Come meet us!

Every one of our team members is devoted to delivering the finest education possible to your children.

Ms. Sheila Griffin, M.Ed

Founder & Montessori Trained Primary & Elementary 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.

Henri Griffin

Charlie Griffin

Mrs. Betty Osoff-Hannagan (Mrs. OH)

Head of School/Primary Teacher

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.

Mr. Dan Hannagan

Craftsman

I enjoy seeing the children playing with and enjoying the things I do around here. They inspire me to create more.

Mrs. Wellen Chambers

Primary Lead 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.

Mrs. Mandi Messier

Home Visiting

Hi there, my name is Mandi Messier. I am New Mexico born and raised and am one of the moms of a couple LEAP students. The Montessori way and sense of community has inspired me to take on this new roll, hang up my "stay-at-home mom" hat, and return to work. I have worked various service industry jobs including waitressing, cosmetology, and barbering.
I am married to my best friend; Mike, have two amazing children, and a sweet fur baby. I enjoy yoga & meditation, nature, laughter, water in all forms, sunshine, friendships, and, most importantly, family. I also have a deep love for dogs and animals, and I have a passion for creativity and design. I want more than anything to help nurture and develop the parent-child connection. I will be a nonjudgmental sounding board and your parental ally.

Things I have found to be true are parenting is a beautiful journey and, most definitely, not easy. I am here to help. I, with so much warmth and excitement, look forward to meeting, sharing, and collaborating with you and yours. I am enthusiastic and looking forward to our meetings and connections.

Ms. Leslie Lopez

Assistant Teacher

Hi, my name Leslie Lopez; the kids call me Ms. Leslie. I have been a Montessori teacher's assistant for a little over two years. I have loved learning about your children, and seeing their smiling faces every day.
I graduated from La Cueva High School. After high school, I joined the United States Navy. I lived in Hermiston, Oregon for over ten years. I missed the Albuquerque area so much, I decided to move back to be closer to family.
I am currently attending CNM and working toward my bachelor's degree in Infant and Family Studies. I am also looking forward to attending the Montessori Teacher's Assistant training program as soon as I can. I absolutely love my work and I love the people I work with.
I have many hobbies and things I love to do outside of school. Here are just a few: reading, cross stitch, diamond painting, and quilting. I love spending time with family and doing anything crafty.
I look forward to seeing your children this year.

Mrs. Stevie Romero

Website Designer/ Consultant
BFA, MArch

Hello. I am not one to embellish with words, so let's get to it.
I have been involved with LEAP Montessori in one way or another for about 7 years. My eldest has been a student for about 8 years; my youngest a bit over 5 years.
I've helped design and take care of the upkeep of the LEAP website. I also consult on many design opportunities and ideas that the staff want to incorporate into the school.