I have been a teacher in GRPS for over 20 years. I taught in the Children's House several years before moving up to E1. It is at Grand Rapids Montessori that I truly found my passion for teaching. The Montessori philosophy and materials are beyond beautiful. The environment at GR Montessori allows for children to follow their interests, explore, and be who they are meant to be. My love for Montessori has spread to my children, Oliver and Ellery, who have been students at GR Montessori since Children's House. I am grateful to be a Montessori teacher and parent! 

My name is Denise Van Pelt. I began my Montessori career when I was a Montessori student myself. I began teaching Montessori in 1997 after obtaining my AMI Primary Diploma. I took a few years away from the classroom to raise my two children Eliot (19) and Maggie (18). I sent both of my own children to Montessori program when they were young where we were living at the time, in Illinois.

I made my return to Montessori teaching in 2014 when I joined the Grand Rapids Montessori school. I have been teaching at Grand Rapids Montessori for 7 years at the Children’s House level. I have enjoyed teaching at Grand Rapids Montessori.

I currently live with my husband and small dog in the small town of Rockford just north of Grand Rapids. My children are now both enrolled at Grand Valley State University. I enjoy being close enough to the city to able to explore the downtown area and being able to take advantage of the outdoors in both winter and summer. I especially enjoy being outside snowshoeing in the winter and paddle boarding in the summer!

I have been teaching for over 25 years.  What I love most about teaching at GRM is the relationships that are made with students and families.  I love that the students are with me for 3 years.  I really get to know them and their learning style.  However, I also love the family relationships. I was able to teach 3 children from the same family which made my interaction with that family total 9 years.  I think that is amazing and such a treasure to experience. 

My name is Ms. Sarah and I am so excited to join GR Montessori.  Although this is a new building for me, I have been a classroom teacher for 7 years and have worked in schools for many more! When I'm not at school I'm usually out with my family and our dogs. I'm looking forward to meeting the students and their families.

I started working at GR Montessori in 2006 as a Children's House paraprofessional. It was there that I fell in love with the Montessori method. Upon receiving my teaching certificate I taught a year in New Orleans, Louisiana. When I was visiting back home, I stopped in to visit the school I love so much. The following year I was hired as an E1 teacher. I have been teaching here for the past 12 years. GR Montessori is a community of staff and families with a common goal, through grace and courtesy we guide students to become stewards of the global community investing in the whole child. One of my favorite moments in a school year are the stop-ins from my previous students. I love hearing how life is going, what they are working towards, and the reflection of moments we had in class.  

I am beyond thrilled to begin my Montessori journey within this community. I love watching my students grow and learn within the Montessori classroom. I believe that students are eager to learn, explore, and create which is rewarding to watch unfold. I am a lover of all things nature and enjoy spending most of my time outdoors. My husband and I have visited 12 National Parks and have hiked the summit of 4 different mountains, so far. I look forward to continuing to build relationships, my career, and my love for teaching here at GRM!