Ms. Sheila Griffin, M.Ed.,
Director/ Curriculum Coordinator/ Elementary-Adolescent Teacher
Ms. Griffin is one of the founders of LEAP International Montessori School, the Curriculum Coordinator, and she is responsible for all the happenings on campus. She holds Association of Montessori Internationale Diplomas a both the Primary (ages 2.5-6) and Elementary (ages 6-12) levels as well as a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in History and Philosophy from the University of Alaska Southeast. She also holds a Master's Degree in International Education from Northcentral University. She has taught nationally and internationally at both the Primary and Elementary Levels. She also holds an AMI Administrator's Certificate and she is completing the AMI Inclusive Practices in Montessori Elementary. Ms. Griffin is especially interested in Peace Education and has done extensive work with indigenous groups in North America. Her background before she came to Montessori was in the museum world and outdoor education. Ms. Griffin is a native to New Mexico and graduated from Sandia High School. She also spent a significant amount of time in Alaska and considers it to be her second home.
Mrs. Betty Osoff-Hannagan
Head of School
Mrs. Osoff-Hannagan is one of the founders of LEAP International Montessori School. Except for a few years traveling and living abroad, she is a life-long, proud resident of the Rio Grande Valley. Mrs. Osoff-Hannagan is a graduate of Highland High School and New Mexico State University with a Bachelors in Business Administration/Management & Home Economics. She has started, owned, and operated several businesses and has extensive volunteer leadership experience. She also holds an AMI Administrator's Certificate and is completing work through CNM in Early Childhood Education.
Mrs. Osoff-Hannagan first learned about Montessori education while stationed in Italy with her former husband and since has supported several Montessori endeavors. In addition to serving as out Head of School, she is also a licensed real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Legacy. She has been successfully helping people buy and sell homes for the past 17 years.
In her spare time, she and her husband enjoy gardening. She also sings in choir, enjoys cooking, sewing, painting, playing with her elderly, yet wise, cockapoo, "Minnie," and making Montessori materials and Montessori inspired jewelry.
Mrs. Wellen Chambers
Lead Primary Teacher
Hello, my name is Wellen Chambers, and I am a Primary Lead Teacher. I was born and raised in Sao Luis, Brazil where I studied Language and Literature before opening an English/Spanish Language school for Portuguese speakers. I also worked as a translator and Interpreter for English and Portuguese speakers before immigrating to the USA in 2011.
I have worked with different age students throughout the years, but it was in Early Childhood Education that I found my passion. This led me to go back to school to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education and Psychology.
In my spare time, I enjoy reading writing, and exploring out beautiful state with my husband James and my two daughters.
Delia Martinez
Elementary Assistant / Primary Substitute
My name is Delia Martinez, I'm also known as Mrs. D. I am a retiree from the State of New Mexico.
I am super happy and honored to come back and continue working in my position as a teacher's assistant to Ms. Griffin at Leap International Montessori School (LEAP). I have successfully been at this school 3 year and have learned so much in the Elementary class.
I have joined a wonderful team of teachers and assistants who dedicate their skills to motivating, guiding, and teaching our children with positive reinforcement.
I AM GRATEFUL FOR YOU IN JOINING US.
Ms. Karissa Grindeland
Primary Assistant
Hello! My name is Karissa Grindeland, the kids know me as Ms. G. I am going on my fourth year working at LEAP, but have been involved with the school for far longer. I have a child who started as a toddler here and one who started in Pre-K. They both are now thriving and doing awesome things in the Elementary class! I’m super grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of the school and be able to help. I’m also excited to welcome my little one who will be joining us this year!
Mrs. Ashley Ramirez
Lead Primary Teacher
Bio coming soon!
Mrs. Tatiana Millian
Lead Primary Teacher
Bio coming soon!
Mrs. Amber Davis
Primary Assistant
Bio coming soon!
Ms. Sue Gertsman
Elementary Teacher Intern
Ms. Sue Gertson will be working as an Elementary Montessori Teacher Intern with Ms. Griffin this year. Most recently, she was employed as a substitute Educational Assistant in APS elementary schools. In that role, she really loved helping Kindergarteners learn phonics. Her background includes working as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant and School Librarian.
Sue has a BA in English and a lot of interests, especially Native American art and culture. She loves walking the trails along the acequias and taking pictures. Moving to New Mexico, 5 & ½ years ago, revived her obsession with horses. Sue is happy to call New Mexico and LEAP Montessori home and looks forward to making school fun for students.
Caddie Griffin
Sunshine Committee Chairpup
Heya! My name is Caddie Griffin! I was born in November 2023 in Florida to wonderful parents who loved me and my siblings very much. My canine mom is an English Sheepdog/ Poodle mix. My canine dad is a Berna-Doodle/ Labrador Retriever mix. I came to live in New Mexico inDecember 2023 with my human mom, Ms. Griffin and my 5 other house-mates and new siblings.
I LOVE to come to school with my mom every day to see my classmates, play, and learn new things. In the elementary classroom, my taller friends are learning to work with and understand me. I am in love with them and the shorter friends in the other classrooms too.
My classmates describe me as a “gentle giant” with a big heart and large paws. I like to sit next to them while they are working. I like naps, snacks and lunch time, naps, and playtime. I also like wearing naps and other bandanas. I love being at school most days and I love going home and playing with my family too.