Faculty

Cathryn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in English Literature from Kean College (NJ), and also holds a Waldorf Teacher’s 2-Year Certificate from the Sunbridge Institute. She has more than 25 years of Waldorf teaching experience from Parent/Tot, Nursery/Kindergarten to 8th grade including teaching handwork classes. She trained with Greta Frolich for Handwork. In New York, she had a Waldorf-inspired, home Nursery/Kindergarten program, called Golden Circle Preschool. In addition to teaching, Cathryn has been a Waldorf administrator, board member, and parent volunteer. She also spent 5 years teaching public middle school in Newark, NJ and has 15 years of work experience in business, administration, and rehabilitation in New York City.

Cathryn has studied handwork extensively, and in her spare time runs “Cathryn’s Creations,” through which she offers handwork and Waldorf workshop training for children and adults, and sells handmade dolls. She enjoys reading, animal rescue work, handwork, gardening, spinning wool, weaving, dollmaking, crocheting, knitting, and sewing. Her son attended Waldorf Schools in New York in the early grades.

“I love how my class works to help each other learn, grow and flourish. They meet the world with great enthusiasm and interest.”

Megan is the lead teacher of the 3-day Acorn Class and the Early Childhood Department Chair. She has been teaching at RWS since 2007 and has been affiliated with RWS since 2000. Megan has a degree in Music Education from VCU and has also taught at the Charlottesville Waldorf School in the Aftercare program. She has had 3 children attend RWS and appreciates the school’s philosophy of teaching the whole child. Megan has also taught gardening, soccer, and singing to children in the Grades and enjoys bringing as much music to the program as possible. Her favorite part about working at RWS is the deep relationship she has developed with her students and families over the years.

On her days away from RWS, you will often find Megan at Manakintowne Specialty Growers, a local farm and producer for area restaurants. “I love children and being active outside, so the two jobs are the perfect balance for me!”

Spencer Conroy is a violinist and music educator from Richmond, Virginia. He has had the pleasure of teaching orchestra students in Chesterfield, Hanover, and Henrico county through private lessons and ensemble classes. After studying violin performance with Susanna Klein and performing with the VCU orchestra under the direction of Daniel Myssyk, he received a Bachelors in Music education from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2023. Spencer has enjoyed working as a cross-disciplinary musician and currently performs with the local roots group, Cassidy Snyder and the Wranglers. Spencer’s writing style is heavily inspired by traditional Klezmer fiddle, Old-time bluegrass, Ragtime, and Jazz Manouche. Spencer was honored to play in the Friday Cheers concert series, Virginia Pride, Watermelon Picker’s Fest, and WTJU’s live broadcast radio station. His experience working as a session musician has also shaped his appreciation for studying and performing music from a wider cultural lens.

Spencer has found teaching to be one of the most fulfilling aspects of being a musician. Proper playing techniques, practical applications of music theory, and a positive approach to music making are at the forefront of every lesson. Spencer’s goals for his students are for them to feel empowered by overcoming challenges and to relate these lessons to other obstacles they may face in life.

Bethany studied Art Education at Pratt Institute and Hunter College, earning a BA and a NY Teaching Certificate in Art Education. She continued her education at Antioch New England Graduate school, earning both her Waldorf Certification as well as a Master of Education with a focus in Waldorf Education. In addition, she has taken part in several short term trainings, most recently “Cultural Consciousness and Racial Literacy” with Kenya Strong, “Whole Class Enrichment” with Jeff Tunkey, and “Narratives and Storytelling in Teaching Black History” offered by UVA’s School of Education. 

Bethany has made a lifelong career out of teaching, working both for the public school system and for various private school programs in Virginia. In 1987, she founded Spring Mountain Waldorf School, serving both as Board Chair and as a class teacher. In 1996, she moved to the Charlottesville Waldorf School (CWS) and taught there both from 1996-2007 and from 2017-2022. Bethany came to the Richmond Waldorf School in the fall of 2010, teaching and graduating the class of 2017. 

During her time as a class teacher, Bethany has served in various administrative roles: College Chair, Faculty Chair, Grade School, Social Studies, Specialty Dept. Chair, and as a Board member.

Bethany has four children, two of whom graduated from CWS, and several grandchildren. She spends her free time entertaining, drawing, walking, and kayaking as well as enjoying her family.

“A student once interviewed me for a class newspaper, asking what I would be if I could not have become a teacher. My immediate answer was very sad. Throughout my fairly long career, I have continued to find tremendous joy and wonder in the world, and sharing this with young children is both exciting and rewarding. Watching young humans unfold and helping them to find their places in the world has been one of my greatest honors.”

Sue began working at RWS in 2015, first as a substitute teacher and then as an assistant teacher in the Early Childhood program. In 2021, she became the lead teacher for the newly formed 3-day Willow Early Childhood class. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Earth Science from the Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Science in Geology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Her previous work centered on educating residents in environmentally-friendly methods of horticulture, protecting water quality, and conserving natural resources.

After becoming a mother, her heart turned toward child development and her educational focus switched to a younger audience, feeling called to support young children on their paths of self-discovery. As a lifelong learner, she continues to develop her understanding of Waldorf philosophies through formal continuing education with Sunbridge Institute and Lifeways, small groups, and self-studies.

She loves exploring the outdoors with her family and communing with nature. She is an avid gardener and loves to help others make sustainable landscaping choices. She enjoys creating through woodworking, painting, and other art forms.

“It is a privilege to bear witness to a child’s discovery, whether it be finding a caterpillar in the garden or accomplishing a new skill.”