Meet The Team

As a homeschooled pupil herself, Ruth's heart is deeply rooted in the homeschooling experience. As an inspirational teacher, she weaves her own journey of self-directed education into her pedagogy, nurturing a profound connection with her homeschool pupils. With experience as a class teacher in both homeschool and Waldorf-Steiner school setting, Ruth has been working in Waldorf education for almost ten years.

Through attending the West of England Steiner Teacher Training (WESTT) course, Ruth embodies the principles of the Waldorf educational philosophy, bringing a holistic approach to her main lesson content and maths lessons. She recognises that learning extends far beyond numbers and equations, weaving artistry, movement, and imagination into her teachings. Ruth embraces the modern Waldorf approach, attempting to blend the timeless wisdom of Steiner with the tools of the internet and technology.

While currently pursuing a degree in Mathematics with the Open University, her commitment to personal growth fuels her ability to inspire and ignite the mathematical spark within her students. Additionally, her foundation degree in Education provides her with a solid pedagogical foundation, ensuring a comprehensive and student-centered approach to teaching.

Dr. Tom Smith is a passionate educator who has spent over 12 years inspiring and enlightening young minds. With a diverse range of experiences including a PhD in Chemistry, training in both Waldorf and UK State Education and a passion for music he has a deep commitment to education, Dr. Tom has furthered the field of teaching with the developments of new Main Lesson topics during his time in the Waldorf movement.

Dr. Tom's journey began with outreach science, where he captivated and educated children of all ages with his engaging and interactive science experiments. His ability to make learning fun and accessible sparked a curiosity and love for learning in countless students. This initial experience ignited a desire within him to explore the fundamental question, "What is education for?"

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Driven by this question, Dr. Tom delved into Waldorf Education, seeking a holistic approach that would address the purpose and meaning behind education. Eager to enhance his skills and knowledge, he dedicated himself to the WESTT course, completing a transformative year that enriched his teaching philosophy and techniques.

To further broaden his educational expertise, Dr. Tom pursued a Postgraduate Certificate in Science Education (PGCE) at Sussex University. This comprehensive program equipped him with advanced teaching strategies and deepened his understanding of science as a subject, and gave him an insight into how the modern Main Stream Education system in the UK was functioning. Armed with a strong foundation in both Waldorf principles and modern pedagogy, Dr. Tom emerged as a versatile and dynamic educator within the Waldorf movement.

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His time spent at the Brighton Waldorf School allowed him to develop a diverse range of Main Lessons, enabling him to deliver captivating and enjoyable science classes. Drawing from his extensive experience, Dr. Tom has cultivated a repertoire of teaching methods that keep his students engaged, curious, and excited about the wonders of science.

In Dr. Tom's classroom, learning is an adventure. He creates a nurturing and stimulating environment where students are encouraged to explore, question, and discover. His ability to seamlessly blend academic rigour with fun and creativity leaves a lasting impression on his students, fostering a lifelong love for learning.

Hazel McSharry is a passionate educator, compassionate guide, and facilitator of knowledge. With a diverse range of qualifications and a wealth of experience, Hazel's commitment to holistic education shines through in her teachings.

Her degree in Psychology gives her great insights into human behaviour and relationships, positively contributing to her skills as a teacher. She believes that unlocking the potential within each student requires an empathetic approach, considering their unique emotional and cognitive needs. Her diploma in counselling further equips her to provide a safe and nurturing environment where students can thrive both academically and emotionally.

With her Steiner Waldorf Teaching certificate, Hazel embraces a pedagogical philosophy that cherishes the development of the whole child—body, mind, and spirit. She recognizes that education extends beyond textbooks, and her teaching methods incorporate artistic expression, practical skills, and imaginative play to foster a love for learning.

After studying the 'Align for Learning' course, Hazel supports individualized learning paths that honor each student's distinct strengths and challenges.

For two decades, Hazel has dedicated her unwavering passion to the students in a Waldorf school, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of generations. Taking a class from their tender beginnings in Class 1 all the way through to Class 8, she weaves a tapestry of knowledge and growth, nurturing them to blossom into confident, curious individuals.

Hazel's expertise extends beyond the classroom walls. With enthusiasm, she has delivered captivating main lessons on subjects ranging from embryology to British black history, instilling in her students a thirst for knowledge and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Additionally, as a Learning Support Teacher, she has lent her wisdom and compassion to students with diverse learning needs, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Beyond her teaching endeavors, Hazel has always been an advocate for hands-on experiences. In pursuit of her own growth, she undertook a beekeeping course at Plumpton College, exploring the intricate dynamics of nature and the vital role bees play in our ecosystem. 

Candace Hilton grew up in Devon attending the South Devon Steiner school, where she developed an early appreciation for holistic methods of education.
She has studied Drama at the Hub theatre college in St. Austell, Cornwall and Music at the Leeds College of Music, obtaining her BA (with honours) in Fine Art Practise at Goldsmiths University in London.

Over the last 10 years, Candace has organised and taken part in various adult learning projects, evening classes and charitable initiatives, and has spent the last three years working as Handwork & Craft teacher at the Brighton Waldorf School, as well as being a practising artist and musician.

A strong advocate for the expression of creativity and the use of holistic methods of education, Candace is driven by her own creative expressions, and her desire to encourage and share the knowledge and skills she has developed with others.

Her experiences teaching at the Brighton Waldorf School have deepened her appreciation for and enthusiasm to pass on the physical aspects of learning a craft - those elements which benefit from having access to a skilled practitioner able to demonstrate technique, and provide guidance to help others improve theirs.

In a world full of prefabricated, throw-away items, being able to create beautiful things from raw, natural materials using one’s hands, is a fantastic way to build a child’s confidence and emotional wellbeing through a sense of achievement, as well as enabling them to develop their problem-solving skills.

Originally from Germany, Denise moved to the UK in 2011 and over two years attended the London Waldorf Steiner Teacher Training Course. She is a strong advocate for the holistic approach in Waldorf education and has more than 5 years of experience in subject as well as class teaching in a Waldorf School.

Being a German native speaker, Denise is passionate about teaching MFL and the benefit foreign languages bring not only to the brain development of young children but how it fosters cultural awareness, empathy, and appreciation for diversity, as children learn to understand and communicate with people from different backgrounds.

With a commitment to lifelong learning, Denise continually seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and perspective. She loves the outdoors, the Scottish Highlands in particular, and has a special interest in the geography and history of the British Isles.

Jane has been a key member of the Brighton Waldorf School for the past 20 years, delivering high quality handwork lessons to Classes 1-7, and leading many of the school’s dance and festive activities. 

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Jane is a mother and grandmother and has a deep intuition for teaching and making crafts with her hands. 

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In her spare time Jane likes to take part in dance workshops and is a reggae DJ.