Aaron Winkle

Head of School

Words to describe Aaron: Wise, hard working, patient

Favorite day of the school year: “MLK Day allows us to express some of our most important values in specific ways.”

About Aaron: As Head of School, Aaron sees his role as partnering with the teachers, staff, volunteers, parents and friends to respond to God’s call for our school. “As educators, our role is to shape the environment and curriculum that will fully engage the hearts, minds, and imaginations of curious students,” he says. Aaron has a BA from Calvin College and a M-Div degree from Calvin Seminary.

Liz Brown

Vice Principal

Word to describe Liz: Passionate, joyful, encouraging

Favorite day of the school year: “MLK Jr. Day because it’s important for students to learn about racial justice and history even when it’s a hard topic to talk about.”

About Liz: Liz Brown has taught at Living Stones, served as the co-chair of the board, and now serves as our vice principal. Mrs. Brown has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Grand Valley State University. In 2017 she completed her Master of Education with an emphasis in Elementary Education and Instruction and Curriculum. Mrs. Brown has also taught as an adjunct professor in the School of Education at Aquinas College.

Nadia Kimble

Office Administrator

Words that describe Nadia: Compassionate, caring, confident

Favorite day of the school year: Circle up!

About Nadia: As the office administrator, 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 worked as the executive assistant at her home church (Revolution), as a youth engagement specialist for Network 180, and in the insurance industry. 

Lisa Spoelhof Schra

Advancement Director

Words to describe Lisa: Thoughtful, welcoming, relational

Favorite day of the school year: “Camp Roger. I love watching students and staff enjoy being in the woods and trying new things.”

About Lisa: For six years, Lisa and her family served at an international Christian day-school in Vienna, Austria. Previously, Lisa worked in the development office at Grand Rapids Christian Schools.

Lauren Buffum

Director of Support Services

Words that describe Lauren: Encouraging, inclusive, loving

About Lauren: When you meet Lauren Buffum, you’ll discover that she has a passion for cultivating strengths in students. “My faith is why I do what I do here at LSA,” Lauren says. She is a graduate of Calvin College with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education. She believes that all children have been made in the image of God. 

Jim Hapner

Director of Student Support

Words to describe Jim: Calm, faithful, engaging

About Jim: 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. 

Cindy Bylsma

Social Emotional Learning Coordinator

Words to describe Cindy: Thoughtful, creative, organized

Favorite day of the school year: “It’s a tie. I love the first day of school because I’ve missed the students so much over the summer. But I also love Mix it Up Day (clash day) because the staff and students go all out and have fun with it.”

About Cindy: Cindy Bylsma is an LSA parent turned paraprofessional. She has a BA in psychology from Calvin College. Mrs. Bylsma actively works to support our mission of inclusivity.

Zahara Mobiniskesheh

Educational Support Services Para-Professional

Words to describe Zahra: Kind, beautiful, responsible

Favorite day of the school year: “Mix it up day. I like how everyone has a different outfit.” 

About Zahra: In 2008, Zahara Mobinikesheh immigrated to the United States from Iran, where she was born and raised. she taught there for 15 years. She converted to Christianity from Islam, was baptized, and found a local church community. 

Juddy Cho

Educational Support Services Para-Professional

Words to describe Juddy: Observant, calm, interactive

Favorite day of the school year: “The last day of school. I feel gratitude when I see students finish the year with so much growth.”

About Juddy: Juddy Cho graduated from Calvin University with a degree in Elementary Education. She has lived in seven different countries and speaks Korean, English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Ms. Cho’s past experiences, including those that have brought her close to those living in poverty, have fueled her passion for improving the educational outcomes for all children.

Lynn Mudde

Title 1 Teacher

Words to describe Lynn: Hard working, curious, nurturing

Favorite day of the school year: Field trips—all of them!

About Lynn: Mrs. Mudde has a love for learning, and sharing the wonder of God’s amazing creation. She attended Calvin College for her BA in teaching, and Western Michigan University for her MA. For the first seven years of LSA, Lynn Mudde was our Kindergarten teacher.

Mandy Vander Meyden

Title 1 Teacher

Words to describe Mandy: Laid back, funny, helpful

About Mandy: “God has made us all unique and different which is something to celebrate,” Mandy says. She has been a part of our community since her oldest son was in LSA’s first preschool class. Mrs. Vander Meyden earned her B.A. in elementary education from Calvin College, M.A. in reading and language arts from GVSU, and taught third grade for six years.

Nicole Ellens

Educational Support Services Paraprofessional

Nicole Ellens graduated from Calvin College with a B.A. in elementary education and minors in physical education and mathematics. Having had three daughters attend Living Stones Academy, Mrs. Ellens grew to love the school’s Christ-centered, inclusive mission and has loved having the opportunity to love, encourage, and work with many of the students of Living Stones.

George Jeffries

Emeritus and Honorary Staff Member

After his first retirement, George Jeffries found that he needed more to do to keep busy. His son-in-law, who was on the LSA board at the time, encouraged him to consider working at LSA as the custodian. That was November 2014, and Mr. George says he has loved every minute of it. He loves the smiles and handshakes he receives from the kids. He came early in the morning to get things ready and again late in the afternoon to do the cleaning. His ready service, gentle spirit and love are evident to all. In June 2019, Mr. George retired again, a second time. We miss having here every day, but he and his wife Bertha remain connected to our staff and students. 

Kassy Gutierrez

Preschool Director and Teacher

Kassy Gutierrez graduated Spring 2018 from Grand Canyon University (Phoenix, AZ) with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Gutierrrez was selected by the faculty at Grand Canyon University to represent her class by speaking at commencement. Those who know Ms. Gutierrez describe her mature, positive, thoughtful, and passionate about kids.

Mary Cole

Preschool Aide

Words to describe Mary: Funny, bold, loving

Favorite day of the school year: “MLK! I love hard conversations and showing our kids that we have flaws, but we can overcome traumatic experiences.”

About Mary: You’ll remember Mary’s smile the first time you meet her. She can bring joy into a room. Mary started at Living Stones Academy in August 2016 and is currently in school studying human services. “I love serving humans, especially little humans,” Mary says. 

Kelsey Merz

Kindergarten

Words to describe Kelsey: Positive, inclusive, encouraging

Favorite day of the school year: “I love MLK Day. It is so special to see this community stand up for justice together.”

About Kelsey: Kelsey loves teaching her young students about God’s incredible love for everyone. Before joining Living Stones, she spent six years teaching at Kigali International Community School in Rwanda, where she was the kindergarten teacher and department head of the lower elementary school. Ms. Merz has a special passion for students with disabilities, especially in the classroom, where she works toward creating an atmosphere where all students feel loved, safe, and encouraged.

She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Alma College and a master’s degree in special education from Grand Valley State University.

Katie Grasmeyer

First Grade

Katie Grasmeyer is from San Antonio, TX and graduated from Wake Forest University with a BA degree in Elementary Education. She has taught in San Antonio, Zambia, and Washington, DC and has spent time in Australia, South Africa, Argentina, and Ethiopia. Mrs. Grasmeyer has a vibrant Christian faith and deep love for students and their learning. She also has broad experience with people from many different backgrounds.

Kim Knoester

First Grade

Kim Knoester was drawn to Living Stones Academy because of our commitment to breaking down barriers for children and families. Ms. Knoester is a skilled teacher, trusted colleague, and has a passion for LSA’s mission. She has previous experience teaching at Grand Rapids Christian (in their Spanish immersion program) and Mustard Seed in Hoboken, New Jersey. She is pursuing her masters degree in early childhood education from Grand Valley State University.

Rebekah Muller

Second Grade

Words to describe Rebekah: Kind, loyal, insightful

Favorite day of the school year: “Lunar New Year. It’s an opportunity to learn about a culture that students may not have known much about before. It also gives many of our students opportunities to be the experts about this topic and we can learn from them.” 

About Rebekah: Rebecca loves helping kids see God in science. Her morning devotions are from a book about science and God. “I want my students to be armed with knowledge of God’s presence in all areas of learning and life so their faith can be ready,” she says. Rebekah graduated from Calvin College with a BA in elementary education with minors in Spanish and science and has done graduate work in the area of ELA. 

Paige Redner

Second Grade

Words to describe Paige: Encouraging, achieving, genuine

Favorite day of the year: “The first day of school. It brings such hope and excitement for a year of possibilities and growth.”

About Paige: Students in Paige’s classroom talk about faith every day. “We talk a lot about our God-given identity and how we can walk in the fruits of the spirit in our actions toward others.” Paige was raised in West Michigan and attended Grand Valley State University. For five years, she taught at The Esther School in Nyangwena, Zambia.  Paige is deeply passionate about issues of justice and reconciliation.  

Betsi Farris

Third Grade

Words to describe Betsi: Passionate, tenacious, encouraging

Favorite day of the school year: “MLK Day! Watching our students march together is a powerful thing. I love their passion an determination not build a more just world.”

About Betsi: Betsi Farris is passionate about providing a high-quality Christian education to all God’s children. “Being a teacher is a blessing and a privilege; I love walking alongside students and witnessing them grow in their faith and love for Jesus, others, and themselves,” says Mrs. Farris. She graduated from Calvin College with a BA in education with a focus on science. She has always been fascinated with the beautiful world that God created.

David Wainer

Fourth Grade

Words that describe David: Observant, funny, creative

Favorite day of the school year: “All of them. They’re all such great learning experiences.”

About David: David has been teaching upper elementary since the start of LSA. He grew up in Holland, MI and graduated from Toccoa Falls College, a small Christian school in North Georgia, with a BA in literature and minor in ESL. He also has a masters of education. Mr. Wainer has seen God’s hand at work in his life—from bringing him to Toccoa Falls College to giving him a desire to work with other cultures. 

Gary Warners

Fifth Grade

Words to describe Gary: Calm, curious, and steady

Favorite day of the school year: Lunar New Year celebration. “I always learn something new and the food is amazing.”

About Gary: 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 has more than 30 years of experience in teaching.  

Dawn Plescher

Sixth Grade

Words to describe Dawn: Curious, creative, discerning

Favorite day of the school year: Any day we can go outside–like on a camping trip or working in the LSA garden.

About Dawn: “I think faith infuses every part of life, so in sixth grade it becomes part of every discussion,” says Dawn. In sixth grade, students might express wonder at God’s creation and the natural laws that govern it or express the concern God has throughout history in the way we treat each other. 

Mrs. Plescher has BA in Elementary Education from Calvin College and a MA in Curriculum and Instruction at Grand Valley State University.

Jessica Gamble

Kindergarten Teacher

Words that describe Jessica: Flexible, hard working, passionate

Favorite day of the school year: Field trips. “I love being able to tie what we’re learning in the classroom to tangible, real life places.”

About Jessica: As one of the first teachers on staff, Jessica helped shape the LSA mission during those critical early years. She is also a terrific teacher, known for having a special knack for building relationships with those in her classroom. “Each child is made in the image of God and deserves to be treated, loved, and cared for as such.” Mrs. Gamble has a BA in education from Calvin College with a major in Spanish and a master’s degree in education with a focus in literacy.

Ashley Copier

Remote Learning Teacher

Words to describe Ashley: Calm, organized, helpful

Favorite day of the school year: I love going to Camp Roger with the students. By that time of the year, we feel like family and really know each other deeply. We have the beautiful backdrop of Camp Roger to explore, create, and challenge ourselves.

About Ashley: Ashley loves to consider the wonder of God’s creation with students. Currently, she serves as our Remote Learning Coordinator, which means she supports students who are learning from home. She grew up in Holland, MI and attended Grand Valley State University with a bachelor’s degree in English and education. While in school, she worked with youth at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids.