Solana Yemaya Hoffmann-Carter
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. She graduated from the University of the Arts with a major in Dance and a minor in Religion and Philosophy, and later completed her Waldorf Teacher Training at Sunbridge Institute. Currently, she is enrolled in Spacial Dynamics training, which she will complete in 2026. Solana’s teaching journey began at the Waldorf School of Princeton, and she was drawn to Otto Specht while studying at the Steiner School of Speech Arts. At the school, she has supported both classroom teaching and movement classes, and now leads group movement and games. Outside of school, she continues to pursue dance, music, and community singing, blending her artistic passions with her educational work.
Staff Q&A:
Current Title/Role at Otto Specht:
Movement Teacher and 2nd Grade Support
When did you start working at OSS?
8/20/2024
What is your educational background?
I graduated from the University of the Arts with a major in Dance and a minor in Religion and Philosophy in 2015. In 2020 I began my Waldorf Teacher Training at the Sunbridge Institute and graduated in 2023 with my teaching certificate. Currently I am in the Spacial Dynamics level 1 training and will graduate summer of July 2026.
What roles or life experiences brought you to education or to Otto Specht? Include any previous work, career changes, or personal callings.
I began coming to the Threefold community in 2020 when I started my Waldorf teacher training at the Sunbridge Institute. I worked at the Waldorf School of Princeton and after taking a class from 1-3rd grade I decided to join the Steiner School of Speech Arts. In order to do so I became connected with the Otto Specht School. It became clear that although I was moving to the community to study speech, working at Otto Specht became a priority alongside my training.
What have you taught or led here? Any specific grades, subjects, or programs? Any key milestones or contributions?
Last year I supported the 1st grade class and worked as a one-on-one as well as assisting in the movement/PE classes. This year I am beginning to lead the group movement and games classes and work with the 2nd grade as a support.
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 enjoy dancing, and performing with various dance projects that I worked with more frequently previous to 2020. Spending time creating smaller projects and choreographing movement to my partners music and singing with others in groups has been a great hobby! Last year I co-lead a monthly group singing event at the Waldorf School of Princeton, where I graduated from elementary school.
Is there anything you’d like us to include that hasn’t been covered above?
Working at Otto Specht is like being a part of an ever growing, changing and loving family.