Alicia serves as both Head of School and Head Preschool Teacher, bringing a rare depth of perspective shaped by a lifelong relationship with the school. She attended the school herself from ages five through twelve, later returned as a parent when both of her daughters were students, and has now spent more than fifteen years teaching within the community. This multi-generational connection gives her a deep understanding of the school’s values, rhythms, and long-term vision.

Alicia’s approach to education is grounded in the belief that children learn best in environments that are safe, relationship-centered, and developmentally informed. She is committed to creating school conditions that support emotional regulation, curiosity, play, and a strong sense of belonging, understanding these as the foundation for meaningful academic and personal growth.

As Head Preschool Teacher, Alicia remains closely connected to early childhood development and the importance of honoring each child’s individual pace. As Head of School, she brings this same lens to supporting teachers, shaping curriculum, and stewarding a thoughtful, collaborative school culture. She believes schools are living systems, and that when adults are well-supported and aligned in purpose, children thrive.

Alicia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance, and her background in music informs her sensitivity to rhythm, listening, creativity, and expression in the classroom. She is deeply passionate about continuing education for both herself and the faculty, and is continually reading, listening, and learning from leaders in early childhood education to ensure the school’s practices remain reflective, current, and grounded in research and experience.

Outside of school, Alicia enjoys riding horses, cooking gourmet food, reading, and spending time with her family.

School Board President

Kristine McNamara brings over a decade of dedicated teaching experience to the classroom, having taught primary grades at Two Rivers Farm School from 2010 to 2020. During her tenure, she enriched the curriculum by sharing her passions for ceramics, art, and botany, inspiring students to explore their creativity and connection to the natural world.

Kristine holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Hartwick College and is also a skilled, self-taught potter and illustrator. This unique combination of scientific knowledge and artistic talent allows her to bring a creative, interdisciplinary perspective to her teaching.

Her philosophy centers on fostering wonder, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for nature. She embraces a holistic approach to education—integrating storytelling, physical movement, art, and thoughtful class discussions—to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.

School Board Secretary

Abigail is a second generation Farm School alumni and starting fall of 2025 a TRFS preschool teachers assistant. Many of her family members are teachers including her mother and grandmother who both taught at TRFS for many years helping to cultivate the unique education and environment that can only be found in a school such as this. She has always been drawn to work involving interaction with children. Spending the last three years as a full time nanny has solidified how she thrives helping to guide young minds.

Abigail has a gentle and encouraging presence with children, letting them come as they are, and helping them navigate the world in their own way. Two Rivers is where many of her core values and interests began. Now, returning as a teacher she hopes to share these parts of herself with students and provide them with the same stability she found during her time at the school. She is an artist, often using creativity to connect with children through crafts of all sorts, encouraging them to find confidence in creating.

Outside of work she spends her time gardening, painting in her art room, cooking or preserving food, going on morning runs in the orchard, making pies for family dinners, reading or enjoying an audiobook, and off on adventures building a grounding life with her fiancé and their dog.

Karl Schaefer was born and raised in Willmette, a suburb of Chicago. After graduating from Loyola Academy, he attended the University of Colorado, followed by the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. After working at Le Perroquet Restaurant in Chicago, he and his wife moved to Portland, and in 1980 Karl opened the nationally acclaimed restaurant Le Cuisinier as the chef/owner. During this time, his oldest son was enrolled in the Portland Waldorf School, where Karl served as a board member for 3 yrs. While there, he began a study of early education out of a desire to serve his children and the children within his community.

Karl and his young family moved south of Portland to raise their children and discovered Two Rivers Farm School in 1988. The founder, Annie Lou Staveley, and Karl shared a similar philosophy of educating children, and he was influenced by her extensive experience and understanding of children. Before starting TRFS, Mrs. Staveley had spent many years as a preschool teacher in London, then returned to Portland, where she taught at Catlin Gabel School. In 2003 Karl accepted the role of Head Master at TRFS. Mrs. Staveley’s influence is alive today in Karl’s approach to primary school education.

Karl has a strong affinity for working with young children and remains in contact with many TRFS alumni.

When he is not at the school he is most often found in a kitchen, in his garden, reading, or spending time with his children and grandchildren.

School Board Member-at-Large

Madeline Stewart brings a unique blend of academic expertise, a deep connection to the arts, and personal experience with Two Rivers Farm School, to her role as Head of Administration. An alumna of the school and a parent of a current student, she is passionate about creating a nurturing environment where children can explore, learn, and grow.

She holds a Master’s degree in Music and a second Master’s degree in Science with specialization in Kinesiology and Performance Psychology. Madeline also co-founded Corpsonore, a health and wellness platform specifically for musicians, promoting physical and mental well-being for performing artists.

At Two Rivers Farm School, Madeline supports parents, ensuring they feel informed and confident throughout their children’s journey, while maintaining clear and timely communication across the school community.

When she’s not working for the school or Corpsonore, Madeline enjoys swimming, working out, cooking/eating, gardening, reading, and spending time exploring with her family and friends.

School Board Chief Administrator

Trevor Stewart serves as Head of Billing at Two Rivers Farm School, where he ensures smooth financial operations and provides guidance and support to families as they navigate their children’s educational journey. As a parent of a current student, Trevor brings a personal perspective and deep commitment to the school community.

He is also the founder and operator of ADU Design & Build, a Portland-based firm specializing in custom accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Trevor focuses on creating functional, well-designed living spaces that meet the unique needs of each client while enhancing the surrounding environment.

Outside of his professional work, Trevor enjoys spending quality time with his family, roughhousing with his boys, exploring the natural beauty of Oregon, reading, playing guitar and music, and taking on home improvement projects. His diverse interests and hands-on approach reflect his dedication to both family and community.

School Board Treasurer