About us

“The need for imagination, a sense of truth and a feeling of responsiblity- these are the three forces which are the very nerve of education” – Rudolf Steiner


Welcome to Stepping Stones Children’s Garden where we nurture the hearts and minds of young children through the principles of Waldorf education. We are a licensed, private childcare center located near the bottoms of Arcata, California just two blocks away from our friends, Coastal Grove Charter School. Our cozy, home-like center is intentionally designed and dedicated to providing a warm and inviting environment for children aged 2-5, fostering their natural curiosity and creativity.

Each morning begins with a warm welcome, bread-baking or handcrafts, circle time songs, and garden adventures.
We honor the seasons with lantern walks, harvest feasts, and gentle festivals that deepen our connection to the earth.

Our Curriculum consists of ~

Language Through Storytelling & Song

Artistic Work with Natural Materials

Gardening & Nature Walks

Practical Life Skills (baking, sweeping, sewing)

Mindful Transitions and Heart-Centered Guidance


At Stepping Stones we believe in the importance of holistic development—supporting not just intellectual growth but also emotional, social, and physical well-being. Our experienced and caring educators create a rich, play-based curriculum that encourages exploration, imagination, and self-expression. Through storytelling, arts, crafts, and outdoor activities, we inspire a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.


We are committed to building a strong community among families, teachers, and children. Our center values collaboration and open communication, ensuring that each child’s unique needs are met. We recognize the importance of rhythm and routine in a child’s life, providing a balanced structure that fosters security, confidence and autonomy. We invite you to explore our program and discover the joyful, nurturing environment we offer.
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Meet our Teachers

Ms. Kimberly

Lead Educator

Hello! My name is Kimberly Deal, I graduated in 2021 with my degree in child development from HSU. Over the past five years I have been a nanny, head preschool teacher, and leader of a local childcare co-op. I believe in the importance of early childhood, working with young children and serving families is my passion.

Ms. Shehlee

Owner/Director/Lead Educator

With over two decades of experience nurturing young children, I began my teaching journey in 2014 through children’s yoga, horseback riding lessons, and homeschooling my youngest child. My path eventually led to early childhood education, where I found deep joy in guiding preschool-aged children through the gentle rhythms of play, story, and nature.

My passion for Waldorf education began in 2012 as I searched for a meaningful, heart-centered path for my own three children. I was drawn to its reverence for childhood, seasonal living, and the nurturing of the senses through beauty, rhythm, and purposeful work—all of which reflected the life we were already creating.

I am deeply passionate about early childhood education, outdoor play, and creating environments where children can thrive in simplicity, surrounded by nature. My love for homemaking and raising children is woven into everything I do—baking bread with little hands, gathering for seasonal crafts, knitting warm woolen treasures, and sharing the joy of creating from scratch. I believe in the quiet magic of a handmade life, where children learn through doing, and beauty is found in the everyday.

At the heart of my work is the belief that childhood should be slow, rich in wonder, and deeply connected to the Earth—and I am honored to walk alongside families in that journey.

Some of my hobbies include spending time riding my horses, backpacking or packing with my horses, hunting, tending to my flock of sheep and goats, spinning wool into yarn, knitting and cooking!

Ms. Gilly

Support Teacher

Hello,  my name is Gillian Ryan. I am very passionate about providing scaffolding to help support the social, emotional, cognitive growth,  and development of young children. I have received a certificate of achievement for early childhood education from college of the redwoods. I strive to create a healthy and safe learning environment. I treat each child as an individual. I have learned that every child reaches developmental milestones at different points in their childhood and I am here to support them in their journey. I encourage imagination and self- expression.  A lot of my teaching style shows through my upbringing. My mother attended Waldorf school and instilled her learnings in me throughout my childhood. I was born and raised in Humboldt county. I have lived in Petrolia for most of my life. I was raised in a small cabin up on Prosper Ridge. I grew up running barefoot through the mountains. I spend my free time gardening, river days, hiking, felting, painting, storytelling, and writing.