Meet the Team
Director of Admissions & Outreach
Ashley Forgey
Ashley Forgey is a Pacific Northwest native who originally joined PCWS as a parent, drawn to Waldorf education while searching for an enriching educational journey for her children. Prior to joining the school administration, she built a rewarding career as a Pediatric Registered Dietitian, working in hospital settings and private consulting. Ashley holds a B.S. in Psychology from Washington State University and an M.S. in Clinical Nutrition from New York University. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, baking, painting, and exploring the outdoors with her family and dog.
Grades Chair & Teacher
Adriana Gomez
Adriana is originally from Bogota, Colombia. She holds a Master in Textiles from Universidad de los Andes. She first discovered Waldorf Education while looking for a school for her first child. She knew she wanted to find a school that was a departure from her own childhood education and became committed to finding an environment that created space for creative and artistic work and fostered innate curiosity and love for learning. She visited PCWS and immediately knew that Waldorf education was the right learning environment for her family. Both of her children began their education at PCWS and continued on to Washington Waldorf School. She began working at our school as a long-term substitute teacher in the Grades Program and then became the Spanish Teacher. She has completed her Waldorf teacher training at the Sophia Institute. In addition to her passion for Waldorf education, she has a passion for handwork such as knitting, embroidery, woodworking and painting. She and her family live in Lorton along with their horses, angora rabbits and Bernese Mountain Dog.
Grades Afternoon Program Teacher
Michael Judge
Michael has a long history in Waldorf education. He received his Waldorf Teacher Training Certificate in 2008 and his Spacial Dynamics Certificate in 2009. Spacial Dynamics is the foundational study of movement therapy and movement education. It focuses on the developmental progression of age-appropriate games, group activities and exercises that introduce the pupil, student and adult to the changing dynamics between the body, the surrounding space and the world in which he/she moves. In addition to his extensive background in Waldorf education, Michael actively supports biodynamics and founded the Chesapeake Biodynamic Network. Michael holds a B.A. in History from the University of MD and has completed the State of MD Teacher Education Certification Coursework.
Grades Teacher
Luis Lansberry
Originally from Virginia, Luis moved to Peru at the age of six, where he completed his schooling at Waldorf Lima. Growing up in an international environment, he developed a love for languages and cultures, learning Japanese and later attending the Peruvian University of Science. After returning to the United States, he earned his degree in Computer Science from Southern New Hampshire University. He previously worked with us as an Early Care Assistant Teacher and later continued his work with children in Hawaii, where he served in the Special Education (SPED) department. Through these roles, he gained valuable experience supporting diverse learning needs with patience and care. Luis feels strongly connected to the Waldorf approach, particularly its emphasis on nurturing the whole child and honoring each student’s unique developmental path. Outside of school, he enjoys surfing, hiking, and spending time outdoors, as well as traveling, trying new foods, and learning new languages.
Preschool Assistant Teacher
Susan Lee
Susan was born in South Korea, grew up California, and attended Marymount University. She believes in the energy we carry is what we convey. She connects with the Waldorf philosophy in nurturing children holistically, especially through the outdoors. In her previous position, Susan worked with children and adults with medical and mental health diagnoses in a therapeutic setting with licensed therapists at a neurofeedback practice. Susan is an experienced mountaineer and hiker. She loves to visit the majesty of the United States national parks and trails and has traveled all over the world.
Preschool Assistant Teacher
Kate Lengyel
Kate grew up in a military family, living mostly in the Eastern U.S. and Western Europe. She was especially fond of the Netherlands and Sicily.
Her love for early childhood education became evident when she reconnected with her kindergarten teacher, who encouraged her to pursue teaching. She is drawn to Waldorf education because of its imaginative play-based nature and its focus on nurturing the whole child.
Kate also has a background in interior design, organization and home staging. Outside of school she enjoys crafting, gardening and exploring parks and museums with her two children.
Office Manager
Alyse Oliver
Alyse grew up in Arlington, Virginia, and has been passionately working with children for over a decade. She has her A.S. in Social Sciences from Northern Virginia Community College and her B.A. in Sociology from George Mason University. Alyse has always found great joy in working with little ones! Her favorite part about being a teacher was growing and learning with her students. As a child, Alyse attended an immersion elementary school and was taught each subject in either English or Spanish. It was there that she came to understand the importance of a learning environment that not only promoted curiosity, creativity, and confidence, but diversity as well. She is committed to providing all children in her care with a safe space to grow, explore, and learn. Alyse is so excited to be a part of the children's learning experience at PCWS!
Preschool & Afternoon Program Assistant Teacher
Anna Parker
Annaick Parker, known as Anna to family and friends, is originally from Germany. She holds a Master in
in textile conservation from the University of Technology Arts and Sciences in Cologne, Germany. Anna worked in museums in Germany and Poland
before she was awarded the Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) in 2015. After she completed her fellowship at NMAI, Anna worked as a contractor for the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum (ACM) until the birth of her son in 2020 when she became a stay-at-home mother. Embracing her long standing passion in fiber and paper arts, she began sharing the joy of crafting with her son initially, and then with friends and neighbors. She enjoys working with her hands and creating a warm and comfortable home for her family.​
Mandarin Teacher
Mia Qian
Mia was born and raised in a small town in China, where she developed a love for language, art, and nature. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design in China before coming to the United States, where she later studied at the Culinary Institute of America. She deeply values the diversity of American culture and finds joy in visiting museums, being outdoors, and learning something new every day. Upon working with children, she discovered her new found passion by teaching Mandarin. She loves sharing the language of Mandarin in ways that are playful and meaningful. She is inspired each day by the curiosity and openness oof the students around her.
Faculty Chair
Handwork and Parent-Child Teacher
Jennifer Scotti
Jennifer Scotti received a B.A. in International Relations and worked at the U.S. Department of State on issues largely related to countries of the former Soviet Union, including conflict analysis, refugee and migration assistance, and establishing embassies. She started at PCWS as a parent and is so grateful for the strong foundation her children received at the school and the community she found to support the parenting journey. She received her Waldorf teaching certificate from the Nova Institute in 2011 and has continued to engage in professional development related to handwork teaching, respectful birth-three caregiving inspired by the Pikler Institute, and Waldorf early childhood teacher training at Sophia’s Hearth. She has been teaching handwork since 2009 and Parent-Child classes since 2011.
Preschool Assistant Teacher
Lia Sierra
Lia is originally from Venezuela. She holds a degree in graphic design and brings a creative eye and warmth to her work with young children. She comes from a family with a strong educational tradition: her mother studied pedagogy, and both of her grandmothers were teachers. Lia has been working as a teacher at Fort Hunt Preschool, where she has deepened her love for early childhood education. She discovered Waldorf education through her children, who are students at PCWS, and felt an immediate connection to its philosophy. She believes in raising children with respect, love, and patience.
Mixed Age Kindergarten Lead Teacher & Early Childhood Co-Chair
Anna Skidmore
Anna is passionate about Waldorf Education and believes each child deserves many experiences of reverence, wonder, play and practical work. She is honored to nurture the social, emotional, and physical development of the children. Anna has been teaching in Waldorf schools since 2007. Starting in Monterey, California, teaching games/movement and aftercare. After receiving her Waldorf teaching certification from the Bay Area Center for Waldorf Teacher Training in 2013 she was a lead kindergarten teacher in Monterey and then moved to Virginia to join PCWS. At PCWS she taught in the mixed-age kindergarten and music in the grades. She is excited to return, now with two children of her own. In her spare time, Anna enjoys running, hiking, sewing, camping and reading. She holds a BA in Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences from the University of Washington and has completed the first year of the Nurturing the Roots Therapeutic program in Denver, Colorado.
Director of Finance
Claire Tran
Claire Tran has a B.A. in German from Colby College and an MBA from American University with a concentration on International Finance and Non-Profit Management. Prior to PCWS, she worked for various environmental and international development nonprofits in the DC area. She is drawn to Waldorf Education because it is play-based with structure and it looks at the whole child — not just academic development.
Grades Teacher
Michelle Vichith
Michelle’s first experience with Waldorf education was as a parent in the parent-child class here at PCWS. This exposure ignited a passion for teaching, and she has spent the past few years at Washington Waldorf School as an assistant teacher as well as leading painting and reading classes. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and is completing her Master’s in Waldorf Education at Antioch University. She is also a student with The Art of Speech Collective, studying Pedagogical Creative Speech. Beyond her teaching role, Michelle is actively engaged in humanitarian initiatives, including education advocacy for girls and women in Afghanistan and demining efforts in Southeast Asia. She finds joy in her daughter, her two cats, home design, and urban gardening.
Grades Teacher
Rebecca Vickrey
Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Rebecca grew up flipping and diving her way through childhood as a dedicated gymnast and then later a diver. Her brother went to the Waldorf School of the Peninsula and she enjoyed participating in festivals there. Rebecca’s family also spent many summers at a family home in Hardanger, Norway, and at the family’s cabin in the mountains of Norway. This time in pristine nature developed her interest in the environment and led her to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and a Master’s in Water Resources, blending science with policy and a deep care for the natural world. After spending several years in Bergen, Norway, she returned to the States. When her daughter was born she found Potomac Crescent Waldorf School and discovered her love for Waldorf education, her true calling. She taught for several years in Early Childhood classes at PCWS before completing her Waldorf Elementary teacher training in 2023, and taking her first elementary class that fall.
Today, Rebecca brings a love for joyful and rigorous learning into her classroom. Outside of school, she enjoys solving puzzles, drawing, and taking trips to New York City with her family.
Mixed Age Kindergarten Lead Teacher & Early Childhood Co-Chair
Kristina Winkelmann
Kristina was first introduced to Waldorf education as a 5th grader at Kimberton Waldorf School where she attended through high school. With the birth of her son she reconnected with Waldorf education attending parent-child classes at the Seattle Waldorf school, where she lived at that time. For the past 7 years she has worked in the early childhood classes at the Ithaca Waldorf school in Ithaca, New York. She is dedicated to Waldorf education and is completing her early childhood teacher training through Sunbridge Institute. Kristina enjoys spending time with her family in Greece during the summers, reading, knitting, felting, practicing yoga, bookbinding, candle making, painting, hiking, and much more
Preschool Lead Teacher
Leslie Wetzonis Woolverton
Leslie Wetzonis Woolverton (she/her) was a WECAN I.D.E.A Coordinator from 2021-2024, and she continues to serve as a member of WECAN Early Childhood Research Group since 2020. Leslie also offers mentorship to Waldorf early childhood educators and schools nationwide and serves as a teacher trainer for several WECAn recognized training institutes. Leslie also has taught parent/child and nursery classes at Acorn Hill Waldorf School in Silver Spring, MD, for close to twenty years. Leslie is also a mom, interior designer, and textile artist. She loves researching, writing, and compiling early childhood stories that reflect the world.
Board of Directors
At Potomac Crescent Waldorf School, the dedication of our faculty and the leadership of our Board of Directors are pivotal to our thriving community. Through collaboration and strategic management of key initiatives, the Board plays a crucial role in bringing our mission and vision to life. Their unwavering commitment ensures our school continues to flourish and make a lasting impact. Together, we are building a vibrant educational environment for all.
Deborah Buelow
Treasurer
Deborah Buelow is a licensed architect and principal of Cedar Architecture based in Alexandria. Her work emphasizes thoughtful, sustainable design and includes residential, institutional, and educational projects (including our very own school). Beyond this, she is also the mother of a student in the grades program who has been with the school since he was 6 months old. ​
Annie Davies
Board Chair
Annie works at The Pew Charitable Trusts leading the organization's collaborative philanthropy efforts and previously held positions at nonprofits working in global health, security, and peacebuilding. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from Middlebury College, as well as a masters degree from Oxford University. Annie is a PCWS parent with a student in the Early Childhood Education Program.
Anne Douglas
Director
Anne is a native of Alexandria and was a progressive educator for 34 years before retiring last year. She spent the last 20 years teaching 1st grade at Burgundy Farm Country Day School. She has served on the board of several schools and has led some progressive education workshops. She appreciates the creative aspect of progressive education and enjoys teaching writing and celebrating literature with art. Anne has three grandchildren at PCWS.
Cody Forgey
Director
Cody grew up in the Pacific Northwest where he met his wife in college. Before relocating to the Washington, DC area, the family lived in Portland, Oregon. The Forgey family joined Potomac Crescent Waldorf School in the fall of 2025 after discovering the school’s whole‑child teaching philosophy and welcoming community. Cody and his wife have two children who attend PCWS.Cody works for a global consulting firm, advising clients on corporate acquisitions, mergers, and spin‑offs. He holds a J.D. from Seattle University School of Law and an L.L.M. from New York University School of Law.
Michelle Garafalo
Director
Michelle works part-time for a law firm specializing in sex discrimination and education law cases. She holds a B.A. in Government and International Politics from George Mason University, as well as a law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. Michelle is a PCWS parent with a student in the Early Childhood Education Program.
Rodrigo Ramos
Director
Rodrigo is a senior technical product leader and specialty coffee entrepreneur who brings systems thinking, operational governance, and digital automation expertise to the PCWS Board. Originally from Brazil, his upbringing in remote areas inspired his deep appreciation for Waldorf education's focus on the natural world and un-rushed developmental rhythms. He and his wife choose PCWS to provide a thoughtful, boundary-free relationship with nature for their two children.
Anna Skidmore
Secretary
Anna is passionate about Waldorf Education and believes each child deserves many experiences of reverence, wonder, play and practical work. She is honored to nurture the social, emotional, and physical development of the children. Anna has been teaching in Waldorf schools since 2007.
Claire Tran
Director of Finance
Claire has a B.A. in German from Colby College and an MBA from American University with a concentration on international Finance and Non-Profit Management. Prior to PCWS, she worked for various environmental and international development nonprofits in the DC area. She is drawn to Waldorf Education because it is play-based with structure and it looks at the whole child - not just academic development.