Built with Waldorf schools, not adapted for them
Defero began with a simple idea: school software should reflect the people, rhythms, and educational values of the community using it.
Cymen Vig
Founder and software engineer
A lifelong connection to Waldorf education
Cymen Vig and Andrew Starzynski grew up together in Chicago, attended the Chicago Waldorf School through 12th grade, and were raised by Waldorf teachers. After studying computer science, Cymen became a software engineer while Andrew brought his technical background into the classroom as a Waldorf math teacher.
They founded Defero together in 2014 to give Waldorf schools a straightforward school information system shaped around their actual work—from enrollment and communication to narrative evaluations and reports.
In 2022, Andrew stepped away from Defero to pursue other opportunities. He and Cymen remain close friends, and Defero continues under Cymen's leadership.
Understand the school
Features start with real school workflows and the particular needs of Waldorf education.
Keep it straightforward
Powerful software is only useful when faculty and staff can understand it and get their work done.
Listen and improve
Defero grows through close relationships with the schools that depend on it.