By: Becky Larson
Many of you instantly recognized Amy Laederach, Early Childhood Assistant in the Willow Kindergarten class, in this photo from 1988, the year our school was founded. She’s hardly changed a bit!
Amy and I sat down to talk about how her spiritual studies and interest in art brought her to Waldorf education, and the rejuvenation she finds in West Coast Swing Dancing.
Amy grew up in Edina, and after college, she moved to Los Angeles where she worked in production and as a photographer on the sets of tv shows like Baywatch and Seinfeld.
Amy first heard about Waldorf education while living in Los Angeles and when she moved back to Minneapolis, she toured the school, considering it for her own children. “I couldn’t quite get a handle on it the first time,” she says.
Years later, a watercolor class with Donna Webb deepened her interest in Waldorf Education.
Pursuing her lifelong interest in spirituality and healing work, she began taking foundation studies courses with Linda Bergh at the Novalis Institute. Linda suggested that Amy explore possible opportunities at City of Lakes Waldorf School.
She’s been an assistant to Miss Lori for four years now, and says they have a solid working relationship and friendship. “I respect Lori greatly,” says Amy. “She has so much knowledge and puts so much thought into everything she does for each child. ”
The community at City of Lakes Waldorf School has a special place in her heart too. “I enjoy connecting with people here to share experiences. I tend to be an observer in life, but in my later years, find myself ready to be more connected and expressive meeting new people and sharing in the environment.” That self expression is blooming through her new blog and business as an energy healer. Her self expression takes another form too, on the dance floor. On weekends, you’ll often find Amy whirling across the floor dancing West Coast Swing here in Minneapolis, and even participating in competitions.
She says that Waldorf education is part of an unfolding spiritual journey that first began when she lost a dear friend at 20 years old. ” Waldorf felt like a connection on a soul level. The spiritual and developmental awareness of the whole person that you learn about in anthroposophy studies is reflective of my earlier spiritual training.” Amy deepened her understanding of Waldorf education by completing two years of Foundation Studies in Anthroposophy through The Novalis Institute, as well as training in Painting Therapy based on the work of Liane Collot d’Herbois.
“My first students are third graders now- and it’s so fun to see them grow into themselves more,” says Amy. “Working with young children can be challenging at times, but the challenge turns to joy as you witness the children develop, mature and become capable of handling situations better.”
Kindergarten classrooms are full of charming moments, but a favorite one was during wintertime when a child came in from the cold, rubbing his hands and face. He loudly declared, “Ah, my cheeks feel like roses!” Amy knows firsthand that the way children see the world is precious and fleeting. “I love watching the children develop and grow,” she says. “It’s nice to know that in the long run we’re helping children and families.”