Valen Thiem, current Parent Council Representative to the TWEA Board of Trustees, started life in the woods of New York before moving to the Phoenix area, where she completed a public school education. Tired of the small town teenage politics, she spent her senior year of high school abroad in Germany, becoming fluent in German. Her bachelor’s degree was earned at Northern Arizona University, where she met her husband of 20 years, Alan. Waldorf attracted the Thiem family for its early introduction to foreign language, music, handwork, and cooperative style. Once they had their first child, Valen began attending Quail’s Nest with her in 2015. They now have two children at the school, and a dog and cat at home. Valen quickly became more involved at the school, continuing a long history of volunteer work. She began attending Parent Council and Craft Circle meetings that first year, then led Craft Circle from 2017-2018, and was the School Store Lead from 2019-2024. She joined the Board in 2022, and began serving as the Parent Council Treasurer in 2023. When not volunteering, she enjoys reading, handwork of all types, woodworking, and shopping at thrift stores. Prior to having children, Valen’s career was in retail management, with focuses on tourism and human resources. She joined the substitute list at TWS in May 2024 and has now begun Waldorf handwork teacher training.