Shakti Sutriasa
Executive Director
Prior to founding The Willow School in 2004, Shakti worked as a teacher, school administrator and educational consultant. Her experience has taken her from coast to coast, working both in Florida and California. She also taught high school overseas, at an international school in Hong Kong, China. Shakti holds a Masters Degree in Education and Curriculum Design from Michigan State University, a Masters of Social Work Degree from Barry University and earned her undergraduate degree from Boston University. Shakti has traveled extensively and still considers that her favorite hobby. Email Shakti
Govinda Reinhalter
Administrative Director
Govinda's passion is working with children and he loves project based learning at the elementary and middle school levels. In addition to teaching, he holds a third degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and is a certified self-defense instructor. Govinda earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Barry University, is certified in elementary education and has been teaching elementary and middle school for over 15 years. He also has extensive business experience, serving as a Vice President at Macho Products, a manufacturer of martial arts protective gear for 13 years. Govinda is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Education and Waldorf Teacher Training through Antioch New England University. Email Govinda
Felicia North
Math & Science Teacher
Felicia has recently completed the coursework for certification in the state of Florida and holds a dual Bachelors’ Degree from Lincoln Memorial University; one in English and the other in Fine Art. Prior to joining the Willow Staff, Felicia lived in Takasaki, Japan where she taught English as a Second Language, focusing on grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, writing, reading, and American culture. Felicia has enthusiastically embraced the project based learning at Willow. Email Felicia
Nicole Hollis
K-2 Classroom Teacher
Nicole has a Bachelors Degree in business from the University of Florida. After working in the business world for a few years, she soon realized she wanted a career that was more rewarding. She also decided she wanted to work with children. She then enrolled in the Educator Preparation Program at Indian River State College. She completed the program and received her state teaching certificate in grades K-6. When not at Willow, Nicole can be found with her husband and daughter, Olivia. Email Nicole
Brittney Luna
Language Arts & Social Studies Teacher
Brittney Luna was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City on Long Island. She attended Boston University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in education. She has worked with children in many different settings and has found her passion as an educator and mentor. Brittney loves to travel and spend time outdoors with her husband, Bruno, and black Labrador Retriever, Kimbo. Email Brittney
Stephanie Heady
Office Manager
Stephanie serves as Willow’s Office Manager. Stephanie has brought her many talents to the school and has a wide background in managing offices and all the knowledge and expertise that goes with that. Originally from the Treasure Coast, Stephanie and her family moved to Costa Rica for six years before returning to Vero Beach. Stephanie loves children and enjoys volunteering when possible in the preschool. Email Stephanie
Mary Ann Rhing
Business Manager
Mary Ann brings both her expertise and enthusiasm to The Willow School. Having run a successful printing business in West Palm Beach for 18 years, Mary Ann shares her business knowledge, bookkeeping skills, expert organization and uncanny proof reading with us. She especially enjoys helping with Willow functions & events and looks forward to interacting with the students daily. Mary Ann adores her grandchildren and is often with them in her free time. Email Mary Ann
Ava Stewart
Art Teacher
Ava teaches art to the children in grades K through 8. She brings her enthusiasm for children and love of art with her. She engages the children in “seeing” the world differently and by providing practical techniques and skills with a variety of medium. Ava is a graduate of both Sarah Lawrence College and Parsons School of Design and is an artist in her own right.
Robert Navarro
Music Teacher
Robert Navarro is a Grammy Award winning musician. Robert also enjoys teaching music at Willow where he focuses on singing and musical theory. He also offers individual lessons in guitar, piano, violin and music technology. Robert spends most of his time composing, producing, mixing and mastering recordings.
Katie Murphy
Teacher Aide & Tutor
Katie is a recent graduate of the Florida Institute of Technology where she studied science and education. Despite her busy schedule, she found time to tutor while a student herself. Katie brings her energy, enthusiasm and love of school to our classrooms where she works with small groups and children one-on-one. Katie also oversees our after school program. Originally from New York state, Katie is happy to call Florida home relishing in the warm weather.
Joli Wake
Tutor
Joli has been an active member of The Willow School community since 2006 as a parent, volunteer, office manager, teacher aide, and tutor. She completed the Wilson Academy’s Applied Methods Language Intensive in 2012 and is expected to complete her B.S. in Exceptional Student Education at IRSC with TESOL Endorsement and Reading Certification in early 2014. Joli’s favorite place to be is with her family enjoying nature- hiking, floating down springs, skiing or swimming in the ocean.
Laurie Lindeman
Classroom Aide & Volunteer
Laurie has been a Willow parent since 2008. Now with both of her girls attending school she is able to devote her days to helping us. You can find Laurie in a classroom helping students with math or art projects, running errands or assisting in the office. Laurie's enthusiasm for Willow, her caring for all of the students and wonderful sense of humor are welcome additions to our community.
Brooke Mullins
Substitute
Brooke Mullins received a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida and interned at P.K. Yonge Developmental School in Gainesville, where she worked in a multi-age classroom and learned about project based learning in elementary school. Brooke taught math and science to the 4th - 8th grade classes at Willow before going on maternity leave. Outside of school, Brooke studied martial arts, and holds a black belt in Karate. She has a little girl who is in the Willow preschool and a baby boy.
Rudy
Therapy Dog
Rudy, a purebred dachshund, loves to come to school every day. He particularly likes to hang around in the Youngers classroom (probably because they have bean bags.) Rudy can often be found listening to stories or receving pets by children. He also loves to join in for games at recess and PE. Rudy has been taking care of children at Willow since we opened in 2004.