Gratiot-Isabella Regional Education Service District

At Gratiot-Isabella RESD, we believe that the heart of our success lies in the incredible people who make up our team. We are launching the Meet Our Team Initiative to celebrate the unique and diverse personalities that contribute to our vibrant work culture. This initiative aims to highlight the amazing individuals we work with every day.

12 months ago, Shelly Jones

Matthew Smith, School Psychologist: My first year at GIRESD! Previously at Clare-Gladwin RESD for 14 years and a few years prior to that in Pennsylvania. Leadership roles through MASP and the AFT union, in addition to supervising CMU grad students. Currently engaged, and I have a 10-year-old daughter with Autism. In my current role, I enjoy working with a variety of students and colleagues within a variety of districts! Fun Fact: I love Corvettes! Favorite Quote: “The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.” - Proverb

12 months ago, Shelly Jones

Shane Brooks, Supervisor, Department of Educational Innovation and Technology: I've worked with school-age students for around 20 years. First as a Mental Health Counselor, then a School Counselor at St. Louis HS. I spent 4 years as the Principal at TSN MS in St. Louis, before coming to GIRESD in 2019. In my current role I LOVE that I get to work with folks on the Instructional team, AND our Technology team. I've learned so much, and look forward to learning more! Fun Fact: I've canoed/kayaked over 2000 miles of river from the Mississippi to West Virginia. Favorite Quote: “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

12 months ago, GIRESD

Kari Martin, Physical Therapist: I have been a pediatric physical therapist for 25 years. I have spent the last 16 years in my current role at Gratiot-Isabella RESD, working in Early Intervention in Isabella County, providing services to infants and children 0-3 with delayed development, and also providing school-based PT services. I love collaborating with families and teachers to enhance learning through movement. Fun Fact: I am an identical twin. Favorite Quote: "It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you don't stop." - Confucius

Alex Bush, Systems Administrator: New to the team, I was hired in July of 2024 as the Systems Administrator for the Gratiot-Isabella RESD. I enjoy problem-solving, streamlining processes, and collaborating with a team dedicated to making meaningful improvements to infrastructure and end-user experience. I have also greatly enjoyed my work with the regional AI Taskforce alongside several of my DEIT colleagues. Fun Fact: My degree is in Political Science, Lawmaking, and Legal Processes, not IT. Favorite Quote: "Don't compare yourself with other people; compare yourself with who you were yesterday." - Dr. Jordan Peterson

The 2025 Leadership Retreat in Traverse City provided an enriching two days of learning and networking for our district leaders. We extend our sincere gratitude to our distinguished sponsors, whose contributions made this event a success: Brown & Brown, Commercial Bank, Dean Transportation, Set Seg, Veregy, Wayfinder, and Williams & Company. Thank you for your commitment to leadership development!

12 months ago, GIRESD

Kate Kaiser, Deaf/Hard of Hearing Teacher Consultant: I am excited to have joined the RESD for my 20th year of teaching! While I am a certified listening and spoken language specialist, I am passionate about supporting children with hearing loss and their families in whatever communication modality they choose and coaching parents and teachers to help students reach their fullest potential. Fun Fact: I have four kids - including a set of twins - and love to listen to audiobooks while crafting (sewing & jewelry making). Favorite Quote: "Education is not the filling of a pail, but rather the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

Josh Boutwell, PE and Health Consultant and School Safety Coordinator: Being in education for 10 years and coaching a variety sports for 13 years, a big part of those jobs (and my favorite part) are building relationships with everyone and working together to reach a common goal. What I love about my current job with the RESD is supporting our local school districts on overall health and wellness, especially physical activity and nutrition. Fun Fact: I am an avid collector of MSU and Detroit sports memorabilia. Favorite Quote: "Healthier Students are Better Learners"- Charles E. Basch

12 months ago, GIRESD

Joe Trommater, REMC Director: With almost 25 years in education and more than a few roles under my belt, I feel like I have really found my passion in the world of supporting educators and students in using educational technology. This is an exciting and scary time to be in education! Fun Fact: I have two pet donkeys, Albert and Liam, and enjoy blacksmithing, rustic woodworking, and creative re-use. Favorite Quote: "If you think you can or think you can't, you are probably right" - Henry Ford

Bonnie Walker, Payroll: I have 20 years of service in the school district setting. Working for 14 years at Vestaburg Community School as Business Manager. In 2018, I was hired here at GIRESD as Assistant Payroll/Human Resource Supervisor, which changed to Payroll Coordinator. Working with numbers has always been my passion and getting the final results. Fun Fact: I am addicted to shoes and have over 50 pairs (my husband just nods his head). Favorite Quote: "Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special." - Regina Brett

Empowering Futures: Special education leaders collaborating to equip students with the skills they need to thrive as independent, functional adults.

12 months ago, Nichole Cowles

about 1 year ago, GIRESD

Katie Harless, MoCI Teacher: I have been teaching for 7 years, and this is my third year here at the RESD. In my current position, I love that I am able to collaborate with others, help build relationships for inclusive teaching, and create an environment for my students where they feel welcome and loved as themselves. Fun Fact: I play the ukulele and like to use it while I teach! Favorite Quote: "Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you." - Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Donna Guthrie, Administrative Specialist: I have over 20 years of experience working in the school setting. I enjoy my role as Administrative Specialist at Gratiot Isabella RESD. I thrive on creating a smooth and efficient administrative workflow. I enjoy the challenge of managing multiple tasks, including ordering materials for teachers and coordinating conference requests, ensuring everything runs seamlessly. Fun Fact: I saved a little girl from choking on a quarter. Favorite Quote: “If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.”

about 1 year ago, GIRESD

Katherine Harvey, Speech - Language Pathologist: With over 13 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist, I am committed to helping students with their communication needs. Working at Gratiot Isabella RESD has provided me with the opportunity to work with students from early childhood through high school. Fun Fact: I am conversationally fluent in Spanish. Favorite Quote: “He who laughs most, learns best.” - John Cleese

Mary Olrich, Speech Language Pathologist: This is my 19th school year with the RESD. I've enjoyed working with students of all ages in both the classroom and home settings. I've been part of the Isabella County Early Childhood Team for the past 10 years. It's an honor to coach families, watch them gain confidence, and help them recognize the progress their children are making! Fun Fact: I've been learning how to weave on a frame loom for the past few years. Favorite Quote: “What day is it?” asked Pooh. “It’s today,” squeaked Piglet. “My favorite day,” said Pooh.” - A.A. Milne

Our Great Lakes Bay Supplemental Math Project welcomed 100 dedicated educators from across the region to the GLBSMP Teacher Leadership Institute in Mt. Pleasant for three days of learning. Dr. Gina Kling led the group in thinking about how to better support all of our students in developing math fact fluency. #GIRESDSupportingTeachers #GIRESDSupportingStudents

about 1 year ago, Brad Thornburgh

Dr. Gina Kling introducing a math fact fluency game with the help of Mt. Pleasant Public School’s Tina Assmann and Amy Weber

A room full of leaders working hard to support students in the Great Lakes Bay Region

St. Louis Public Schools teachers and administrator collaborating to support their students learning of math facts

about 1 year ago, GIRESD

Nicole Urban-Keilen, Testing Teacher Consultant: I started working as a teacher in 2009. I have served as a GenEd teacher, Special Education Teacher, Special Programs Coordinator (SpEd, 504, ESL, and G/T), and most recently as a Testing Teacher Consultant (assessing students for exceptionalities and making recommendations for their programming). I absolutely love helping kids and empowering them to become their best selves. Fun Fact: I have a twin sister, I hail from Texas, and I have two toddler girls. Favorite Quote: "I will not forget to fill out this Google Form - and will not need a reminder - while I just go look for an inspirational quote." - Nicole Urban-Keilen...to herself...

Sarah Ballard, Speech-Language Pathologist: I am currently in my 13th year as a Speech-Language Pathologist, having serviced preschool through 12th grade students with various communication needs. I enjoy finding fun and engaging activities that I pair with evidence-based practices to help my students achieve success. Fun Fact: I put up over 30 Christmas trees in my house during the holidays! Favorite Quote: “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted" - Aesop

about 1 year ago, GIRESD

Nicole Briggs, Float Teacher Sub: I taught SEI for 23 years. Needing a change, I left the RESD for a few months and happily returned to my new role as a floating teacher sub. What I love about my current role is meeting so many new people, working with students of all ages and ability levels, and learning new things. Fun Fact: My favorite animal is the rat, and I've had many pet rats over the years. Favorite Quote: "Knowledge is that which benefits, not that which is memorized." - Imam al-Shafi'i, Islamic Scholar

Kathryn Bielaga, Float Parapro: I have worked for RESD for 6 years, and worked in the Alma school district on and off for 5 years prior to that. In my current role as a Float Para, I love going into a new classroom each day and interacting with the students and staff. It’s like a new adventure every day! Fun Fact: I have 4 children and 1 grandchild. Favorite Quote: “That which does not kill us makes us stronger” -Friedrich Nietzsche

REMC 5 Director Joe Trommater created a new game for teams to compete with each other using strategy, coding, and good old-fashioned demolition. Students at Clare Pioneer helped test the game out, and beat their teachers 96 to 63. The robots and blocks can be checked out by any teacher in REMC 5. See this page for details: https://www.cgresd.net/page/remc Game rules can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/indibattle A teaser video can be found here: https://youtu.be/pfpdbCvSdko

about 1 year ago, Joe Trommater

A Sphero Indi Robot knocks over a tower of Keva blocks.

28 local educators participated in the annual GIRESD Educator to Industry Tour. They visited Central Michigan Correctional Facility, Jer-Den Plastics, and Hutchinson Aerospace to learn about future employment possibilities for their students.

about 1 year ago, Jennie Arlt

about 1 year ago, GIRESD

Diana Murphy, Teacher of Severe Emotional Impairments: This is my first year as a Teacher of Severe Emotional Impairments. I work with an amazing team of paraprofessionals, two of whom are new this school year. We collaborate and work as a team to better our students and classroom. Fun Fact: I love to garden! I usually start in late April with pansies, then progress to annuals throughout summer. I also have several perennials in various places around my house. Favorite Quote: "If at first you don't succeed, try, try, again."

Marni Walker, Coordinator - Great Start Collaborative: I have worked for over 25 years in an early childhood setting. I truly love my job in striving towards making Gratiot and Isabella Counties a better place for families to raise healthy, developmentally on track children. Fun Fact: My happy place is cooking. Favorite Quote: "Play is serious learning" - Fred Rogers

about 1 year ago, GIRESD

Joey Mason, Teacher: I have taught a variety of ages, subjects, and levels over the last 17 years. These positions include high school and college math, special education MS/HS. I have returned to the same teaching position that started my love for special education. In fact, the exact same classroom from 13 years ago. This position rejuvenated my joy and excitement for teaching; I have found my niche. Fun Fact: I coached men's college basketball and won the Native American College national championship in 2017. Favorite Quote: "Don't tell people about your problems, 90% of the people don't care, and the other 10% are glad you have them"- Lou Holtz

Kaitlyn Stapleton, Speech-Language Pathologist: I have spent most of my career at GIRESD working with preschool children. I love incorporating play and allowing kids to take the lead in their learning, which makes our speech and language sessions together enjoyable for them and rewarding for me! Fun Fact: My husband and I walked our dogs over 1,150 miles in 2024. Favorite Quote: N/A - Sorry, I don't have a favorite quote!

about 1 year ago, GIRESD

Megan Petrella, Speech-Language Pathologist: I have worked at the RESD as a speech-language pathologist since 2014, providing therapy services from Early On through elementary school. While I have worked with a range of ages, I have especially enjoyed working with elementary-age students, helping them develop essential communication skills for academic and social success. Fun Fact: I have been skydiving. Favorite Quote: "Whatever you are, be a good one" - Abraham Lincoln

Adam Lawhorne, Network Engineer: I've been experimenting with technology since I was very young, but my role as a network engineer has been my most fulfilling work so far. Whether it's finding new ways to improve or secure our internet connections or completely re-architecting our local district networks, I welcome the challenges and take pride in the work I do to help our students and staff in pursuit of education. Fun Fact: A few years ago, I played snare drum in a world pipe band competition in Scotland. Favorite Quote: "One likes to believe in the freedom of music." - Neil Peart

Students and staff from the SEI programs in Alma and Mt. Pleasant competed in the annual Cardboard Regatta at Island Park. The competition involved a race using homemade boats. Teams could use one can of polyurethane, four rolls of duct tape, and as much cardboard as they wanted. Last week they got to pilot their creations down the river. See the video to for a recap of the event! https://youtu.be/npL2ezqmOdc

about 1 year ago, Joe Trommater

Students paddle their winning boat down the Chippewa River.

about 1 year ago, GIRESD

Paul Hungerford, Superintendent: I have been privileged to serve as an educational administrator for over 20 years. During my tenure, I have learned more from the students, staff, and families that I have worked with than they will ever know. Fun Fact: I enjoy to BBQ. Favorite Quote: "Experience is the best teacher!" - Unknown

Jennie Arlt, Career Navigator: As a former middle school English teacher with 15 years of experience in the classroom, I always enjoyed when my students were engaged in studying and exploring our Career Research Unit. Each year, a Career Navigator would come into my classroom to work with my students. I was very inspired by the work they did and realized I would love to be a Career Navigator someday! Fun Fact: I love to travel and am always researching my next destination as I enjoy experiencing new places, customs, and, of course, the delicious food! Favorite Quote: “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.” - Abraham Lincoln

Life can be stressful. If you are struggling to cope, or the symptoms of your stress or anxiety won’t go away, it could affect your health. Learn more at https://go.nih.gov/HcjwFWe . #shareNIMH

about 1 year ago, Shelby Vanscoyoc