Leann Tourzan

Leann Tourzan was born in Portland, Oregon. She spent much of her childhood camping throughout the Pacific Northwest with her family. After high school she moved to Ashland, Oregon where she fell in love with the natural diversity and connected with the communities she encountered throughout the region. She attended S.O.U. and received a BA in International Studies. After graduation Leann spent several years travelling the world and doing service work overseas.

Leann returned to S.O.U. in 1999 and earned her Masters in Early Childhood Education. She worked at an alternative program sponsored by the Ashland School District for many years where she met several inspiring Waldorf teachers. This experience deepened her understanding of child development and ignited her passion to become a Waldorf teacher. After having two children of her own and running a Waldorf-inspired home-based program called Fairy Ring Forest School in Ashland, Leann joined the faculty of Madrone Trail. During her time as the kindergarten teacher, she finished her Masters in Waldorf Early Childhood Education and cherished working in the public sector, bringing a more balanced approach and preserving the importance of imaginative play as the foundation for later academic success.

After six years of teaching, Leann decided to pursue other adventures, but wanted to stay connected to Madrone Trail. After serving on the board for three years as a Faculty Representative, she is now an elected member of the board.

Leann enjoys hiking, gardening, crafting, and most of all being a mom!