Our support staff in the elementary program go above and beyond to help students achieve their greatest potential! Whether it is in the classroom, in the library, in the cafeteria, or out on the playground, these folks are some of the most loved members of our GRM family!
Child Care Worker
My name is Becca Garberson. I am a Childcare Worker, here at GRM. I have two children in the school as well, a forth grader and a kindergartener. The Montessori experience has been so meaningful for our family and I am so grateful to be a part of this community. I value the child-led approach and the freedom students have to choose work that interests and empowers them in their learning.
Behavior Support Specialist
I am dedicated to fostering a positive and nurturing environment at school, where building connections with students and helping them reach their highest potential is my top priority. Outside of school, I enjoy staying active by working out at the gym, finding balance and energy for my role. I’m inspired by my favorite teacher, Ms. Tracy, she shows me how to bring warmth, enthusiasm, and commitment to work every day.
School Therapist
Literacy Support Specialist
Hello! I am the Literacy Support Specialist at Grand Rapids Montessori, and I am so excited to be able to serve our scholars this way! As my children have attended GRM since preschool, I have been involved here for many years, and developed a deep love and appreciation for this community. My professional background is in English education, and I was raised and educated with the Montessori method. I love to read (my favorites are historical fiction, mysteries, and British literature), write, spend time with my husband and children, and bake!
It is my honor to work in the library, and I seek to meet each child where they are, encouraging exploration, appreciation, and strong connections with literature and stories of all kinds.
E1 Paraprofessional
I have been a paraprofessional in GRPS for over 20 years. I look forward to every year at GR Montessori! I love our welcoming community! I look forward to another year of serving your students.
E2 Paraprofessional
My name is Roni Van Buren. Children, parents and staff may call me Ms. Roni. I have been employed with GRPS for four years as a paraprofessional. I work in the Children's House, at Grand Rapids Montessori. Before this I served and continue to serve, as a community advocate, focusing on the health and welfare of young children. I work with families and organizations in my community to establish and improve early childhood development outcomes. In fact, it was the opportunity to serve in community that lead me to the opportunity to work at Grand Rapids Montessori. It is a pleasure to serve at Grand Rapids Montessori. It is an inspiring environment to work in. Children, parents and staff seem like family!
Reading Specialist
I’m Kristin Carbaugh and have been teaching for over 15 years. Two of my passions are working with kids and reading. I’ve loved joining these passions together as a Reading specialist for over 8 years. It is my absolute joy to see students discover how reading can take them many places. I am trained in the reading program Orton Gillingham and love how it goes hand-in-hand with Montessori. For the past three years I’ve been in a personal reading challenge to read at least 52 books a year. I love to read books that help me learn about other cultures, opening my eyes to other people’s experiences and perspectives. Other than reading, I love to work on my native gardens, travel, go hiking and camping with my family, and bake, especially macarons!
Social Worker