Subject Teachers
Leah Bartell
Instrumental Music Director
Ms. Bartell earned a B.A. in music from Wesleyan University and an M.Mus. at the University of Victoria in British Columbia. While studying in Canada, she traveled to Calcutta, India, to teach violin and perform with the Calcutta Foundation Orchestra, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of orphans through music education. Ms. Bartell has performed with symphonies, ballets, and opera companies throughout New England. She is also the founder and music director of the Great Meadows Chamber Orchestra for children. Ms. Bartell’s two sons attend WSL.
Tudor Bota
Chorus Teacher & Eurythmy Accompanist
Mr. Bota received a doctorate in piano performance from the Academy of Music Gheorghe Dima in Cluj, Romania, and an Artist Diploma in piano performance from the Boston Conservatory. He has appeared with soloists at the Metropolitan in New York and has won numerous prizes in international competitions. In addition to his role at WSL, Mr. Bota also serves as the music director at Trinity Covenant Church in Lexington.
Susan Cody
Librarian and Social Inclusion
Ms. Cody earned a B.A. in elementary and special education at Bridgewater State College. While looking for a school for her young children, she discovered Waldorf education and never looked back. Ms. Cody studied at Rudolf Steiner College and at Antioch University in the Waldorf Collaborative Counseling Program. She has worked to develop WSL’s social inclusion and community service program for the 8th grade.
Glenn Dickson
Wind Instructor & Orchestra Leader
Mr. Dickson has been leading student ensembles for all ages for over 20 years. Mr. Dickson has performed and/or written music for major motion pictures (Woody Allen, Sidney Lumet); performed at major jazz festivals in Europe and North America; produced a dozen of his own recordings and performed on many more; played with the Philadelphia Pops; and collaborated with Maurice Sendak and Ellen Kushner. He regularly performs Jewish and Greek folk music, chamber music, and jazz/swing.
Marie-Douce Dorion
Athletics Manager and Movement Teacher
Ms. Dorion comes to us from her position at the Monadnock Waldorf School where she taught circus arts and French. As a Waldorf teacher of six years, Movement Therapist ISMAETA, and a Spacial Dynamics Level 3 Candidate at the Spacial Dynamics Institute, Ms. Dorion brings not only her joy of movement to teaching, but also a wealth of experience and understanding. She is committed to guiding children in movement because of her understanding that child-centered, developmentally-appropriate physical education is, especially important in these times. Her areas of expertise include: Spacial Dynamics, Bothmer gymnastics, games, circus arts, sports, and Pilates. In addition to her work experience and Spacial Dynamics training, Ms. Dorion possesses a teaching certificate from USA Archery and Fencing and she is trained in every discipline of the pentathlon. She is truly passionate about her work as a movement teacher.
Andrea Faber
Math Skills Teacher
Ms. Faber received an M.Ed. from the University of Heidelberg, with a focus on math, geography, and biology for grades 5–10. She taught in Germany for ten years before moving to the U.S. After enrolling her two daughters at WSL, Ms. Faber joined the faculty as a Math Skills Teacher. Ms. Faber supplemented her training with Foundation Studies and numerous math workshops. Andrea helps prepare students for high school math curricula and builds their math skills and problem-solving abilities. She also helps students develop good organizational skills and a strong work ethic.
Andy Freeburg
Woodworking & Gardening Teacher
Mr. Freeburg patiently guides students in grades 5–8 through a woodworking curriculum that requires increasing levels of skill. Students produce signature projects each year including carving a wooden spoon from a solid block, building a 3-masted model schooner, and designing and constructing their own stools. Mr. Freeburg's skill and artistry as a master carpenter are on display throughout the school. He is also the school's gardening teacher and bee keeper, and has served in a number of capacities in school governance and leadership, including the Governance Council.
Eva Leonard
Handwork Teacher
Ms. Leonard first joined WSL as a Teaching Assistant and Substitute in Handwork during the 2019-20 school year. She has been building her handwork skills since the age of six and has earned a degree in communication and fashion design from Meisterschule für Mode München. Ms. Leonard has shared her passion for handwork through teaching doll making workshops as well as selling handmade goods. She has worked closely with children as a founding member and assistant of "The Forest Kids," an early childhood, outdoor program.
Rachele Perticari
Eurythmy Teacher
With over 12 years of experience as an educator and childcare professional, Ms. Perticari has a strong sense of connection to children at all phases of development. After completing her Eurythmy training at Eurythmy Spring Valley, NY in 2022, Ms. Perticari taught Eurythmy at Primrose Hill School in Rhinebeck, NY. She has also served as an ESL private tutor and founded and directed an English Summer Camp, in Rimini, Italy, where she provided staff oversight and directed educational activities geared to develop students’ physical, emotional, and social growth. As a Eurythmy program candidate, Ms. Perticari completed two intensive internships at Berkshire Waldorf School in Great Barrington, MA. She also holds a B.A. in Eastern Asian Legal and Economic Institutions from Cà Foscari, University of Venice, Italy. In addition to English, she speaks Italian and French
Mary Reynolds
First Grade Afternoon Lead Teacher
Ms. Reynolds holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Special Education. She is a certified yoga instructor and spiritual companion. Over the past 20 years, Mary has held a variety of roles—afterschool tutor, special education teacher, director of special programs, yoga and mindfulness teacher, and spiritual companion. She is a lover of nature, movement and people! Mary enjoys hearing people's stories and celebrating life with others. She recently joined the WSL community with her two children.
Magnolia Rios
Spanish Teacher
Sra. Rios has a degree in pedagogy and fine arts from the University of La Sabana in Bogota, Colombia, and a degree in early childhood education from the University of San Buenaventura, in Cali, Colombia. She received her Waldorf teacher training with a specialization in foreign language education from Rudolf Steiner College in Fair Oaks, California. Sra. Rios has over 26 years of experience teaching Spanish and the arts in a variety of educational settings. She also has an extensive background serving the needs of culturally and racially diverse populations.
Jane Sheena
Cello Teacher
Ms. Sheena graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in London and spent several years playing with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. While in Hong Kong, she was also a member of the well-known Melody Quintet, which performed for prestigious social functions, including concerts on the QE II. Ms. Sheena later played with the San Antonio Symphony and was very active as a chamber music player. Ms. Sheena has also been a member of the Lexington Symphony since 2005.
Elena Sidorova
Assistant Math Teacher
Elena joined the WSL community over 15 years ago as a parent of two boys. She began volunteering with early childhood programs, later becoming a substitute for several years. Her developing interest in working with kids led Elena to join the school as a Math Assistant. Elena’s background includes attending a specialized High School that focused on Math and Science, then studying Applied Math and Computer Science in college, and later switching to Graphic Design. She has a BFA in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University. Elena worked in publishing, creating book covers and other graphic materials before establishing her own freelance graphic design business. Elena developed the logo and visual identity for Homespun as well as providing artistic support to the school's marketing efforts.