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.
Mrs. Wellen Chambers
Primary Teacher Intern/ Videographer
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.
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