“My teaching journey began when I moved to Humboldt County in 2018 to attend Humboldt State University and in search of a calmer, nature-centered life. During my time at HSU, I discovered my love for Child Development, which led me to begin working as a preschool teacher while earning my degree.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of preschool settings and found that the Waldorf philosophy resonates most deeply with my own values and beliefs.

When I joined Stepping Stones in 2024, I was immediately captivated by the warm, nurturing, home-like environment filled with wooden toys, handmade stuffies, and soft sheepskins; the mornings filled with baking, singing, and storytelling by candlelight; and afternoons spent barefoot in the yard. It was clear from my first moments at Stepping Stones that the environment and curriculum is created with intention to allow for childhood to unfold naturally and beautifully. As a teacher I believe early childhood should feel magical, with a gentle, rhythmic flow that aligns with the natural world. Stepping Stones and my own personal teaching/life philosophy found a harmonious blend that leaves me feeling grateful to work at a school that supports children in this way.

In my free time, I enjoy knitting, reading, tanning hides, studying herbs, staying active and spending time outdoors with my dog.”

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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. I eventually found my true calling in early childhood education, where I enjoy guiding children through the gentle rhythms of play, story, and nature and introducing bits of farm life and traditional craft.

Nearly six years ago, after my own children attended Stepping Stones Children’s Garden, I was honored when Shelley, my mentor and the previous owner, invited me to carry on the school’s beautiful tradition. Through her guidance and my own heartfelt vision, my passion for serving children and families continues to grow each day

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 we do here at SS, baking bread with little hands, gathering for seasonal crafts, knitting, handwork 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 just to name a few!”

Ms. Gilly

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.”