Our Team
Mojave Springs School’s faculty and staff is dedicated to nurturing each student's unique potential in a collaborative and enriching environment.Andrea Lilly
Tansy (Toddlers) Lead Teacher
With a deep passion for fostering mind-body connections, Miss Lilly’s journey to Mojave Springs School was serendipitous, guided by a sign from the Universe—a hummingbird—that led her to this community. She is passionate about teaching movement, breathing, and calmness to deepen her students’ connection with themselves and the world around them. Her favorite quote, “When you realize how perfect everything is, you will tilt your head back & laugh at the sky,” reflects her joyful and mindful approach to life and teaching.
Miss Andrea Lilly, originally from Roseville, California, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Dance, is Pilates certified, and has spent 20 years teaching movement. Andrea’s journey into preschool teaching began three years ago, and her love for early childhood education continues to grow. Andrea’s experience with Waldorf education has been deeply transformative. For the past three years, she worked under an experienced Waldorf teacher, and she is eagerly pursuing her 3-year Waldorf certification to continue expanding her knowledge and experience.
A personal experience that shaped Andrea’s approach to teaching occurred early in her career when she taught dance at elementary schools. The admiration and requests for autographs from the children made her realize the profound impact she could have on young lives. Since then, she has embraced her role as a sacred mission, dedicated to being a positive, nurturing, and loving teacher who creates a safe environment for children to discover themselves and the world.
Outside of teaching, Andrea’s soul is ignited by dance, yoga, art, and spending time in the forest, which she considers her happy place. A proud cat mom, she cherishes her morning outdoor time with her two beloved kitties.
LuAnn Alder
Willows (preK) Lead Teacher & Head of Faculty College
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Kathy Samson
Honeybees (Kindergarten) Lead Teacher & Faculty College Member
Mrs. Kathy Samson is an experienced educator with over 40 years of teaching experience. A twin by birth and a lover of humor, Mrs. Kathy brings a warm, nurturing presence to the classroom. She holds an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood, along with certifications in both Montessori and Waldorf education.
Mrs. Kathy believes in giving children the time and space to explore, wonder, and stand in awe of the world around them. She emphasizes the importance of being fully present and engaged with her students, holding space for them to experience those magical “a-ha” moments of discovery. Her classroom is a balanced environment, guided by daily rhythms that foster self-regulation, exploration, and meaningful learning.
Inspired by the joy she sees in children when they accomplish something on their own, Mrs. Kathy finds great fulfillment in her role at Mojave Springs School. Her teaching is also deeply influenced by her own second-grade teacher, who was loving, kind, patient, and always ready with a comforting hug.
Originally from North Dakota, Kathy has cultivated a deep passion for personal development, striving to better herself through continuous learning and reflection. She enjoys reading, with a goal of completing at least one self-improvement book each month, alongside her hobbies of crochet and knitting.
Zachary Wardle
1st and 2nd Grade Teacher & Faculty College Member
Mr. Wardle, a native of Las Vegas, is the 1st and 2nd Grade Teacher at Mojave Springs School. With more than a decade of teaching experience, he has taught early childhood and primary grades. For Mr. Wardle, Waldorf education was a revelation. Witnessing the joy of a students learning to read and write through the Waldorf method, a contrast to the techniques he had been taught, was a pivotal moment in his teaching career. Seeing children learning to love reading was inspiring and pursing a 3-year Waldorf certification became the obvious path for him.
Mr. Wardle obtained his Waldorf Grades Teaching Certification through The West Coast Institute. The teaching style aligns with his belief in meeting children where they are. His areas of expertise include painting and math, where he enjoys connecting with the emotional and symbolic aspects of colors and numbers.
His favorite poem, “The Acorn,” resonates with his teaching approach, symbolizing growth, potential, and the journey of becoming. Mr. Wardle is dedicated to fostering a love of learning in his students, helping them grow into their fullest potential, much like the acorn that becomes a mighty oak.
As a father, Mr. Wardle has experienced the benefits of Waldorf education firsthand, both as a parent and a teacher. He believes this approach truly fosters growth and development in children. Mr. Wardle comes from a large family, with five siblings and 26 cousins, and he has a fun talent for juggling!
Alexandra Cannady
3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Teacher
Alexandra was born in Idaho and raised in Las Vegas. She graduated high school with honors from the Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing and Visual Arts with an emphasis in theater and received degrees in French and English at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She was fortunate enough to study abroad in Pau, France during her undergraduate studies. Alexandra received her TEFL certificate shortly after graduating and has been teaching adults and children for over 10 years. In her free time, Alexandra loves to spend time with her husband and four children and enjoys crochet, reading and writing fiction and poetry, cooking plant-based meals, swimming, and discussing literature and philosophy. Alexandra began her journey with Mojave Springs as the Parent Council chair, then became a grades instructor and School Director but has recently returned solely to teaching where her passion and talent truly lies; she enjoys her work at the school and is thrilled for the future.
Ms. Maddie
Tansy (Toddlers) Assistant Teacher
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Brissa Boyles
Willows (pre-K) Assistant Teacher / All-Grades Spanish Teacher
Mrs. Brissa Boyles, originally from Mexico, studied psychology along with specialized training for working with children with special needs. She is committed to ongoing professional development, including current enrollment in a Waldorf Early Childhood (EC) training program.
Mrs. Brissa began her teaching journey teaching English to kindergarteners in Mexico. What drew her to Waldorf education is the profound connection it fosters with nature and the way it honors childhood, allowing her to foster students natural imagination and sense of wonder while encouraging them to be themselves.
Her favorite motto, “Always come to work with a full heart and good intentions—you never know when someone will need that good energy from you,” reflects her commitment to bringing positivity and warmth into the classroom every day.
Mrs. Boyles’ approach to teaching has been deeply influenced by her experiences in Mexico, where she was inspired by teachers who taught not just numbers and letters, but also how to be a better person.
Fun fact: Mrs. Boyles is a proud pet parent to five dogs and one cat, and she loves cooking and crafting in her free time.
Olena Zhabina
Honeybee (Kindergarten) Assistant Teacher
Ms. Olena Zhabina brings a wealth of cultural richness and creativity to her role as the Honeybee Assistant Teacher at Mojave Springs School. Originally from Georgia, Olena moved to Ukraine in her mid-20s, where she honed her skills as an early childhood educator, earning a bachelor’s degree and gaining seven years of teaching experience.
A creative soul at heart, Ms. Olena has a deep love for knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and learning new crafting techniques. She believes in the power of hands-on activities to ignite a child’s imagination and foster their natural curiosity.
Ms. Olena’s teaching philosophy aligns closely with the values of Waldorf education, particularly its emphasis on creative play and holistic development. She is committed to nurturing each child’s unique talents, encouraging them to explore the world through their senses and experiences.
Her favorite quote by William Butler Yeats, “Teaching is not about filling a bucket, but lighting a fire,” perfectly encapsulates her approach to education. Driven by a love for the arts and a deep connection to nature, Ms. Olena is excited to be part of a school that shares her values and passion for the beauty of creative expression.
Tarren Stone
Grades Assistant Teacher
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Cheryl Cannady
Support Teacher
Ms. Cheryl has always believed we raise our children for the world, not for ourselves. To her, getting to be part of that process with all the children at Mojave is very rewarding! She loves to share in the school’s dedication to all our children’s future by supporting their educational journey and helping craft a more beautiful world for them to be part of.
Val Carvalho
Movement Teacher & Support Teacher
A lover of the stage, Ms. Val Carvalho, originally from Brazil, brings a vibrant and joyful energy to her role as the Movement Teacher at Mojave Springs School. With 30 years of experience teaching performing arts, theater, and circus, Val is not only a skilled educator but also a professional clown, dedicated to spreading joy and creativity through her work.
Val’s journey into education is deeply rooted in her passion for the arts. She has trained at prestigious institutions in Brazil, including Fundação das Artes de São Caetano do Sul, Circo Escola Picadeiro and Galpão do Circo. Her work with “Doutores da Alegria” has taken her to hospitals in Brazil and Portugal, where she has used her talents to bring laughter and conducted extensive research that has helped improve the hospital environment for everyone involved. Val is continually expanding her knowledge, currently focusing on learning English, playing the clarinet and deepening her understanding of the Waldorf method.
She was inspired to join Mojave Springs School after seeing the positive impact it had on her two grandchildren who previously studied there. Val believes that art not only fosters group collaboration but also enhances the human spirit in countless ways. She is passionate about helping students discover the joy of working together, using movement and performance as tools for growth and self-expression.
Mary Grundstet
Music Teacher
Ms. Mary Grundstedt, a native of Las Vegas, brings over 20 years of experience teaching music to students of all ages. With a profound love for singing and dancing, Ms. Mary is dedicated to creating an engaging and dynamic learning environment where children can explore the joys of music.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Mary stays active and enjoys participating in community service, particularly through singing at her local church. Her passion for music is matched by her commitment to holistic education, making her a perfect fit for the Waldorf approach. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance, continuously seeking out professional development opportunities to enhance her teaching practice.
Ms. Mary was inspired to join Mojave Springs School by a deep desire to integrate music into the lives of students. She is passionate about nurturing each child’s musical journey, believing that music is a powerful tool for personal and academic growth. Her teaching philosophy centers on fostering creativity, self-expression, and a love of learning, perfectly aligning with the Waldorf education principles.
A favorite aspect of her teaching is watching students take an idea and expand on it, guiding them as they grow and develop their unique musical talents. Ms. Mary’s enthusiasm and dedication make her an invaluable member of the Mojave Springs School community, where she continues to inspire and uplift her students through the universal language of music.
Alexandr Dzyubinsky
Violin Teacher
Mr. Alex joined the Las Vegas Philharmonic’s first violin section in 2022, a native of Russia he has spent his life in pursuit of violin excellence. He came to the US to study at The Julliard School (New York) where he studied with Sylvia Rosenberg, Massao Kawasaki, & Eduard Schmieder.
Upon receiving his Bachelors of in Violin Performance (2008) and then a Masters of Music (2010), he competed in several competitions while finishing runner up in the 2012 Buenos Aires Violin competition and also the International China Violin Competition. From 2009-2013 he was the Assistant Concert master of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and in 2013 accepted the position as Principal Second Violin in the Aalbord Symphony Orchestra in Denmark.
He moved to Las Vegas, NV and began teaching violin on part time basis to 3rd-5th grade students at Mojave Springs School.
Charis Garcia
Head of Administration
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David Rodriguez
Administrative Manager & Billing Coordinator
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Iraida Morales
Spanish Teacher (currently on sabbatical)
I have been teaching Spanish for five years. I have a master degree in Cultures and Languages but I always loved to work with children. I worked for many years in a very well known Spanish bookstore in New York City where I was in charge of the children ‘s section. Over there, I had a lot of fun working and creating activities with and for children but never liked traditional education to consider working at schools. I remember how amazed I felt when I visited a family around 2010 in Vermont who had their daughters in a Waldorf school. That experience stayed with me all the following years. So, when I found out about this school I felt totally excited and hopeful. And since then, I have been totally happy and fulfilled to teach and learn this avant-garde, organic, holistic, and so much humanistic methodology that really focuses on the child as a whole.
