Becky Praamsma, Director
Becky Praamsma joined River Song in 2015, leaving behind over a decade at a large for-profit childcare center. Seeking an early learning program that aligned with her values and a desire to give back in more meaningful ways, she found her home at River Song.
Becky is married and the proud mother of three daughters: Hanna, Keemaya, and Nella, who watches over from above. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Northern Michigan University. Beginning her career as a preschool teacher, Becky gradually transitioned into leadership roles, ultimately moving to Colorado from Michigan in 2004.
She loves hiking, reading, camping, and spending summers by Lake Michigan. Becky has become a guiding presence at River Song, embodying the Waldorf philosophy and leading the school with a gentle and loving hand.
Cary Klataske, Assistant Director
Hailing from the Flint Hills of Kansas, Cary spent his childhood exploring the countryside, finding adventure and wonder in the natural beauty of fields and forests—a love he continues to share with family and friends today. He earned a B.A. in Theatre from Kansas State University, where he discovered the transformative power of Drama Therapy. This passion led him to San Francisco to study Counseling Psychology and Drama Therapy, deepening his understanding of play and healthy expression.
After moving to Fort Collins, Cary completed a Master’s in Special Education at the University of Northern Colorado. Since then, he has embraced roles as an educator, community builder, firekeeper, actor, and founder of Comedy Brewers, a local improvisational comedy troupe.
Cary treasures every day spent with his family, filled with play, learning, singing, and dancing. At River Song, he looks forward to continuing to share light and love with the community.
Favorite Children’s Books: The Three Questions by John Muth, or Horton Hears a Who by Dr Suess
Jennifer Powell, Bluebells Lead Teacher
Jennifer was born and raised in the verdant hills of northeastern Ohio. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Kent State University and began her teaching career in public and private schools. After becoming a mother, she provided childcare from her home while immersing herself in Waldorf education.
Her journey with Waldorf began when she discovered River Song Waldorf School while searching for a school for her daughter. Not only did she enroll her daughter, but she also joined the teaching staff, quickly feeling at home in Waldorf Early Childhood classrooms.
After 10 years of teaching at River Song, Jennifer transitioned to The Denver Waldorf School, where she extended her training at Sunbridge Institute and worked with esteemed mentor teachers Laurie Clark and Nancy Blanning. Following nine years at Denver Waldorf, she moved closer to home to teach at Boulder Valley Waldorf School.
Now, Jennifer has come full circle, returning to the River Song community to teach in the Bluebell Kindergarten.
Outside of the classroom, Jennifer enjoys hiking, camping, foraging, and supporting the arts through live music and theater with her husband. She also loves independent pursuits like fiber arts, plant dyeing, reading, cooking, and baking.
Favorite Children’s Books: Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak and The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde. And when her child in middle school, the Harry Potter series was so much fun to read aloud together as a family!
Oheo Laird, Elderberries Lead Teacher
Oheo was born in a small town in New York and moved to Colorado when she was 3 years old. She became a mother to Scarlet in 2017 and Emrys in 2023. Oheo began substituting at River Song in 2017, gaining the privilege of working in all the classes and with all the teachers, which has allowed her to learn immensely from each experience.
Oheo’s favorite thing about teaching is hearing the children’s imaginative stories. Her biggest hobby is art in all forms, with painting being her favorite medium.
This fall, Oheo played a key role in implementing and now teaching our new Forest Kindergarten program, which she is excited to help grow and develop. She feels incredibly fortunate to have found a home at River Song and looks forward to supporting many classes of kindergarteners in the years to come.
Mandy Tennant, Elderberries Assistant Teacher
Mandy was born in West Virginia and spent much of her early adult years traveling from Ohio to California, Alaska to Montana, and even as far as Zambia as a Peace Corps volunteer. She moved to Colorado in 2008, where she met her spouse, and has been here ever since.
Her passion for teaching began with a small preschool class in the mountains, leading her to earn a master’s in teaching and spend nine years in public schools. After experiencing classroom teaching and becoming a mother, Mandy’s love for developmentally appropriate education, especially in early childhood, deepened. This passion, combined with her reverence for nature, free play, emotional safety, process art, and encouragement from friends in the Waldorf community, led her to find her home at River Song.
This fall, Mandy helped implement and now teaches our new Forest Kindergarten program, where she is excited to nurture the creativity, curiosity, and brilliance of young children in a natural setting. She is thrilled to be part of the River Song community, supporting children’s growth and exploration.
Aurora Romaine, Moon Garden Lead Teacher
Aurora was introduced to Waldorf education through her children, discovering a harmonious connection between her textile business, work with puppetry, parenting style, and the principles of Waldorf education and anthroposophy. In the Waldorf community, Aurora found a place where her passions could flourish—guiding children in freedom through head, hands, and heart; fostering reverence for nature and spirit; and engaging in ongoing pedagogical development.
Aurora began her anthroposophical studies and started substituting at River Song in 2004. Once her children reached school age, she completed her Waldorf teacher training at the West Coast Institute and became the lead Moonflower teacher. In 2008, Aurora joined the Board of Directors and played a pivotal role in helping manifest River Song’s new building.
She feels deeply blessed to do this meaningful work, cherishing the daily wonder and joyful “morning lovins'” that brighten each day.
Sophia Fiechtl, Moon Garden Assistant Teacher
Sophia was born and raised in Fort Collins, growing up just down the street from River Song. As a child, she played in many of the same places where she now joyfully explores with the children. A Waldorf preschool alum herself, Sophia has always felt a strong connection to the Waldorf community.
Originally pursuing a degree in Restaurant Management and Hospitality, Sophia spent much of her career in the restaurant industry. However, when the pandemic shifted her perspective, she decided to follow her passion for working with children and began her journey in Waldorf early childhood education. Her experience caring for younger siblings, babysitting, and spending summers as a camp counselor made River Song the perfect fit. She plans to begin her Waldorf teacher certification as soon as possible.
Sophia’s favorite part of her work is nurturing creativity and magic in the next generation while sharing her love for the outdoors. When she’s not at River Song, you’ll find her fly fishing, ice fishing, camping, cooking, crafting, or enjoying concerts.
Jennifer Voggesser, Star Garden Lead
Jen was born and raised in Southern Ohio, where she spent her childhood catching fireflies and exploring the forests along the banks of the Little Miami River. She earned an Associate of Science in Professional Photography from Colorado Mountain College, where she became close with a community of teachers from Waldorf on the Roaring Fork. It was there that Jen realized her true calling was working with children.
After a few years working as a photographer, Jen pursued her passion for Early Childhood Education at Naropa University, earning a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and fulfilling her dream of becoming an educator.
During her studies, Jen volunteered at various schools in the Boulder/Longmont area and completed her practicum at Blue Sky Kindergarten, where she learned to create magic in the classroom through storytelling, art, song circles, festivals, and presence.
Jen taught several summer camps at Boulder Valley Waldorf School before co-teaching at a Waldorf-inspired nature school in Fort Collins. When that school closed, she found River Song, and it felt like she had found her forever home. Jen earned her Waldorf Teacher Certificate from The West Coast Institute of Anthroposophy and worked as the Sun Garden Teacher until the birth of her second child.
Now that her boys are both school age, returning to River Song feels like coming home after a fulfilling adventure. Jen is excited to bring her experiences together to create a space of intention and wonder where children can truly flourish.
Favorite Children’s Book: When the Sun Rose by Barbara Helen Berger
Liz Boyd, Star Garden Assistant
Liz discovered the joy of Waldorf education through a job listing for River Song, which sparked her curiosity. As she learned more about Waldorf’s emphasis on rhythms and love for nature, she realized she had found a community that allowed her to truly be herself.
Now, as the Waldorf Weaver, Liz has the unique privilege of connecting with all the children at River Song, moving in and out of classrooms throughout the day. She finds joy in fostering warm, positive relationships with the children and encouraging them to embrace their authentic selves.
Liz earned a bachelor’s degree in Instrumental Music Education but never felt fully at home in that field. In 2019, she and her husband, Nick, moved to Colorado to broaden their horizons after spending most of their lives in Alabama. Once in Colorado, Liz pursued early childhood education, earning her certification and embarking on a fulfilling new path.
Shana Meerscheidt, Sun Garden Lead Teacher
Shana’s nomadic lifestyle began in infancy, having lived in three different states before the age of one. She was fortunate to spend a total of eleven years living in Germany during her childhood. While in Alaska, Shana first encountered the magic of Waldorf education.
As a third-generation teacher, Shana began her teaching career in 2006. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and completed her student teaching in a high-risk kindergarten. In addition to Montessori certifications for infants/toddlers and preschool age, Shana graduated with her Waldorf Early Childhood certificate in the summer of 2023.
Shana’s love for diversity led her to work as a designated English speaker in both a Japanese bilingual Waldorf-inspired preschool and a Spanish bilingual Montessori Head Start program. She enjoys laughing, rhyming, and singing in rounds. Most of all, Shana is delighted to be putting down deep roots in the Sun Garden, where she finds joy in nurturing the colorful sunflowers.
April Kraus, Lighthouse Keeper
April plays a key role in supporting our school, providing a steady “lighthouse” presence. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science, Master’s of Education, and Master’s of Special Education and began her career as a high school teacher, a role she loved. She also served as a prep school natatorium director for many years, where she mentored her passion for swimming.
Since 2008, April has been deeply involved in our nurturing Waldorf community, which emphasizes nature play. After taking a leave to work at another Waldorf school in the mountains, April returned to River Song in January 2019. She delights in continuing to learn and practice the values, philosophy, and pedagogy of Waldorf education.
April is passionate about sports, particularly water-related activities—open water swims, boating, and lap swimming. Raised on the magical campus of Cranbrook School in Michigan, she feels a special connection to her family home on the lake in New Hampshire. April is grateful for the companionship of her three children, their spouses, and her five grandchildren, all under the age of 10, who live in Fort Collins.
Bekah Mendelson, Abloom Teacher
Originally from California, Bekah moved to Colorado in 2019 to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sociology at Colorado State University. With a deep love for hiking, outdoor activities, and teaching kids about the environment, Bekah brings a wealth of experience and passion to Abloom.
Her background includes working at an outdoor adventure camp, where she discovered her enthusiasm for helping students connect with nature through hands-on experiences. She’s excited to inspire Abloom students to explore and cherish the natural world.
In her free time, Bekah enjoys reading, camping, attending live music events, and spending time with her dog.
Favorite Children’s Book: The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf
Tenaya Heredia, Abloom Teacher
Tenaya (they/them) grew up in Fort Collins and is a proud member of the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe. Joining River Song in Fall 2022, they began their journey with the After School Abloom program and have since become an integral part of the community.
Currently pursuing a degree in Forestry at Front Range Community College, Tenaya has also earned certifications in Environmental Education and Wildlife. Their passion lies in fostering environmental awareness and guiding the next generation to become compassionate stewards of the earth, their communities, and themselves.
When not teaching, Tenaya enjoys fishing, playing music, and spending time with their 10-year-old Australian cattle dog, who is a constant companion on outdoor adventures.
Favorite Children’s Book: Redwall by Brian Jaques
Elisa Vick, Afternoon Lead Teacher
Angel Young, Afternoon Weaver
Cassie Cranmore, Afternoon Assistant
Favorite Children’s Book: Dear Little Fish by André Dahan
Nicky Martens, Afternoon Assistant
Nicky grew up just outside Loveland, Colorado, and attended River Song for eight years when it was a grade school. Her passion for working with children began early, as she often helped with childcare in her local community. After exploring other opportunities in her life, Nicky returned to Fort Collins and began substitute teaching at River Song. In 2011, she joined the school as an assistant teacher.
Over the next few years, her work deepened her connection to Anthroposophy, leading her to pursue Waldorf teacher training at the West Coast Institute for Studies of Anthroposophy, where she graduated in 2015. Nicky discovered a profound passion for creating spaces where children could dream and thrive, as well as for crafting therapeutic stories.
In 2017, she took a step back from River Song to focus on her stories and explore life in California. Now back at River Song, Nicky enjoys spending her afternoons with the children, offering hands-on activities like grain grinding, woodworking, and other enriching experiences.
Favorite Children’s Book: Gwinna by Barabara Berger
