Manistee Area Public Schools Faculty & Staff
Explore. Inspire. Achieve.
We encourage our Mariners to develop a focused vision for their future. Our students are engaged by specialized and compassionate educators that encourage all learners to explore their world, inspire them to recognize their potential, and support them to achieve their individualized goals.
Mariners Lead the Way!
Central Office & Administration
Location: 525 12th St, Manistee, MI 49660 | Map
Telephone: (231) 723-3521
Fax: (231) 723-1507
Central Office Hours: M-F: 8:30am – 4:30pm
Superintendent: Ronald Stoneman
Board of Education President: Theresa Anderson
Central Office Staff
Ronald Stoneman
Superintendent - rstoneman@manistee.org
Howard Vaas
Business Manager - hvaas@manistee.org
Amber Kowatch
Curriculum Director - akowatch@manistee.org
Sue Gustad
Assistant Business Manager - sgustad@manistee.org
Sara Schubert
Payroll/Human Resources/Insurance/Lunch - sschubert@manistee.org
Carrie Cameron
Accounts Payable Specialist - ccameron@manistee.org
Lauren Bergeman
Administrative and Communication Liaison - lbergeman@manistee.org
Our Staff
View MMHS Staff
| MMHS Staff | ||
| Name | Title / Grade / Content Area | |
| Administrative Staff | ||
| Morgan Nowicki | HS/MS Principal | mnowicki@manistee.org |
| Bridget Warnke | Assistant Principal | bwarnke@manistee.org |
| Dean of Students | ||
| Karen Beldo | Administrative Assistant | kbeldo@manistee.org |
| Guidance | ||
| Chelsea Hammer | Guidance Counselor | chammer@manistee.org |
| Tara Lange | Guidance Administrative Assistant / Registrar | tlange@manistee.org |
| Activities | ||
| Kenn Kott | Athletic Director | kkott@manistee.org |
| Kendra Mikolajczak | Activities Secretary/Athletics Administrative Assistant | kmikolajczak@manistee.org |
| District Technology | ||
| Kenneth Blakey-Shell | District Technology Director | kblakeyshell@manistee.org |
| Gabe Delgado | Elementary Device Support | gdelgado@manistee.org |
| Matt Froncek | Apple Certified Technician | mfroncek@manistee.org |
| David Gagstetter | Data & Device Systems Manager | dgagstetter@manistee.org |
| MMHS School Instructional Staff | ||
| Scott Adkins | Instrumental Music | sadkins@manistee.org |
| Gregg Bennett | Social Science | gbennett@manistee.org |
| Ryan Biller | Instrumental Music | rbiller@manistee.org |
| Kylee Bohle | PE/Health | kbohle@manistee.org |
| Amy Bush | ELA/Special Education | abush@manistee.org |
| Amanda Clemons | Special Education Teacher Consultant | aclemons@manistee.org |
| Jane Deising | Special Education | jdeising@manistee.org |
| Kari Eastway | Language Arts | keastway@manistee.org |
| Rachel Edmondson | Language Arts | reedmondson@manistee.org |
| Sarah Eix | Math | seix@manistee.org |
| Amanda Feyen | Choir | afeyen@manistee.org |
| Shane Harrigan | Social Science | sharrigan@manistee.org |
| Joe Hendges | Social Science | jhendges@manistee.org |
| Sophie Hooper | Language Arts | shooper@manistee.org |
| Mackenzie Houston | PE/Health | mhouston@manistee.org |
| Marcy Huber | Math | mhuber@manistee.org |
| Sam Joseph | Language Arts | sjoseph@manistee.org |
| Brooke Koller | Special Education | bkoller@manistee.org |
| Mitch Mast | Science | mmast@manistee.org |
| Erryn Moore | Math | emoore@manistee.org |
| Aaron Myers | Social Studies | amyers@manistee.org |
| Troy Nezki | Math | tnezki@manistee.org |
| Ryan O'Donnell | Science | rodonnell@manistee.org |
| Mary Olson | Science | molson@manistee.org |
| Amber Poortvliet | Science | apoortvliet@manistee.org |
| Amber Puchtel | Art | apuchtel@manistee.org |
| Tobia Purple | Special Education | tpurple@manistee.org |
| Lucas Quakkelaar | Language Arts | lquakkelaar@manistee.org |
| Cole Rens | Social Science | crens@manistee.org |
| Dan Saylor | Social Science | dsaylor@manistee.org |
| Polly Schlaff | Language Arts | pschlaff@manistee.org |
| Devin Schweigert | Science | dschweigert@manistee.org |
| Joel Smith | Language Arts | smithj@manistee.org |
| Hannah Starmann | Language Arts | hstarmann@manistee.org |
| Robert Von Herbruck | PE/Health | rvonherbruck@manistee.org |
| Amy Watkins | Math | awatkins@manistee.org |
| Paraprofessionals | ||
| Ingrid Bond | Band Paraprofessional | ibond@manistee.org |
| Courtney Cole | One to One Paraprofessional | ccole@manistee.org |
| Alyssa Dewitt | One to One Paraprofessional | adewitt@manistee.org |
| Ethan Lavender | One to One Paraprofessional | elavender@manistee.org |
| Nicole Sarhan | One to One Paraprofessional | nsarhan@manistee.org |
| Donna Williams | General Supervision | dwilliams@manistee.org |
| Jennifer Williams | MS Activities Director / Sensory / Library | jwilliams@manistee.org |
| MMHS School Custodial | ||
| Jeff Bowerman | Head Custodian | jbowerman@manistee.org |
| James Kropacek | Custodian | jkropacek@manistee.org |
| Sarah Picklesimer | Custodian | spicklesimer@manistee.org |
| Steve Sciba | Custodian | ssciba@manistee.org |
| Susan Steinberg | Custodian | ssteinberg@manistee.org |
| Nutrition Service | ||
| Haleigh Savage | Nutrition Service Director | hsavage@manistee.org |
| Robin Christensen | Nutrition Service | rchristensen@manistee.org |
| Sara Froncek | Nutrition Service (Meals on Wheels Assistant) | sfroncek@manistee.org |
| Cheryl Kamin | Nutrition Service | |
| Richard Koon | Nutrition Service (Driver) | rkoon@manistee.org |
| Carol LemIeux | Nutrition Service | clemieux@manistee.org |
| Terri Morski | Nutrition Service (Meals on Wheels) | tmorski@manistee.org |
| Jennifer Rogers | Nutrition Service (Senior Meals Program) | jrogers@manistee.org |
| Linda Wandrych | Nutrition Service | lwandrych@manistee.org |
| Facilities | ||
| Josh Schubert | Facilities Director | jschubert@manistee.org |
| Nate Cole | Maintenance | ncole@manistee.org |
| David Rutowski | Maintenance | drutowski@manistee.org |
| Douglas Montey | Consultant | dmontey@manistee.org |
| Paine Aquatic Center | ||
| Chris Zehner | Coordinator | czehner@manistee.org |
View Manistee Elementary Staff
Administrative Team
Principal: Shelly Vanvoorst | svanvoorst@manistee.org
Assistant Principal: Beth Adams | badams@manistee.org
Secretary: Kasandra Johnson | kkjohnson@manistee.org
Office Assistant/Secretary: Carly Cheever | ccheever@manistee.org
Instructional Staff
First Grade
Deb Erdman, derdman@manistee.org
Josh Smith jsmith@manistee.org
Anna Thompson, athompson@manistee.org
Michelle Wilson, First Grade mwilson@manistee.org
Second Grade
McAnn Bradford, mbradford@manistee.org
Cindy Matthes, cmatthes@manistee.org
Sarah Padgett, spadgett@manistee.org
Bryan Tomaszewski, btomaszewski@manistee.org
Third Grade
Kelly Petersen, kpetersen@manistee.org
Tristan Baller, tballer@manistee.org
Kayla Szokola, kszokola@manistee.org
Leah Antal, lantal@manistee.org
Fourth Grade
Tina Mannon, tmannon@manistee.org
Nicole Weaver, nweaver@manistee.org
William Edmondson, wedmondson@manistee.org
Fifth Grade
Rose Savela, rsavela@manistee.org
Jaclyn Kaminski, jkaminski@manistee.org
Taylor Mellon, tmellon@manistee.org
Tanya Hunter, thunter@manistee.org
Special Education
Emily Noteware, Special Education enoteware@manistee.org
Jennifer Abel, Resource Room jabel@manistee.org
Chasity Gouker, Special Education cgouker@manistee.org
Academic Support
Krista Bennett, Math Coach, kbennett@manistee.org
Cate Hollenback, 1-2 Interventionist, chollenback@manistee.org
Kelly Zimmerman, 3-5 Interventionist, kzimmerman@manistee.org
Deb Forward, Academic Specialist, dforward@manistee.org
Linda Coyle, Academic Specialist lcoyle@manistee.org
Specials
Sam Zeller, Elementary Coding szeller@manistee.org
Cassie Miller, Elementary PE/Health cmmiller@manistee.org
Michael Rosteck, Elementary Art mrosteck@manistee.org
Amanda Feyen, Elementary Music afeyen@manistee.org
Ryan Biller, Instrumental Music rbiller@manistee.org
Parapros
Natalie Knickerbocker nknickerbocker@manistee.org
Jill Johnson jjohnson@manistee.org
Rachel Lindeman rlindeman@manistee.org
Stacey Smith ssmith@manistee.org
Phil Kroll pkroll@manistee.org
Meredith Rose, mrose@manistee.org
Christina Delacruz, cdelacruz@manistee.org
Teri Barkholz tbarkholz@manistee.org
Clay Slawinski, cslawinski@manistee.org
Sara Papes, spapes@manistee.org
Ingrid Bond, ibond@manistee.org
Vanessa Bergeman vbergeman@manistee.org
Mirage DeLing mdeling@manistee.org
Behavioral Health Team
Olivia Nichols-Lenon, Behavioral Specialist, olenon@manistee.org
Stephanie Johnson, Behavorial Specialist, stephaniejohnson@manistee.org
Theresa Patnoude, Therapist, tpatnoude@manistee.org
View Childcare, Preschool & GSRP Staff
Manistee Early Childhood Center Staff
Principal: Julia Raddatz, raddatzj@manistee.org
Secretary: Amy Miller, amiller@manistee.org
Kindergarten Teacher: Cindy Lundberg, clundberg@manistee.org
Kindergarten teacher: Allison Veine, aveine@manistee.org
Kindergarten teacher: Posted
Kindergarten teacher: Posted
Student Services teacher: Chastity Gouker, cgouker@manistee.org
MAPS Behavioral Health: TBD
Music: Amanda Feyen, afeyen@manistee.org
Art: TBD
Physical Education: Cassie Miller, cmiller@manistee.org
MAPS Great Start Readiness Program Staff - 231-398-3757
GSRP
Lead teacher: Amy Brown, abrown@manistee.org
Associate teacher: Brenda Struble, bstruble@manistee.org
Associate teacher: Ashley Johnson, akjohnson@manistee.org
GSRP
Lead teacher: Renee Turmel, rturmel@manistee.org
Associate teacher: Nancy Zatarga, nzatarga@manistee.org
Assistant: Courtney Gibbs, cgibbs@manistee.org
GSRP
Lead Teacher: Posted
Associate teacher: Amber Hiipakka, ahiipakka@manistee.org
Rising Mariners (age 4) - 231.398.3754
Lead teacher: Sandy Ludwig, sludwig@manistee.org
Lead teacher: Julie Zajac, jzajac@manistee.org
Assistant: Shyan Mauntler, smauntler@manistee.org
MiniMariners (age 3) - 231.398.3754
Lead teacher: Sandy Ludwig, sludwig@manistee.org
Lead teacher: Julie Zajac, jzajac@manistee.org
Assistant: Shyan Mauntler, smauntler@manistee.org
After School Care Staff - 231.398.3758
Lead teacher: Sandy Ludwig, sludwig@manistee.org
Lead teacher: Nicole Anciso, nanciso@manistee.org
Lead teacher: Amber Hiipakka, ahiipakka@manistee.org
Morning Care Staff - 231.398.3758
Lead teacher: Renee Turmel, rturmel@manistee.org
Associate teacher: Brenda Struble, bstruble@manistee.org
Associate teacher: Ashley Johnson, akjohnson@manistee.org
View Transportation Staff
MAPS Student Behavioral Health Services Team
Cecilia Lester,Licensed Masters of Social Work. Cecilia provides individual services at Manistee Middle & High School. Cecilia has experience supporting students in crisis and linking students to resources. This is Cecilia’s third year working with MAPS. clester@manistee.org
Katie Petoskey, Limited Licensed Masters of Social Work with School Social Worker Certificate. Katie is supporting Kennedy Elementary school students by providing individual therapy and leading Social Emotional Learning (SEL) groups. Katie completed an internship with the MAPS ISD and has a history of working with individuals in a school setting. kpetoskey@manistee.org
Theresa Patnoude, Licensed Professional Counselor.Trese Patnoude is a mental health therapist at both Kennedy Elementary and MMHS. At Kennedy she works with children who are struggling with anger issues, impulse control, self esteem, grief and loss, and relational aggression. At MMHS she does a Vaping Education Group which is an alternative to suspension days. In that group the students address peer pressure, the dangers of nicotine and THC in vapes, and how to overcome abuse and addiction. She also sees students individually for counseling, and is trained in suicide prevention and CPI. tpatnoude@manistee.org
Jordan Riley (formerly Jordan Johnson), Masters in Applied Behavioral Analysis. Jordan supports Jefferson Elementary school students with their skill development, collects data, manages crisis, and trains staff in evidence-based practices. Jordan has over 8 years of experience working with individuals with moderate to severe behavioral concerns. jordanriley@manistee.org
Julia Newell Behavioral Specialist at MMHS Julia supports the students of MMHS by analyzing data to create support plans, collaborating with teachers to establish sustainable solutions, and working with students individually to build key skills. All of her work is focused on developing skills for student growth and success. jnewell@manistee.org
Olivia Lenon Behavioral Specialist at Kennedy Elementary Olivia supports students at Kennedy with skill building, implementing behavior plans, collecting data, and managing crises. Olivia works with students both one-on-one and in SEL skills groups. Before joining the MAPS Behavior Team last year, Olivia was the SafeNet Prevention Specialist at Kennedy for several years. olenon@manistee.org
Stephanie Johnson Behavioral Specialist at Jefferson Elementary Stephanie is new to the team She is transitioning from 1:1 Paraprofessional to becoming a Skill Building Technician. She has experience with students needing extra support and she is working on obtaining my RBT Certification to better serve students at MAPS. stephaniejohnson@manistee.org
Chris Bigelow, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Licensed Professional Counselor. Chris is the Director of the Behavioral Health Team and supports MAPS by providing case consultation, data analysis, developing behavior plans, assessing threats, providing Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training, and coordinating care. cbigelow@manistee.org
View MAPS Student Health Center Staff
Cheryl Wolfram, Community Health Worker, Northwest Michigan Health Services, Inc, cwolfram@nmhsi.org
Derrick Martinez, LLMSW, Behavioral Health Specialist, Northwest Michigan Health Services, Inc, dmartinez@nmhsi.org
Alicia Harmon, Clinical Services Manager, Northwest Michigan Health Services, Inc, aharmon@nmhsi.org
Guiding Our Philosophy
Mission
MAPS Leading-Edge Promise
We provide every student with the knowledge and values necessary to become productive and successful citizens of our world. With innovation, dedication, and integrity, we create a learning environment that inspires every student and educator to reach their highest potential.
Vision
Areas of Focus
- Deliver on our promise to help every student learn
- Support a collaborative learning and working environment
- Bring focused and positive energy to everything we do
- Minimize behaviors/actions/decisions that drain our resources
Guiding Principle: We believe all students can learn.
Non-Negotiable: Achievement – We will find the potential in each student and create an environment that supports their learning.
Definition
- Every child that enters our school district will receive our attention and dedication to finding the keys to their personal success.
Guiding Principle: All decisions we make are based upon impact to effect learning.
Non-Negotiable: Impact– We will focus all efforts on seeking ways to support and extend learning.
Definition
- Our focus is always on student learning.
- We are open-minded, lifelong learners who stay in touch with, share, and use research-based practices.
- We identify and revise practices that do not help students learn.
Guiding Principle: We focus on goals that drive achievement.
Non-Negotiable: Results- We will set measurable goals, identify improvement strategies, and skillfully adapt instruction to meet student needs.
Definition
- Assessment results are used to inform us about the effectiveness of curricular and instructional decisions.
- We analyze assessment results hold data-driven discussions and make impactful decisions for improved student achievement.
- We establish attainable goals for specific measurables, in both instructional efforts and individual student progress.
Guiding Principle: We are committed to an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust.
Non-Negotiable: Accountability– We will lead by example and take responsibility for the energy we bring to all that we do.
Definition
- We reflect the values of our Mission & Vision in our daily practice. When our actions match our words, we build trust and respect with each other, our students, and our support community.
- We work together to establish an atmosphere of trust and respect, in which we can all feel safe to communicate.
- Our interactions with students and each other are characterized by the tenets of TRACK.
- We allow individuals to feel comfortable discussing their observations or concerns with one another because they know they will not be judged or punished.
- Disagreements are treated with respect and acknowledged as an opportunity to learn and grow.
- Each individual is given equal time to express an opinion or share an idea.
Guiding Principle: We believe that all students belong to all of us.
Non-Negotiable: Guidance- We will hold ourselves responsible for supporting the educational experience of all MAPS students throughout our district.
Definition
- We accept and act on the belief that all students belong to all adults.
- We are committed to working beyond the boundaries of our classrooms and buildings to serve the needs of every student.
- We work together for the success of all students, there is no blame when things do not go well, but instead we are committed to seeking solutions to problems or setbacks in the interest of each and every student’s achievement.
Guiding Principle: Working together enables us to attain our desired outcomes.
Non-Negotiable: Collaboration-We will reach beyond our classrooms and work with each other to identify and support the strengths of every student.
Definition
- We work together to positively impact student achievement and deliver the Leading-Edge Promise.
- We focus on and speak only in solutions.
- Participation in culture building is both a right and a responsibility.
- TRACK guides the development of character and a positive school environment and is primary to our success as individuals and our ability to instill these values in our students and each other.
- Our commitment to communication allows for a productive work environment and therefore student success.
- We put education first, and we know we can deliver on this when we encourage each other to share our best ideas and work collaboratively.
- Ideas which lead to increased student learning are recognized and praised by peers.
Staff Resources
MAPS Behavioral Health Services
In 2019, the MAPS Behavioral Health Services program was developed through grant funding and in partnership with the Manistee Intermediate School District, CentraWellness, and Northwest Michigan Health Services to address the behavioral health needs of our MAPS students. The early successes of this program led to consideration of expanding upon the health services provided to our students.
In 2021, the MAPS Student Health Center opened onsite at MMHS to offer comprehensive primary care and behavioral health services for MAPS students ages 5 to 21 years. It is open year-round and is comprised of an integrated team of practitioners to address medical and mental health needs.
When the basic health care needs of our students are met, they are better able to perform in school. Offering accessible care for both preventative and acute care within our district, we intend to provide our students with a holistic approach for overall wellbeing.
Manistee Area Public Schools Employment Postings
Manistee Area Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer.
District Policy: Nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, gender, age, disability, height, weight or marital status in all activities and employment.
ADMINISTRATION
No Available Positions
SUPPORT STAFF
COACHING
TEACHER/CERTIFIED STAFF
Notice of Available Positions
Substitute Teachers through EDUStaff
Dean Transportation
Apply today to become part of the Dean Difference as a School Bus Fleet Technician! Dean is proud to be part of our community and connecting people with purpose for more than 50 years. Why wait? Apply today! Be a hero in the community by making a difference in students’ lives every day!
More details about Dean and the position can be found here: www.deandifference.com/careers or connect with the Fleet Director by emailing Jobs@deantrans.com.
