I began my teaching career at Fruitport Community Schools in 1998 after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Central Michigan University.  I completed my Master’s of Education degree in Early Childhood Education in 2003 from Grand Valley State University. I currently teach Kindergarten at Beach Elementary.

I began my teaching experience here at Fruitport Community Schools in January of 2003 teaching kindergarten at Shettler Elementary. From the fall of 2003 to present I have been teaching 5th grade at Beach Elementary. I have also been part of our district technology committee since 2009.

"The secret is to surround yourself with people who make your heart smile. It's then and only then that you'll find wonderland"  from Alice in wonderland.

I am so glad to be back at Beach Elementary! I did my student teaching here in Mrs. Olson’s 5th Grade classroom in 2020. I was drawn to how kind and supportive the staff is here at Beach. Everyone here is like family and the students are all amazing! I am so happy and couldn't imagine beginning my teaching career anywhere else. 

Since I was a child, I dreamed of being a teacher. I worked in banking and accounting before I finally returned to college to become a teacher.

After a 10 year career in banking I turned to education and I am very glad I did! I love working with K-5 students to develop better math skills. I can also be found every morning greeting students at our car drop off.

it's exciting to see the students' faces when something that they've been having a hard time with clicks and  they now understand,  They're so proud of themselves. It's a great feeling.

I've always known that I wanted a career where I could help people strive to better themselves and reach for their dreams.  

I have always enjoyed working with children. To help teach our kiddos at Fruitport Schools for over 30 years is such a blessing. I love each and every one and am blessed to be a part of their lives.

I love being a school social worker and helping kids in a place where they spend a large amount of their time. I help develop intervention strategies to increase academic success. I also help children manage emotions, resolve conflict, and develop appropriate social interactions skills. 

I am a Fruitport native, and had the opportunity to receive all of my education through Fruitport Community Schools! After graduating from Fruitport High School, I decided to further my education at Muskegon Community College and then Grand Valley State University. In December of 1999, I received my degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Math and Science. I continued my education at Western Michigan University earning a Master's Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis on Reading Instruction in 2008.

I was born in Muskegon and love living so close to Lake Michigan!  I am married to a wonderful man who is also a teacher.  We have three beautiful children.  Aaron, Braden, and Kendall. My parents, younger brother, in-laws and most of my extended family all live in this area.  I love living so close to my family!

 I chose to be a special education teacher, because I believe that ALL children can learn and deserve the opportunity to show the world what they are capable of doing! 

I have always enjoyed working with students and I love assisting students in becoming better readers. 

I have been an educator for over twenty years throughout Muskegon county as an elementary classroom teacher (grades preschool - 5th), substitute teacher, or parent volunteer.  I received my Bachelor’s degree from Calvin College and took graduate classes at Western Michigan University. Teaching is my vocation.  The joy and satisfaction I receive from playing a part in student learning is truly awesome!  It is an honor to be part of a child’s learning and life.  

Growing up, my mother always told me I would be a teacher!  She even knew that I was destined to teach kindergarten.  I love working with children.  I have often said that if I can make a difference in the life of just one child, then my life has purpose.

As an elementary music educator, I have the wonderful and important responsibility of introducing children to the beauty of music: how it can help you express yourself, build community, and belong to something bigger than yourself.

I truly love teaching at Fruitport.  I believe physical education is designed to develop each child's physical, emotional and social learning.  Through exposure to a wide variety of activities, students will gain the necessary knowledge to understand the importance of and make educated decisions around opportunities to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

I love teaching. I love the uniqueness of each day and feeling that I’m doing a job that can make a positive difference in someone’s life. I enjoy trying to create engaging lessons that will motivate students to do their best. The challenges of finding the perfect chapter book to spark interest in a beginning reader, setting up a science experiment that will captivate a young mind, or finding a math approach that will meet the needs of different learning styles makes for a rewarding career.

I love exploring the world with my students through Art. Their curiosity and creativity inspires me everyday. 

Working with kids, finding and inspiring their passion, and seeing them take on new challenges and succeed - that is my mission in life.  A quote by Benjamin Franklin, is the core to my teaching philosophy, "Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn."  I find these words powerful, so I make sure that I try to engage all students in whatever we are doing. 

What I love about teaching is that every day is a different adventure!  I love to see a  student’s smile or expression when they make connections to new learnings or see the gains that they are making.  My goal as a teacher is to give my very best and to have high expectations so my students will give their very best and have high expectations for themselves.  

There is no job better than teaching. Each day is different, and children are a constant source of amazement. They are fun to work with, and watching them learn and grow is extremely rewarding. Every day is an adventure!  Beach is truly a fantastic place to work. The families, coworkers and kids couldn't be more supportive.

I love working with the kids! They are honest, resilient, and they teach me something every single day!

One of my favorite quotes is "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?"- Dr. Seuss 

I love my job because I love children and truly believe that what every child has to say is important. The quote I love is " when one teaches two learn". 

Growing up on the shores of Lake Michigan, I knew this was the place I wanted to work, raise a family and grow old someday. 

I could not imagine myself doing anything other than teaching. I am lucky to be able to work with great kids and help them grow!

As a teen I was fortunate to watch a little boy who had special needs. He touched my heart and changed my career thoughts toward education.  As a teacher, I strive to provide an interesting, engaging, and comfortable learning environment for all students. My goal is to help children bloom and become the best they can be.  

My mom and my aunt were both teachers.  I knew from a very young age that I wanted to follow in their footsteps.  I truly believe that all children can learn, and I have made it my life’s goal to make that happen.