Dedicated teachers and staff
Making a difference in children’s lives
- Experienced. The teaching staff at LSA are all certified teachers. Many have taught in different cultures around the world.
- Creative. These teachers use creativity and ingenuity to reach children where they are at.
- Kind. Your child will be greeted each day with a smile. Teachers genuinely care about their children and their emotional and spiritual development.
Meet the Staff

Kassy Gutierrez
Early Childhood Director and Teacher

Mary Cole
Early Childhood Aide

Kim Knoester
Pre-Kindergarten

Jessica Gamble
Kindergarten

Kelsey Merz
Kindergarten

Katie Grasmeyer
First Grade

Rebekah Muller
Second Grade

Paige Redner
Second Grade

Betsi Farris
Third Grade

David Wainer
Fourth Grade

Gary Warners
Fifth Grade

Dawn Plescher
Sixth Grade

Aaron Winkle
Head of School

Liz Brown
Assistant Principal

Nadia Kimble
Office Administrator

Lisa Spoelhof Schra
Advancement Director

Jim Hapner
Director of Support Services

Cindy Bylsma
Social Emotional Learning Coordinator

Zahra Mobiniskesheh
Educational Support Services Para-Professional

Juddy Cho
Educational Support Services Para-Professional

Ashlee Kuhtic
Educational Support Services Para-Professional

Adam Warners
Educational Support Services Para-Professional

Nicole Ellens
Educational Support Services Paraprofessional

Lynn Mudde
Title 1 Teacher

Mandy Vander Meyden
Title 1 Teacher

Ashley Copier
Title 1 Teacher

Shelli Fynewever
Worship Coordinator

Corrine VanderSpek
Advancement Assistant

Timothy Nunn
Facilities

James Brown
Facilities

Dan Vandersteen
School Counselor

Tim Kamps
Technology Support Consultant

Baltic
School Dog

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 staff member. 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.

Ashlee Kuhtic
Educational Support Services Para-Professional
Words to describe Ashlee: Fun, outgoing, caring
Favorite day of the year: Mix It Up day!
About Ashlee: Ashlee Kuhtic is one of our patient and wise paraprofessionals. Some kids need extra support in class, and that is where Mrs. Kuhtic comes in! She’s also an LSA parent.

Shelli Fynewever
Worship Coordinator
Words to describe Shelli: Goofy, creative, authentic
Favorite day of the year: “My favorite day of the school year is any day that I get to pet Baltic, our school dog. His fluffiness makes me happy. Also MLK day always gives me joy when I see the whole school marching for equal rights for all of God’s children.”
About Shelli: Her job title is “worship coordinator,” but Shelli Fynewever’s real job is inspiring kids to find joy in worshiping their creator. She plans the weekly school-wide worship services, and also comes alongside teachers. She loves it when kids stop her in the hall and ask her when the next worship time is!

Corrine VanderSpek
Advancement Assistant
Words to describe Corrine: Creative, intentional, curious
Favorite day of the year: “Circle Up is one of my favorite days of the school year because we come together as a community to serve our neighbors. I think it’s beautiful watching children learn how to serve and love others well.”
About Corrine: Welcoming communities like LSA don’t happen by accident. Corrine VanderSpek is one of the people who works diligently on many details to make our mission our reality. She’s an LSA parent and graduated from Calvin College with a major in sociology.

Tim Kamps
Technology Support Consultant
Words to describe Tim: Kind, helpful, tall
About Tim: Tim Kamps makes sure that the technology at Living Stones works. More than just an “IT guy,” Tim enjoys being part of the school community. Mr. Kamps is a Calvin College graduate and has extensive experience teaching K-12.

Adam Warners
Educational Support Services Para-Professional
Words to describe Adam: Thankful, deep, curious
Favorite day of the school year: “I love the energy and excitement of the first day of school.”
About Adam: As an educational support services paraprofessional, Adam Warners supports all students in their learning. He’s known for being exceptionally patient and kind. Mr. Adam has an associates degree in elementary education and is working toward his bachelor’s degree.

Timothy Nunn
Facilities
Words to describe Timothy: Idealistic, honest, caring
About Timothy: Timothy is an integral part of the staff at LSA. He loves watching the kids grow year after year and being friends with the teachers and staff.

James Brown
Facilities
Words to describe James: Friendly, hard working, energetic
About James: James says that he loves working at LSA because of the community. Keeping the school running well and clean is a team effort, and James is such an important part of that effort.