Email Catty

I am so excited to be a part of the Kazoo school community as a co-teacher with Kathleen this year. Last year I worked as a preschool aid in Hannah’s classroom. I learned so much throughout the year about outdoor schools and how wonderful they are for the child as a whole, and I truly fell in love with the way that Kazoo incorporates and fosters a love for and care of nature into everything we do. I have always loved working with children. Watching children learn, grow and move about the world is such a beautiful thing. I love the childlike wonder with which young minds explore the world and I hope to let that flourish in our classroom.

My goal first and foremost is to create a safe, supportive, and loving environment for our natural learners. We use a restorative justice framework to our classroom, and I have learned trauma-informed teaching practices that help me approach my teaching with kindness, observation, flexibility, and openness to learn and grow.

Growing up I attended Waldorf schools that emphasized play, art, and creativity and that is something I bring into my teaching and classroom. I believe that a child's work is a child's play and our classroom follows this belief wholeheartedly. Through play we explore big feelings, navigate difficult conversations, learn to compromise and work together while holding space for each child to be authentic to themselves. Play allows us to hold space for each child’s individual experiences to be honored.

During my freetime I love to play frisbee, go on walks, go birding, listen to music, and spend time with my friends. I love to incorporate my interests into the classroom setting and I bring patience, enthusiasm, compassion, and excitement to the classroom. I look forward to this new adventure!

Education

B.S in Psychology with a Concentration in Film and Media Studies from Kalamazoo College

Kazoo School Faculty since 2021

Email Dara

I’m so excited to be returning for another year of discovery with the half-day Natural Learners! This is my third year teaching the half-day program and I enjoy sharing my love of nature, crafting, gardening, books, and community with my class. I’ve enjoyed previous careers as a part-time farmer, costume designer/technician, and zoo keeper! I like to travel with my family, watch and play sports, and snuggle with my cat, Uli.

Education

B.A. Art-emphasis in Ceramics, Minor in Interior Design (May 2003) from Minnesota State University Moorhead

Member of the Faculty Since 2022

Email Kathleen

I am thrilled to be co-teaching our Natural Learners with Catty! Because we are working with the youngest students at Kazoo, my goal is to give them a gentle, nurturing experience at school. I work to instill a deep love for nature, a vigorous curiosity for the world around them, and an attitude of stewardship towards Kleinstuck. Our class is a community, where kids have a safe space to explore friendship, share their identity, and learn from each other. We celebrate each child and encourage them to discover their own educational interests. We build independence as we play, climb, jump, and cherish the natural playground that Kleinstuck provides.

This is my second year at Kazoo and my first year as lead teacher after working as an aide in preschool. I studied at DePauw University for four years. I come from a big family in Northwest Indiana and have worked with kids of all ages for several years. Kazoo School blends my love of teaching with my love of the outdoors and I am grateful to be a part of the Kazoo community.