Faculty

Shanah Ahmadi—Director & Main Lesson, Grade School

Shanah completed her LifeWays Human Development Certification in 2007 and currently serves as President of LifeWays North America, an organization dedicated to supporting the well-being of parents, children, and educators. She holds a BA in Communication from the University of Oklahoma, a Certificate of Mastery in Child Development, and a Platinum Director’s Credential through OKDHS. Shanah enjoys building strong relationships with children and families, helping create a smooth transition between home and school. Her work brings her a deep sense of purpose and joy. 

Christina Rubino — Early Childhood

Christina joined Rose Rock in 2017 and has taught in both early grades and early childhood classrooms. Originally from California, she has over 15 years of experience in Waldorf and public kindergarten. Christina holds a Waldorf Kindergarten certification from WISC in Southern California. She values her time with young children and brings a nurturing presence rooted in both personal and professional experience.


Jennifer Powers — Early Childhood

Jennifer became LifeWays certified in 2018 and joined Rose Rock in 2020. With a background in wellness and education, she brings a warm, joyful presence to her classroom. Jennifer is a parent of two children and is grateful to be part of a community that cherishes childhood. She enjoys incorporating her appreciation for nature and movement into her daily work with children.


Kaitlin Young — Early Childhood

Kaitlin and her son, Barrett, have been part of the Rose Rock community for nearly four years. She has completed the LifeWays Fundamentals course and is currently enrolled in the OKC LifeWays training program, while finishing her BA in Education. Kaitlin finds joy in the rhythm of the classroom and values her role in supporting young children.

Arielle Piñeiro — Chef

Ms. Arielle prepares wholesome, organic meals and snacks for the Rose Rock community each day. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School, she brings a rich background in culinary arts shaped by her experiences as a military child. Now settled on a small farm outside Norman, Arielle enjoys cooking for both students and staff, including her own son who attends the school.

Alana Lessly — Main Lesson, Grade School

Alana is teaching a mixed-age class of first and second graders this year. She joined the faculty in 2021 and has served in a variety of teaching and support roles. A University of Oklahoma graduate, Alana also brings experience in equine education and will be offering seasonal horse and farm experiences for grade school students. Her goal is to share the confidence-building joy of working with animals in a safe, supervised environment. Alana was raised in a Waldorf-inspired home and delights in bringing that sense of wonder to her classroom.

Desirée Varasteh — Main Lesson, Grade School

Desirée is passionate about education and brings over a decade of classroom experience. She holds a certificate in Waldorf Education from the Great Lakes Waldorf Institute and an M.Ed. from the University of Florida. Desirée continues her professional development through the LifeWays training program and brings thoughtful intention to her teaching practice. She has taught grades one through eight and is inspired by the growth she witnesses in students and the school community.

Shayna Pond — Main Lesson, Grade School

Shayna is the parent of two Rose Rock students and holds a BFA and an M.Ed. in Educational Psychology from the University of Oklahoma. She has professional experience as an illustrator, designer, and instructional designer, supporting K-12 educators across the state. Shayna brings her creativity, curiosity, and love for hands-on learning into her teaching role at Rose Rock.

Ashley Thomas — Movement & Choir Teacher

Ashley joined Rose Rock as a parent in 2015 and as a staff member in 2016. She has worked in education and animal care, teaching a wide range of learners about biology and animal behavior. Ashley has experience with students of all ages and has completed training in movement-based education that supports a variety of learning styles. Her creative, supportive approach to teaching encourages confidence and exploration through music and motion.

Nadia Ellis — Art Teacher

Nadia brings a creative, skills-based art curriculum to the middle grades, designed to encourage student confidence and self-expression. Her classes incorporate a wide range of materials and methods such as drawing, painting, and modeling. Nadia has studied color theory and artistic development through multiple training programs and brings this knowledge into the classroom in a developmentally appropriate and imaginative way. She holds advanced training in visual arts and continues to develop her expertise through ongoing study.


Kitty Christie — Admin Assistant & Handwork Teacher

Kitty joined the Rose Rock team in 2023. They hold a BA in Anthropology from Austin College with an emphasis on fiber arts. Kitty supports the school’s administrative team and is also pursuing LifeWays certification. They bring a strong interest in traditional crafts and are excited to contribute to both classroom learning and school operations.

Emily Pierson — Violin & Orchestra Teacher

Emily is a professional musician with a degree in music from the University of Oklahoma. She is the principal cellist of the Oklahoma Chamber Symphony and regularly performs and teaches in the community. With over 20 years of experience, Emily is passionate about making music accessible and joyful for children. She is also the parent of two Rose Rock students.


Richelle Silverstrim — Gardening Teacher & Groundskeeper

Richelle joined Rose Rock in 2024 and leads the school’s gardening program. With a background in agronomy and a LifeWays Early Childhood Education Certification, she supports hands-on learning experiences through gardening and care for the school grounds. Richelle has a wide range of professional experience and is currently pursuing further training in biodynamic methods. She enjoys working with children and fostering a love for nature and sustainability.


Now Hiring! — Early Childhood Assistant & ASL Teacher


Morgan Sowell — Aftercare

Morgan earned her degree in Liberal Studies from the University of Oklahoma and has worked in both caregiving and education. She has served in multiple roles at Rose Rock and currently leads the aftercare program. Morgan enjoys creating a calm and supportive environment for students at the end of the school day.