Compassionate leadership
Bringing strategy and kindness together
- Transparency in vision. As a parent at Living Stones, you’ll be invited to hear from school leaders about the plans for the future and to approve the budgets.
- High five! Children are greeted daily by school leaders and will know that they will be listened to and valued.
- Supporting teachers is key. One of the top priorities of the board and leadership team is to empower and support teachers so they can shine and love your children well.
Meet the leaders
Head of School
Ashlee Eiland
Ashlee partners with teachers, staff, volunteers, parents, students, and friends to create a loving and thriving learning community. Ashlee is a thought leader, a writer, and a passionate advocate for building strong relationships. Prior to serving Living Stones Academy, Ashlee has worked in nonprofit leadership and as a co-lead pastor at Mars Hill Bible Church. She had her husband Delwin have three children, who are all Living Stones students.
Principal
Gary Warners
In the classroom, Mr. Warners values community built on trust and care, the richness of diversity in God’s kingdom, and creating a safe and compassionate learning environment. Gary brings more than 30 years of experience in teaching to his role as principal.
Advancement Director
Maddie Schaab
“What first drew me to Living Stones was feeling welcomed and at home. From my very first visit, the strong sense of community was clear, and that feeling has only deepened with time. LSA’s presence enriches the fabric of our neighborhood.”
Support Services Director
Jim Hapner
Jim came to LSA as a parent. He shares a deep commitment to the school’s mission and values, including a deep faith in Jesus Christ and a passion for racial reconciliation and justice. Jim served in a similar role at Ada Christian and a large public school district in North Carolina. Jim has a BA in Special Education from Spring Arbor University and a MA in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University.
Facilities and After School Director
Eric Kas
Eric enjoys making new connections and listening to the many stories that make Living Stones Academy what it is today. Before joining LSA’s staff, Eric has been a church planter and a ministry consultant for abuse prevention and response. He also coaches the 4-6th grade Ultimate Frisbee team at LSA. “As a parent and staff member, I have personally seen the beauty and transformative culture of Living Stones Academy. I’m grateful to be in this position to partner with staff, parents, and current and future supporters to advance the mission of LSA”.
Admissions Director
Nadia Kimble
As the Admissions Director, Nadia Kimble might be the first smile you will see at Living Stones Academy. Those who know Mrs. Kimble well describe her as prayerful, loyal, trustworthy, organized, warm, and intuitive. She has committed her time to getting to know both current and incoming families well and assisted them in feeling welcome, known and loved as they join our community. Mrs. Kimble has served in various leadership capacities over the years and considers it a privilege to serve in building community at LSA.
Early Childhood Director
Lorna Vander Sluis
“I am a follower of Jesus Christ who showed us how to love. My prayer is that every child who enters my classroom will experience the love of God through the words I speak and the actions that I take throughout the day. Every person who comes into my room is an image bearer of God and is worthy of God’s great love which must always be shown in my room.” Those who know Lorna well describe her as creative, inclusive, and kind. She is also known for her love for children’s literature and her expansive library.
Board of Directors
Dr. Peter Boumgarden
Chair
Professor of Strategy & Organizations at Olin Business School, Washington University in St. Louis
Sara Sherry Knoester
Vice-Chair
President/Owner, Mixed Staffing and Recruiting
Current LSA Parent
Harriet Potoka
Secretary
Retired lifetime educator and administrator, Daystar Academy
Sean Baker
Treasurer
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consultant, EY
Chardonnay Henderson
Current LSA parent
Tanell Hills
Senior Community Liasion, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Current LSA Parent
LaKiya Jenkins
Executive Director, Linc Up
Brian Krosschell
Finance Director, fairlife
Kris Rolls
Rector, Christ Church Anglican Grand Rapids