Tanya VanElls: Head of School
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 International (Ontario, Canada). This summer, Tanya will complete the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) School Leadership Course, further strengthening her commitment to Montessori education and leadership.
A lifelong learner, Tanya continuously seeks opportunities for professional and personal growth. Her goal is to cultivate a learning environment that nurtures the whole child – academically, socially, and emotionally – while inspiring responsible, compassionate global citizenship.
Alys Oates: Administrative Assistant
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’s Degree from Central Michigan University, and two Master’s Degrees from Edge Hill University (Ormskirk, United Kingdom).
New to Montessori, Alys is eager to learn and grow within its unique and enriching approach to learning. They are proud to contribute to a positive, organized, and student-focused environment.
Meet the Toddler Team
Maria Chavez
Our Toddler Assistants:
Afra Meilianda
Hee Young Chung
Meet the Birch Casa Team
Becky Grinnell: Primary Lead
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 American Montessori Society and a
Bachelor of Marketing Management from Northwood University. With four years
of experience in an authentic Montessori school, including two years as a
Primary Lead Teacher, I bring a deep passion for guiding and inspiring young
learners. My background in human resources enriches my ability to build strong
teams and communities, but my focus and love remain centered on supporting
children’s growth.
As a dedicated educator, I am committed to nurturing dynamic and supportive
classroom environments. I strive to help every child reach their potential by:
– Crafting and implementing age-appropriate lesson plans
- Building vibrant, inclusive classroom communities
– Supporting young learners with individualized attention and positive
guidance
- Maintaining open, collaborative communication with families and
colleagues
Outside of my professional life, I cherish traveling and sharing adventures with
my husband and two children, Rylan (11) and Regan (9). Whether we are
exploring new places or enjoying simple moments together, I love creating lasting
memories through discovery, togetherness, and family experiences.
Our Birch Casa Assistants
Amanda Green
Na Li
Meet the Spruce Casa Team
Amanda Priestley: Primary Lead
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 in Environmental Studies and a Master’s degree in Plant and Soil Science: Entomology, as well as her Montessori teaching certificate. Amanda joined Stepping Stones in August 2021.
Our Spruce Casa Assistants
Gabe Osborne
Marina Peña
Meet the Elementary Team
Mandi Kaufmann: Upper Elementary Lead
I have been the Lead Guide in the Upper Elementary at Stepping Stones since the fall of 2013. I received my Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Goshen College in Goshen, IN. I taught 4th grade in North Carolina for 4 years and then traveled and taught in different capacities in Indiana, South Korea, and Virginia. I’m so happy I found Montessori and this school. I completed my Montessori training for Elementary 1 and 2 from the Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center in Illinois. My family includes my husband, Lane, 4 year 4-year-old daughter, Emri, and 1 year 1-year-old Avett. We enjoy spending time outdoors, including canoeing, camping, biking, hiking, and gardening. I love to read and crochet when I have the time.
Alex DiTrapani: Lower Elementary Lead
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, I accepted my current position as the Lower. Elementary lead guide. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a focus in language arts from Michigan State University. Before discovering Montessori, I was a Kindergarten teacher at Belding Public Schools.
I feel thankful to have found Montessori and such a great school to practice this teaching philosophy! I am excited and optimistic about the possibilities this school year holds!
I live in East Lansing with my sister Danni. We enjoy exercising together, spending time with mutual friends, and visiting our parents and their dog in our hometown of Spring Lake. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, baking/cooking, reading, and exploring new places.
Our Elementary Assistant
Grace Barrett
Meet the Enrichment Team
Wendy Sylvester-Rowan: Art Lead
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. I teach art to the elders in the primary program as well as to the children in the elementary classroom. My husband and I have two children (both of whom attended Stepping Stones!) and two rescue dogs. I enjoy the arts, traveling, and hiking.
Dianne Syal: Music Lead
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 taught in Kansas, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New Delhi, India. She taught at Stepping Stones when her 3 children attended the school from 1999 through 2008. She is currently working with all levels, from toddlers through Upper Elementary. She and her husband Matt are happy to be involved with Stepping Stone’s community again.
Jim McGrath: Nature Discovery Lead
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 dates back to his earliest childhood memories. He and his wife, Carol, founded and operate Nature Discovery, a Michigan-specific wildlife education business, out of their home in rural Williamston. Their private nature center features the state’s most comprehensive zoo of Michigan-native reptiles and amphibians. Nature Discovery offers wildlife education presentations and exhibits to all ages in a wide variety of venues throughout the state. Their services are also utilized regularly by the Michigan DNR. Jim also teaches as a weekly specialist at Montessori Children’s House in Lansing and at Okemos Nursery School. Visit www.naturediscovery.net to find out more. You can also request to be added to an email list to receive their informative monthly newsletter.
