Governance, Collegium, and Board of Trustees
Here at the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs, we value collaborative leadership and the shared responsibility of running the school. By leveraging the expertise and perspectives of each committee, we strive to uphold our school’s mission, meet the diverse needs of the community, and promote the holistic development of every student. Through effective communication, shared decision-making, and a commitment to our core values, we create an environment where all members feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute to the success of our school.
The Governance Committee at the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of governance and accountability within our school community. Comprised of experienced professionals and passionate advocates for education, the committee oversees the governance structure, policies, and practices of our school. By promoting transparency, integrity, and effective decision-making, the Governance Committee ensures that our school operates in alignment with our mission and principles. Through their diligent oversight and strategic guidance, the committee contributes to the continued success and growth of the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs.
The College of Teachers, or Collegium, at Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs oversees the policy, pedagogy, and practice of our school. They are dedicated to fostering professional development and ensuring the highest standards of teaching excellence within our faculty. Comprised of experienced educators the committee oversees faculty mentorship programs, and ongoing training initiatives. By promoting collaboration, reflection, and growth, the Collegium Committee supports our faculty in their journey as lifelong learners and nurtures a culture of continuous improvement in our educational practices. Through their dedication and expertise, the committee contributes to the overall success and effectiveness of our teaching community at Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs.
“A healthy social life is found only when, in the mirror of each soul, the whole community finds its reflection; and when, in the whole community, the virtue of each one is living.”
The Board of Trustees at the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs plays a crucial role in guiding the strategic direction and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our school. Comprised of dedicated professionals and community leaders, the Board is responsible for upholding our mission, overseeing financial health, and supporting the administration in achieving educational excellence. Through their diverse expertise and unwavering commitment, our Trustees help shape the future of our school, fostering an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and creatively.
2024/25 Board of Trustees
Betsy Bradley
Betsy Bradley is a Full Professor in Graduate Education Programs at SUNY Empire State University. She received her Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is a licensed psychologist and a nationally certified school psychologist, with a small private practice focused on perinatal mental health. Betsy's three children attend Waldorf and they all enjoy hiking, snowboarding, and biking together.
Jen Lutz
Jen holds a Bachelor’s of Social Work from Marist College and a Certificate in Waldorf Early Childhood Education from Sophia’s Hearth. Prior to becoming a member of the School Board, she worked for a non-profit in Albany, assisting and advocating for people with traumatic brain injuries. Jen first became involved with WSSS by assisting in the nursery program and then joined the faculty as a Lead Teacher in 2018.
Julie Niles (Treasurer)
Julie was introduced to Waldorf education in 2002, and enrolled her oldest child. She became Business Manager of the school from 2010 to 2020, and is currently working as an accountant in the capital region. In her free time, she enjoy traveling, reading and science fiction movies.
Kiere Neulander (Chair)
Kiere Neulander is a Certified Financial Planner Practitioner at Pioneer Bank. Kiere believes "the power and wisdom of Waldorf education can be life changing for students and their families." His three children have all attended our school for over 10 years. In his free time, Kiere and his wife are probably in the mountains somewhere, hopefully with their ski boots on.
Kim Speerschneider
Kim is Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness at Maria College. She holds a PhD in Educational Psychology and Methodology from the University at Albany. Passionate about making data actionable to empower institutions to better serve students, Kim is an advocate for accessibility and equity in education. Kim and her husband have two boys in WSSS. Kim enjoys hiking, reading, music, and skiing.
Nicole Van Zandt (Secretary)
Nicole has a bachelor's and master's degree in English literature from the University of CT and has taught English at the secondary and college levels. She first served as the business manager at WSSS for four years and is currently as Registrar/HR Coordinator. She has two middle school children attending Waldorf and a third in high school, and she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, gardening and hiking.
Violeta Pavoldi
Violeta was born and raised in Greece and has a Bachelor degree in Economics and Regional Growth from the Panteion University in Athens. The deep pull of her yoga practice lead Violeta to pursue teacher training in 2010 and she now works full time as a yoga teacher. Violeta enjoys bike riding with her husband and three children, loves water, music and nature, and spends summers visited her family in Greece.
Michael Whitney
Michael graduated from Pratt institute in 1994 with a BA in Industrial design. He worked for many years fabricating cabinets and furniture in Brooklyn. During those years he found time to have three kids and create hundreds of one-of-a-kind functional products using found objects. He completed his Waldorf training at the Alkion Center in Hawthorne Valley and joined our faculty in 2014.