Meet Alexandra Cannady | Mojave Springs School Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexandra Cannady and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandra, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision for me was when to return to work. I have children, two of whom are pretty young. My daughter recently turned two, and I’ve been back in the workplace for almost a year now. It was extremely difficult to leave her at home during the day in the beginning. I’m very fortunate to be the director for the school my two youngest attend. It makes me feel like I’m doing what’s best for them in every possible way.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Here at Mojave Springs School, we’re pushing to keep a vision alive. Waldorf education is truly unique in the world of academic and early childhood programs, and I urge anyone who hasn’t heard of it to look at what it stands for. Children are the point of education, and we strive to make their journey meaningful. The women who founded this school were passionate enough about their goals that we still have the fire to continue manifesting. Las Vegas needs our contribution to its educational system. I’ve played myriad roles in the schools here–student, teacher, tutor, mother, parent council leader, and now school director–and know firsthand that children here need our thoughtful, compassionate teachers who see the children for who they truly are.

As for my road to this career, it was absolutely not easy to get where I am today. I joke that I’ve lived through an unreasonable amount of horrifying absurdity in my short time on the planet, which is true, but it’s been such a gift to me as a human. Life’s challenges have taught me that we’re all corporeal manifestations of consciousness just experimenting with is-ness, and there’s a deep peace in that for me. It has helped me surmount my challenges and makes me feel deeply connected to what I do for a living–what our school does daily for our children. If the world knew one thing about our school, I’d want it to be that our teachers honor every child’s individual personhood here, and I hope we can bring that gift to more children.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, not to hyper-fixate on the school, but I’m dying to show my friends our campus. I went to the local art academy, and many of my friends left the city for other art hubs around the world. When I can, I want to show them all what we’re doing here.

Aside from that, though, I do have some favorite spots around Vegas, even though I’m quite the homebody. I’d definitely want to spend the day at the rock beach at Nelson’s Landing (on the Colorado River). It’s free, fun, family-friendly, and makes for a great day. I also love taking my friends to the Open Mic night at Cork & Thorn on Fridays; there are some truly talented spoken word and musical artists who show up for it (plus, I get to read my own poetry, too). Then, the Pinball Hall of Fame is another great spot, though I haven’t seen it since they moved closer to the Strip. If we were still itching for something to do after a beach day and poetic night, I’d take my friend to check out their new location.

In all honesty, though, I do have a friend coming down for a week soon, and he and I will very likely sit on my couch talking late into the night about philosophy and literature. Maybe we’ll hit the town next visit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family deserves all the credit possible. My husband, children, mother, co-parent, and closest friends have all been integral in helping build the life I cherish so deeply. They’ve all been so patient and supportive while I’ve gone from stay-at-home-motherhood to substitute teaching to directing in less than a year. (Mind you, it was also unplanned.) I can’t explain in words how much gratitude and love I have for my family.

Website: www.mojavespringsschool.org

Instagram: @mojavespringslv

Facebook: waldorfschoollasvegas

Other: info@mojavespringsschool.org acannady@mojavespringsschool.org msstours.youcanbook.me

Image Credits
Marsel Phillips