Beverly Amico is the Executive Director, Advancement for the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA). In this role she represents Waldorf education to the broader community, executing public relations, outreach, marketing, and advocacy related strategies, and guides AWSNA’s fund development efforts.

 

Prior to her appointment she worked in various leadership positions for several Waldorf schools in North America and as an independent school consultant with a focus on leadership, governance, strategic planning, and advancement.  In addition to her formal university education, public teacher certification, and Waldorf related training, she received a marketing certificate for organizational leaders from Cornell University and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Strategic Innovation and Change through the University of Denver. She is a member of American Fundraising Professionals, a trained facilitator, and is on the board executive committee of the American Council of Private Education. Beverly's son graduated 8th grade at the Washington Waldorf School. Prior to Waldorf, Beverly worked as an exercise physiologist in the fitness industry.  In her spare time, Beverly is typically planning her next backpacking adventure.

Melanie Reiser is the Executive Director, Membership for the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA).  In this role she oversees membership processes for schools and institutes with special attention to ensuring that the foundational philosophy of Waldorf Education informs each institution’s whole environment. 

 

Melanie received her B.A. from the University of Virginia; her M.A. in Elementary Education from Antioch New England Graduate School, and her Ph.D. from the University of Denver in Curriculum and Instruction. Prior to her current role with AWSNA, Melanie worked in outreach and enrollment at several Waldorf schools, and as a class teacher at the Detroit Waldorf School for 8 years, completing one cycle with a group of students from grades 1-8.  During her time in Waldorf schools, she held various leadership positions, including faculty chair, and served on a wide range of committees—from finances to personnel. She also worked as a systems engineer for automotive clients prior to her work in Waldorf education. In her free time, Melanie enjoys reading, hiking, and seems to always be enrolled in a new educational pursuit.

Stephanie Rynas is the Executive Director, Operations & Member Resources for the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA).  In this role she works with the board to steward the association, shepherds the strategic plan and develops and supports members resources.

 

Stephanie received her B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan; M.B.A from Santa Clara University, and Waldorf Teacher Education Certificate from Rudolf Steiner College.  Prior to her current role with AWSNA, Stephanie was the School Administrator at the Waldorf School of the Peninsula for 10 years, supporting its growth to full PreK-12 on two campuses. Before finding Waldorf education, Stephanie worked for many years in marketing and management in Silicon Valley companies, where she studied the art of collaboration and meeting facilitation. During her off hours, she is either working on one or more of her endless house projects or walking dogs.