About Our School
Grove Montessori is an emerging, high-quality neighborhood school founded by a team of educators, advocates, school leaders, and community activists to bring accessible Montessori elementary education to Grand Rapids. Chartered through Grand Valley State University, Grove provides a tuition-free public education for elementary students.
Mission | At Grove Montessori, we welcome racially, culturally, and economically-diverse families into a caring school where every child is seen, known, and inspired to learn. Rooted in Montessori principles, we help children grow with confidence, think for themselves, and positively influence their community.
Vision | We imagine a future where every child is nurtured to lead with creativity and curiosity, ready to make an impact in their own lives and beyond.
Our Home
Starting in January 2026, we will be at 1575 Jefferson SE,
co-located with Everbloom Montessori in the Cottage Grove Neighborhood of Grand Rapids.
Our Team
“The radical, beautiful vision that Maria Montessori had for children must be complemented by a similarly radical, beautiful vision for adults.” –Sep Kamvar, co-founder of Wildflower Schools
Anisa Everett
Founding Teacher Leader
In her work as a Teacher-Leader at Grove, Anisa merges her passion for applying pedagogical research and love of teaching to create an inclusive, encouraging environment where learners will thrive.
Anisa graduated from the Frederik Meijer Honors College at Grand Valley State University with a dual degree in Education and English and a minor in Applied Linguistics-Teaching ESL, receiving three distinct awards for teaching excellence.
After graduating, she had the joy of serving in an administrative capacity for the Midwest Regional Training Institute, overseeing the quality and growth of their after-school educational programs throughout Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio.
A desire to serve the education system in my local community brought her to assisting in the Children’s House at Everbloom Montessori. Anisa finds in discovering how the Montessori approach aligns with the philosophies and practices supported by current educational research.
Alexandra Mikrut
Teacher Leader
Alex Mikrut brings more than a decade of Montessori classroom experience to Grove Montessori. She holds an AMS Certification in Montessori Education from the Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center and earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Central Michigan University.
Alex spent eleven years teaching in Grand Rapids Public Schools, where she built a strong reputation for instructional excellence and thoughtful classroom leadership. In addition to leading her own classroom, she mentored developing teachers and contributed to instructional leadership within her school community.
She is known for building structured, respectful learning environments where children develop independence, confidence, and a strong academic foundation. Alex believes in establishing clear systems and high expectations while honoring each child’s individual strengths and pace of growth.
Throughout her career, Alex has remained committed to inclusive practice and ongoing professional learning.
As Teacher Leader, Alex works alongside Grove’s staff to inspire excellence in the classroom and the continued development and growth of our school.
Christal Jackson
Learning Support Specialist
Ms. Christal Jackson brings years of experience in education and a deep love for supporting children’s growth. As Grove Montessori’s Learning Support Specialist, she works alongside our Teacher Leaders in the classroom and guides students through co-curricular learning that enriches their day and strengthens the whole-child experience.
The students affectionately call her Ms. Jackson, and she has quickly become a steady, encouraging presence in our school community. Although the Montessori method is new to her, she has embraced it with curiosity and joy. As she puts it, “I not only get to teach, but I’m being taught.” Her words capture the heart of Grove’s culture—a place where adults and children learn from one another, and where every day offers opportunities to grow in connection, humility, and purpose.
Ms. Jackson is inspired by the way Grove nurtures independence, confidence, and curiosity in young learners, and she is proud to play a role in helping our school community thrive.
Jamie Masco
Charter Services and Growth Director
Jamie Masco brings more than 30 years of experience in education, leadership, and community engagement to Grove Montessori. She has served in several key roles within Grand Rapids Public Schools, including Executive Director of Professional Learning and Development and Family and Community Engagement Supervisor.
Jamie is a human-centered leader who believes deeply in the power of trust, empathy, and meaningful connections. Throughout her career, she has helped educators, students, and families navigate growth and change while fostering environments where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.
With a master’s degree in educational administration and a strong background in professional learning and family engagement, Jamie is committed to advancing Grove’s mission and strengthening the systems that help children thrive. In her role as Charter Services and Growth Director, she supports school operations, collaborates closely with teacher leaders, and helps guide the long-term development of our growing community.
Jamie is inspired by the joy and curiosity of children and looks forward to getting to know Grove’s families as she supports the continued development of our school.
Our Board
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Leon Hendrix
President
Leon is an experienced executive communications leader with a deep-rooted passion for education, equity, and community service. A product of Montessori education, he’s committed to supporting Grove's mission. Currently serving as the Global Executive Communications Manager at Steelcase, Leon brings over a decade of experience from his time at WOOD TV8 in Grand Rapids, where he served as a news anchor and reporter — establishing trust within the community and creating meaningful change through storytelling and community connections. As the former Executive Director of Communications & External Affairs for Grand Rapids Public Schools, he championed equitable education and fostered community engagement. Leon and his wife are raising three young sons and are dedicated to helping create a brighter future for all children through education.
Megan Cottrell
Vice President and Secretary
Megan is an independent educator and curriculum designer with a focus on bilingual education, Montessori methods, and the arts. Currently, she teaches music and movement at a Spanish immersion homeschool program, integrating language and culture into their curriculum. With over a decade of experience as a homeschool educator, she has led Montessori co-ops and taught core subjects like language arts, math, and science. Megan also brings expertise in spiritual education, having led Montessori-based Christian education programs for over 10 years. Her passion for experiential, child-centered learning is guiding Grove to be an innovative Montessori charter school.
Javier Ronquillo Rivera
Treasurer
Javier holds a PhD in Mathematics from Ohio University and brings a strong mix of academic and non-profit experience to the charter school board. Currently serving as the Math and Pedagogy Lead at BEAM (Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics), he oversees faculty hiring, professional development, and program design aimed at expanding access to advanced math for underserved students. With teaching experience at institutions like Grand Valley State University and Ohio University, Javier has a passion for student-centered learning and equitable education, which will help guide Grove's educational policies and curriculum.
Leon Hendrix
President
Leon is an experienced executive communications leader with a deep-rooted passion for education, equity, and community service. A product of Montessori education, he’s committed to supporting Grove's mission. Currently serving as the Global Executive Communications Manager at Steelcase, Leon brings over a decade of experience from his time at WOOD TV8 in Grand Rapids, where he served as a news anchor and reporter — establishing trust within the community and creating meaningful change through storytelling and community connections. As the former Executive Director of Communications & External Affairs for Grand Rapids Public Schools, he championed equitable education and fostered community engagement. Leon and his wife are raising three young sons and are dedicated to helping create a brighter future for all children through education.
Megan Cottrell
Vice President and Secretary
Megan is an independent educator and curriculum designer with a focus on bilingual education, Montessori methods, and the arts. Currently, she teaches music and movement at a Spanish immersion homeschool program, integrating language and culture into their curriculum. With over a decade of experience as a homeschool educator, she has led Montessori co-ops and taught core subjects like language arts, math, and science. Megan also brings expertise in spiritual education, having led Montessori-based Christian education programs for over 10 years. Her passion for experiential, child-centered learning is guiding Grove to be an innovative Montessori charter school.
Javier Ronquillo Rivera
Treasurer
Javier holds a PhD in Mathematics from Ohio University and brings a strong mix of academic and non-profit experience to the charter school board. Currently serving as the Math and Pedagogy Lead at BEAM (Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics), he oversees faculty hiring, professional development, and program design aimed at expanding access to advanced math for underserved students. With teaching experience at institutions like Grand Valley State University and Ohio University, Javier has a passion for student-centered learning and equitable education, which will help guide Grove's educational policies and curriculum.
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Cesaylee
Reed-Peter
Cesaylee Reed-Peter is a mission-driven leader and community advocate with more than a decade of experience in business administration, nonprofit collaboration, and community engagement. Cesaylee works as a Claims Examiner with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude, from Franklin University and a Master of Business Administration, as well as a Women's Entrepreneurship certification through Cornell University.
In her previous roles involving community relations, she served as a vital bridge between schools, families, and community organizations. Cesaylee is a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, where she actively mentors youth and contributes to community service and fundraising initiatives. As a devoted wife and mother of two, Cesaylee brings a family-centered perspective to her leadership and service, and is a passionate community advocate in the area surrounding Grove Montessori.
