Lori Daniels - Lead Teacher/Director

Lori has a lifelong love of children. For over thirty years she has worked diligently to support young children and their parents, the past fifteen of those as a Waldorf early childhood educator. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education Administration, as well as a Waldorf Early Childhood teaching certificate. Lori has studied and deeply understands the importance of movement and age-appropriate activities to guide children in their home and school environments.

Lori is thrilled to see Raphael's Garden come to life! This vision has been living for over a decade, and with the support, love and encouragement of many, it is now time to bring this education to as many children and families as possible.

Advisory Board

Amy Rogge

Amy is thrilled and excited to be supporting children and staff at Raphael's Garden. Amy earned a clinical doctorate degree in occupational therapy from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. She is currently special faculty for the Creighton University/Regis University OTD pathway pediatric course. She has training in aquatic therapy, sensory integration, hand therapy and splinting, feeding therapy, and hippotherapy (therapy using horses to build motor and sensory skills). Amy is trained in the evaluation of feeding issues using the Beckman Oral Motor Protocol and has training in pediatric vestibular rehabilitation. Learn more about Dr. Rogge and her practice at treehouseot.com

Adam Blanning

Adam Blanning MD has practiced integrative and anthroposophic family medicine for the last seventeen years in Denver, Colorado. He is president of the Anthroposophic Health Association, and directs the postgraduate physician training programs for Anthroposophic Medicine in the U.S. Dr. Blanning has worked as a developmental consultant with multiple Waldorf schools and is a founding member and core faculty for the Nurturing the Roots course which focuses on therapeutic work in early childhood. Dr. Blanning lectures and teaches both nationally and internationally on topics relating to integrative medicine, with a special interest in holistic approaches for developmental and behavioral challenges in children. He is the author of “Understanding Deeper Developmental Needs.” Learn more about Dr. Blanning and his practice at denvertherapies.com

Carla Abate

Carla is delighted to support the inspiring work of Raphael's Garden as a Master Nutrition Therapist. After graduating from The Nutrition Therapy Institute in Denver, she earned her Board Certification in Holistic Nutrition with NANP (National Association for Nutrition Practitioners). With a focus on pre-birth through the early childhood years, her extensive knowledge will help guide the daily and weekly menu planning for the preschool/kindergarten. Carla is also a certified postpartum doula, holds a BA in Contemplative Psychology from Naropa University, a Master's degree in School Counseling, and has been involved with Waldorf education for more than eight years. Learn more about Carla and her nutrition therapy practice at rebelrootsnutrition.com