Willow's Co-Founders
Govinda Reinhalter, M.Ed and Shakti Sutriasa, LCSW, MA
In 2004, Govinda and Shakti decided it was time to create a new school concept for Indian River County. After spending nearly two years researching best practices and coming up with an exciting concept that included: the ideas of multi-age classrooms, project based and experiential learning and a holistic approach, they were ready to find a home in Vero Beach.
Thankfully, the Unity Center embraced their vision and eagerly rented them space to begin. Willow launched that September, 2004, with 11 children in grades 4-8. The following year, the school expanded to accept children in Grades K-8 and grew to 36. Since then, the school has continued to grow and expand, has become accredited with Advanc-Ed, SACS & CASI and has received over $250,0000 in grant monies.
Willow Board Members
Peter Turner
Principal
Board of Directors Member
Peter was born and raised in Vero Beach. In 2010, he graduated from the University of North Florida with a BA in History. He was a Boy Scout from the age of five and is a lifetime member of the National Eagle Scout Assoc. He co-founded an organic, sustainable farm in Sebastian and has taught classes for adults and children. Peter joined Willow in 2014 and is passionate about making school engaging. He has been serving as Willow’s principal since 2020. In his free time he enjoys high adventure sports, fishing, and camping.
Christine Nielson
Board of Directors Member
Christine Nielson MD is a medical acupuncturist at Indian River Acupuncture. She has worked in academic medicine and as a medical director in a large hospice organization. Currently, she enjoys doing acupuncture and being a lifelong student. She and her husband have twin boys who attend Willow. She is devoted to the school and its mission and volunteers at their events and fundraisers.
Cheryl Meade
Bookkeeper
Board of Directors Member
Cheryl has been working in bookkeeping and accounting over 30 years. Originally from New Jersey, Cheryl has lived in Vero Beach since 1968. In her previous positions, she ran her family’s construction company as well as managed several local and international businesses including her own. Cheryl is the mother of two dogs and enjoys gardening, kayaking, photography and has a passion for travel.
Kristen Aston
Board of Directors Member
Originally from California, Kristen graduated from Rancho Santiago College and operated a non-profit business management company until she and her children moved to Sebastian, FL in 2001. Her daughter, Julia, was the first Willow graduate!
Kristen studied Paralegal Studies at IRSC, graduating in 2006 with a paralegal degree; She went on to get her national and state paralegal certifications and worked for 20 years in Elder Law. Kristen is currently serving as Administrative Manager for a local church organization, but is happy to be back on the board serving her favorite K-8 school!
Toby Turner
Board of Directors Member
Toby Turner, is a retired public safety professional. He was employed by Indian River County Fire Rescue for 36 years and has served as an adjunct faculty member at the Indian River State College Fire Academy since 1988. Toby assisted in the operations of the Firefighters’ Indian River County Fair as its General Manager for 19 years. He enjoys traveling the earth with his wife Gwen and they have three grown children.
Andrea Beam
Board of Directors Member
Andrea was raised in Indian River County and is currently President of the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce. Her daughter has attended the Willow School since 2020, and has grown by leaps and bounds under the guidance of Willow‘s amazing faculty. In her free time, Andrea enjoys playing music and being in nature
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