Winding Willow School

I toured Winding Willow in hopes of having my son attend. Unfortunately, we were not able to, but we really enjoyed the at-​home environment. Aureole is very gentle with the children and definitely brings out the wonderful qualities of Waldorf. When we visited we ground corn to make masa and had a little harvest feast. The children enjoyed being apart of the cooking, and she welcomed them to help grind the corn throughout the day. Aureole is very flexible. I am a student, so my schedule changes every quarter. Aureole was willing to allow my son to attend different days of the week that fit my schedule at school. She also offers trade work for reduced tuition.

Aureole Lopez-​Shulman, the founder of Winding Willow, is a wonderful caregiver, and I would be thrilled to still have my children with her. Right before she opened Winding Willow, she cared for both of my boys (then aged 5 and 10) in their school’s extended day program. She was marvelous with both of them and was able to create an environment in which both boys and girls felt at home. This was very important to me because, in my experience, some care providers have difficulty connecting with boys. I felt like my children were really seen and heard by her. My shy kindergartener felt at ease with her in no time, and she was able to warmly and productively guide my active, gregarious ten-​year old.
Both of my children attended a week-​long day camp at her house last year. I think my five-​year would have been happy to just move in and stay! During that week, I felt secure that my children were in the best hands they could be in, while I was at work.
Aureole is easy to communicate with, and I cannot stress what a warm and healthy group environment she is able to create in which each child can be who he is, feel just right, and get on with his work and play.

Watching Aureole is like watching a work of art unfold. She is so gentle, strong and connected with the kids.

I can not comment on Winding Willow School, as my children did not have the opportunity to attend (they aged out), but I can say without reservation that the owner, Aureole, is absolutely superb! She was the Douala at both of my children’s birth, and has provided wonderful childcare to my children during their infant and toddler years. She is passionate about children, and a nurturing soul. She is positive, energetic, and it always made me feel good when I dropped off my children and when I picked them up knowing what excellent care they received.