Morgen is a community leader and local business owner. He first attended the George School in Philadelphia and then received a Bachelors in Environmental Science and Music from Antioch College. After college he lived and worked in various sustainable and ecological communities until he settled in southern California. There he continued his dual discipline in building sustainable residential structures while working in several prominent LA music studios. 

Moving to Columbia in 2008, Morgen bought 7 acres outside of town and built his current house - with an orchard, workshop, studio and many more bedrooms to come as his family and business grew. His wife Sarah is active in the non-profit community as a consultant, grant writer and educator. His children are precious angels that can do no wrong - just kidding, but they're amazing people. They both attend and thrive at the City Garden School. 

His enthusiasm and commitment to whole person education and development found its home at City Garden. And thus Morgen is incredibly grateful for this program and surrounding community it encompasses. He believes early education is our best way to improve the future and that children at City Garden will be some of our best, kindest and brightest future leaders. Morgen hopes you will join him in supporting this great school and a better future.

My name is Brandon Vair and since August of 2024, I have gladly served as the treasurer on the City Garden Board of Directors.

Utilizing my experience in small business accounting and practices related to the stewardship of a privately funded organization, I have enjoyed the work that we have done on the board to build upon the tradition of excellence established by those who have served the board previously.

My wife Whitney and I have two children attending City Garden, both in lower school. We have been blown away with their development and maturation as a result of their time enrolled. I believe this is the result of the community based environment, the adherence to Waldorf principles and the wonderful teaching staff and administration that make City Garden uniquely positioned to meet the needs of the whole child on their learning journey.

In my free moments, I enjoy reading and adventuring in the woods and creeks across Missouri.

I am an avid hiker and also enjoy fishing, foraging and adventuring around our Cooper County farm. In addition to the children we have stewardship over two dogs, a cat and 7 ducks. 

Hi.  I am Dan Bugnitz.  I am the father of two boys. Both go to City Garden.  Birde, my older son is in 5th grade this year and Juni is a kindergartener joining in January.  Molly Campbell, my partner, is the owner/director of Willow Tree Playschool and introduced me to the Waldorf community here in Columbia many years ago.  I believe deeply in this approach to educating children.  It seems to me a way to address many of today's challenges.

Here’s a thing google found about me:

Dan studied philosophy at the University of Missouri, and has since traveled the world continuing his study of life's big questions, ethical challenges, and spiritual depths. Dan has focused on wilderness therapy, mindfulness, permaculture and healthy food production, woodworking, and literature.

He spent time directing a wind-power energy company, owning and managing a youth hostel in Oregon, and building a timber-framed community center in Alaska. Since settling in Columbia, he has worked at Cafe Berlin, founded his own tempeh-making business, organized live storytelling events, hosted a weekly radio show etc etc

Hello! My name is Alyssa Rodgers and I am mom to Finn, 3, and Chloe, who is a first grader at City Garden! I am originally from the Chicagoland area and moved to Columbia to attend Mizzou and stayed after meeting my husband, who works for the University hospital system. I discovered (and fell in love) with Waldorf through Wildflower/Willowtree schools and was over the moon when I discovered CGS through them! When Chloe joined the school in August of 2023, I wanted to get involved and show my support and after joining Rooted: City Garden PTA, I was nominated to become the parent representative on the Board. This is my second year in this position and I have enjoyed being a part of both the PTA and the board, and love helping plan fun events and activities for the school! 

The rest of my time is spent either at work- I am an IBCLC for the Columbia/Boone County WIC program and am president of the Central Missouri Breastfeeding Coalition; at home- reading, sitting on the porch or patio watching the kids and our dog Max play, baking in the kitchen, while listening to true crime podcasts; or getting out and about in Columbia- taking advantage of the amazing activities and nature areas in town, as well as the many festivals that take place throughout the year. I look forward to continuing to help with events, being a part of the school as a parent, a PTA member, and a Board member, and to watch the community continue to grow and thrive! 

Sarah Linsenmeyer is the owner and director of Wildflower Day Nursery- a Waldorf-inspired nursery school for ages 12-36 mos in Columbia. Sarah has two daughters, Pearl and Willa, ages 20 and 24,  who attended City Garden in its earliest stages of becoming what it is today! Sarah believes strongly in the therapeutic value of Waldorf Pedagogy and is invested in supporting City Garden School as it deepens its roots in our community. Sarah joined the board in September, 2024 and is excited to work with the thriving group of committed people on the Board today.

Abram grew up in southern Missouri playing in the woods as a child.  He has fond memories of outdoor play and still cherishes his time and hobbies that connect him with the beauty and life lessons that nature brings.  Abram’s passion for the outdoors and belief that children need more enriching school experiences are what brought him and his wife to Waldorf education.  

Abram owns a solo private mental health counseling practice and understands the importance of a healthy balanced life and how the pedagogy of Waldorf education helps support children in finding that balance.  He is a father of two living in Columbia, MO.  His first child attended City Garden School (CGS) up until the 4th grade and his youngest child still attends.

Previously being on the Board of CGS back in 2017, Abram feels those experiences will assist him in supporting CGS achieve its mission—to grow minds and bloom dreams through enriching educational experiences that focus on their mind, body, and soul.     

Steven Faber brings to the Board his experiences as a father of two sons, a career in the practice of law, a trustee of an independent school, a construction manager, a president of a country club, a political activist, chair of a local chapter of NORML, a cancer survivor and a pilot. Steve has been known to tackle many DIY projects with mixed success.

Emily has been teaching at City Garden School for five years. She first served as the aftercare and student support teacher, then second-grade teacher, and is now thrilled to have found her true home in third grade! Born and raised in mid-Missouri, Emily discovered Waldorf education and City Garden several years ago while searching for a teaching pedagogy that matched her love for the outdoors and natural rhythms of life, a community-based model, and a holistic and nurturing curriculum. She frequently wishes she could have been a City Garden student herself and truly loves her job more than words can express! Emily is delighted to now represent the College of Teachers as the Board Representative for the 24/25 school year. She also serves on the Friends of Takimina Board of Directors. In her spare time, you can find Emily spending time with her family, crafting, reading, and hiking and foraging in the woods.