FACULTY & STAFF

Saima Purnima, Early Childhood Lead Teacher

Saima’s path into early childhood education is guided by a commitment to inner growth, mindful awareness, and a deep respect for the unfolding nature of childhood. She brings warmth, sincerity, and consciousness into every aspect of her work with young children.

With over four years of experience as a nurturing nanny, Saima has supported families with rhythm, consistency, and heartfelt care. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Consciousness and Human Potential at Maharishi International University, along with an international Waldorf Early Childhood Teaching Certification through the Great Lakes Waldorf Institute.

A lifelong seeker, Saima believes that education begins within. The fullness we offer to children grows from the fullness we cultivate in ourselves. She holds the understanding that inner growth brings outer radiance, and that every child deserves to be met with warmth, wonder, and a listening heart.

At Singing Cedars, Saima feels honored to walk alongside children, families, and fellow educators in a shared journey of becoming.

Angelina Murray, Early Childhood Assistant Teacher

Photo and bio coming soon...

Prithvi Shenoy, Grade 1 Teacher

Born and raised in New York, Priv ventured to Minnesota to attend college and has called the Midwest home ever since. Along the way, she met her husband, Nate, and together they have built a beautiful life with their three children, ages 20, 10, and 7. During her years of experience in a range of public school classrooms, Priv especially enjoyed working within a multi-age Montessori learning environment. She went on to study Applied Behavior Analysis in graduate school and served as a behavior therapist in children’s mental health. In 2020, their family embarked on a new phase of their journey and began homeschooling, weaving together diverse philosophies, including Charlotte Mason, Classical and even a touch of “unintentional Waldorf.” In late 2023, they embraced a new chapter, moving to Fairfield, Iowa with their younger two.

Priv felt a strong connection to the warmth of Singing Cedars upon arrival to Fairfield, recognizing in this community the very values she and Nate have long nurtured in their home. She brings her whole heart to her classroom and feels blessed to learn and grow alongside Singing Cedars families. 

Julianna Vajda, Grade 2/3 Teacher 

Coming Soon

Erin Adams, Grade 5/6 Teacher

Erin grew up in the town of Fairfield where her love for nature and art, including camping, hiking, swimming, watercolor, drawing, and crafting were strongly supported. After graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in elementary school education, she became a public school educator teaching art. Throughout the next 10 years Erin taught other areas of elementary education, including 4th and 5th grade and supporting fellow teachers with curriculum and instruction.

As her own child grew closer to school age, Erin began exploring more holistic approaches to education. In her own words, she shares, “My family loves and values imagination, nature, and the arts and I wanted to be able to incorporate this into my daughter’s schooling and my own teaching. When I found Singing Cedars I knew that this was exactly the community I had been searching for.”

Patricia Cornelius, School Director & Early Childhood Director

Patricia Cornelius has dedicated the last 25 years to the support and care of children as an Early Childhood teacher and Pedagogical Chair both here at Singing Cedars and previously at the Waldorf School of Philadelphia (WSP). She holds a bachelors degree in Organizational Management which she utilized, along with her teaching experience, to serve for four years on the administrative team while at WSP.  Prior to her years in Waldorf education she ran a successful business as a Yoga and Meditation teacher.  When not working Patricia enjoys time with her family, gardening, cooking, traveling, and being in nature.

...