Helpful Information

Jim McGrath has been a weekly specialist Michigan Natural Science instructor at Stepping Stones since 1992. He has a wildlife biology degree from MSU, but his lifelong interest and focus on the natural world date back to his earliest childhood memories. He and his wife, Carol, founded and operate NatureContinue Reading

Ms. Dianne is from Northwest Indiana but has lived in Michigan for the past 25 years. Her degrees are a Bachelor’s in Music Education from Valparaiso University and a Master’s from Penn State University. Ms. Dianne is an Orff-Schulwerk Certified and a World Music Drumming Level 1 certified instructor. She has taughtContinue Reading

I am originally from Philadelphia, PA, and I completed my Bachelor of Science in Art Education from Miami University in Ohio. I have taught elementary through middle school art in public and private schools in Indiana, Michigan, Hawaii, and Germany, and have been at Stepping Stones for over ten years.Continue Reading

I have been working at Stepping Stones since the fall of 2016. I started as a substitute teacher and ran the elementary after-school program. The following year, I became the Lower Elementary assistant, a position I held for two years. After finishing my Elementary 6-9  Montessori training at Waterford Montessori Academy, IContinue Reading

Ms. Amanda has been in Montessori education for eight years as a lead directress, intern, and assistant. She is a certified Montessori primary guide through the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies in Boulder, Colorado. Amanda is a member of the American Montessori Society and the Michigan Montessori Society. She has a Bachelor’s degree inContinue Reading

I am a proud Michigan native, born in Flint and raised in Flushing. After spending 15 years in the Lansing area, I am now based in Howell and am excited to join the Stepping Stones Montessori community as a Primary Lead. I hold an Early Childhood Credential from the AmericanContinue Reading

Alys serves as our administrative assistant, providing dedicated support to students, families, and staff. With experience in both administrative work and childcare, they bring organizational skills and compassion to their role. They are always happy to help wherever they can, ensuring the front office runs smoothly. They have a Bachelor’sContinue Reading

Tanya brings over 25 years of experience in Montessori education. Tanya combines her classroom experience with public school administration, serving in both Human Resources and Student Special Services.  She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Trent University (Ontario, Canada) and a postgraduate diploma in Montessori Teacher Education from Montessori Center InternationalContinue Reading

Administrative Team Tanya VanElls Head of School Alys Oates Administrative Assistant Leads Gabe Osborne Toddler Lead Amanda Priestley Spruce Primary Lead Becky Grinnell Birch Primary Lead Alex DiTrapani Lower Elementary Lead Grace Barrett Upper Elementary Lead Casa Assistants Hee Young Chung Toddler Assistant Marina Peña Spruce Primary Assistant Leah NguyenContinue Reading