ELA and Social Studies

My name is Kathy Tiel and I have been in education for over 20 years.  Most of my experience is with lower elementary but I am super excited to be joining GRM middle school.  Before teaching I worked a wide range of jobs including retail, office work, food service, and volunteer placement so I come with a varied background of life experience.  My goal is to use my experiences to ignite a love of learning in my students.

ELA and Science Teacher

ELA and Math Teacher

Hello! My name is Lucy MacIntosh and I am excited to join the middle school team as the math teacher. I've spent over a decade serving the students and families of Grand Rapids and am honored to join the Montessori community! Other than teaching, my passions include reading, writing, and spending time on or near water. I am also a mama to twin 20 year old daughters (Ariel and Aireanna) and a 14 year old son (Geno). We have 2 kitties (Rosie and Benny) and a leopard gecko (Little Foot). I look forward to a great school year partnering with our families to support the growth and development of our middle school mathematicians!

Choir

Mrs. Gazella Falknor received both her BME and her MMEd from Central Michigan University. Fire Up Forever! She has been teaching music in the public schools for 10 years both in MI and in AZ. She currently lives in Grand Haven with her husband Daniel and their pets Webster (dog) & Saguaro (cat.)  Under the direction of Mrs. Gazella Falknor the Grand Rapids Montessori Middle School Chorale received a Division II rating at the MSVMA Choral Festival in 2020. This was the first time the choir had attended the festival, their score was only 5 points short of a Division I rating. Mrs. Gazella Falknor also started a High School Choir program in the midst of the Covid pandemic.  Mrs. Gazella Falknor truly loves sharing the gift of music with all her students and constantly is looking for new ways to teach musical concepts. When she is not teaching music she could be found performing with “Staff Notes,” ( a choral performance group made up of other GRPS staff) singing at weddings, going on hikes with her parents, grabbing coffee (her favorite drink) with friends, or searching with her husband for new vinyl to add to their record collection. Mrs. Gazella Falknor really enjoys working for Grand Rapids Montessori, “it’s work but it feels like home.” 

Band

Hello GR Montessori Students/Families! I have been living in Grand Rapids since 1991 when I first attended Aquinas College. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a Master’s in the Art of Teaching from Aquinas. I’ve also completed most of another Master’s degree in Urban Education from Davenport University.

In college I was deeply involved in most of the performing ensembles. My main ensemble was the college Jazz Band. My major instrument was the Saxophone and my minor was the Trombone.

I have been teaching with the Grand Rapids Public Schools since the Fall of 2000. I have been with GR Montessori since 2011. Throughout my time with the district I have taught music at every level and at many different schools. I’m quite happy that I’ve landed here at GR Montessori. The kids here are great and our music program just keeps getting better every year.

I have a wife and two daughters. My wife works at Aberdeen Academy and my youngest daughter attends this school as well. My oldest is a Sophomore at City HS. We live in Grand Rapids on the north east side of town.

Physical Education

Hello, my name is Whitney Weinkein. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Health Education from The University of Arizona and a Master of Science in Health Promotion from Boise State University. For the past 20 years, I have dedicated my career to both teaching and working in public health, and I am passionate about helping students learn the importance of physical education and health. Outside of school, I am married with two teenage sons, and we enjoy an active family life with our three dogs—two pugs and a mini goldendoodle. I love watching sports, especially when my sons are playing, and I enjoy spending time outdoors hiking and being on the water. I am excited for this new school year and look forward to educating and inspiring students to lead healthy, active lives. 

Hello! I am thrilled to be at Grand Rapids Montessori! I have been a pediatric speech therapist in the city for 8 years and really enjoy it! 2022-2023 is my first year in the district. My wife Julie and I live in the Alger Heights neighborhood of Grand Rapids and have 2 dogs. Outside of school, we like to watch reality TV and true crime shows, play board games, and craft.  

I am excited to work with GR Montessori PK-12 for the fifth year as the school psychologist!  I have worked as a school psychologist for 19 years and have been with GRPS for 8 years.  I primarily work through the Student Success Team and special education processes.  I am on the GR Montessori campus 2 to 3 days a week.  I love serving students and families!  I have four children at home (15, 12, 10, 7).