New Beginnings in Early Childhood at WSD
As we prepare for a joyful new school year, we are delighted to welcome three wonderful educators to our Early Childhood program. Each brings a unique background, deep passion for children, and a heartfelt connection to learning that beautifully reflects the spirit of Waldorf education. To build on the gifts they bring, we are working in partnership with an AWSNA/WECAN mentor to support a smooth transition and positive shaping of the early childhood program as a whole. We are excited for our families to get to know them and to welcome them into the WSD community.
Welcome Back, Louisa Olsen
For Louisa Olsen, joining the Early Childhood team feels a bit like coming home.
Louisa has been part of the WSD community since infancy. Her mother, beloved Handwork teacher Miss Olsen, has been part of the school since graduating from college, and Louisa herself attended faculty meetings and handwork classes when she was only a few months old. A WSD graduate from the Class of 2017, she carries with her cherished memories of Spanish, orchestra, and the warmth of this community.
After graduating from Lawrence University with a degree in Government and a minor in Spanish, Louisa continued pursuing her love of music, performing in numerous orchestras and musical groups as an upright bass player. Many in our community may already know her from supporting the WSD orchestra program or from her work in a variety of school roles over the years, including summer camp instructor, substitute teacher, and music assistant for bass and piano.
Now, Louisa is excited to return in a steady role as our EC Afternoon Assistant, supporting aftercare and child care during community events. She looks forward to working with children of all ages and spending each weekday in what she describes as a “magical place” that has always felt like her second home.
Welcome, Amanda Able
We are also thrilled to welcome Amanda Able as an Early Childhood Lead Teacher.
Amanda brings with her a rich and varied educational background, as well as a deep commitment to nurturing the whole child. After several years teaching in public schools—including roles in elementary education, middle school science, math intervention, and ESL kindergarten—Amanda felt called to seek an educational environment more closely aligned with her philosophy of developmentally appropriate, relationship-centered learning. She found that home here at Waldorf of DuPage School.
Amanda earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from The University of Minnesota at Mankato and recently completed Aurora University’s ESL K–12 endorsement program. This summer, she is excited to begin her Early Childhood Waldorf teacher education journey.
Her love of nature, storytelling, and meaningful connection shines through in all she does. Whether she is spending time at her family’s cabin in Northern Minnesota watching loons and bald eagles, skiing with her daughter Allie, visiting her son Jack at St. Olaf College, or wandering through bookstores and yarn shops, Amanda brings curiosity and wonder to everyday life—qualities that will no doubt enrich the classroom experience for our youngest students.
Amanda shares that she feels “blessed to join such an amazing group of adults dedicated to fostering the head, heart, and hands of each child,” and we are equally grateful to welcome her to our faculty.
Welcome, Rachel Walters
Joining the Early Childhood program this year is Rachel Walters, who brings nearly two decades of educational experience and a vibrant love of culture, language, and the arts.
Rachel enters her 20th year as an educator in the greater Chicago area with degrees in both Musical Theater and Special Education. Her passion for languages and global cultures naturally weaves into her work with children, whether through music, storytelling, cooking, or introducing Spanish language in meaningful and joyful ways.
Over the years, her work with many Latinx students has deepened her appreciation for bilingual learning and cultural connection. Colleagues may already discover her sharing Chilean soup, Indian snacks, or other treats that celebrate traditions from around the world.
Rachel describes her first experiences on the WSD campus as instantly magical, sharing that “the warmth from the educators and students in the Early Childhood program is so very special.” She looks forward to embarking on a collaborative journey with the community, and we are delighted to have her warmth, creativity, and experience joining our Early Childhood team.
As we begin the year together, we feel incredibly fortunate to welcome Louisa, Amanda, and Rachel into our classrooms and community. Their gifts, experiences, and enthusiasm will help nurture a joyful, caring, and inspiring environment for our children each day. We cannot wait for our families to meet them and experience the warmth they bring to WSD.
