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 am so fortunate for the opportunity to work with students at Beach, Edgewood, and Shettler Elementary buildings. It is rewarding to work alongside staff, students, and their families to promote academic and social success at school. The best part of my job is being able to see students make even the smallest steps towards their goals.

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.

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.

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 had the privilege of working for Fruitport Community Schools for the last couple of years.  I was hired in 1989, working in the Community Education program in the Edgewood School Building.  In 1991, I became the librarian at Beach Elementary School.  

I very much enjoy spending time with students one-on-one or in small groups every day. Sometimes I’m able to support students in their classrooms, which might look like pulling them to a table in the back, or squatting down next to them as they work to complete their assignment.  It might even mean teaching a lesson to the whole class.  

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 am a Speech-Language Pathologist employed by the Eastern Service Unit.  I currently service children in the Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) preschool programs at Fruitport and Orchard View schools.  

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 consider myself incredibly fortunate to serve Fruitport as a common thread between students, staff members, families, and other agencies within our community.  Aristotle’s philosophy that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts certainly rings true in the field of education.  From new and innovative lessons being taught in the classroom to a parents or grandparents reading with a child at home, each role is key to the outcome of a child’s educational success.  Being mindful of this leaves every reason to believe in the power of building positive relationships between home, school, and community.  Together our tomorrows are undeniably stronger.

I come from a family of teachers. In fact, both of my parents were educators and my only brother teaches music in California! I love teaching 2nd grade because it is the same grade that my mom taught. There is no other job in the world like teaching. It is a joy to interact with unique and spirited little ones each day. 

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.

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.

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.  

After taking a psychology course as an elective my senior year of high school in Saginaw, Michigan, I knew I wanted to do something in the field of "Why do people act the way they do, and how can I help?"

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 feel fortunate to be an elementary secretary in this district. Everyday I see the direct correlation between love, guidance and educational support to prepare our students for the next step of the ladder as they head off to the middle school and beyond.

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. 

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.  

As a school psychologist, I work with students at both at the Elementary level and Fruitport High School. I love helping students of all ages reach their full educational potential.  I work directly with students, school staff, and families to develop plans that offer educational supports and/or services necessary to help students achieve success while at school.  

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.

I began my teaching career at Fruitport Community Schools in 2015, as a math interventionist after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics with an emphasis in elementary education from Grand Valley State University.  This is my 5th year in the education field, and I am currently teaching elementary STEM and 8th-grade math.