Gratiot-Isabella Regional Education Service District

🫶 Volunteering, helping a friend or neighbor, or teaching someone a new skill fosters a feeling of connection and is good for your mental health! During #MHAM2025 and beyond, make a difference in someone’s life. samhsa.gov/find-support/helping-someone

about 1 year ago, Shelby Vanscoyoc

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.

about 1 year ago, GIRESD

Douglas Bush, Associate Superintendent for CTE: I started my education career teaching in the Isabella County Jail! I have worked with Inmates and 8th graders, 6th graders and seniors. I am in my 34th year with about 26 of those in various levels of administration. When I started my career, I would have never thought I would end up at the RESD, but I am so glad I did. The last 11 years at the RESD have been the most rewarding! Fun Fact: My family makes fun of me because I have a "list of lists". These are lists of what I want to keep a record of. They laugh until they want to know something! Favorite Quote: "There aren't two worlds, education and work; there is one world - life." - Willard Wirtz

Kiley Kochensparger, Career Navigator: I have been in education for 10 years since changing my profession back in 2015. I truly enjoy getting to work with so many students across the 2 counties and helping their dreams become a reality. Fun Fact: I could bow hunt for whitetail deer every single night of the year if the laws allowed it!!! Favorite Quote: "Darkness can not drive out darkness; Only light can do that. Hate can not drive out hate; Only love can do that" - MLK

about 1 year ago, GIRESD

Jen Barancik, Speech Language-Pathologist: As an SLP I enjoy working with children and collaborating with other team members to help students gain new skills and more confidence with their communication abilities. I really love getting to know each student's unique personality and making a personal connection with each and every one of them! Fun Fact: I love to travel with my husband and 4 kids! Favorite Quote: “A room without books is like a body without a soul.” - Marcus Tullius Cicero

Brad Thornburgh, Math Consultant: With almost 3 decades in education and 16 years at Gratiot-Isabella RESD, I am passionate about supporting teachers and administrators in improving the teaching and learning of mathematics. In my current role, I enjoy seeing the positive impacts of the support that I provide to students as they start to see themselves as knowers and doers of math. Fun Fact: I am one of only twenty teachers who are National Board Certified in Mathematics: Adolescence and Young Adulthood in the State of Michigan. Favorite Quote: "If you are working on something that you really care about, you don't have to be pushed. The vision pulls you." - Steve Jobs

Today, our SPE Teacher Consultant, Jimmy Henry, welcomed visitors from Kent ISD and shared how students in Nicole Cuthbertson’s special education class used their AAC devices to participate in the MI Student Voice Survey. The survey, administered by Kent ISD, was thoughtfully adapted for our special education students by Jimmy Henry and Bre Hoff—an inspiring example of inclusive practices and student empowerment! #GIRESDSupportingStudents

about 1 year ago, Tracey Galgoci

Picture of RESD student with teachers Jimmy Henry, Nicole Cuthbertson and staff from Kent ISD.

about 1 year ago, GIRESD

Karen Clauss, Teacher Consultant for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Students: I have been a part of the GIRESD team since 2017. Prior to coming to work here, I taught at a school for the Deaf in Massachusetts. I started with the GIRESD as a teacher in the Deaf/ Hard of Hearing program, before moving to my new position as a Teacher Consultant for D/HH students. I primarily work in Isabella County, servicing students who are D/HH in local schools and GIRESD programs. Fun Fact: I have four cats: Milo, Maisy, Forrest, and Frankie. Favorite Quote: “If man could be crossed with a cat, it would improve the man but deteriorate the cat.” - Mark Twain

Rachel Schafer, Occupational Therapist: I have been an OT with the Gratiot Isabella RESD for 5 years, working with students who have a wide range of physical and cognitive abilities. I love collaborating with teachers and other support staff to find the best and most efficient ways to participate in the school environment, even when that might look different than traditional learners. I have been an OT with the Gratiot Isabella RESD for 5 years, working with students who have a wide range of physical and cognitive abilities. I love collaborating with teachers and other support staff to find the best and most efficient ways to participate in the school environment, even when that might look different than traditional learners. Fun Fact: I love to make sourdough bread. Favorite Quote: "Strive for progress not perfection"

about 1 year ago, GIRESD

Kallei Mapes-Hahn, ASD Teacher Consultant: I have been fortunate to work with the RESD for over 12 years, mostly as a center-based classroom teacher and most recently as an ASD Teacher Consultant. I am thankful to work with a team that is dedicated to ensuring the best practices for all students. Fun Fact: I love Harry Potter and reread the series fairly regularly. Favorite Quote: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world" - Nelson Mandela

Amber Guthrie, Paraprofessional: With over 8 years in direct care in an AFC home, I felt I needed a change. In my current role, I have the opportunity to be a small part of our friends' lives. Fun Fact: I compete in highland games. Favorite Quote: "If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of." - Fred Rogers

Health challenges in friends and family can impact their mental well-being. This #MHAM2025, show up—share a meal, take a walk together, or simply listen. 💖 samhsa.gov/find-support/helping-someone

about 1 year ago, Shelby Vanscoyoc

about 1 year ago, GIRESD

Katie Gillock, Paraprofessional MOCI Alma High School: I was an elementary teacher for 12 years. I stepped out of that role for another 12 years to stay at home with my children. When looking for employment, I wanted a low-stress position that paid well and had the option for benefits. I found it at the RESD! It is a joy to work with such wonderful students, and my co-workers are the best - I love it! Fun Fact: I’ve been to South America and Europe. Favorite Quote: “When the whole world is running towards a cliff, he who is running in the opposite direction appears to have lost his mind.” - C.S. Lewis

Jessie Pemberton, Speech Language Pathologist: With 10 years of experience as a Speech Language Pathologist, I am passionate about helping my students feel more confident with their communication and language skills. At the GIRESD, I’ve had the opportunity to work with children ages 2-26 and currently love working with 3rd-12th graders in Ithaca! Go Jackets! Fun Fact: I am related to Thomas Edison! Favorite Quote: “Be the change you wish to see in the world”- Gandhi

Physical challenges and serious health struggles in friends and family can impact their mental health. Although we might not be able to change someone’s illness, we can change how they experience it. During #MHAM2025, take the time to share a meal, take a walk, or just listen—it can make a world of difference. 🌎💖samhsa.gov/find-support/helping-someone

about 1 year ago, Shelby Vanscoyoc

about 1 year ago, GIRESD

Jean Hoagg, Speech-Language Pathologist and Assistive Technology Consultant: I’ve worked for the RESD for over 25 years as a speech-language pathologist and assistive technology consultant. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in multiple classrooms. I feel fortunate to work with knowledgeable and compassionate colleagues who foster positive learning environments for our students. Fun Fact: I've traveled to 30 US states. Favorite Quote: "You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." - Maya Angelou

Bre Hof, Augmentative and Alternative Communication Consultant for Gratiot County: This is my 10th year with Gratiot-Isabella RESD. My special interests in the field of speech and language pathology include Augmentative and Alternative Communication assessment and implementation and literacy access for all. I love working with educational teams who are willing to get curious and creative to meet students' unique needs. Fun Fact: I have a goal this year to visit every park in Gratiot County! Favorite Quote: "Let me know that in a sea of sameness, I am one of the many, many different, and in that variation lies beauty." - B. Martin Allen

The Great Lakes Homeland Security Conference was held this past week at the Devos Place in Grand Rapids. They held a school track for school officials on Wednesday May 7th. Attendees were able to learn about digital threat assessments, threat assessment examples, law, and the Oxford Community Tragedy from the variety of speakers.

about 1 year ago, Joshua Boutwell

PE and Health Consultant Josh Boutwell had the opportunity to represent GIRESD at the first ever Michigan Physical Activity Coalition Advocacy Day staged on the State Capital Lawn. Themed "Be Smart- Take Care of Your Heart" (finding your pulse is a good place to start), the event featured physical activities that promoted moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). 300 students participated in the event where they were able to complete 10 physical activity stations throughout the capitol lawn. SHAPE Michigan (https://shapemichigan.us/) organized the event, along with the help of Michigan Moves Coalition (https://mimoves.org/) and MiSHCA (https://mishca.org/).

about 1 year ago, Joshua Boutwell

Serious mental illness (#SMI) affects millions, yet stigma keeps many from seeking help. Mental health is just as important as physical health. Let’s make sure everyone gets support. Learn more: samhsa.gov/mental-health/serious-mental-illness/managing-life #EndtheStigma #MHAM2025

about 1 year ago, Shelby Vanscoyoc

Thank you to the Sleepy Dog Books Foundation for bringing their book trailer to both field days! Each GIRESD student went home with a new book! ❤️

about 1 year ago, Emily Sheahan-Stahl

Group of students and staff pose in front of a book trailer

Mt. Pleasant Middle School teacher Lisa Lowrey won a DJI Mini 3 Drone from REMC 5. She was part of a series of professional learning sessions (organized by Joe Trommater from REMC 5, and taught by Brian David) that allowed her to take the FAA Part 107 exam to become a licensed commercial drone pilot. She is looking forward to having her students use the videos and photos she takes in class! #REMC

about 1 year ago, Joe Trommater

A teacher holds a DJI Drone that she won.

Face-to-face conversations can foster #mentalhealth development, enhance communication skills, and build confidence. 💪Talk to your children and teens about mental health. Need help getting started? samhsa.gov/find-support/helping-someone/helping-your-child #MHAM2025

about 1 year ago, Shelby Vanscoyoc

about 1 year ago, GIRESD

Missy Moeggenberg, Speech-Language Pathologist: I have worked in many different schools, preschools, and home visit locations since joining the RESD as a speech-language pathologist in 2003, but I love my current position at Shepherd Elementary! Fun Fact: I have visited 25 national parks in the United States, 6 national parks in Canada, and 1 national park in Costa Rica. Favorite Quote: "Watch for deer!" - Midwesterners

Kelli Koonter, Physical Therapist: I have worked with the GIRESD for 25 years. My work family and the kiddos on my caseload make every day a rewarding adventure. Fun Fact: I have been married to Mark for 26 years. We have 3 approaching adult boys who keep us on our toes. Favorite Quote: “You are a diamond darling. They can’t break you.”

about 1 year ago, GIRESD

Liesa Walsh , Paraprofessional: With over 26 years of experience in Special Education, I have high expectations of all the students I have had and will work with in the MOCI program. I have made a difference in all the students I've worked with, as they have made a difference in my life! Fun Fact: You’ll never wonder what I'm thinking. Favorite Quote: "Positive thinking."

Shelby VanScoyoc, Whole Child Coach: With over a decade in education, I’m passionate about supporting staff and creating a positive, thriving environment for students. At Gratiot-Isabella RESD, I love collaborating with a dedicated team, bringing creative ideas to life, and fostering a warm, uplifting space for our staff. My goal is to inspire others, build meaningful connections, and help students become their best selves. Fun Fact: I have hiked up a volcano and a mountain, and in a temperate rainforest. OR if you want some humor... My handlebars fell off my bike while biking on Mackinac Island. Favorite Quote: "Be a voice, not an echo." - Albert Einstein

Happy TeacherAppreciation Week to all of our dedicated, passionate, & caring GIRESD Teachers! You are the cornerstone of our organization! #GIRESDSupportsTeachers

about 1 year ago, Paul Hungerford

REMC 5 hosted the statewide RITS (REMC Instructional Tech Specialists) group at Winding Brook last week. Members from all over the state met to work on REMC projects and plan future events. They also toured the Dow Gardens, Dow Diamond, and Shepherd High School for some place and project-based learning. A special thanks to Shepherd High School teacher Mr. Russell for sharing his classroom ahead of the MITES Competition they hosted over the weekend. #REMC

about 1 year ago, Joe Trommater

Mr. Russell holding a student project made with a laser cutter.

A student shows RITS members the metal butterfly made with a plasma cutter.