Our Teachers
Who We Are
Ms. Maayan
School Director
Maayan has overseen the playgarden for fifteen years and has over seventeen years of experience in early childhood education. She is a preschool teacher and completed four years of Waldorf teacher training at the Center for Educational Renewal held at the Summerfield Waldorf School and Farm.
She is the mother of two children ages 17 and 21.
Maayan is joined at the playgarden by three experienced and caring teachers who share in the daily rhythm.
Ms. Lori
Teacher
Lori values the collaborative spirit at Open Arms Playgarden and the thoughtful way teachers work together to support each child. She enjoys building meaningful relationships with the children and guiding them as they develop confidence, skills, and independence.
Lori’s connection to Waldorf education began more than two decades ago and has shaped both her family life and professional work. Her daughters attended Waldorf schools from preschool through high school, and she spent 17 years teaching at Live Oak Charter School.
She finds meaning in the school’s daily rhythm, especially the long stretches of outdoor time that invite imaginative play and exploration. Lori hopes every child feels seen and supported during their time at Open Arms. Outside of school, she enjoys hiking at Helen Putnam, reading, cooking, and singing in a community choir.
Ms. Julie
Teacher
Julie Optende brings warmth, creativity, and a deep love of nature to her work at Open Arms Playgarden. She especially treasures time spent outdoors with the children—gardening, observing the changing seasons, exploring nature, and encouraging imaginative play. Her love of art is also woven into her work with children through painting, handwork, and creative experiences inspired by the natural world.
Drawn to Waldorf-inspired education for its emphasis on imagination, meaningful work, creativity, and nurturing relationships, Julie hopes children remember Open Arms as a place where they felt deeply cared for and free to be themselves. Outside the classroom, she enjoys watercolor, pottery, knitting, felting, swimming in mountain lakes, and spending time in nature with her family.
Julie holds a Waldorf certificate from Gradalis Teacher Training, an Early Childhood certification through LifeWays, and an Associate Teacher credential through Theoria Technical College.
Ms. Anna
Teacher
Anna Mia Kositzin values the close sense of community at Open Arms Playgarden and the strong partnerships between teachers, children, and families. She appreciates the collaborative work among the teachers and the shared intention of creating a warm, supportive environment for each child.
In her work with the children, Anna finds meaning in guiding them into shared imaginative play, offering gentle support as they learn to work together, build ideas, and engage more deeply with one another. She is especially drawn to moments of connection that grow through rhythm, repetition, and play.
A Waldorf graduate herself, Anna’s work is deeply shaped by Waldorf education and its holistic approach to nurturing the academic, physical, and emotional development of the child. She hopes that children leave her care feeling loved, safe, and deeply valued. She brings several years of experience working in Waldorf inspired early childhood education.
