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. As Director, Shanah enjoys cultivating a community in which people collaborate to create and sustain a beautiful learning environment. She was an early childhood teacher and caregiver for nearly twenty years before beginning her journey as a grade school teacher.  All of the aspects of her work bring 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 have been part of the Rose Rock community since 2021. She has completed both the LifeWays fundamentals course and the LifeWays certification program. She is actively finishing her BA in Education and is learning American Sign Language through MNTC. Kaitlin finds peace in the rhythm of the classroom and joy in her role supporting young children.

Leah Elam – Early Childhood

Leah and her two daughters first joined the Rose Rock crew in 2021. She deeply values being part of a close-knit learning community. With past experience in the medical field and as an early childhood guide, she continues to grow as she pursues further LifeWays training. Leah cherishes Mother Nature as the ultimate teacher and enjoys bearing witness as children discover the wonder of the world around them. Outside of the classroom, she can be found reading, spending time with creatures of all sizes, hugging trees, and hiking with her family. 

Arielle Piñeiro — Chef and Handwork Teacher

Arielle prepares wholesome, organic meals and snacks for the School each day and also teaches Cooking and Handwork Classes to the grade school students. Arielle has a LifeWays Early Childhood Education Certification, and is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School.  She celebrates a rich background in the arts shaped greatly by her experiences as a military child raised abroad. Now settled on a small farm outside of Norman, Arielle and her son greatly enjoy being part of the Rose Rock Community. 

Alana Lessly — Farm Program Teacher, Grade School

Alana is a graduate of OU and lives in Norman with her husband and three children. She has been a part of the faculty since 2021 and Main Lesson teacher since 2022, and has been developing the horse program alongside her classroom work. With a lifelong background in horsemanship, teaching, training, barn management and riding instruction, she brings both educational and practical experience to the program. Alana is passionate about helping students enhance their learning experiences in a unique setting and build meaningful connections through working with horses. 

Shayna Pond — Main Lesson, Grade School

Shayna began her relationship with Rose Rock School as a parent of students for 6 years and served on the PTO as well as taught Handwork part time for two years. She holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts and an M.Ed. in Educational Psychology from the University of Oklahoma. She has over a decade of professional experience as an illustrator, graphic 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 & Performance Arts and Grade School Language Arts Support 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, theatrical arts, creative writing, and motion.


Kitty Christie — Administrative Assistant & Early Childhood Substitute 

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 LifeWays certified. They bring a strong interest in traditional crafts and are excited to contribute to both Early Childhood and school operations.

Emily Pierson — Orchestra Teacher, Grade School

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. 


Richelle Silverstrim — Gardening Teacher & Land Steward, Grade School

Richelle joined Rose Rock in 2023 and serves as Land Steward and gardening teacher. With a LifeWays Early Childhood Education Certification, Biodynamic Foundations Certification and a background in agronomy she supports hands-on learning experiences. Richelle is passionate about fostering reciprocity with nature.

Alex Leal – Spanish, Grade School

Alex is excited to be embarking on her first year with Rose Rock. Spanish was her first language, and she brings a bilingual and multicultural perspective to her teaching. She has experience as an English instructor in Monterrey, Mexico, as well as a Teaching Assistant and Family Food Farm Garden Educator with Global Gardens in Tulsa, where she supported students through hands-on learning in gardening, cooking, and exploration. She is passionate about nature, children’s literature, and creative learning. Alex loves building confidence in others and creating opportunities for students to connect with language, culture, and the world around them.

Hannah Magruder – Aftercare and Early Childhood Substitute

Hannah has enjoyed working with children in various educational settings for over 15 years. An OU graduate, she has training and experience in child development, early childhood music education, special education and neurodiversity, and daycare administration. In her work with children, Hannah seeks to inspire wonder, curiosity, and care for self and others while nurturing and meeting the whole person where they are. She enjoys children’s literature, folk and Celtic music, all things Mister Rogers, spending time in nature, and being with her family.


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.