Meet Our Staff
Tara Katz (She/Her)
Founder, Director of Education
Tara Katz serves as the Tara’s Tots Director of Education. She studied the principles of Rudolf Steiner and Waldorf Education at Emerson College in England. Prior to that, she completed a degree in Speech Communications with an emphasis in Theatre Arts at Oregon State University. She has taught kindergarten and first grade at Waldorf schools in Seattle, Whidbey Island, and England—playing founding roles in some instances, and active roles in all! Tara was the first teacher of preschool at our sister school Fremont Community School (FCS) in 2001. Seeing firsthand Seattle’s great need for more outdoor schools, she opened Tara’s Tots in 2008. We are pleased to have her enthusiasm and commitment serve as the heart of our school. Tara is the mother of three children: Rachel, Phoebe and Alexander.
Hello! My name is Suzan Greenfield and here is some information about me. This isn’t my first teaching job! I have been in this profession for over forty years. I began as a teacher of the Visually Impaired in Georgia, Florida, Utah and New York. Years later, after receiving my M.Ed, I started teaching students with learning and behavioral differences in Seattle Public Schools. It was extremely rewarding, but as time progressed, I was ready for a change of pace. I considered retirement for a minute, but realized I wasn’t ready. Thus, my current position as a substitute teacher!
Teaching has always been one of my greatest passions along with swimming, being in nature, reading and art. I am very grateful to be at Fremont Community School and Tara Tots and teaching your bright, joyous, and creative children!
Adriana Lazu (She/Her)
School administrator and Lead Teacher
Adriana has a degree in Elementary Education along with a Child Development Associate certificate (CDA). She is also completing her BAS in Early Childhood Education. She has over 10 years of experience in the Early Childhood Education field working with children of all ages. She has a huge passion for teaching and a love for the PNW outdoors, especially in the Fall! She loves seeing the children as they grow and discover the beautiful world that Waldorf education has to offer. She enjoys spending her free time exploring all the wonderful things Seattle has to offer with her 4 year old daughter, Avi. She also enjoys reading, baking, shopping and doing crafts that are usually requested by her daughter!
Hi! My name is Lauren its nice to meet you all. My love for kids first started when I started babysitting. I then went to Eastern Washington University to study Early Childhood Special Education. My love for teaching and the kiddos continued to show leading me to be promoted to become a lead teacher. I then decided to take a break and go to school for cosmetology. Now I am back in my roots of doing what I love. I am honored to work with such great students, parents and colleagues. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with you.
Teacher Lauren (she/her)
Afternoon Assistant Teacher
Teacher Maria (She/Her)
Maria has been an early childhood educator for 17 years and she is passionate about working with young children. She has a tender approach as well as a creative side and curiosity for learning. Maria grew up in Madrid, Spain and brings cultural diversity into the classroom, with songs, games, or stories. She earned her undergraduate degree at University Complutense in Madrid and has taken intensive courses in Waldorf Education at various locations around the country. Maria makes pottery in her free time. She also loves walking, music and spending time with friends and family. Hugo 28 and Ana 26, are her two beloved children.
Teacher Suzan (She/Her)
Substitute Teacher
Afternoon Assistant Teacher
Anacapri (She/Her)
Hi everyone! I’m Anacapri (Ana), and I’m thrilled to be working with all the wonderful children at Songbirds. Originally from San Jose, I moved to Seattle to attend college. I recently graduated from Seattle University studying Spanish and Philosophy and also hold a certification in Early Childhood Education.
I’ve worked in childcare for over six years — as a nanny for several families and as an assistant director of a summer camp. In the future, I hope to pursue further education in teaching and incorporate my love of bilingual education.
In my free time, I enjoy decorating my apartment, going to as many farmers markets as possible, finding the best matcha in Seattle, and playing with my cat.
Substitute Teacher