FAMILIAR FACES (25th edition)



Welcome to our 25th edition of Familiar Faces! With Detroit Waldorf School Alumni spanning the globe, we thought it would be fun to share stories of what they are up to! Whether an alum spent ten years here, or just a few, we consider our alumni vital to the life and legacy of our school community.

*Note: class years listed are for graduation of the 8th grade and the names following the year are the class teacher at the time of graduation.

Christina Williams

Kindergarten and Class Teacher, 1976-1984

Christina and her grandson on her 80th birthday

In a fenced in space in inner city Detroit, a big world opens as I behold a playground with a little flower garden and small children playing freely, joyfully. What a welcome to the DWS! I step into the building with its hallways echoing gentle colors and musical soundings of creative activity of teachers and children. This is no ordinary school!      

I was born in and grew up in Detroit but I did not “find” DWS until I was seeking a change from public high school English teaching. The first moment in this place, I knew that my future would change… I would have to start all over again, like a young child.

Christina and Basil's wedding photo

After two years of Waldorf teacher training and Anthroposophical orientation, I chose to begin a new path of tending, nourishing young children as a Waldorf kindergarten teacher. At DWS, the on-going time continuum from early childhood to high school manifested daily as teachers and students interacted, evolved and shared in a community of striving humans. Having a real auditorium we could experience the various grade-level class presentations and musical performances as well as the yearly Shepherd’s Play.

50th anniversary photo

At age 85, I have so many precious memories of the many children, parents and colleagues that became a part of my life. Their devotion and trust kept me striving to take up new challenges. Becoming a class teacher for three years was not part of my “plan”, but the goal of teaching in elementary years came to pass. When I left the Detroit area I returned to my work in early childhood in the Ann Arbor Waldorf School. I then worked in the Great Barrington Waldorf School in Western MA and finally in the Boston area Lexington Waldorf School. While each area was socially and economically different from the others, the settings the children, parents, and colleagues were connected with the spirit of Waldorf education. 

From a conference and our time in Ecuador

Outreach to different community settings was part of early city life and DWS days. Board work and mentoring expanded my world and eventually I sought to include work in the medical realm. To help in my husband Basil William's Anthroposophical Medical home practice in Ann Arbor, I studied Hauschka Massage in Germany during the summers. We traveled abroad, sharing Rudolf Steiner’s contributions in the fields of education and medicine.

Christina and Basil with children Kirk, Linnea and Lance

With retirement, I was able to deepen my relationship to color and even to abstract oil painting. After Basil's death seven years ago, I decided to pick up the threads from my literary studies and to weave that past with the twenty five years of kindergarten teaching and the gentle power of the fairy tale genre. Now in Harlemville, New York where I live, I host a monthly session with a few adults to awaken to the importance and healing effect of fairy tales in the major novels of Goethe and Novalis. My own three children Linnea (class of ‘78, HS class of ‘82), Kirk (class of '80, HS class of ‘84) and Lance (class of '86) live close by as well as two grandsons and one great grandson. Needless to say, the memories of Detroit and my DWS years continue to have a special place in my heart.

Daniel Myckowiak

Class of '06 | Linda Williams

Attending the Detroit Waldorf School was an experience that profoundly shaped the person I am today. I graduated in 2006, but the lessons I learned and the friendships I made have lasted a lifetime. The school was more than just an academic institution—it was a community that celebrated individuality and fostered a sense of belonging for everyone. I have fond memories of competing in basketball games, performing in the school orchestra, acting in plays, and participating in hands-on, interactive field trips. These activities not only enriched my education but also strengthened my connections with classmates and helped me develop a sense of teamwork, creativity, and resilience.

Childhood friends (left to right): me, Nick Waters, Damani Tilton, and Josh Woods



What stands out most to me about my time at Detroit Waldorf School was its emphasis on inclusivity and understanding. The teachers nurtured not only our academic abilities but also our personal growth, encouraging us to appreciate and respect diverse perspectives. This welcoming environment made it easy to build meaningful relationships and instilled in me the ability to empathize with others. Whether we were collaborating on projects, engaging in thoughtful discussions, or simply sharing stories during class, Waldorf emphasized the value of community and connection.

At Linda Williams' retirement gathering in June 2024 (left to right): Sarah Brooks, Josh Woods, Chris Eppes, Linda, Zoe Hollis, and myself

The supportive environment created by my teachers and peers gave me confidence and prepared me for the challenges of life beyond school. After leaving Waldorf, I attended Shrine High School in Royal Oak before heading to Albion College where I graduated with honors. Much of my academic success can be attributed to the strong academic foundation that Waldorf provided me.

With my wife Ashley

Today, I am married to my wife, Ashley, and living in Lansing, Michigan. My career has been dedicated to public service, and I currently work in the Michigan Senate. This role requires strong critical thinking skills and the ability to relate to people from all walks of life. The holistic education I received at Waldorf—one that focused on the whole person, not just academics—helped me develop these essential skills. The inclusive and empathetic values I learned there continue to guide me in my personal and professional life. I am deeply grateful for the Detroit Waldorf School and proud to be part of a community that values individuality, compassion, and connection.

Sarah Brooks

Class of '06 | Linda Williams

I joined Detroit Waldorf in the fall of 2002 as a 5th grader. My year leading up to Waldorf was filled with some big changes, and it turned out shifting my environment was the final push. I had an incredibly hard first year adjusting to everything, and finding my footing as a new kid in a well established class. I’m confident that many other schools would have kicked me out, but Waldorf let me stay. I learned to adjust, began to trust in the school, and made friendships I still hold close.

Sarah and Joey Goddeeris on their wedding day - July 2, 2022. We had our wedding ceremony in the garden at the Whitney in Detroit. The reception was at the North Rosedale Park Community House, where we met as kids.

When I graduated in 2006 I went to Mercy High School, and then on to Wayne State for undergrad, and the University of Michigan for graduate school. Since graduating undergrad, I have spent my career in education, first as a teacher in Detroit, and now as the Education and Curriculum Coordinator for Racquet Up Detroit, a non-profit on the Northwest side. Throughout my education career, I have kept the warmth of the Detroit Waldorf school close to my heart. As a classroom teacher, I found ways to bring my favorite parts into my own classroom, and time and time again saw how valuable hands-on, arts focused learning was to children.

Sarah with DWS alums (back row left to right) Cat Zettner, Theresa Zettner, Ben Beutel-Gunn, Gabriel Angelini-Knoll, Dan Myckowiak, (front row) Nandi Riley, Ann Finkle, Ashley Goodwillie (Dan's wife), Angela and Chris Eppes. 

Somehow, it’s been almost 20 years since I graduated from Detroit Waldorf, but the friendships I made and the love I have for the school remains just as strong.

8th grade photo, Class of 2006. The back most row: Cameron Shurney, Nicolai Eddy; 2nd row (standing): Linda Williams, Ben Williamson, Noah Saganski, Theresa Zettner, Dan Myckowiak, Chris Eppes. Front row (kneeling): Jonathan Booker, Sarah Brooks, Nandi Riley, Candace Edwards, Damani Tilton.

Chris Eppes

Class of '06 | Linda Williams

The journey from passionate creator to business owner has been an evolution of both my skills and mindset. For years, I focused on the hands-on work of filming and editing marketing content for Detroit-area businesses through my company, Notion Promotions. However, as my business continues to grow, I’ve had to shift from doing the creative work to building the business itself. This transition has led me to reflect on my roots at the Detroit Waldorf School, where creativity was nurtured and problem-solving was taught through imagination and resourcefulness.

Chris with his wife Angela and their children Lily (2), Keon (6) and Leila (10)

At Waldorf, creativity wasn't confined to art class—it was a way of thinking. I fondly remember the handwork classes with Mrs. LaLinsky, where peace and creativity coexisted. There were moments of quiet laughter or soft conversation, but at times, the entire room would fall into silence as we all focused on our knitting or crocheting. It was remarkable how she created such an engaging and harmonious environment with just simple crafting tools. Ms. Beth, another influential teacher, fostered a similarly calming atmosphere. Her talent in the crafting arts was extraordinary, and she also taught our pottery class. I vividly remember shaping clay into horses, bowls, and various objects under her guidance. Some of these artworks still decorate my mother’s home today. Finally, Dr. Williams, my class teacher. She led our group from second grade all the way to our graduation in 2006. She took over after Mrs. Rose, our initial teacher, retired. Dr. Williams became a strong leader and a second mother to many of us. She played a pivotal role in keeping our class grounded, especially during periods of conflict, and sought out additional support when necessary. Her guidance had a profound impact on my growth and journey toward maturity.

Chris and Angela with Linda Williams

These weren’t just hobbies; they were exercises in bringing ideas to life, in solving problems with creativity. As an entrepreneur, I’ve had to apply that same imaginative thinking to every challenge I’ve faced, from scaling my business to refining client projects. That same creativity has shaped more than just my professional life. The lessons from Waldorf didn’t just make me a better creator—they made me a better entrepreneur, husband, and father. I now look forward to how much more those foundational years and lessons will continue to push me and my family toward our future.

Nicolai Eddy

Class of '06 | Linda Williams

We’re nearing 20 years since we graduated from the 8th grade, and in many ways, it feels like it was just yesterday. I often think back to the memories I shared with my classmates and the pivotal moments that shaped who I am today. It was at DWS that I transformed from a child into an adolescent, and I credit the curriculum and my teachers - especially Linda Williams - for instilling a sense of joy and wonder in learning. Without a doubt, the eight incredible years I spent with my DWS classmates and teachers laid the foundation for where I am today.

With my financé Atieno who I met while living in Nairobi, Kenya.

After graduating from Bard College in New York in 2014, I began my career at the publicly listed financial services firm Morningstar. I spent five years there, working in the US and Europe, before deciding to leave the corporate in pursuit of entrepreneurial dreams. Today, I divide my time between Kenya, Europe, and traveling across Asia and Africa as Chief Operating Officer of NALA, a venture capital-backed fintech company I co-founded in 2018.

 In Times Square, standing in front of NASDAQ who celebrated NALA for raising $40 million.

Our mission is to make it easier and more affordable for immigrants from the African and Asian continents, living in the US, Europe, and UK, to send money home to support their families. My Waldorf education has undoubtedly equipped me with the problem-solving skills and creativity that drive the work I do today.

Every year we try to get together as a class. Here's our photo from December 2023. From left to right: Nicolai Eddy, Chris Eppes, Candace Edwards, Noah Saganski, Damani Tilton, Sarah Brooks, Dan Myckoviac, and Josh Woods.

Alumni Volunteer Spotlight

Alumni are supporting many initiatives and committees at Detroit Waldorf School. Below, we highlight several of our alum volunteers and are deeply appreciative of their time, talent, and generosity. If you are interested in learning about volunteer opportunities, please reach out to Rachel Ornstein.

The Alumni Resource Panel continues to meet monthly with Rachel Ornstein to discuss ways to support DWS through meaningful alumni engagement. Panel Members include Lisa Bradley ('75), Kristine Altwies ('80), Jennifer Morris, Neal Newman, David Olmstead, Chris Vaneman and Claudia Valsi ('83), Renita Nesby LiVolsi ('85) and Jumah Hamilton ('93).

Board of Trustees

Jennifer Morris (‘83) and Jumah Hamilton ('93), led the development of the Future Expansion Pillar for DWS’s new three year Strategic Plan (2024-2027). Both continue their work on the Strategic Planning Committee and now serve on the Board of Trustees after being voted on in September 2024.

Marketing

Betsy Reid's marketing experience and knowledge of the curriculum is a wonderful asset to the Marketing Committee. With Marketing Associate Andi Mahoney and Advancement Director Rachel Ornstein, they define, create and execute strategies to raise awareness about DWS and related Strategic Plan goals.

Accessible Tuition Program

Timur Kocak ('79) and Melanie White ('81), are both Accessible Tuition Conversationalists. In this role, they meet with perspective families to discuss the curriculum, tuition and the family’s financial picture with the goal of finding a feasible tuition rate. This impactful program facilitates economic diversity within our DWS community and helps make our education accessible to those who seek it.

Outreach

Claudia Valsi ('83) is our Alumni Outreach Volunteer. In partnership with the Rachel Ornstein, Claudia networks with our alums community, coordinates Familiar Faces, and continues to reconnect with four decades of DWS alumni who quite literally span the globe.

May we feature you in an upcoming edition of Familiar Faces? Do you know other DWS alums who might like to join our growing Alumni Association? Please contact Claudia, at alumni@detroitwaldorf.org.

Annual Report

The Fiscal Year 2023-24 Annual Report is now available. The report includes a reflection from alums Neal Newman ('83) and Renita Nesby LiVolsi ('85), as well as photos from the 2023 Alumni Reunion Weekend!

Click here to view the report.

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