Ms. Kristen Bowlin joined COFS as a mother in the parent toddler program, and as the Upper Grades Enrichment Teacher in 2015. She quickly advanced into a Lead Grades Teacher position, and carried three grades classes that first school year! She has carried a class from 1st-5th, and is currently carrying her second class.

Kristen has always carried a passion for fine arts, teaching/education, sustainable agriculture, and sustainable living. Her passions have carried her from studying fine arts at KCAI; to working with Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms and earning a degree in Sustainable Agriculture; to working for non-profits such as Green Mountain Farm to School in VT, where she created curriculum and bountiful gardens with children in after-school programs.

Her first encounter with the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner occurred when she ran a homeschool program on a farm adjacent to a Waldorf school in NC. Knowledge gained from the teachers, parents, and the students of the school, and her own personal studies, inspired Kristen to implement some of Steiner’s core principles within her homeschool program.

Kristen has built up her knowledge and experience with Rudolf Steiner’s philosophies and Waldorf pedagogy over the years. She has received certificates of completion in a long list of Waldorf trainings from reputable schools and organizations such as the Center for Anthroposophy and Sunbridge Institute. Along with the focus on individual grades, her list includes studies in curative education, spatial dynamics, flute/music, compassionate communication, and a touch of Eurythmy.

Kristen is a passionate mother, educator, steward of the land and steward of future generations. She completely embraces the idea that all teachers are healers working in collaboration with parents and colleagues toward the common goal of creating beautiful masterpieces- free thinking individuals who can embrace themselves, their community, and the natural world in love, respect, and responsibility.