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.

Hello, and thank you for visiting our Beach staff directory! 

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 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.

Hey everyone! What I love most about teaching is spending the day with kids…they are hilarious, have the funniest stories and their excitement about simple things is contagious. 

I’ve always had a strong desire to impact other people’s lives and teaching gives me an opportunity to build relationships with children while helping them grow. It brings me great joy to work with children each day, especially helping them gain wisdom and a love for learning.

I can’t imagine myself in a career doing anything other than teaching.  I knew I would be a teacher when I was in the third grade.  I remember how I felt when I struggled with cursive writing and how much my teacher helped me.  I strive to make sure my students feel taken care of everyday.

As a School Psychologist, I aim to build positive and supportive connections with students. I always strive to be a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. 

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.

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.

 "If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward" - MLK Jr.

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.  

I love spending my days at Beach and am excited to see our students every morning! Thank you for sharing your children with me.

I am passionate about counseling and social work as it allows me to meet with students to identify their needs and barriers to success. I enjoy working together with students on how to break those barriers so they can reach their full potential. My favorite quote is, "When educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget to educate their hearts."  -Dalai Lama

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.