Shelley Gutknecht-Stöhr
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. After a career in real estate management, she sought more meaningful work and discovered the Otto Specht School while working at the Fellowship Community. Shelley was inspired by the school’s therapeutic approach and Waldorf curriculum, eventually transitioning from class teacher to her current role in administration. After teaching for several years, she moved to Germany for 12 years, but was thrilled to return to Chestnut Ridge and rejoin the school community she so deeply values. As Student Support and Transition Coordinator, she supports students across the grades and teaches life skills, sexual health, and relationships. Having grown up in Chestnut Ridge, she feels deeply grateful to raise her two young children in the same community that shaped her own upbringing.
Staff Q&A:
Current Title/Role at Otto Specht:
Student Support Coordinator
When did you start working at OSS?
4/15/2024
What is your educational background?
Masters Degree in Art Therapy/ Psychotherapy from the School of Visual Arts, BA in German Language and Literature, Gentle Parenting Coach
What roles or life experiences brought you to education or to Otto Specht? Include any previous work, career changes, or personal callings.
I left real estate management to pursue a degree in a field which felt more meaningful for me. After completing grad school I found Otto Specht while working a the Fellowship Community, where the school originated. I was excited to work therapeutically with the students and to eventually teach the waldorf curriculum that I had loved learning.
What have you taught or led here? Any specific grades, subjects, or programs? Any key milestones or contributions?
I used to teach grades and then moved to Germany for 12 and now I am an administrator and transition and student support coordinator and I teach life skills and sexual health and relationships.
What do you enjoy outside of school? Any hobbies, languages, family details, or connections to the Chestnut Ridge/Waldorf community you’d like to share?
I grew up in Chestnut Ridge and was so happy to come back to the Threefold Community to rais my two young children here.