About Annika

Annika Fae
Lead Preschool Teacher
Lead Parent/Child Teacher

Before I became a teacher, I was an engineer! I have a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Seattle University and worked as a design engineer for five years, all the while knowing that there was something more for me. I left engineering, got married, and unconsciously began training myself for my future: I taught myself to cook and bake, to knit, to garden – creating in the process our beautiful garden here at Lavender Lane; I took care of the house and helped to raise my step-daughter, Feather. Then, seven years after my decision to leave engineering, like a neon sign going on over my head, I had the epiphany that my path was to be a Waldorf early childhood teacher.

I began my journey on this path by reading voraciously about Waldorf education and early childhood care. I began Waldorf Teacher Training: here at Seattle’s Sound Circle Center, traveling to Rudolph Steiner College in California, and even as far as Denver, to learn all I could. I transformed our mother-in-law cottage to the Lavender Lane schoolhouse and started my school just two days a week with only three children. As my confidence and experience grew, so did the school: to five days a week and nine children!

I have been leading children all my life. First as the eldest of the pack of children my mother took care of, then as a babysitter, nanny, and summer camp counselor, transitioning into subbing at preschools and daycares, and finally starting my own preschool, Lavender Lane. I love my work at the preschool; creating a nurturing safe place for children to grow into themselves and their own truth and gifts.

My deep connection with and reverence for the earth, instilled in me since childhood through camping and spending all my summers out-of-doors, creates in me a deep wish to be of service to our beautiful planet. My connection with the spiritual world and love for humanity stir in me a fervent desire to be of service to all. I feel deep wonder and gratitude that I am able to serve my earthly home and my fellow humans by partnering with parents and families to raise children with the minds to create a better future, the hearts to heal it, and the wills to move us forward into our destiny.

 

What the parents say about Annika and Lavender Lane…

“Thank you for a beautiful and fun school year. It has been a Joy to come to your cottage and learn, love and grow. All our love and Gratitude.” C. Shirell

“This last year and a half has been amazing and life changing. You have taught me so much about kids and more. Thank you for making preschool such a safe and wondrous experience for Rafa and for us his family. Thank mostly for the magical environment you create every day. Thank you for being you and spreading it around.” A. Lopez-Shulman

“Thank you so much for everything. We are so happy with your school and your teaching.” L. Broadgate

“I came to your school with many hesitations and questions. Over the year I have seen the impact the Waldorf philosophy and your calmness have had on Skye. It has given him a safe place to explore his creative world and to learn about the earth around him. Skye is a gentle soul and you have given him a place to appreciate and embrace gentleness in this world. I appreciate the childhood and warmth that you’ve given Skye in this important time of life, learning and exploring. You’ve offered seeds that will grow with him for the rest of his life.” S. Hobbes

“Thank you for supporting Dalton through his preschool years. Thanks for giving him the confidence and knowledge to be a smart and loving child.” G. Lange

“Thank you for the love and helping Clara become who she was meant to be.” D. Johnson

“Thank you for letting Finn come to your wonderful place and supporting him in these important “I become independent” steps in your wonderful and pleasant way!” B. Burnworth

“Thank you for enriching Amelie’s life and giving her a place to be herself away from mom & dad. She adores you!!” C. Raven