Administration
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.
Founder
Ms. Rodriguez is a leading professional in the field of child development, recognized for her dedication and success.
Teachers
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.
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.
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.
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.
Music Teacher & 1-on-1 Support
As Music Teacher and One-on-One Support at Otto Specht School, Kaylah Bell brings warmth, creativity, and a lifelong love of music to his work with students.
Class Teacher
Mihail Etropolski comes to our school from The Waldorf School of Garden City, where, as a middle school Class Teacher, he taught and guided his class throughout the 7th and 8th grades.
Math Teacher
Genesis Mosquera holds a B.S. in Computer Science with a concentration in Mathematics from the University of Mount Saint Vincent and certifications in Scaffolded Curriculum Development, Differentiated Instruction, and C++ Teaching.
Teacher
Marissa Schaljo-Chin earned her B.A. in History and Art History from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and her M.A. in History from Columbia University in New York City.
Therapists
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 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.
Social Worker
Veronica Vadía Morgenstern, LCSW, is a clinical social worker with a focus on trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and culturally responsive care.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Kaitlin Parker is a Speech-Language Pathologist (MA, CCC-SLP, TSSLD) dedicated to fostering communication, independence, and meaningful connection for all students.
Support Staff
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.
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.
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.