About Our School

Moving Mountains Montessori is dedicated to providing exceptional Montessori education to children in the Grand Rapids area. Our curriculum emphasizes holistic development, individualized learning, and fostering a love for lifelong learning. Our mission is to strive for the highest standard of quality education, moral focus and guided independence for each child. We want to create a stimulating and nurturing environment where children of all abilities, regardless of socio-economic or cultural background, can grow and learn together in acceptance of one another. We believe in creating a supportive learning environment that nurtures the unique potential of each child

Our Teacher Leader

Veronika Ross

Teacher Leader, Founder & President

With a passion for nurturing children and supporting families across West Michigan, Veronika Ross has dedicated the past 12 years to providing exceptional care and education. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, a Master's in Early Childhood Education, and a Montessori certificate for primary education, Veronika is adept at creating enriching environments for small classrooms.

Her approach emphasizes collaboration with both staff and families, ensuring a supportive community for every child. Veronika has a proven track record of delivering high-quality care to a diverse range of students and families. Beyond her classroom duties, she embodies a "full circle" mindset, aiming to give back to the community by assisting others in establishing their own schools.

Veronika believes in the power of community involvement and transparency. She maintains an ethos of openness, welcoming public observation, continuous learning, and innovation as fundamental goals. Through her work, Veronika exemplifies that success and thriving truly come from collective effort and accessibility.

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Our Board

Paige Merrill

Treasurer

Paige Merrill brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to early childhood education to our board. With seven years of dedicated service as a preschool educator, Paige's journey in shaping young minds began after earning her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Aquinas College.

Currently pursuing her master's degree at Spring Arbor University, Paige is set to graduate in December with a specialization in Early Childhood Education. Her ongoing academic pursuits reflect her dedication to staying at the forefront of educational theory and practice, ensuring she brings the latest insights to our board discussions.

Paige Merrill's passion for nurturing young learners is evident in her years of practical experience and her continuous pursuit of professional growth. Her contributions to our board are characterized by a deep understanding of child development and a commitment to fostering environments that support every child's potential.

Dana Redder

Secretary

Dana Redder is a dedicated professional with a robust background in healthcare, amassing eight years of experience in the industry. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration, equipping her with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in her field. Currently, Dana serves as a Practice Manager for Trinity Health, where she plays a pivotal role in overseeing operations, ensuring efficient practice management, and providing exceptional care to patients.

As the Secretary for Moving Mountains Montessori, she brings her passion for helping others to the forefront. Dana's dedication to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment aligns perfectly with the school's values, beliefs, and commitment to the community. Her involvement is instrumental in upholding these principles and ensuring that the school continues to thrive as a beacon of educational excellence and community engagement.

Eileen Fell

Board Member

Over ten years ago Eileen moved away from her background in the fine arts and took a job as an assistant in a Montessori early childhood classroom. This transformative experience led to her researching and falling in love with the Montessori method. Working as a co-teacher at a Philadelphia Montessori school allowed her to put into practice the child centered approach that Maria Montessori advocated for. Eileen is one of the founders of Clover Montessori School in Philadelphia, the first Wildflower School to open in Pennsylvania.

Now in its third year, Clover serves an intentionally economically and racially diverse group of families in a storefront location in the vibrant neighborhood of Mt. Airy. Eileen has also served as a resource for teacher leaders looking to open Wildflower Schools across the country, offering advice on utilizing a tiered tuition model to ensure accessibility to as many families as possible.

Dalia Ortega

Board Member

Dalia Ortega brings a wealth of passion and dedication to our board, stemming from a lifelong journey in education that began well before her formal teaching career commenced in 2019. Her diverse professional background spans various disciplines, including ballet, jazz, gymnastics, and art instruction, where she discovered her innate ability to inspire and nurture young minds.

Dalia's path to enlightenment within the educational landscape took a pivotal turn upon discovering the Montessori philosophy. Here, her profound connection with children and unwavering commitment to their holistic development found its perfect match. With a heart filled by the joy of witnessing young learners thrive, she wholeheartedly embraced the Montessori ethos as her professional home.