Ms. McCloskey

Dedicated to advocating for others no matter what learning path they might be on, Ms. McCloskey has worked as an educator in myriad capacities for the past 20 years. After working as a patient educator in a women’s health clinic for 8 years, She earned her Masters of Teaching from Pacific University in 2008 and Completed her Waldorf Teacher Training in 2010. She first fell in love with outdoor learning when she worked at Hazelwood House, a Waldorf certified mixed age outdoor kindergarten for two summers. She then spent many years teaching art, art history, and social studies to 7th -12th grade students. Ms. McCloskey took a first-grade class in the fall of 2020 when Lightsong Outdoor School first began. Ms. McCloskey is gratefully overjoyed to be working in concert together with Mrs. Pereira to meet children of mixed ages in this school. Ms. McCloskey loves working with families. Helping them navigate what is sometimes murky and rough territory, she takes delight advocating for the growth of all family dynamics. She continues to deepen her understanding of Curative Education as indicated by Rudolf Steiner. She has also finished her third year of the Kairos Institute training in Artistic Therapies and Emergency Pedagogy. She has begun offering Anthroposophical Painting Therapy for children and adults, and sees education as indicated by Rudolf Steiner as a healing education.

With a passion for the natural world and connecting with others, Mrs. Pereira has spent the past 12 years serving children in various capacities. She first encountered Waldorf education as a parent seeking a nurturing environment for her children. She continues to be drawn towards a deeper understanding of child development and a healing education through the indications of Rudolf Steiner. Mrs. Pereira is delighted to work alongside Ms. McCloskey in cultivating a space where each child is seen and can flourish in their unique way.

Mrs. Pereira

I was born in the beautiful green valley of Corvallis Oregon. I spent much of my childhood searching for faeries in the lush creeks and tall hedgerows As a teen I discovered a love of all fibers and Handwork. I began sewing dolls for family and friends and teaching myself how to knit and spin yarn. These wonderful skills lead me to volunteer in the Corvallis Waldorf School (CWS) Handwork program for 2 years as well as working in the extended day program. I took a break from volunteering and teaching at CWS for a couple years to travel with family across the country and explore other interests such as working as an artisan bread baker.

I returned to CWS as a kindergarten assistant in 2022 where I worked for three years. I am passionate about Waldorf education. I currently attend teacher training sessions in Eugene Oregon through Waldorf Teacher Education Eugene. I am overjoyed to be a teacher at Lightsong and included in this loving supportive community.

Ms. Gretel

Ms. Hall (Ms. Kim to the children) fell in love with the violin at the age of 12 and has played most of her life. Since 2000, Ms. Kim has taught violin and viola privately and in schools. Her passion for education centers on the joy of collaborative playing and the wonderful social benefits of music with others. She founded and conducts the Albany String Orchestra, an adult educational orchestra. In addition to playing in local symphony orchestras, Ms. Kim absolutely loves musical theater and can be found playing or conducting in theater pit orchestras in Corvallis. She also enjoys old-time fiddle and bluegrass music, where she plays fiddle and guitar. When not playing music, she can often be found outdoors enjoying our beautiful state. Ms. Kim feels blessed to be part of the Lightsong family and looks forward every day to sharing her love of music with the children.