Student Support
Cheryl Chan
Instructional Assistant
Cheryl has been at SunRidge since 2023, bringing her passion for education suited to the child's individual developmental stage, nurturing children's growth as individuals and as a community, and has a particular passion for teaching phonics, reading, and grammar in a lively and artistic way as indicated by Rudolf Steiner. Cheryl has a background in Waldorf education, having completed her training at BACWTT in 2021, and holds a BFA with high honors from California College of the Arts. She has also received specialized training in the science of reading in the Orton Gillingham method, Roadmap to Literacy, and Sonday Systems. Prior to pursuing teaching, Cheryl held a career in textile sourcing which gave her a strong foundation for effective communication, developing structure and standards, organizing systems, and honoring schedules within a creative environment.
Prior to joining SunRidge, she taught in kindergarten and aftercare at Berkeley Rose Waldorf School and as a class teacher at Marin Waldorf School, where she gained experience in early childhood and grades education, differentiation in the classroom and meeting each child where they are, as well as piloting an early literacy program at MWS. Her teaching approach is rooted in anthroposophy and recognition of the whole human being, development of practical skills of the hands, heart, and head, and guidance for each child to uncover their "star" or special gift they bring to the world.
Outside the classroom, Cheryl enjoys stewarding her four acre transitioning biodynamic farm where she keeps Gotland sheep, many breeds of poultry, Pygmy goats, and a large garden, volunteering as a community club leader and project leader through Sonoma County 4-H, and raising her two children who are also SunRidge students. She also enjoys cooking, building, watercolor painting, and all types of handwork.
Tanessa Daw
Instructional Assistant
Tanessa has been a part of SunRidge School since 2019 when her daughter began as a Dragonfly Kindergartener. Having attended a non-traditional, Waldorf-esq elementary school herself, Tanessa knew right away this was the place for her family to learn and grow.
Like many teachers and staff at our school and in Waldorf programs all over the world, Tanessa quickly went from a parent to volunteer to a member of the staff. She has worked with kids for most of her life from summer camp counselor to Expressive Art therapist, and has always known she wanted to make a positive impact on the world through art and teaching.
She holds a B.A. in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Printmaking and an M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a certification in Expressive Art Therapy. She believes in the power of the arts, learning and community and loves to support the children with creativity, humor and firm, loving boundaries.
Outside of school, Tanessa loves cooking, camping, animals and all things creative, especially fiber arts. Feel free to ask her any knitting questions!
Kathryn Godfrey
Instructional Assistant
Fidelina Heras-Schlegel
Instructional Assistant
Fidelina has worked with children for six years. Her journey into education began when she started babysitting as a side job, so her own children could play and interact with others. She marveled at how sweet and resilient children can be.
Fidelina feels connected to Waldorf education because of its focus on art, nature, imagination, teaching the whole child, and hands-on experiences. She loves creating a warm nurturing environment where children feel safe, seen, and inspired to learn. It is her joy and honor to support children as they grow, explore, and discover their own unique gifts and talents.
Outside of school she enjoys hiking, painting, gardening, reading, crafting, being outdoors, and spending time with family.