our teachers


I G G Y   K E U C H E N I U S
began her life-long investigations into Waldorf pedagogy in the Netherlands, where she first studied the ideas of Rudolf Steiner in college. She subsequently worked in a Steiner home for children who were unable to live at home. After Iggy moved to New York City in 1986, she created a playgroup inspired by Waldorf teaching methods in her home, and went on to send all of her three sons to the Rudolf Steiner School. While her children were young she continued to work in diverse early childhood educational settings, both in New York City and in Miami—including work as a substitute Early Childhood Teacher's Assistant at the Rudolf Steiner School.

In 2007 she enrolled at Sunbridge College, studying for a master's degree in Waldorf-Remedial Education (called the 'Extra Lesson'). While studying at Sunbridge she began working at the Brooklyn Waldorf School, first as a Early Childhood Assistant, later as the Educational Support Teacher, and also helped develop their Educational Support Program. Additionally, in 2012 she was licensed in INPP, a reflex integration program which supports the healthy development of children.

Iggy is happy for the opportunity to continue with the Wooden Button as our lead teacher. She is excited to work with very young children and looks forward to playing and moving with them in the coming year.




E M I L Y  C H A M B E R L I N
originally from northern Virginia, is an NYC-based educator, choreographer, professional dancer, and entrepreneur. From a young age, the Rudolf Steiner philosophy had an influence on Emily’s development. She attended a Waldorf pre-K and kindergarten at The Acorn Hill and 1st grade at The Washington Waldorf School in Maryland. Emily attributes much of her creativity, self confidence, homemaking skills, appreciation for nature, deep empathy, ability to make connections with others and to connect with her inner child to her early Waldorf education. 

After receiving her BFA at The University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Emily was selected as a William R. Kenan, Jr. Fellow at Lincoln Center Education where she gained valuable tools to become a Teaching Artist and grow as a professional performer. As an NYC Teaching Artist she has taught dance in afterschool programs on the Lower East Side and Brooklyn. Last year she taught yoga, music, dance and rhythm as part of the universal pre-K system in the Bronx. Emily teaches karate to students age 2 to 75 at Harmony by Karate on the Upper West Side. Last year, with her boyfriend, she created and launched her own baby-and-me exercise and bonding program called Heart to Harmony.

Emily admires the beautiful, safe, homelike learning environment Ms. Iggy creates at The Wooden Button that meets the children where they are and allows them to develop and grow into their wonderful unique selves. Emily feels that a Waldorf education is a gift for a child's early development, as it was for hers, and she is so excited to give back to The Wooden Button families, children, and Ms. Iggy this year!

When Emily is not teaching she loves traveling, taking dance class, choreographing with her dance company—The Chamberlin Collective, attending young adult Catholic events, performing, and spending time with her boyfriend and friends.