Kate McCandless

Grade 4 Teacher

I had long admired City of Fountains School from afar before I moved to Kansas City from Chicago in 2020. I have over 25 years experience working with children ranging from age 2 to 12 in a number of settings including Montessori schools, progressive church settings, and as a nanny. My background is in the performing arts, creative writing, and various healing arts and spiritual practices/frameworks. I am deeply inspired by the nurturing and holistic approach in Waldorf education, and it continues to provide tools for my own healing and development.

I joined City of Fountains as a Lead Grades Teacher in 2023 starting in Grade One, and I receive an annual training through Millennial Child with Eugene Schwartz. I have been so inspired by this approach to supporting children, especially in our speedy, tech filled world. This school feels like a haven for our times. I appreciate the reverence of childhood, soulful integration of the arts, storytelling, whole body and hands on learning, the festivals, and the reverence of the natural world. My own child began attending in 2024 and it has had such a profound impact on his well being, happiness, and learning, especially through the music education he's received. In addition to teaching, I enjoy creating inspired, soulful writing for my class, the school, and for my own creative projects.

When I’m not teaching, I enjoy cozy time at home with my family and/or friends, reading, writing, singing and making music, building bonfires, and spending as much time in nature as I can. I also love to travel and explore new places regularly. I enjoy exploring the city’s many cultural experiences and offerings, and can be found performing as a singer/musician in the Kansas City area.