The Team
Who We Are
Brittany Shannon
Lead Grade School Teacher & Pedagogical Director
Brittany Shannon is a Waldorf-trained educator, artist, and educational leader devoted to whole-child development and nature-based learning. She has been actively involved in developing a Waldorf initiative in Prince Edward County since 2011.
She holds a Waldorf Teacher Certification and Foundation Studies in Anthroposophy from Rudolf Steiner College Canada, along with a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Visual Arts from the University of Ottawa. Her background also includes studies in biodynamic agriculture, storytelling, and experiential education.
Brittany previously served as a Class Teacher at Mulberry Waldorf School in Kingston, guiding students through multiple grades as a Main Lesson teacher. She later founded and operated a Waldorf-inspired daycare and developed eco-arts programming in Prince Edward County, integrating handwork, storytelling, seasonal festivals, and outdoor exploration into children’s daily lives.
As Lead Grade School Teacher and Pedagogical Director of Cedar Grove School, Brittany supports curriculum development, mentors colleagues, and helps steward the school’s educational vision. Her teaching is rooted in artistic practice, meaningful work, and a deep respect for childhood.
Brittany is also a wife and mother of two sons, and she brings her lived experience of family life into her work with warmth, steadiness, and deep care for the children and families she serves.
Kerri (Kaya’tahente) Smart
Lead Kindergarten Teacher & Forest School Teacher
Kerri Smart is a Bear Clan woman from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and a member of the Ontario College of Teachers. She is also known by her Indigenous name, Kaya’tahente (pronounced guy-yut-dah-hon-day), which translates to “leader” in the Mohawk language. She brings over fifteen years of experience in early childhood education, along with a background in educational administration.
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Kerri holds a Mohawk Language Diploma and a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies from Trent University, as well as a Bachelor of Education and a professional Master of Education from Queen’s University. In 2025, she became a certified Forest and Nature School practitioner, deepening her commitment to land-based and nature-connected learning.
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Rooted in Waldorf-inspired pedagogy, Kerri weaves storytelling, rhythm, nature, culture and handwork into her teaching practice, creating warm and nurturing spaces where children can grow with wonder and confidence. As a mother to a young son and a wife of eighteen years, she brings the heart of family life into her work with children.
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She is passionate about lifelong learning, meaningful teaching, and spending time outdoors, and she delights in creating cozy, peaceful environments where children feel safe, seen, and inspired.
Aleena Delangen
Teaching Assistant
Aleena Delangen is delighted to be serving as a Teaching Assistant at Cedar Grove. She brings experience guiding and walking alongside children as they explore the natural world, with a particular focus on fostering curiosity about the insect world. Aleena is especially excited to share her love of crocheting, crafting, painting, and other creative pursuits with the children.
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Aleena graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree. She is currently deepening her Waldorf education by studying Foundations Studies at the Rudolf Steiner College Canada.
During her time at Cedar Grove School, she has been inspired by the children’s growth in building connections, problem-solving, and communication. Outside of school, Aleena enjoys bird watching, hiking, and reading. She feels truly grateful to be part of such a wonderful community and looks forward to partnering with families to support their children’s development journey.
Kelly Purves
Teaching Assistant & Administrative Assistant
Kelly's Bio to Come!
Claire Telford
Interim Administrative Director
Claire serves as Administrative Director at Cedar Grove School, guiding the school’s daily operations with care, and a deep commitment to community.
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She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto and spent five years studying and practicing homeopathic medicine, deepening her understanding of whole-person wellness and the interconnectedness of body, mind, and environment - values that resonate strongly with Waldorf education.
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Earlier in her career, she lived and worked in Japan as an English teacher, where she also studied Japanese language and culture, broadening her perspective on education as a bridge between people and communities.
Claire is the founder of Telford, a local personal care line rooted in simplicity and care. Her entrepreneurial spirit brings creativity, initiative, and thoughtful stewardship to her leadership at Cedar Grove. A mother of three and partner to Nick Sorbara, whose family stewards the land Cedar Grove calls home, Claire is deeply connected to the school’s place and purpose and is devoted to nurturing a grounded, thriving community for children and families alike.