Library Director
Mrs. Ashleigh Stepanian finds daily inspiration in helping young readers discover the joy of stories, knowledge, and imagination. Since joining Graland in 2011 as a Grade 4 teacher, she has brought her passion for literature and lifelong learning to the heart of campus. Today, she leads the library program with a vision that blends reading, research, digital literacy, and collaboration. Ask her about her dream to write a children’s book—or the best novel to take on your next adventure!
Joined Graland In
2011
2011
Favorite Interaction With Students
Helping students find the book that truly engages them—that moment when a story clicks, offers a new perspective, or sparks a deeper interest in reading and discovery.
Helping students find the book that truly engages them—that moment when a story clicks, offers a new perspective, or sparks a deeper interest in reading and discovery.
Most Inspiring Graland Program
I find our trips program to be the most inspiring program at Graland, as it provides students an incredible opportunity to live the learning. Our trips, whether a day hike or an overnight experience, push students beyond the classroom, fostering resilience, teamwork, and character, while giving students (and educators) the space to grow, connect, and truly thrive together.
I find our trips program to be the most inspiring program at Graland, as it provides students an incredible opportunity to live the learning. Our trips, whether a day hike or an overnight experience, push students beyond the classroom, fostering resilience, teamwork, and character, while giving students (and educators) the space to grow, connect, and truly thrive together.
Why I Work at Graland
I work at Graland because of the strong collegiality and shared commitment to educating the whole child—academics, arts, athletics, and character—within a community that echoes the values that shaped me at my alma mater, the American School of London.
I work at Graland because of the strong collegiality and shared commitment to educating the whole child—academics, arts, athletics, and character—within a community that echoes the values that shaped me at my alma mater, the American School of London.
Favorite Graland Moment
Choosing a favorite Graland moment feels a bit like choosing a favorite book—there are simply too many meaningful ones. However, one that stands out is walking my son across campus to his classroom each morning. His genuine enthusiasm and readiness to begin the day at Graland speak volumes about the positive, engaging, and welcoming environment our school provides.
Choosing a favorite Graland moment feels a bit like choosing a favorite book—there are simply too many meaningful ones. However, one that stands out is walking my son across campus to his classroom each morning. His genuine enthusiasm and readiness to begin the day at Graland speak volumes about the positive, engaging, and welcoming environment our school provides.
Graland Trip I Love
Every trip is incredible in its own right, and I feel so fortunate to have been a chaperone on the majority of them. One of my favorite trips is the 6th Grade Southwest trip—camping under the stars, climbing Pancake Rock, coming together every night by the campfire, and exploring the stunning landscape and history of Mesa Verde. It’s a powerful introduction to the brilliance of the Ancestral Puebloan people and the natural beauty and cultural richness of Colorado.
Every trip is incredible in its own right, and I feel so fortunate to have been a chaperone on the majority of them. One of my favorite trips is the 6th Grade Southwest trip—camping under the stars, climbing Pancake Rock, coming together every night by the campfire, and exploring the stunning landscape and history of Mesa Verde. It’s a powerful introduction to the brilliance of the Ancestral Puebloan people and the natural beauty and cultural richness of Colorado.
Professional Passion
My professional passion is staying current with new literature that offers windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors, and becoming a leader in media and information literacy, especially in this rapidly shifting age of AI.
My professional passion is staying current with new literature that offers windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors, and becoming a leader in media and information literacy, especially in this rapidly shifting age of AI.
Fun Fact
I am a dual citizen (American and Brazilian): I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and grew up in Hong Kong, Geneva, London, and New Canaan, Connecticut.
I am a dual citizen (American and Brazilian): I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and grew up in Hong Kong, Geneva, London, and New Canaan, Connecticut.
Life Goal
My life goals include traveling to Patagonia, sailing in the fjords, and writing a children’s book—I’ve always had a lifelong love for exploration and storytelling.
My life goals include traveling to Patagonia, sailing in the fjords, and writing a children’s book—I’ve always had a lifelong love for exploration and storytelling.
Outside Graland, I'm…
Spending time with my family, traveling, playing tennis or pickleball, snowboarding, and reading (of course!).
Spending time with my family, traveling, playing tennis or pickleball, snowboarding, and reading (of course!).
Other Than Graland, I Support
Reach Out and Read Colorado, Denver Public Library, The ALS Association, Camp Onaway
Reach Out and Read Colorado, Denver Public Library, The ALS Association, Camp Onaway
Hometown
New Canaan, Connecticut
New Canaan, Connecticut
Favorite Childhood Memory
Spending summers adventuring with my siblings on my grandparents’ farm in southern Vermont
EducationSpending summers adventuring with my siblings on my grandparents’ farm in southern Vermont
Master's in Children’s Literature from Simmons College
Master's in Elementary Education from Simmons College
Bachelor's in English from Davidson College
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
