Ashlee Eiland

Head of School

Word to describe Ashlee: Wise, compassionate, and courageous

About Ashlee: 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 and her husband Delwin have three children, who are all Living Stones students.

Nadia Kimble

Admissions Director

Words that describe Nadia: Compassionate, caring, confident

Favorite day of the school year: Circle up!

About Nadia: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.

Eric Kas

Facilities and After School Director

Words to describe Eric: Curious, active, caring

Favorite day of the school year: I am enjoying every day so far!

About Eric: 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”.

Jim Hapner

Support Services Director

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. 

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 immigrated to the United States from Iran, where she was born and raised. She taught there for 15 years. Zahra loves leading reading groups with students. She enjoys being a part of this community. 

Juddy Cho

First Grade Teacher

Words to describe Juddy: Observant, calm, interactive

Favorite day of the school year: “The last day of school, because it fills me with gratitude when I see the students take off to summer with so much growth.”

About Juddy: Juddy Cho graduated from Calvin University with a degree in Elementary Education. She has lived in numerous different countries in Central & South America and speaks Korean, English, and Spanish. After working for 2 years as an Academic and Behavior Interventionist at LSA, she currently finds joy and enlightenment in teaching the youngest students at school.

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.

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. 

Lorna Vander Sluis

Early Childhood Director

Words to describe Lorna: Passionate, Silly, Discerning

About Lorna: Lorna has been shaping young hearts and minds since 1985, including in Japan and China. She prays that every child that comes to her classroom will experience the love of God through her words and actions. “Every person who comes into my room is an image bearer of God and is worthy of God’s great love.”

Tori Jonker

Kindergarten

Words to describe Tori: Encouraging, fun-loving, patient

Favorite day of the school year: Grandfriends Day! “It was powerful to watch my students share special moments with a role model who adores them. Thanks to the intentional LSA community, my students were showered with love whether or not they invited a grandfriend!”

About Tori: Tori was compelled to pray for Living Stones Academy since she learned about LSA as a Calvin student. Tori brings a sincere love for children, a passion for teaching, and a deep desire to see every child celebrated for who God has made them to be.

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.

Becky van der Woerd

Pre-Kindergarten

Words to describe Becky: Relational, kindhearted, attentive

Favorite day of the school year: “As a parent I have loved Stones of Hope and Frozen in Time so much! As a teacher, I thoroughly look forward to Field Day.”

About Becky: Becky has been part of the Living Stones Academy community for many years, first as a parent, and now as a teacher. She loves the close-knit nature of LSA, where she knows her students deeply and shares life with their families both in and beyond the classroom. Becky earned a degree in elementary education from Calvin University, with minors in art and communication, and previously taught first grade in Chicago Public Schools and was a Pre-K lead teacher at Eastminster Preschool. In the classroom, Becky values daily rhythms and has a knack for creating moments where students feel safe to express themselves creatively. 

“I see God at work in my classroom through each of the unique relationships I have with my students, especially with quiet or reserved students. I love watching them open up and connecting on a fun, personal level, ” Becky says. 

Kathy Wiegers

Preschool

Words to describe Kathy: Warm, joyful, nurturing

Favorite LSA Tradition: “Music in March!  I love music and I really loved exposing the students to different types of music.“

About Kathy: Kathy brings decades of experience, deep joy, and a love for young children to her work at Living Stones Academy. A longtime member of the LSA community, Kathy is the parent of two Living Stones alumni and has witnessed the school’s growth from its earliest days. She has spent nearly 30 years working in early childhood education, including operating a licensed home daycare, serving as a lead Preschool and Pre-K teacher at Eastminster Preschool, and teaching in the YMCA’s Great Start Readiness Program. Kathy loves learning alongside young children through play, music, books, art, and time outdoors, and she delights in the daily relationships that form as children grow, learn, and care for one another.

“I love to teach the students how they are amazingly made by God and how they are a part of a community. No matter their size or age they all have an important part of the larger group. They are a friend to classmates, a helper for their parents, and a good neighbor to those that live in their community,” Kathy says.

Rebekah Muller

Third 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 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. 

Joy Oh

Fifth Grade

Words that describe Joy: Vivacious, enthusiastic, animated

Favorite day of the school year: “The Poem Parties. It’s a joy seeing each student—from the quiet ones to the outgoing ones—shine as they recite their poems, and then seeing their faces glow up with pride!”

About Joy: Joy taught first grade at Living Stones from 2016-2019. In 2019, she moved to South Korea and to teach 5th grade at an international school. Much to the enthusiasm of those who know her, Joy returned to Grand Rapids and LSA in 2023. Joy is known for her creative teaching, joy for learning, and strong commitment to her students and their families. 

Gary Warners

Principal

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: Gary Warners is Living Stones Academy’s principal, bringing over 30 years of teaching experience, including many years in LSA’s 5th-grade classroom. He supports teachers in their daily work, guides curriculum, and fosters a safe, compassionate learning community. Gary is passionate about creation care and helping students engage with the world around them.

Dawn Plescher

Strategic Planning Lead

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.

Adilyn Marty

Title 1 Teacher

Words to describe Adilyn: Patient, Warm and Grateful

Favorite day of the school year: “The first day back from any break. I love getting back in the swing of a routine with students and hearing about their interests, lives and passions.”

About Adilyn: Mrs. Marty received her education degree at Butler University. She taught 6th grade math and science for three years in Indianapolis prior to moving to Grand Rapids and becoming a tutor at Living Stones Academy. She loves spending time working with students in small groups and gets so much joy from watching students gain confidence and progress in their math skills.

She is extremely thankful to be a part of the Living Stones staff and loves being in a school environment where all students and staff are treated as Image Bearers of Christ.

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. 

Ella Marty

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.  

Phil Kelder

Second Grade

Words to describe Phil: Energetic, fun, caring

Favorite day of the year: The first day that it snows.  We all just have to get up and look out the window.  The excitement of the first snow is always something to celebrate. 

About Phil: Phil was 26 when he figured out that he wanted to be a teacher when he grew up. He went back to school for a teaching certificate and now has been teaching for more than a dozen years, including 12 years in 2nd grade. “I love teaching at Living Stones, especially when I get to see my two kids thriving in the halls of this amazing school,” says Phil.

Bliss Kim

First Grade

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: Bliss graduated from Calvin University. 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.  

Amalia Mahar

Office Administrator

Words to describe Amalia: Insightful, fun, kind

About Amalia: As the person most often at the front office desk, Amalia might be the first smile you’ll see at LSA. She loves helping people find creative solutions to problems. Amalia is an LSA parent and is inspired by the families that she meets at Living Stones. “My favorite thing about LSA is their purposeful inclusion and my favorite part of the job is working to demonstrate that from the office,” she says.