Administrative and Office Team
School Leadership and Support Staff
Meet our school leadership and office team
Head of School
Dr. Michelle Sweezey is the Head of School for The Grove School. She has been an educator and administrator for 24 years and has also been a small business owner. After growing up on a farm in rural Northern California, Dr.Sweezey earned a Bachelor’s degree, Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential and Supplementary Authorization in English from CSU, Chico, a Master’s Degree in Language and Literacy and her Reading Specialist credential at CSU, Sacramento, an Ed.D in Leadership and Innovation from New York University, and an Administrative Services credential from UC Irvine. All three of her children have attended Montessori schools, and she holds immense gratitude for the opportunity to lead a public Montessori community here in Redlands, making Montessori education available to all. Dr.Sweezey is an avid hiker, and enjoys participating in community events, traveling, and attending sporting and music events with her partner and their family.
Assistant Head of School
Melanie "Mel" Knypstra
Melanie “Mel” Knypstra joined The Grove School in 2010 and served as an English teacher here for 14 years before transitioning into the role of Assistant Head of School in 2024. Well before then, Mel graduated with a BA in English Literature from UCLA. She then worked for an archaeological firm for several years, returning to school to get her Single Subject Credential for English and MA in Teaching from Chapman University in 2007. Mel completed the AMI/NAMTA Montessori Orientation to Adolescent Studies in 2011 and holds a AMI Montessori 12-18 Diploma. She currently holds a Preliminary Administrative Services credential, which she is working to clear. She considers the Grove “home” and values the community we have built in supporting students in discovering their potential. Mel loves traveling with her family and getting lost in a book.
Operations Director
Aimee joined The Grove School in 2019 and loves the unique atmosphere of the school as well as the many facets of what the school encompasses (especially the baby animals). While at Grove, she has become a jack of all trades and learns something new almost every day! On top of the daily school operations, she actively participates in a wide array of programs at Grove, including farm life, fundraisers, the Cheer Squad, ticket box office, community events such as the annual Country Fair, the Raven Cafe and more! Aimee graduated from CSUSB with a BA in Business Administration with a Finance Concentration. She has a varied background in business, County government, and she even owned a local bakery. Aimee is also part of a certified therapy dog team with her dog, Luna. She and Luna enjoy visiting seniors, kids, airport passengers, and everyone in between!
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Accounting and Human Resources Manager
Connie has worked as the Accounting and Human Resources Manager for Grove since 2005. She enjoys interacting with the students on a daily basis and learning with them. She has a BS in accounting. Connie has one daughter who graduated from The Grove School.
Farm and Facilities Manager
Mike has been part of the Redlands community for over 40 years. He is married with two kids, one of whom is a Grove graduate. Mike has been in the Landscape and Maintenance field for over 40 years as a contractor. He ran his own company for 20 years before joining Grove in 2025, and also has a QAL (Qualified Applicators License). Mike enjoys outdoor activities, from surfing to paragliding and everything in between, as well as interacting with the Grove community and its students because there is always something new to learn or discover.
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School Counselor
Tina is a dedicated school counselor committed to supporting students’ academic, social-emotional, and college and career development. She joined the Grove team in 2024. She earned her undergraduate degree in Human Communication Studies from California State University, Fullerton, and completed her graduate degree in Educational Counseling with a PPS credential at the University of La Verne.
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Registrar/Office Manager
Beth has worked in the Grove office since 2008. She graduated from the University of Redlands with a BA in Political Science. She loves spending time with her family, traveling, reading, gardening.
Administrative Assistant
Kristina Savage
Kristina joined The Grove School in 2022 and fell in love with the uniqueness of the school, along with the many animals that call it home. Prior to working at The Grove, she worked at an Elementary school in Redlands for five years. She is excited to work with some of the same students who are now a bit more grown up. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, road trips, and going to Disneyland with her kids.
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Administrative Assistant
Sandy Longman
Sandy has worked as the attendance clerk for the Grove school since 2013. She has a BS in business management. Her youngest son graduated from Grove in 2017. She enjoys country western & swing dancing.
Instructional Team
Faculty and Paraprofessionals
Meet our dedicated team of teachers and support staff
MS Math Teacher
Aubrey joined The Grove School in 2023 and loves all of the unique opportunities for learning the school offers for the many types of learners. Aubrey earned her BS in Mathematics from the University of Redlands in 2022. After that, she earned a MA in Learning and Teaching and her Single Subject Teaching Credential in Mathematics from the University of Redlands in 2023. In her free time, Aubrey enjoys camping, cooking, and spending time with her loving husband and adorable cats.
HS Spanish
Amy Noel started teaching at The Grove School in 2024. She became fluent in Spanish while living in Santiago, Chile for 16 months. She also did a study abroad in Salamanca, Spain for one month. Amy earned her BA in Spanish Teaching from Brigham Young University. She loves camping, hiking, nature, art, reading, and music. Her pastimes also include spending time with family and friends, dance aerobics, yoga, weightlifting, and eating tacos. One of Amy’s passions is continually learning about cultures, people, history, and teaching foreign languages.
HS Art
Amy joined The Grove School in 2012. She teaches visual arts classes and advises Art Club and the Senior Class. Amy loves the beauty of the Grove’s campus and the camaraderie of the community. She finds peace in life through her faith in God. Amy received her BA in Fine Arts with an emphasis in ceramics in 1997 from CSUSB and her Single Subject teaching credential in Art from CBU in 2007. She also received her 12-18 diploma from Association Montessori International in 2015 and earned an MEd in Education Technology and Instructional Design from WGU in 2025. Amy is married to videographer/photographer/teacher/graphic designer/ magician, Dacy, and has three astounding children and three adorable grandchildren. In her free time, Amy enjoys family, pottery, house and yard projects, music, reading, yoga, and walking.
MS/HS CTE
Carrie joined The Grove School in 2019 and currently teaches MS Drama and Entrepreneurship, HS Technical Theatre, Marketing, Career Exploration as well as Mentoring. She brings over 20 years of theatre, film, marketing, entrepreneurship and sales to the classroom. Carrie earned her CTE Credential in Arts, Media and Entertainment and Marketing Sales and Services from University of California, Riverside. She also holds certificates in Interior Design from University of California, Riverside, and Adolescent Montessori Orientation from the Association of Montessori Internationale. Carrie thoroughly enjoys teaching and her roles as the Theatre Director of The Grove School and Thespian Director. She can’t imagine a better environment to foster Montessori principles and philosophies than at the Grove School!
HS English
Chloe joined The Grove School in 2021 and is grateful to work alongside a dedicated group of educators within a strong, supportive community. As a Redlands native, she values being part of a school that builds meaningful relationships and fosters a true sense of belonging for students, families, and staff. Chloe earned an Associate of Arts in Philosophy and Sociology from Crafton Hills College, a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies with a minor in Spatial Studies, and a Master of Arts in Education: Learning and Teaching from the University of Redlands. She enjoys collaborating with colleagues and supporting students as they grow academically and personally. Outside of school, Chloe loves reading, listening to music, cooking, and spending time with her dog, Blu.
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HS English
Erin joined the Grove school in 2023 and currently teaches 9th grade English, AP Seminar, and AP Research. Erin is also the middle school ASB advisor. She graduated from the University of Redlands with a masters degree in education. Erin enjoys spending time with her three boys, camping, hiking, fishing, and anything spooky.
MS/HS Math
Jackie Pendery joined The Grove School in 2024 and currently teaches Algebra 1 and Geometry. Jackie brings over 25 years of K-12 experience to the classroom. Jackie strongly believes in the value of experiential education and values the emphasis on “learning through doing” here at Grove. In her spare time, Jackie and her family are puppy raisers for Guide Dogs of the Desert, and she enjoys reading, being outside in nature, and spending time with her family.
MS Social Studies
Jamie Pontius holds a Master of Arts degree in History with a specialization in medieval to early modern European history. With a passion for education, Jamie has taught a variety of courses, including AP and IB programs, U.S. History, and Ethnic Studies, striving to make history both rigorous and relevant for students. Outside the classroom, Jamie enjoys gaming with her husband, whom she met playing World of Warcraft—a shared hobby they still enjoy today. Together, they also play Dungeons & Dragons and curate an ever-growing board game collection.
HS Social Studies
Jesse joined The Grove School in 2023. Currently he teaches Highschool Social Science and advises the Grove Schools Yearbook team. Prior to joining The Grove School, he taught at a non-traditional school for transitional-age youth. Jesse earned a BA in History from CSU, Los Angeles in 2015. Jesse is motivated and inspired to be a better human by his two incredible children and his wonderful wife. In his free time, Jesse is passionate about traveling, working on home projects, and spending time with his family and German Shorthaired Pointer, Marx.
MS/HS CTE
​Jessica Escamilla is a CTE Hospitality Teacher at The Grove with over 27 years of experience in the food service industry, eleven of which were spent as Grove’s Sous Chef from 2012-2023. Jessica rejoined the Grove community in 2025 with a passion for helping young people explore and discover what sorts of occupations they might be interested in pursuing, particularly in the food world. She enjoys teaching students about the benefits of a Career Technical Education program which can help propel them into a career right after high school. In her free time Jessica loves to cuddle on the couch with her dogs, go for hikes with her family, taste as many new foods as possible, and binge old 80s and 90s TV shows.
HS Math
Mr. Delaney is excited to be a part of the staff at The Grove School and to share his passion and enthusiasm for teaching. Before entering the teaching profession full-time in 2017, Mark spent many years working in business, engineering and technology. Mark earned his Master’s degree in Math Education in 2018. He enjoys hiking and backpacking and hopes to someday fill in the missing gaps on his quest to complete the Pacific Crest Trail. When not teaching, Mark can be found spending time with his family and pets on an adventure or making sure his large vegetable garden is a thing of beauty.
MS/HS CTE
Melvin joined The Grove School in 2023 and loves the community here that has been built by the students, teachers, and staff. He earned a BA in History from Roanoke College in 2009. Prior to joining the Grove team, he was a baker at Small Oven Bakery and a Farm and Garden Camp Director at the Berkshire Botanical Garden. In his free time, Melvin enjoys hiking and backpacking with his partner and two dogs, rock climbing, and flying model airplanes.
MS/HS Science
Suzie joined The Grove School in 2018 and loves the unique experiences the school provides, in which students learn creativity, flexibility, and a multitude of other life skills. She received her BS in Biological Sciences from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and a MS in Educational Technology from CSUF. She received her Single Subject Biology credential at Cal State Northridge. Suzie is the Cross Country coach and runs AAES (Applied Agriculture and Environmental Science) club. Suzie is passionate about native plant gardening and running.
HS Science
Ms. O’Brien joined The Grove School in 2016. She is grateful to be part of a community that allows students to construct their knowledge through active involvement with a diverse yet rigorous curriculum. Ms. O’Brien earned AAs in Social and Behavioral Sciences, Biological and Physical Sciences, Environmental Studies, and Real Estate at SBVC and two BAs in Environmental Studies and Geography at CSUSB. She also earned an Urban Planning Certificate while at CSUSB. While attending Loyola Marymount University, Ms. O’Brien earned a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Biological and Life Sciences, as well as Geosciences. She also earned her MA in Urban Education, Policy, and Administration at LMU. In 2018, Ms. O’Brien earned her 12-18 diploma from the Association Montessori International. In addition, Ms. O’Brien was also an AmeriCorps/Teach for America corps member. Ms. O’Brien teaches Environmental Science, Anatomy and Physiology, Senior Seminar, and AP Environmental Science. She is also the Senior Project Coordinator and advisor for the HS ASB and Environmental Club. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, volunteering, and immersing herself in the beauty of nature.
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Education Specialist
Tracey Dennis has been in education for 19 years, from Student Activities Coordinator at the college level, Instructional Assistant at the high school level, and now Ed. Specialist at the secondary level. She earned two Masters of Arts degrees from University of Redlands in Higher Education and Learning/Teaching (MALT), and two Bachelors of Arts degrees in Film and Visual Culture with a minor in Political Science, from University of California Riverside, and English literature California State University San Bernardino. She enjoys travel, cooking, and BTS.
Sous Chef
Diane, who has been at Grove since 2023, attended L.A. Mission College for Culinary Arts and has been in food service for the past 26 years with a wide variety of experience, including running a small business. She’s passionate about cooking, painting, gardening and rock collecting, and is thrilled to be here.
Paraprofessional
Drew joined The Grove School in 2023 and loves the sense of community and teamwork the school creates. Prior to working at The Grove School, he completed his BA in Philosophy from ASU in 2022. Drew also coached the Boys’ Baseball team at The Grove school in 2023 and runs the Interact Club, which works hard to improve the campus and community.
Paraprofessional
Elena joined The Grove School in 2022 and loves working with all the kind, hard-working, and creative people at the school. She received her BA in Theater Arts from the University of Redlands in 2017. Elena is a native of Redlands and deeply enjoys the community it offers. In her free time, she enjoys any outdoor activities, including hiking.
Sous Chef
Patricia joined The Grove School in 2024. She enjoys preparing Mexican cuisine as well as meals for the entire Grove community. Patricia loves getting to know the students and says seeing their happy faces at mealtime is one of the highlights of her day.
