Daphna Stern

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. After seven years as a head fashion designer in New York and Israel, she shifted her focus to education, beginning with a Waldorf-inspired kindergarten in 2001. Since then, she has taught in a variety of settings, including dual curriculum and interfaith schools, and founded a Waldorf-inspired home childcare and summer camp. At Otto Specht School, she has led kindergarten, co-taught 2nd grade, and taught grades 1–6, and 3-7, bringing deep artistic sensibility and a strong connection to each student. A member of both the Core Faculty and Advisory Board, Daphna is a beloved teacher fluent in English and Hebrew, with some Spanish. She is deeply rooted in the Chestnut Ridge community and finds joy in nature, art, dance, family, and water.