads our Little One - Loved One playgroup.

Ms. Brown grew up in New Orleans and graduated from Academy of the Sacred Heart, and New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. She studied at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and received a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from the College of Santa Fe in 2004. In 2007 she received a Masters of Fine Arts from New York University. After graduate school, she became certified in the state of Louisiana to teach students with mild to moderate exceptionalities as well as English for secondary school. Ms. Brown came to Waldorf education as a parent searching for something for her young son that would nurture his imagination, creativity, and reverence for learning and the natural world. She welcomes each student into her classroom with awareness and respect, and believes in the empowerment of the young individual on their journey and search for the self. She has completed the Foundations course for Waldorf Teacher Training.

Ms. Square holds a Master's degree in Special Education from the University of Grand Canyon. With over 10 years of experience in the New Orleans Charter System, Alicia spent several years in the classroom before becoming an Administrator of Special Education. She believes in nurturing the whole child, starting with their social and emotional needs first. In addition to her educational career, Alicia is an artist and a Co-Founder of Apartment 4 Lifestyle a lifestyle brand that is centered on styling and staging.

Rachel Flores came to WSNO with a background in education and social work. As a native to Louisiana with a drive to find an education philosophy that places child development in the forefront, she sought out Waldorf Education. She has been with our school since 2014 in different capacities including assistant teacher, movement teacher, and class teacher. In 2017, she completed her Waldorf Grades Training at Rudolf Steiner College in Sacramento, California.

Mr. Will has returned to WSNO after a two-year break to pursue graduate studies at DePaul University in Chicago where he acquired his Master’s degree in Value-Creating Education for Global Citizenship. His undergraduate studies were at New York University with a major in Theater. While in Chicago, Will worked with the Chicago Waldorf School during the Fall 2023 semester. Previous to his time in Chicago, he worked for 6 months in the Grades aftercare program at WSNO before becoming a full-time assistant in the Magnolia Kindergarten. He is grateful for the opportunity to return to New Orleans and continue along the path of his chosen mission of supporting human education and the growth of the Waldorf community and school in the city. He is looking forward to learning and growing together with the students and families of WSNO and the incredible faculty and staff.

Ms. Frances holds a Bachelor of Arts from Tulane University (2013) and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of New Orleans (2016). Before accepting the position of Grade 1 Class Teacher, she was an assistant at Magnolia Kindergarten for three years. She regularly attends annual intensives and workshops through Alma Partners. In her free time, she illustrates and paints and is always striving to improve her sewing skills.

Rebecca holds a MA in Anthropology from Tulane University and a M.S. Ed. in Waldorf Elementary Education from Sunbridge Institute. While studying Mayan Archaeology at Tulane, she discovered Waldorf Education. She assisted at WSNO in the Kindergarten and the Grades, which inspired her to become a class teacher. After graduation from teacher training in 2007, she took up a Sixth Grade at Green Meadow Waldorf School, and carried them through Eighth Grade. She then moved back to New Orleans and WSNO, where she has become a Middle School specialist.

Chelsea Niehaus has been involved with the Waldorf community both as a parent and teacher for over a decade. Her interest in Waldorf education began when she attended parent-child classes with her son at the Waldorf School in Louisville. Since then, her love of Waldorf education has continued to grow, and she has worked in both private and public Waldorf settings. She began her career in Waldorf Education as an Early Childhood Extended Care teacher in Louisville and eventually moved to Tucson, AZ where she worked both as a Handwork and Grades Lead Teacher at the local Waldorf charter school. Chelsea also has experience as a junior high school art teacher. She holds a B.A. in Arts Administration and an MBA, both of which are from Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY. She is currently working on her Waldorf certification through The Sophia Institute and has supplemented her Waldorf training with grade-specific Waldorf workshops and seminars. Chelsea is very happy to be a part of the WSNO family and the New Orleans community.

Ms. Lesley was born in New Orleans, attended high school in the San Francisco Bay Area, and graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas with degrees from the history and news editorial/writing programs. Lesley began her career in education at SMU and then Jesuit High School in New Orleans. She was thrilled to discover Waldorf education and joined our school in 2007. As bibliophile and lover of literature, Lesley established the school's library, which has since been named in her honor. She currently holds a Library class for all grades classes and English to the middle school grades.

Denise Bonis hails from Virginia, where she grew up in a very musical household that has Greek and Cherokee roots. Her great grandfather was a renowned Cherokee fiddler, and her father is a bass player and songwriter. She grew up surrounded by music, beginning her musical journey with the piano. She quickly added the violin, guitar and cello to her repertoire, as well as singing and composing music. Ms. Bonis attended George Mason University and the Berklee College of Music, studying piano, violin and music education. She took a break from her studies to move to Los Angeles where she wrote and recorded music, ventured into voice over work, and toured and performed with different acts. Denise moved to New Orleans in 2004 to continue her life as a musician, playing and touring with several local bands. It is here in New Orleans where Ms. Bonis completed her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education, K-12 Instrumental Education, at University of New Orleans, and continued her studies at UNO completing a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction, with gifted add-on certification. Denise has been teaching at the Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts for the last 8 years, and also teaches private lessons throughout the New Orleans area. In her spare time, Ms. Bonis enjoys snuggling with her two dogs and two cats, and running in City Park.

Ms. Contento has been an educator since 1995. She holds a Master’s degree in Fine Art from the University of Florida and completed her Waldorf Teacher Training from the Sunbridge Institue in New York. Jill continues to pursue her own education, in anthroposophy, to further her effectiveness as a Waldorf teacher. Ms. Contento is an accomplished water color artist, you can find her out in nature sketching and painting en plain air.

Anaïs is an artist, musician, and actress who was born in Italy and raised between Florida and Germany. After earning a Bachelor in Fine Arts from the Museum School in Boston, MA she moved to rural Tennessee where she studied woodworking at the Appalachian Center for Arts and Crafts. Her love for performing and creative collaboration drew her to New Orleans in 2009. Before coming to WSNO she worked as an arts educator in a variety of programs including private art camps and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. She is very excited to be sharing her passion for handwork with the New Orleans Waldorf community.

Siniora Feldman, is a native of Camaguey, Cuba. She holds a Masters degree in Teaching Spanish as a Second language from Tarragona, Spain. In her time away from school, she enjoys reading, singing and creating costumes for Mardi Gras.

Lila Campbell received her BA and M.Ed. from the University of Maryland. Lila subsequently received a Level I Certificate in Spacial Dynamics from the Spacial Dynamics Institute. Lila’s three children are all students at WSNO. Lila has been in Waldorf Education since childhood and has served on the WSNO Faculty for the past 8 years as the Movement Teacher. Lila has had the privilege of teaching at both WSNO Campuses and in both Grades and Early Childhood classrooms. In addition, Lila has served in administrative roles, both in the Front Office and as WSNO’s current Athletic Director. For the last three years Lila has served on WSNO Leadership as the Student Support Chair. In her new role as Pedagogical Director, Lila is most looking forward to establishing opportunities for progressive dialogue and problem solving in service to the families of WSNO, supporting her colleagues of the Faculty by facilitating open communication with Administrators and Parents, contributing to constructive developments in Pedagogical policy and working more closely with the Board. Lila is looking forward to a wonderful and engaging school year wherein the WSNO community can continue to progress and thrive.

Avonda, an experienced corporate events manager and digital marketing expert is excited to be back in her home state of Louisiana after living in the Northeast and Midwest. With over 20 years of experience executing events and campaigns, she is excited to serve the Waldorf Community by developing sustainable relationships that will serve the WSNO for years to come.

Heidi, a proud WSNO parent, is a New Orleans native. She comes to our school with 17 years of nonprofit administration experience. She previously served on the leadership teams of Boys Hope Girls Hope New Orleans and then Boys Hope Girls Hope International, supporting youth and program leaders in 14 US cities, Mexico, and Guatemala.
Most recently, she’s been VP of a local leadership development firm, helping to guide schools and companies through strategic planning, staff development, and organizational change. She has also been a grants consultant to the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities.

Heidi holds a B.A. in Philosophy and Theology from Saint Louis University and a Masters in Religion, Ethics, and Politics from Harvard University. She says, “It’s a joy and honor to serve the Waldorf School of New Orleans in this capacity.”

Ms. Odette holds degrees from UNO and Southern University New Orleans.

After retirement from Dillard University, Odette returned to the workforce and joined the Waldorf School of New Orleans as the Facilities and Operations Manager, then transitioned to the Early Childhood Center Receptionist and Interim Director of Gardenia nursery. Ms. Odette delights in the daily rhythms with the "littles" and finds joy in watching them grow and thrive. In her time away from school, Ms. Odette serves as the President of a New Orleans Ski club.

Koya Brawley is a native New Orleanian with experience as an Operations Manager, an Enrichment Teacher, and a classically trained Dancer. Mrs. Brawley is a Presidential Scholar in the Arts and a graduate of New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. She also holds a B.F.A. in Dance from The Juilliard School in New York city. Koya has worked as a dance educator in both New Orleans and Chicago. Koya is excited to share her experiences and her talents with the Waldorf School of New Orleans.

Mariposa Stormer brings a wealth of diverse experiences and passions to her role as an after-school teacher at WSNO. Originally from Metro-Detroit, Mariposa moved to New Orleans in 2009, where she fell in love with the city’s vibrant art and culture. Raised in a creatively rich environment with a musician father and a festival producer mother, Mariposa’s early exposure to the arts deeply influenced her journey.

A gifted swimmer throughout her youth, Mariposa competed internationally and earned a scholarship to Kalamazoo College, where she graduated with a BS in Political Science and a concentration in Women, Gender, and Sexuality. Her academic journey included a transformative year abroad at the University Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar, Sénégal.

Her path took her to New Zealand, where she embraced yoga, becoming a certified yoga teacher. After returning to the U.S. and settling in New Orleans, Mariposa worked with non-profits, in the service industry, and engaged in various artistic endeavors. It was through this exploration that she discovered a deep-seated passion for teaching, sparked by her introduction to Waldorf education.

At WSNO, Mariposa is known for her enthusiasm and commitment to fostering a nurturing educational environment. She is currently pursuing a Level I certification in Spacial Dynamics and aims to become a Waldorf teacher in the near future. Outside of teaching, Mariposa enjoys long walks, Mardi Gras costuming, and the rich culinary scene of New Orleans. She lives in the 7th Ward with her husband and three cats, continuously inspired by the city's creative energy.

Mia Gregoire recently relocated to New Orleans from Boulder, Colorado, where she attended Naropa University, a mindfulness-based institution known for integrating mind, body, and soul into the learning experience. She holds a BA in Art Therapy and a certification in Permaculture Design. A visual artist, musician, and passionate steward of the land, Mia brings a creative and holistic approach to her work with young children. Her experience in early childhood education at a nature-focused school in Colorado aligns beautifully with the values of Waldorf education, and she’s excited to contribute her talents and spirit to the Waldorf School community.