Our Staff

Director

Ms. April’s journey in Waldorf education began in 2015, when she was searching for a warm, nurturing preschool for her first child. Her connection with Circle of Friends Waldorf Preschool and Kindergarten in Bend soon blossomed into a teaching role in 2020, where she stepped into leading the toddler class with heart and dedication. After completing 40 hours of Waldorf early childhood training and attending the WECAN conference, Ms. April became a devoted advocate for Waldorf education. She recently completed her first year of foundational teacher training at the Micha-el Institute in Portland, deepening her understanding of Steiner’s work and philosophy.

Ms. April was especially moved by the contrast she observed between children in mainstream classrooms—who often struggled with skills like empathy, curiosity, and resilience—and those in Waldorf early childhood settings, where these qualities are gently cultivated every day. It was this realization that affirmed her calling in Waldorf Early Childhood Education.

With seven years of teaching experience in both public and private schools, Ms. April brings a rich background in hands-on science education, especially in Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science. Before founding Soul Blossom, she served as the Water Education Lead at the Environmental Center, engaging K–7 students in exploring the natural world, and provided classroom support during extended teacher leaves at the Waldorf School of Bend.

Having spent her childhood between Nelson, New Zealand, and Bend, Oregon, Ms. April carries with her a deep love for nature and community. Inspired by her mother’s passion for quilting and naturalism, she fondly recalls attending the Sisters Quilt Festival and admiring the artistry that echoed Central Oregon’s wild beauty.

After graduating high school in New Zealand, she spent time traveling across the South Pacific before earning her BS in Fisheries and Wildlife from Oregon State University in 2008. She worked for five years as a Field Biologist before transitioning into teaching, earning her Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Portland in 2016. Today, she delights in raising her two adventurous, clever, and bilingual sons, Silas and Asher, alongside her husband James, fostering curiosity, connection, and wonder every step of the way.

Teacher

Meet Mr. Chris—A Creative Heart with a Musical Touch!

Mr. Chris is one of the founding teachers at Soul Blossom and joined our team in October of 2024. He brings a unique blend of talents to our team! With a BA in Family Studies and a minor in music, he’s not only a skilled professional but also an artisan who sews beautiful, handmade children’s toys. He is designing and leading our music programs for the little ones in the Buttercup and Huckleberry Rooms. His experience working with children with special needs, and using music in a therapeutic setting, makes him a wonderful addition to our family. We’re so excited for him to share his creativity and warmth with all of our little ones!

Teacher Mentor

Ms. Cheryl brings a calm, steady, and deeply respectful presence to our infant and toddler environments, where her thoughtful care helps children feel safe, capable, and truly seen. With over 10 years of experience in early childhood education, she has dedicated her career to supporting young children through responsive caregiving, meaningful connection, and strong developmental foundations.

Cheryl has worked with the Magda Gerber approach and is currently completing her RIE (Resources for Infant Educators) Associate credential, continuing to deepen her practice in respectful, relationship-based care. She is passionate about observing children closely, honoring their communication, and creating environments that support independence and confidence from the earliest years.

In addition to her work in the classroom, Ms. Cheryl has served as a teacher mentor across multiple programs, supporting other educators through guidance, modeling best practices, and helping teams strengthen their classroom rhythm and caregiving approach.

We are grateful for the wisdom, leadership, and gentle presence Ms. Cheryl brings to Soul Blossom, and we are honored to have her as part of our community.

Ms. Kelly brings a joyful and nurturing presence to our classroom, where her warm spirit and genuine love for children help create a space that feels welcoming, safe, and full of connection. She is a graduate of the Fast Track program through NeighborImpact—an early childhood educator pathway that pairs teachers with mentors while building strong foundations in child development and responsive caregiving.

With two years of experience in early childhood education, Ms. Kelly is passionate about supporting children through play, steady rhythms, and compassionate guidance. She values building trusting relationships with families and believes every child deserves to feel seen, celebrated, and supported as they grow.

Ms. Kelly is honored to be part of the Soul Blossom community, and we’re grateful for the light and enthusiasm she brings to our team each day.

Ms. Ally brings warmth, humor, and an easygoing spirit to the classroom, creating a space where children feel comfortable, joyful, and truly at home. Her playful energy and genuine kindness help build strong connections with each child, often filling the day with laughter and lighthearted moments that make learning feel natural and fun.

With previous experience in both special education and elementary school settings, Ms. Ally brings a thoughtful and inclusive approach that honors each child’s individual needs and strengths. She is skilled at meeting children where they are, offering support with patience, encouragement, and care.

Ms. Ally is currently enrolled in the Fast Track program, a grant-funded pathway for early childhood educators that provides mentorship and college credit while working toward a degree in Early Childhood Education. Through this work, she continues to grow as an educator while deepening her understanding of child development and responsive teaching practices.

We are so grateful to have Ms. Ally as part of our team and appreciate the joy, compassion, and dedication she brings to our community each day.

Physical Thearpist

Originally from San Juan, Argentina, Eugenia completed her Bachelor’s Degree In Kinesiology and Physiology at the National University of Cordoba, Argentina. She went on to validate her Physical Therapy Degree and certification to work in the USA. Eugenia realized her passion for pediatrics while working at the Children’s Hospital in Cordoba. There she was trained to work in respiratory, neurology and orthopedic care. Her treatment approach is very hands-on, holistic, and she loves to help her patients and families achieve their goals. She has recently been certified as a bilingual interpreter and she is looking forward to helping the Latino community as well.

In her free time Eugenia enjoys live music, climbing, biking, and traveling with her husband, three kids, and brown lab, Kala.