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

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 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

Director of Admissions

Words that describe Nadia: Compassionate, caring, confident

Favorite day of the school year: Circle up!

About Nadia: As the Director of Admissions, 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.

Jim Hapner

Director of Student Support

Words to describe Jim: Calm, faithful, engaging

Favorite day of the school year: “MLK Day. This was one of the first days that I experienced at LSA, as a parent, and it quickly became my favorite day. I love that this day is celebrated because is allows children the opportunity to learn, understand, and acknowledge the work that has been done and still needs to be done in the area of social justice.”

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

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

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

Favorite day of the school year: “I love when we head to Camp Roger because it’s so great to be out in nature and the students are able to build a stronger community among their groups.”

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

Words to describe Nicole: Compassionate, positive, hard working

Favorite day of the school year: “Circle Up – I love seeing students from every grade helping each other help the community.“

About Nicole: Nicole 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. 

Mary Cole

Preschool 

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

Words to describe Katie: joyful, punny, go-with-the-flow

Favorite day of the school year: “All of the them 🙂 But probably Lunar New Year because I love learning more about how many of our students celebrate the New Year.”

About Katie: Katie 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

Pre-Kindergarten

Words to describe Kim: Reflective, curious, sincere

Favorite day of the school year: “I love Lunar New Year because it’s a new experience for me and there’s always great food involved.”

About Kim: Kim 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

Third 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 to 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.

Ashley Copier

Title 1 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. 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. 

Ella Genzink

Kindergarten

Words to describe Ella: Curious, encouraging, passionate

Favorite day of the year: “The first day of school. Seeing our class explore the room, see friends they haven’t seen in a while, or meet new classmates or teachers was so exciting!  Even if some students were a bit nervous, we spent lots of time giggling and smiling while playing together.”  

About Ella: Ella has an irrepressible passion for including students of all abilities and backgrounds. She is also humble, curious, and demonstrates genuine kindness to each person she meets. Every morning, her class says affirmations about who they are. Students list characteristics like being kind and a hard worker, and also say “I am a child of God” and “I am loved.”  Hearing students confidently say these things, sets her class up for more conversations throughout the day.  Ella graduated from Calvin University with a double major in Elementary Education and Special Education.  

Rachel Johnson

First Grade

Words to describe Rachel: Curious, creative, encouraging

Favorite day of the year: Earth Day and field trips

About Rachel: Rachel is a creative and skilled teacher, with experience teaching in diverse settings. She’s a graduate of the Grand Rapids Christian School system and went to Calvin for Elementary Education with a focus in Language Arts and Integrated Sciences. Before coming to LSA, Rachel taught for four years, three of them in Milwaukee.

Bliss Kim

Pre-Kindergarten

Words to describe Bliss: Teachable, warm, culturally responsive

Favorite day of the year: “I love that Lunar New Year is celebrated at LSA because it allows children, staff, and families the opportunity to understand, learn, experience, and celebrate different cultures that God has blessed us with.”

About Bliss: After student teaching at LSA with Ms. Merz (kindergarten) and graduating from Calvin University, Bliss joined our staff as a teacher apprentice. 

After high school in Korea, Bliss volunteered in Mexico to teach English. After two years of internship work at Centro Educativo Ichthus A. C. in Chiapas, Mexico, she felt God guiding her toward a career in education. “I want to love and serve neighbors who are hurt from social injustice through the gift God has blessed us with: education,” Bliss wrote.  

Mandy Miedema

Office Administrator

Words to describe Mandy: Adventurous, creative, friendly

Favorite day of the school year: “The last day before any break when the whole school gathers in the lobby and sings a blessing together.”

About Mandy: Mandy is an LSA parent with three boys at the school. She brings to her work genuine care for each person she meets, passion for the mission of LSA and a set of experiences that make her extremely well suited for this role.

T.J. Williams

Teacher Apprentice

Words to describe T.J.: Observant, passionate, motivated

Favorite day of the year: “I would say all of them! They are all great learning experiences that help students explore more about who they are and explore who God is. ”

About T.J.: T.J. is a teacher apprentice at LSA. In the fall he served as the student teacher in Mr. Gary Warners’s fifth grade class. T.J. is a graduate of Calvin University and a native of Muskegon, Michigan. He likes plants, loves to sing, and has an infectious smile. 

Anna Benson

Educational Support Services Para-Professional 

Words to describe Anna: Cheerful, silly, warm

Favorite day of the year: “Mix it up day because I love dressing crazy and seeing what combos the kids put together.”

About Anna: Anna and her family have been a part of our LSA community for many years! Anna brings a warm smile and a servant’s heart to LSA. Anna has a background in education, previously serving as a preschool teacher. 

Dan Vandersteen

School Counselor

Words to describe Dan: Committed, caring, Christ-follower

Favorite day of the year: “I love every Wednesday because I appreciate and love worship.”

About Dan: Dan had a long and meaningful career as a counselor with young adults, and Dan now brings his gentle wisdom and open heart to LSA. Dan meets with students at LSA (often over a game of Uno) who might need extra support. “This school really is a community,” says Dan. “We are all different, and God has created each one of us. We have different life experiences, and yet we all belong. This is a place of belonging. I didn’t always feel like I belonged as a child, and it’s such a gift for children to be in a place where they can experience that feeling each day. The staff does an excellent job of making sure each student feels that belonging.”

Baltic

School Dog

Words to describe Baltic: Reliable, friendly, patient

Favorite day of the year: Every day!  

About Baltic: Baltic, our school therapy dog, is on hand to greet our students each day. Having Baltic at school has been so beneficial, especially for students who are anxious or are dealing with strong emotions. Research has shown many positive benefits to having a dog in school, including higher attendance, lower anxiety, and improved reading scores.