Student Support
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
Nicole Greaney
Academic Intervention Teacher
Nicole brings over 20 years of experience in education to her role as Academic Intervention Teacher at SunRidge. She holds a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and taught at SunRidge from 2013–2021. Working with students across grades K-12, she developed a deep appreciation for child development and the Waldorf curriculum. She has specific training in one-on-one literacy support and middle school mathematics.
Raised in Sonoma County, with childhood summers in Germany, including Waldorf circus camp, and experience as a youth aide for Sonoma Developmental Center, Nicole developed a lifelong love of nature and holistic education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Nutrition from UC Davis and enjoys gardening, cooking, playing piano, and hiking with her family.
As an educator and the mother of two young children, Nicole believes children thrive when their academic, social, physical, and emotional well-being are nurtured together. Through collaboration with families and teachers, she strives to cultivate confidence, curiosity, and joy in learning. She is grateful to continue her journey with the SunRidge community.
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.