Chela Crane, Executive Director

Chela holds a BA in Environmental Science from California State University of San Marcos. Chela began working at the Otto Specht School in January 2011.

Assistant Director and Administrator

Shelley holds a MPS in Art Therapy/ Psychotherapy from the School of Visual Arts and a B.A. in German Language and Literature.

Farm & Garden Program

Jose Romero Bosch holds a B.S. in Animal Science from Rutgers University, with a focus on Agribusiness Management and minors in Equine Science and Natural Resource Management.

Class Teacher

Daphna Stern holds a BFA in Fashion Design from Parsons School of Design, has completed coursework in psychology and art therapy, and earned her Waldorf Teacher Education certificate from Sunbridge Institute.

Handwork Teacher & AWSNA Representative

Madeleine Wuergler completed the Applied Arts Program at Sunbridge Institute. She started working at the Otto Specht School with a core group in 2005 and is the main handwork teacher of the school for grade one through 12 and Transitional Lifeskill Program.

Occupational Therapist

Lauren Schlanger joined Otto Specht School in 2023 as an Occupational Therapist. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and is a certified Feeding Therapist as well as a PDA North America trained provider.

Student Support Team

Tristen is a member of the Student Support team at Otto Specht School. Before coming to Otto Specht, Tristen worked at the Fellowship, where she was engaged in eldercare, along with previous experience in childcare, camp counseling, and farm work.

Student Support and Guidance Department

Bri joined Otto Specht School in September 2024 as a member of the Student Support team and the Guidance Department. She holds a B.A. in English and an M.Ed. in School Counseling.

Movement Teacher and 2nd Grade Support

Solana Yemaya Hoffmann-Carter became part of Otto Specht School in 2024 as a Movement Teacher and 2nd Grade Support.

Special Education Teacher

Henry Wright has been teaching at Otto Specht School since 2023 as a Special Education Teacher. He holds a Master of Science in Education with certifications in K–6 General Education and K–12 Special Education, as well as a B.A. in French from the University of Vermont.

Class Teacher - Second Grade

Suchitra Swift became a Class Teacher at Otto Specht School in September 2024.

Volunteer

Sophia Mavrikis Pisano has been volunteering at Otto Specht School since 2021. She holds a B.S. in Management and an M.S. in Elementary Education.

Paraprofessional and Administrative Assistant

Amanda Castillo has worked at Otto Specht School since 2019 as a Paraprofessional and Administrative Assistant.

Eurythmy Teacher & Therapist

Rebecca Renold joined Otto Specht School in 2024 as a Eurythmy Teacher and Therapist. She completed both her eurythmy and eurythmy therapy training, preparing her to bring movement and healing to students.

Woodworking Mentor

Roberto Celis became a Woodworking Mentor at Otto Specht School in February 2025.

Student Support

Seamus Riordan has been a dedicated member of the student support staff since December 2022.

Student Support

Alan Michael Castillo has been part of the Student Support team since January 2019. A Rutgers graduate, Alan has always carried a deep love for people and was first inspired to join through his childhood best friend.

Woodwork Teacher

Yoav Liberman has been designing and building furniture for over twenty years, blending craftsmanship, creativity, and a deep respect for materials.

5th Grade Class Teacher

As the 5th Grade Class Teacher at Otto Specht School, Sean Paul Goddard has been guiding his students since they first began together in 2021.

Speech and Drama Teacher

Joen Dealande, Speech and Drama Teacher at Otto Specht School, brings her lifelong passion for theatre, language, and expression to her students.