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Paraprofessional Emily Kopke < Back Paraprofessional ekopke@circleofseasons.org < Previous Next >

Paraprofessional Caroline Rocchino < Back Paraprofessional Caroline graduated from East Stroudsburg University with a bachelor degree in sociology. Upon graduating, she worked for over a year though the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit as a one on one for children with disabilities. Caroline discovered COS through a friend after recently moving to the area and loves implementing what she has learned about applied behavior analysis in this amazing and unique learning environment to ensure students learn in the best way possible! Outside of school, Caroline loves anything outdoors; hiking, swimming, paddle boarding, biking and snowboarding! crocchino@circleofseasons.org < Previous Next >

Paraprofessional Lydia Freeby < Back Paraprofessional Lydia earned her Bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy as well as a certificate in Community Arts Practices from Temple University. Fall semester of her senior year, she interned as an assistant teacher for a K-2nd puppet-making class in addition to a 3rd-5th grade film/photography class at University City Arts League in Philadelphia. There she had the opportunity to observe and facilitate art making experiences with young students. During the following spring semester, she served as an activities aide at Wesley Enhanced Living at Stapely, concentrating most of her work in the art department. She assisted in developing art engagements for the residents in addition to coming up with adaptations so each activity was fully accessible. Working with such a wide range of people was a formative experience that nurtured her pre-existing interest in a career that would allow her to not only share the therapeutic power of art, but also care for people in a way that helps them live full lives. Lydia’s background in art molded her into a perfect fit for COS and the Waldorf pedagogy. Outside of school, Lydia prioritizes spending time with her loved ones, traveling, and creating art in whatever way she can. Additionally, after playing the alto saxophone for 9 years and soccer for 13, she loves to find ways to integrate music into her daily life and stay active through walks outside, yoga, and hiking. lfreeby@circleofseasons.org < Previous Next >

Fiber Arts Teacher Scott Mitsching < Back Fiber Arts Teacher Scott Mitsching gained his Masters in elementary education with a focus on Waldorf education at Antioch University of New England and earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University. He completed Waldorf teacher training through the Center for Anthroposophy. Scott has taught for the past 3 years in a variety of settings including as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ethiopia where he taught at a rural High School in the Amhara region. In Ethiopia, Scott had many opportunities to learn local crafts such as basket weaving and cotton spinning. Following the Peace Corps, he became an English teacher in the port city of Haiphong in Vietnam. It was in Vietnam that Scott learned how to dye with Indigo from a Hmong community near Sapa. Most recently Scott was an intern at the Anchorage Waldorf school in Alaska where he enjoyed connecting with nature and viewing the Northern lights. Scott brings with him a love and appreciation for all things fiber art. He is a proficient knitter, crocheter, and felter most recently he has become interested in natural dyeing and hand sewing. He continues to pursue further education through the Kairos Institute with a focus on creative speech development and further fiber arts education at the Fiber Craft Studio. He is an active member of the Anthroposophical society in America. When Scott is not in the classroom, he can be found keeping busy with a current knitting project and spending time with his pet Angora rabbit. He also enjoys taking care of his plant collection and garden. Scott has a love for travel and the outdoors and continues to plan new adventures whenever he has the opportunity. smitsching@circleofseasons.org < Previous Next >

Substitute Teacher Dylan Rex < Back Substitute Teacher Dylan Rex earned his BA in Film/Video Production from Hofstra University and his MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts from Goddard College, an institution dedicated to the educational philosophies of John Dewey. At Goddard he studied various avant-garde theories of video, music, and performance which focus on holistic practices related to the creation, experience and identity of art. Additionally, he engaged in movement and meditation practices which introduced him to Sophiology and what Michael Martin calls “poetic metaphysics.” Unbeknownst to Dylan, these theories and practices have roots in anthroposophy which came full circle with the discovery of Waldorf education. Excited to form cultivating relationships with students/educators and eager to develop practices for continued growth, Dylan considers this time at COS as one dedicated not only to the development of self but the praxis of an inclusive and artistic pedagogy. drex@circleofseasons.org < Previous Next >

Clover Kindergarten Teacher Kara Tervo < Back Clover Kindergarten Teacher Kara graduated with a degree in elementary education, and holds teaching certificates in both PA and NJ. She spent her early career teaching kindergarten in traditional settings, until leaving to focus on motherhood. Raising her own children greatly shifted Kara’s views on education, and she began to re-think her vision for her children and their schooling. After coming across Waldorf blogs and books, she began incorporating Waldorf ideas and rhythms into her home and homeschool. When she discovered COS, Kara knew it was just what her family was searching for! Now, Kara is honored to be teaching in a setting that reflects her own vision for early childhood education. Outside of work, Kara enjoys being a homebody with her husband and three daughters, hosting game nights with friends, crafting, and strumming her ukulele. ktervo@circleofseasons.org < Previous Next >

2019 EVENING OF SUPPORT The Circle of Seasons Foundation welcomed 102 sponsors, trustees, parents, and staff members to our 4th annual Evening of Support held on October 10, 2019 at Lehigh Country Club. The event raised $26, 032.80! All proceeds from this event will be used to extend our innovative educational spaces across our beautiful 35-acre campus. Guests enjoyed mingling while listening to beautiful music provided by acclaimed pianist and COS parent Richard Groman. They participated in a silent auction featuring many unique and handcrafted items, tried their hand at creating a community string art installation, and folded kite paper to create breathtaking Waldorf stars. Special thanks to our Foundation Trustees Nora Fantozzi, Kathy Meath, Mari Nebbaki, and Kara Skeans. Our Event Volunteers who made this magical night possible are Liz Choi, Megan Greenholt, Zsuzsanna Hunsberger, Carter LeBlanc, Marco Matos, Davin Sheaffer, Jennifer Sherman, and Elena Steidinger. Warmest thanks to the COS parents, grandparents, and friends who generously contributed sponsorships so that all COS teachers could attend the event free of charge. This is a true testament to how much our teachers and staff members are valued and appreciated. In addition, the Circle of Seasons Foundation is profoundly grateful for the support of our corporate and community sponsors. EITC Sponsors ($10,000) Embassy Bank for the Lehigh Valley The Neffs National Bank Golden Autumn ($4,000 and above) Elaine Emrick Tara and Jim Knicos Foundation Darbin and Debby Skeans Silver Winter ($2,000) CAI Cares Emerald Spring ($1,000) Jesse Markowitz and Julie Smith SVN Imperial Realty Sapphire Summer ($500) John and Liz Choi East Penn Self-Storage Hoffman Insurance Consultants, LLC Stephanie Prevost and Brian Kellogg Univest Financial Corporation MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Curriculum Overview At Circle of Seasons, teachers use a curriculum inspired by Waldorf education, where the whole child is always considered. Teachers, staff, and parents work together to support the physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and academic needs of the child. Our goal is to nurture a classroom community supportive of academic learning by helping students develop the positive social values of being respectful, safe, and brave. Personal responsibility and accountability are taught and practiced from a young age. The children support each other’s learning in many collaborative projects and activities. Community is the keystone of our program. As a public charter school, we will meet Pennsylvania State Academic Standards and testing requirements, and comply with health and safety regulations and educational laws applicable to Pennsylvania Charter Schools. Special education services will be fully available and will be provided in full accordance with the law. Curriculum Overview Download

Substitute Teacher Michele Schock < Back Substitute Teacher Michele Schock earned her Bachelor's degree in Accounting from DeSales University. Following a 17 year career at Air Products and Chemicals Inc. Michele decided to be a stay at home mom to her 3 children. During this time she earned her Associate's degree in Special Education from Lehigh Carbon Community College. When her children were school-aged, Michele embarked on her 10 year paraprofessional career. She is excited to join the COS community and utilize more of her teaching skills as a substitute teacher. Michele's past volunteer efforts included a week in 2006 in Biloxi, MS chaperoning teen youth while rebuilding homes after Hurricane Katrina; after-school homework assistance for 3rd-6th grade students; and 20 years of experience teaching, planning, and implementing lesson plans for children ages 2-16 at her church. In her spare time Michele enjoys crocheting, crafting, gardening and reading. She also enjoys traveling with her family to some of her favorite states including Colorado, Vermont, Maine, and Tennessee. mschock@circleofseasons.org < Previous Next >

Seventh Grade Class Teacher Greg Kapner < Back Seventh Grade Class Teacher Greg graduated from Temple university with a degree in anthropology. After college, he purchased a pizzeria which he owned and operated for about 14 years. A few years ago, inspired by his teenaged employees, Greg sold his business and transitioned from businessman to teacher. He is excited to have found his way to Circle of Seasons. Greg enjoys traveling and spending the day at the park with his young son. gkapner@circleofseasons.org < Previous Next >

Special Education Teacher Colleen Dreisbach < Back Special Education Teacher cdreisbach@circleofseasons.org < Previous Next >

Special Education Teacher Kaitlyn Pearson < Back Special Education Teacher Kaitlyn graduated from Millersville University with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education Social Studies. Her desire to work with children has always been present, but her passion for teaching began when she volunteered in her cousin’s special education classroom in the eleventh grade. She played a very active role in college organizations and was a member of Best Buddies, which is a world known organization who fosters friendships between students with and without intellectual disabilities. In her free time she enjoys learning guitar, reading, hiking, watching hockey games, cooking, and spending time with family as well as friends. She is so glad to officially work for a school where the development and care of students is the number one priority. kpearson@circleofseasons.org < Previous Next >