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Annabelle Boak and Violet Dempsey, Student Journalists, met with Sarah Gillis for this interview on November 14, 2022, at the CU Aerospace Engineering Building. Sarah and her crew are set to launch and orbit the earth for five days sometime in spring 2023. Learn more about the mission here: POLARIS DAWN.

INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT:

Annabelle Boak, 8th grade student at Shining Mountain Waldorf School (SMWS),  0:03  

I’m so honored to be here. And just before the interview, I was thinking that the phrase “the sky’s the limit” doesn’t really apply anymore to you. And I’m just so honored to be talking to you. 

Sarah Gillis, SMWS Class of 2012, Current Lead Engineer and Astronaut for SpaceX,  0:17  

It’s absolutely wonderful to be here. I’m so glad that you were able to come out.

Annabelle  0:21  

First, how are you feeling about this mission?

Sarah Gillis  0:25  

Super excited, frankly. We definitely have a ways to go; we still are going through training and we have a lot of work ahead of us. But it’s been just really an incredible experience to work with this crew and work with the team on this whole journey.

Annabelle  0:43  

How do you think your experience as a Shining Mountain Waldorf School student led you to your path?

Sarah Gillis  0:59  

I feel like one of the really important things that you get out of a Waldorf education is curiosity—curiosity to go and learn and explore what’s out there in the world. I fell into engineering and a path that I don’t think I would have anticipated, but having an arts background where you’re bringing creativity and imagination into problem solving, there’s a really incredible synergy between those. So I think between the ability to learn, and the curiosity to [use] imagination to solve problems, somehow, this is where it brought me.

Annabelle  1:44  

If we were to talk to 10 year old Sarah, what would you said she wanted to do when she grew up? 

Sarah Gillis  1:53  

I think at 10 years old, I wanted to join the circus. I think that was right around the age when we were doing a lot of aerial and juggling and all sorts of circus arts activities. And I think at that age, that is probably what I would have said.

Annabelle  2:11  

Sounds familiar! What’s the most impactful advice you’ve ever received, whether it was when you were 10 year old Sarah wanting to join the circus, or recently?

Sarah Gillis  2:30  

I think there’s lots of incredible advice, the one that comes to mind just because it happened this last weekend was, ‘if you ever want to change yourself or learn more about yourself, change your environment.’ And so just like taking yourself out of a situation and putting yourself in a totally new situation affords this amazing opportunity to discover new and different sides of yourself and find different interests and different passions that you might never knew you had otherwise. So just changing your environment and that that’s a very good and healthy thing to do.

Annabelle  3:06  

And speaking of different facets of a person, I’ve heard you might have played violin at some point. So was that a career you were hoping to pursue?

Sarah Gillis  3:18  

You know, I grew up entirely surrounded by music. My mother was a violin teacher and she started all of us when I was about this big and could barely hold a crackerjack box shaped violin. But it’s been a part of who I was the entire time. I can’t say that I ever really thought I would pursue a career in music. I think my mom would have loved it if I had, but I think more importantly, it has just become really ingrained in who I am and allowed me to see the world in a specific way. I think this is a really good example of, even if you are in the arts, it doesn’t mean you’re limited to the arts; you can do science, you can be both, and you’re actually more whole as a person if you can see both sides of that and experience both of them.

Annabelle  4:12  

What was your favorite subject at school?

Sarah Gillis  4:18  

I think it changed over the years. For many years, it was probably handwork and getting to create stuff handwork, woodwork, even like blacksmithing; classes where you get to create stuff with your hands. And then probably in high school was more on the math side, which is probably what led me into engineering ultimately. But I think they’re related in lots of ways.

Annabelle  4:41  

Well, since your lovely colleagues are there, do you have a special bond with them, knowing that you’re going to share some incredible experiences with them?

Sarah Gillis  4:52  

I love my crew. I think they’re fantastic. I don’t think I could have picked a better crew if I had a real say in the matter. But I couldn’t have picked better so we’re going through all sorts of crazy shenanigans together and I think this is going to be a life changing experience, but I’m really appreciative that I get to go through it with them.

Annabelle  5:17  

What were your majors in college?

Sarah Gillis  5:23  

We’re here at CU today, and I came to CU to study aerospace engineering. I started actually undefined within general engineering and then eventually chose to go into aerospace. At CU though, I also did a minor in dance and I don’t think I finished it. I’m pretty sure I got through all the hands-on classes and then I stopped taking all the academic and just lecture based classes. So I don’t think I fully finished it, but it was a great balance to engineering overall to just have something super creative and then something super intellectual.

Annabelle  5:58  

It’s so inspiring to hear all these things because I’m interested in writing. I’m also interested in math and engineering and being a Waldorf child, also art.

Sarah Gillis  6:11  

Yeah, and you can do all those things.

Annabelle  6:16  

How does your family feel about you going into space?

Sarah Gillis  6:20  

I think overwhelmingly mostly just incredibly excited. It’s certainly not a question or a statement you expect to hear I’d say, but they’re really supportive, and I just think that this whole process is going to change all of us.

Annabelle  6:41  

In that same vein, who is your biggest role model or your hero?

Sarah Gillis  6:49  

I probably would have to say my grandmothers. I think both of them were women well before their time and just incredibly strong people that have helped me see how to be in this world and how to face anything that comes at you. So that’s probably my grandmothers.

Annabelle  7:10  

All of my peers and teachers at Shining Mountain Waldorf School are so proud to hear that one of us is going to space, so do you have any message for them?

Sarah Gillis  7:20  

I think specifically for the teachers is just a thank you for investing in each student that comes through. I would not be who I am without the teachers that I had along the way and allowing them to, frankly, help me grow and become the person that I am; and I know at Shining Mountain and at many schools, teachers are very, very influential in how a person grows and their perspectives on the world. And I could not have asked for a more supportive and just more wonderful group of individuals who helped raise me. So thank you. 

Annabelle  8:08  

Thank you. This was amazing. Finally, your spacecraft is named “Dragon.” What is the significance of the dragon to you?

Sarah Gillis  8:23   [not shown in video]

It’s funny, I used to think it stood for something like ‘adversity that you needed to overcome.’ Now, I think it is also this amazing source of strength. And maybe that’s because I get to fly in the Dragon spacecraft and it’s this amazing creation. But yeah, [the significance of the dragon for me] has changed over time.

Interview with Sarah Gillis, November 14, 2022, CU Aerospace Engineering Building, between Annabelle Boak, current 8th grade student at Shining Mountain Waldorf School (SMWS), and Sarah Gillis, SMWS Class of 2012, Current Lead Engineer and Astronaut for SpaceX. Video production by Violet Dempsey, current SMWS High School student and independent filmmaker, and Jack Dempsey.

[Transcription of interview by Joshua Berman 11/30/22] 

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NEWS CATEGORIES

Donna El-Hehiawy

HR Director

Donna resides in Boulder, Colorado, where she shares her home with her dog and cat and her visiting daughters, who are currently attending college. Originally from Encino, California, Donna moved to Colorado to pursue her education and graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources. What began as a college journey quickly became a lifelong connection to the community she now calls home.

After graduation, Donna built a successful career in Human Resources, gaining more than 15 years of professional experience while also dedicating many years to active involvement in her daughters’ schools. Throughout her career, she has been known for her collaborative spirit,
strong organizational skills, and genuine commitment to supporting people and communities.

Donna brings enthusiasm, warmth, and a deep sense of purpose to her role at the Shining Mountain Waldorf School, where she is excited to support the school community.

Outside of work, she is an avid bicyclist and enjoys kayaking, exploring the outdoors, and capturing meaningful moments through photography.

Job Details

  • Job Title: Facilities & Grounds Assistant

  • Program: Administration

  • Reports to: Facilities & Grounds Director

  • FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

  • Date: January 2026

Position Summary

Shining Mountain Waldorf School (“SMWS”) is a PreK-12th grade campus consisting of 8 acres and 15 buildings located at the foothills of North Boulder, Colorado. In conjunction with the Facilities Director, the Facilities and Grounds Assistant provides year-round maintenance, seasonal upkeep, and improvement of school buildings and grounds to support our nature and outdoor school curriculum. Maintenance, safety, and improvement projects are essential to welcome visitors and the SMWS community to the natural beauty of the SMWS campus.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Required skills to address issues relating to campus maintenance: plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting, HVAC, care of the grounds, etc.

  • Daily tour of campus and playground for hazards, trash, safety, and wildlife concerns

  • Daily response to requests for repairs and campus assistance

  • Daily late afternoon safety checks for campus and building safety

  • Weekly service and safety inspection of school buses (fuel, oil, tires, etc.)

  • Weekly cleaning and organizing of facilities and grounds workshop

  • Weekly safety inspections of playground equipment

  • Preparation for school events and meetings, including setup and breakdown of tables and chairs

  • Seasonal work, inspecting and maintaining classrooms, air conditioners, swamp coolers, furnaces, water heaters, thermostats, etc.

  • Supplement early morning seasonal and evening snow removal and ice management throughout campus in preparation for the student and parent arrival and departure of the school day

  • Delivery and moving of items throughout campus classrooms and buildings

Additional Responsibilities

  • Outdoor work, walking, repairing, and attention to our 8-acre campus

  • School events set up and break down – festivals, concerts, and plays   

  • Driving ability to include driving school truck with trailer   

  • Working knowledge of automotive care and maintenance   

  • Working with faculty and assisting in moving and preparing classrooms   

Education and Qualifications

  • Familiarity with landscaping and irrigation, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting, HVAC, and general maintenance items

  • Friendly and approachable temperament working with faculty, staff, students, and community

  • Previous construction, trade, and technical skills

  • Self-starter in recognizing and completing necessary campus needs and maintenance

  • Skill and ability to operate power tools in accordance with proper safety guidelines

  • Basic computer skills

  • Driver’s license required with excellent driving record

  • Available to work a flexible schedule at times when work is needed outside of normal working hours – early mornings and weekends (early/late snow removal, event set up and break down, facilities emergencies, etc.)

Work Setting

  • Status: Full time – 40 hour a week non-exempt position

  • Type: This is an hourly, year-round position

  • Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (may require some early morning and evening hours)

  • Environment: Work setting varies based on assignment – indoor and outdoor work on campus and buildings

Salary and Benefits

  • Pay: Hourly wage of $25.00 per hour – overtime paid (time and ½) when over 40 hours are worked per week

  • Time Off: Personal Time Off (monthly accruals of 2 weeks and 3 weeks after 1+ years)

  • Sick Leave: Colorado Paid Sick Leave (1 hour earned each 30 hours worked up to 48 hours each calendar year)

  • Holidays: Up to 15 Paid National Holidays per calendar year, including a paid week during the December holidays

  • Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, 401(k) with match (determined annually), flexible spending account, and other ancillary benefits

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the Essential Duties and Responsibilities of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to perform:

  • General construction work-related requirements, including but not limited to: lifting, bending, standing, kneeling, carrying items, working on a ladder, etc.

  • Ability to lift at least 60 pounds

  • Work in tight spaces – work may be in small spaces within buildings, crawl spaces, and frame restrictions

  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 


Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and three references to hrmgr@smwaldorf.org

Shining Mountain Waldorf School is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, religion, gender, gender identity, disability, familial status, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by state or local law. We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, where employees are treated with respect and dignity. 


Job Details

  • Job Title: Substitute Teacher

  • Program: Grades 1 through Grade 12

  • Reports to: Campus Operations Director

  • FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

  • Date: October 2024

Position Summary

Shining Mountain Waldorf School, a PreK to High School, is seeking Substitute Teachers. In order to create an encouraging learning environment for students while their regular Teacher is absent, our Substitute Teachers will need to effectively manage and instruct the class. We are looking for individuals who have teaching experience, love the classroom environment, and are available (sometimes on very short notice) to work during the week. Knowledge of Waldorf education is a plus.

Essential Responsibilities

  • Teaching and supervision of students in the event that their regular teacher is unable to lead class.

  • Manage classroom behavior and follow lesson plans provided by the regular Teacher to create a cohesive and consistent learning experience for students.

  • Manage the classroom effectively to encourage student participation, minimize distractions and maintain a positive learning environment.

  • Adapt teaching methods to fit the needs of each individual student.

  • Supervise students in and out of the classroom, including in class transitions, and on the playground.

Work Setting

  • Classroom and playground environment

Salary and Hours

  • Pay: $25 per hour with a 2-hour daily minimum

  • Timesheets are required to be completed

  • Substitute Teaching hours vary and are contingent on SMWS Faculty absences from the classroom and class needs

  • Calls to Substitute Teach may be made on very short notice – evening and morning hours

  • Substitute hours are based on SMWS need for classroom coverage

Education and Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree

  • Teaching experience and classroom experience required

  • Comfortable with students and academic focus

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the Essential Duties and Responsibilities of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to perform:   

  • Sitting and standing for class presentations   

     

  • Lift 25 pounds, bending, stretching   

     

  • Mobility to move about the classroom, walking around our 12 -acre campus, and playground   

     

  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.  

 
Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and resume to hrmgr@smwaldorf.org.

Shining Mountain Waldorf School is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, religion, gender, gender identity, disability, familial status, sexual orientation or national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by state or local law. We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, where employees are treated with respect and dignity.



Kim Rector
Kim Rector

Admissions Director

Kim brings more than 12 years of dedicated experience in Advancement and Admissions within Waldorf Education. Kim’s journey with Waldorf Education began in 2013 at the Austin Waldorf School, where she discovered a deep passion for Waldorf pedagogy and Anthroposophy. After relocating to Colorado in 2014, Shining Mountain Waldorf School quickly became a second home for her family. That same year, Kim stepped into the role of Lower School Receptionist, marking the start of nearly a decade of service and leadership at SMWS.

With over 15 years of experience in non-profit fundraising and event management, Kim was a natural fit for the position of Development Director at Shining Mountain, a role she held from 2017 to 2020. She then transitioned into Admissions, serving as Admission Director from 2020 until her family’s return to Austin in 2023. Kim continued work in Waldorf Education by serving as Admission Director at the Austin Waldorf School for the following three years.

Kim studied Biochemistry at Texas State University and has completed her Foundation Studies in Anthroposophy.

Outside of her professional life, Kim and her husband, Julian, are parents to their three children, Sydney, Suri, and Julian. Together, they enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, skiing, and cooking as a family.