Specialists
At the high school level, students may specialize in an area or explore a different art form each year. Electives offered include: drama, creative writing, art, music ensemble, and filmmaking. In addition, human development is built into the weekly schedule, and trips to the farm occur with science classes for special study.
Shelbie Kelly
Shelbie teaches human development at the high school as well as creative writing at the middle and high schools. Shelbie has a B.A. in English – Creative Writing from University of Central Florida, an M.A. in Creative Writing from Full Sail University, and teaching certification in high school English and drama. She has training in literary editing and, in her words,“wants to instill a fascination with language and storytelling” in her students. (Email)
Kevin Murawski
Kevin is Waverly’s environmental studies and outdoor education teacher. Kevin graduated from Otis Art Institute of Parsons School of Design with a degree in fine arts and worked professionally as an artist for over 20 years. While illustrating 14 books for young readers and working as a designer on many children’s programs, Kevin began to find his passion for connecting with kids. A lifelong learner and self-proclaimed naturalist, Kevin has always had a deep appreciation for our environment and understanding our connection to it. With countless excursions into the field with students and dozens of overnight school camping trips over the years, Kevin brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our program. After 13 years of teaching in the classroom, Kevin is thrilled to be working outside with students getting dirty, observing closely, looking deeply, reflecting, wondering, having fun, and continually growing. (Email)
Jim Reynolds
Jim teaches instrumental music from preschool through twelfth grade. Jim studied jazz guitar, vocal performance, and philosophy in college at Oberlin, Ohio. He also has a background in sound engineering, working in the Los Angeles studio scene for over 10 years. A working musician today, he has had experience touring in bands, working in sound studios, managing live concert sound events, and songwriting. His music has been licensed for film and television, most notably on the television show Sons of Anarchy. Currently, you can see Jim locally and on tour as The Jim Reynolds Band. During his time at Waverly, students have formed rock bands, woodwind quintets, string quartets, and several incarnations of a jazz band. Focused primarily on participation, Waverly students have a chance to explore all aspects of music and have many opportunities to get on stage and perform. (Email)
Alyssa Sherwood
Alyssa teaches art in the upper elementary, middle, and high schools. Alyssa has a B.F.A. in painting and sculpture from Syracuse University School of Visual and Performing Arts and an M.F.A. in animation from the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts. Alyssa’s animated films have screened and won awards at festivals in the U.S. and internationally. Prior to coming to Waverly, Alyssa taught video art, drawing and painting, and photography for almost eight years at Harvard-Westlake’s Middle and Upper Schools. (Email)
Sydney Walsh
Sydney teaches drama at all divisions. Syd graduated from Williams College with a B.A. in theatre and English. An experienced actor, director, and educator, Syd says, “I am constantly inspired by the group work ethic I see and feel in every class at Waverly. Students are interested in creativity and kindness, and they work from a place of loving support for each other’s creative processes.” Syd’s son, Harry ‘19, graduated from Waverly. (Email)