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!

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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 Email
 Administrative Staff 
Morgan Nowicki HS/MS Principalmnowicki@manistee.org
Bridget Warnke Assistant Principal bwarnke@manistee.org
 Dean of Students 
Karen BeldoAdministrative Assistant kbeldo@manistee.org
 Guidance 
Chelsea Hammer Guidance Counselorchammer@manistee.org
Tara Lange Guidance Administrative Assistant / Registrar tlange@manistee.org
   
   
 Activities 
Kenn KottAthletic Directorkkott@manistee.org
Kendra MikolajczakActivities Secretary/Athletics Administrative Assistantkmikolajczak@manistee.org
  District Technology 
Kenneth Blakey-Shell District Technology Director kblakeyshell@manistee.org
Gabe Delgado Elementary Device Supportgdelgado@manistee.org
Matt Froncek Apple Certified Technician mfroncek@manistee.org
David Gagstetter Data & Device Systems Managerdgagstetter@manistee.org
   
   
  MMHS School Instructional Staff 
Scott AdkinsInstrumental Musicsadkins@manistee.org
Gregg BennettSocial Sciencegbennett@manistee.org
Ryan BillerInstrumental Musicrbiller@manistee.org
Kylee BohlePE/Healthkbohle@manistee.org
Amy BushELA/Special Education abush@manistee.org
Amanda ClemonsSpecial Education Teacher Consultant aclemons@manistee.org
Jane DeisingSpecial Education jdeising@manistee.org
Kari EastwayLanguage Artskeastway@manistee.org
Rachel EdmondsonLanguage Artsreedmondson@manistee.org
Sarah EixMath seix@manistee.org
Amanda FeyenChoir afeyen@manistee.org
Shane HarriganSocial Science sharrigan@manistee.org
Joe HendgesSocial Science jhendges@manistee.org
Sophie HooperLanguage Arts shooper@manistee.org
Mackenzie HoustonPE/Health mhouston@manistee.org
Marcy HuberMath mhuber@manistee.org
Sam JosephLanguage Arts sjoseph@manistee.org
Brooke KollerSpecial Education bkoller@manistee.org
Mitch MastScience mmast@manistee.org
Erryn MooreMath emoore@manistee.org
Aaron MyersSocial Studies amyers@manistee.org
Troy NezkiMath tnezki@manistee.org
Ryan O'DonnellScience rodonnell@manistee.org
Mary OlsonScience molson@manistee.org
Amber PoortvlietScience apoortvliet@manistee.org
Amber Puchtel Art apuchtel@manistee.org
Tobia PurpleSpecial Education tpurple@manistee.org
Lucas QuakkelaarLanguage Artslquakkelaar@manistee.org
Cole RensSocial Sciencecrens@manistee.org
Dan SaylorSocial Sciencedsaylor@manistee.org
Polly SchlaffLanguage Arts pschlaff@manistee.org
Devin SchweigertSciencedschweigert@manistee.org
Joel SmithLanguage Arts smithj@manistee.org
Hannah StarmannLanguage Arts hstarmann@manistee.org
Robert Von HerbruckPE/Health rvonherbruck@manistee.org
 Amy WatkinsMath awatkins@manistee.org
   
   
Paraprofessionals
Ingrid BondBand Paraprofessionalibond@manistee.org
Courtney ColeOne to One Paraprofessionalccole@manistee.org
Alyssa DewittOne to One Paraprofessionaladewitt@manistee.org
Ethan LavenderOne to One Paraprofessionalelavender@manistee.org
Nicole SarhanOne to One Paraprofessionalnsarhan@manistee.org
Donna WilliamsGeneral Supervisiondwilliams@manistee.org
 Jennifer WilliamsMS Activities Director / Sensory / Library jwilliams@manistee.org
   
 MMHS School Custodial
Jeff Bowerman Head Custodianjbowerman@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 SavageNutrition Service Directorhsavage@manistee.org
Robin ChristensenNutrition Servicerchristensen@manistee.org
Sara FroncekNutrition Service (Meals on Wheels Assistant)sfroncek@manistee.org
Cheryl KaminNutrition Service 
 Richard KoonNutrition Service (Driver) rkoon@manistee.org
Carol LemIeuxNutrition Serviceclemieux@manistee.org
 Terri MorskiNutrition Service (Meals on Wheels) tmorski@manistee.org
 Jennifer RogersNutrition Service (Senior Meals Program) jrogers@manistee.org
 Linda WandrychNutrition Service lwandrych@manistee.org
 Facilities 
Josh SchubertFacilities Directorjschubert@manistee.org
Nate ColeMaintenancencole@manistee.org
David RutowskiMaintenancedrutowski@manistee.org
Douglas MonteyConsultantdmontey@manistee.org
 Paine Aquatic Center 
Chris ZehnerCoordinatorczehner@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
Transportation Department (Bus Garage:  231.732.4821)
 
Michael Jarvis, Director of Transportation, mjarvis@manistee.org
 
 
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

Mariners lead the way by providing an inclusive, high-quality, diverse educational environment that inspires and fulfills the goals of all learners at every stage of their journey.
 

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

Leading a connected Manistee learning community, which supports the educational journey of each individual student through persistent dedication to student-centered success.

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.
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Guiding Principle: All decisions we make are based upon impact to effect learning.

Non-NegotiableImpact– 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.
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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.
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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.

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.