President's Letter Fall 2025
Dear Friends,
We here at AHE hope you all enjoyed a restful and restorative summertime. We have had an inspiring and rewarding year through our online consulting program (see below), monthly Pop-Up sessions featuring many of our ESP grads (see below), and our first year of work with Cycle 14 of our ESP program.
This newsletter is a tribute to AHE founder and Board member Mary Jo Oresti, who is retiring after more than four decades of tireless work on behalf of Waldorf.
We send our best wishes for a successful beginning of the school year.
Warm regards,
Betty Jane Enno
President, Association for a Healing Education
A Tribute to Mary Jo Oresti, AHE Co-founder
It has been a delight to gather tributes to Mary Jo Oresti, AHE angel, guiding light and keeper of the flame to promote AHE’s vision to serve teachers, schools and children.
For well over 40 years, Mary Jo has been a guiding light for AHE’s work, including our Educational Support Program. Since the early days of the conferences in Europe and New Hampshire when the vision to begin a training formed, she has been a steadfast leader or co-leader of AHE’s mission and the Educational Support training program. Over the years, colleagues admired her drive to make things manifest, all the while serving in her role as the Educational Support teacher at Detroit Waldorf School.
Mary Jo’s vision has always looked to the present with an eye on serving in the future– via trainings, workshops, producing publications, and continuing to reach out to the broader Waldorf community by consulting, teaching, giving workshops and continually surveying the landscape to determine the needs of today’s children and teachers. She has been a leader with a vision on how to build bridges, thereby serving as many schools as possible, and worked with focused dedication to write grants and lead the AHE board as president for many years. Her work extends both nationally and internationally, as she has supported the development of AHE trainings in other countries such as Brazil, Ireland, Spain and the Philippines.
If one has had the pleasure of attending sessions with Mary Jo, some fond memories include watching her teach the coordination game “Well, you know my aunt…” (click here to see the "Three Fun Games" video, and some others) and also the African song Ayele, but also appreciating her ability to foster a true community of friends and colleagues on what was for many of us a three year journey. Our ESP training and our outreach continue to benefit from her insights and creative ideas. We are forever grateful for her many years of dedicated service as she held the leadership of our program.
Thank you, Mary Jo!
Connie Helms
AHE graduate, Board member and Co-director of AHE's ESP training
The first time I met Mary Jo was in Stuttgart at the first Kolisko Conference. That conference was the start of many new initiatives. Audrey McAllen was also present, and--as if it were meant to be--a small group of us, who recognized the importance of her pedagogical concepts for the benefit of children with learning challenges, found each other. We decided to meet up for a week in Gloucester, England at Monica Ellis's house, close to Audrey's home. We bombarded Audrey with every question we could think of. This meeting led to the initiative to establish AHE and the remedial program at Rudolf Steiner College. Mary Jo regularly visited Sestri Levante, a small town in northern Italy, where her grandmother came from and where her family still lives. That meant that Mary Jo could bring Audrey McAllen's Extra Lesson to Spain and Italy, among other places. It is interesting to note that this impulse could not pass through to Germany directly, but had to be brought back to Europe via the USA. Mary Jo has therefore contributed more to the spread of the Extra Lesson concept than people—and perhaps even she herself—realize. A small drop in a pond can cause many far-reaching ripples.
Joep Eikenboom
Author, Extra Lesson training instructor, Waldorf class teacher (retired)
Dordrecht, The Netherlands
Such a gratitude, dear Mary Jo, for so many years dedicated to humanity. Looking back, what shall I say? As if it has just happened: the day in Vienna we first met, at the dining room of a Waldorf School, during the second Kolisko Conference, back in the late 1980s. You were very happy, laughing, surrounded by a couple of participants you knew. Having heard your name, I asked you: “Are you the famous Mary Jo?” Your delightful, unforgettable answer with a smart though serious smile: “Famous for what, for my dancing or my singing?”
A wonderful introduction to many cheerful and profound occasions where we could work together, in quite a few places and countries...
Thank you from deep inside the warmth of the heart,
Bruno Callegaro, M.D.
Kassel, Germany
In the 1990s, Mary Jo gave me my first introduction to the Extra Lesson approach and activities, and then over three decades went from teacher, to mentor, to AHE colleague and friend. She always has an enviable and lovely way of getting right down to very objective "brass tacks" -- bathed in the sunshine of fun, humor and optimism.
Jeff Tunkey
Movement Teacher (retired)
Consultant, Author
Aurora Waldorf School
Buffalo, NY
One of the memories that filled our heart with Mary Jo was being welcomed so warmly into her home in Detroit for tea! We feel grateful for the honor of watching her in action at the Detroit Waldorf School. Witnessing her work with three students, especially the way two little girls looked at her with such admiration and respect during an Extra Lesson session, is something we will never forget. It was the same admiration and respect we’ve always felt for her ourselves. The Mexico-Tulum trip is one of our favorite life moments. (In October 2017, the ESP training session was held in Playa del Carmen)
❤️ Thanks Mary Jo! Caro and Sofia
Sofia Taramona, AHE graduate
Carolina González, AHE graduate
Playa del Carmen
Mexico
Mary Jo has been a steady, visionary force, planting the first seeds of Certified Extra Lesson Filipinos and nurturing them with unwavering care and generosity. Her consistent dedication and deep commitment to the continuity of the Extra Lesson made it possible to launch Cycle 2 of the course in the Philippines and grow the pool of professionals equipped to meet the evolving challenges children face today.
Maria Ester Samaniego, AHE graduate ~ Philippines course
Extra Lesson Teacher
Philippines
I've long admired Mary Jo's well-established Ego sense and sense of humor, both possibly shared by her mother - for I recall the story of a 4yr old Mary Jo who skinned her knee. Mother calmly held young Mary Jo then proceeded to reprimand the sidewalk. Ah, the wisdom... and LIFE within countless Extra Lesson lessons that Mary Jo will forever be a part. The number of students and teachers she has touched and moved is unmatched. Cheerio, fond teacher and mentor!
Diane Miskinis, AHE graduate
Extra Lesson teacher
Spring Garden Waldorf School
Copley, Ohio
I came to know Mary Jo in 2004 when my son was in the 2nd grade. She was offering the Second Grade screening for his class. Her observations of his midlines and breathing capacity while form drawing opened my eyes and introduced me to a picture of child development that would shift our future. She invited me to observe some lessons with her students which led me to the Extra Lesson AHE training at Sunbridge College. I embarked on the three year journey with Mary Jo as my teacher and mentor. Mary Jo then continued to mentor me for several years; allowing me to sit in the Care Group and attend school visits with Dr. Rentea and a visiting Therapeutic Painting teacher. Being a part of this work with her was an abundant blessing for me. Her deep knowing and clarity of sight to witness the children fostered in me the spiritual reverence of the Extra Lesson work. Her lighthearted humor and extensive knowledge of games and activities is still a continuous inspiration. Mary Jo’s penetrated understanding and belief in the importance of harmonizing the 4-fold soul elements is truly one of her many gifts that lives on in our school. Mary Jo’s legacy firmly lives on in the Detroit Waldorf School’s foundation of the Extra Lesson. Our Educational Support department is rooted in her offerings, in her deep knowledge of Anthroposophy and in how to lift the veil for better sight and reverence for the children before us. We LOVE you Mary Jo!
Lori Cataldo, AHE graduate
Educational Support teacher
Detroit Waldorf School
Detroit, MI
I remember so well the first evening of our AHE Cycle 10 training . Mary Jo ensouled the room with the spiritual task of the Extra Lesson work and impressed upon me the respect and depth of this endeavor, one that I still carry with me today. That evening included the practical example of putting our shoes on the wrong feet and walking around, and that simple example I also use today.
The waves and ripples of who she is, her humor, her depth, her respect for anthroposophy, I will carry with me. Her deeds and wisdom live on.
Mary Carmichael, AHE graduate
Education Support Teacher
Waldorf School of San Diego
Mary Jo has been the light to follow during my time of learning the Extra Lesson work. Everything I have done since I graduated had the print of Mary Jo, while trying to have her energy and enthusiasm with the students. She opened new doors for me, bringing my teaching to another level. I have been forever impacted by her teaching and my life changed thanks to Mary Jo to whom I am thankful forever.
Catherine Steiner, AHE graduate
Educational Support Specialist
Waldorf School of Lexington, MA
I have many fine memories from my time both as an AHE student as well as serving with Mary Jo on the AHE board. However, I think one of the contributions which should be credited to Mary Jo is her willingness to allow me to video her, Joep, and many other Extra Lesson educators and mentors during several AHE cohort trainings (in the early-to-mid 2010's), as well as the first International Extra Lesson Conference back in 2012 at Sunbridge. These recordings (which include many of the luminaries in our Extra Lesson field) are part of the legacy that has been created to help carry forth this knowledge as students of Extra Lesson take up (or continue with) this work without the benefit of studying directly under these fine stewards of knowledge. I am so deeply appreciative of Mary Jo for her willingness to take the risk of being captured on video (and thereby making it a possibility for others to do so), for the sake of preserving this knowledge in a format for future generations.
With immense gratitude,
David Eichler, AHE graduate
Pedagogical Director
Maine Coast Waldorf School
Freeport, Maine
It was always such a pleasure to work and learn with Mary Jo! I had heard about her pioneering Language Arts work at Detroit Waldorf School from my friend Flora Jane who worked there with her, and I was impressed by her constant drive to work in a way that was practical and effective. An enduring memory is singing or doing Ayele with Mary Jo, every time seemed like a new adventure in coordination for everyone and it always brought refreshing laughter! Thank you Mary Jo!
Kathryn Humphrey
Extra Lesson teacher (retired)
Toronto, Canada
MaryJo has been instrumental in the foundation of the Detroit Waldorf School's Educational Support Program, which was also known as the Resource Program. She held the program for many, many years and brought her deep knowledge of child development and anthroposophy to her work. The children loved MaryJo and felt cared for by her warmth. To this day, we have alumni who come back and share how MaryJo's work supported and impacted them, expressing their gratitude for what they experienced.
Mary Jo always knew that eurythmy is essential for the children and that therapeutic eurythmy in particular is healing and offers vital support to those who receive it as part of the education support program. She always made it a priority to include therapeutic eurythmy as part of the program at DWS. She also invited me to teach eurythmy in the AHE training program when it was based in Ann Arbor.
Mary Jo, Candyce Sweda (AHE graduate), and I worked for many years as a team and even though MaryJo is no longer at the school, we continue to consult with her. Our department is also responsible for the Care Group that Mary Jo held so beautifully with dedication. This group is engaged in studying and preparing for child studies. Mary Jo's spirit, vision, and light still shine in the educational support department, and her care is felt by all throughout the school. Thank you, Mary Jo, on behalf of all of us! We are so grateful to you and for what you have created.
Susann Eddy
Eurythmist and Therapeutic Eurythmist
Detroit Waldorf School
Detroit, Michigan
Mary Jo Oresti was an inspiring teacher during my time in training at AHE. I look back fondly on her storytelling, along with her animated facial expressions used to get a point across, either in seriousness or in levity. It was a pleasure to be under her tutelage.
Marianne Stenlund
AHE Cycle 12
A 2019 Interview with Mary Jo Oresti
Betty Jane Enno, one of our current Co-Presidents, interviewed Mary Jo Oresti in 2019 about her vital work. To enjoy the interview, please click here
AHE Fall Pop-Up Presentations
Join us for the first two AHE Pop-Up Presentations of the new school year!
Wednesday, October 22 with AHE Cycle 11 alum, April Combs Mann, at 7 pm ET
Bringing Children the Treasures Found in Classic Tales
April is a songwriter, musician, teacher, weaver of stories, and much more. Her podcast, April Eight Songs and Stories, brings together enticing music, stories and magic. Come for inspiration as April shares her passion about the benefits of storytelling.
For more information and event registration, click here: Pop-Ups
******
Wednesday, November 19 with AHE Cycle 10 alum, Mary Carmichael, Educational Support teacher at the Waldorf School of San Diego, at 7 pm ET
Rationale for a Fifth Grade Skills Check
Mary will cover the rationale for checking academic skills before middle school. Detailed examples of screening methods and resources will be covered.
For more information and event registration, click here: Pop-Ups
AHE Online Consulting Program 2025-26
AHE has received additional funds for our popular Online Consulting Program for the 2025-26 school year. We are able to provide this service at no cost to a limited number of AWSNA member schools. Early Childhood, Elementary, High School and Educational Support teachers who seek an experienced professional to assist them in developing capacities to meet the diverse learning needs of today's children are encouraged to apply. Qualified participants are matched with a member of our team of highly experienced learning support consultants and provided with 4-6 consulting sessions on Zoom, meeting for approximately one hour each time. Since the initiation of this program in 2021 we have received so many appreciative responses from participants: “The contributions of our AHE consultant were absolutely invaluable to the health of our school. We immediately saw change in the fabric of the group. All materials shared were spot on with what we needed.”
We advise you to apply soon! For more information and to complete an online application for the 2025-26 school year, click here