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.

7 months ago, GIRESD

Eugene Binder, Educational Technology Innovation Consultant: Drawing on 17 years of experience in teaching and administration, I’m an educational technology innovation consultant who supports educators in using technology to enhance learning and foster meaningful human connections. I also lead an AI task force and provide professional development on AI, instructional strategies, and technology integration. Fun Fact: Our family of five loves to travel, take on big projects, and explore new adventures together. Favorite Quote: "People don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it." Simon Sinek

7 months ago, GIRESD

Stephanie Dunton, Early Literacy Coach Consultant: As an Early Literacy Coach Consultant with over 20 years of experience in education, I'm passionate about supporting teachers in effectively implementing literacy instruction. At Gratiot-Isabella RESD, I collaborate with and empower educators to foster a supportive learning environment where all students can thrive. Fun Fact: I have two dogs. One is a basset hound named Gus, and the other is a chocolate lab named Archie. Favorite Quote: "Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean." - Ryūnosuke Akutagawa

Joe Smith, Senior Systems Engineer: I've been working in K-12 schools since 1992. With over 30 years of experience in Information Technology, I've seen it all and love making sure schools have the tech they need to help students thrive. Fun Fact: When I'm not keeping up on the latest tech trends, you can find me on the golf course, in my garden, or camping. These activities give me a chance to enjoy the great outdoors. Favorite Quote: “I think, therefore I am... confused.” - Benjamin Hoff's The Tao of Pooh

Our PE and Health Consultant, Josh Boutwell, recently had the chance to share some of the exciting work happening in our region at the Genesee County ISD Whole Child Summer Learning Series.

Josh presented on GCAMP (Gratiot-Isabella RESD Classroom Activity and Movement Program), a program focused on helping students stay active and engaged throughout the school day. He talked about how important movement is for the body and how GCAMP is being implemented in our region.

#GIRESDSupportingSchools

7 months ago, Joshua Boutwell

7 months ago, GIRESD

Erika Lemmon, Speech and Language Pathologist: As a speech language pathologist, the relationships I build with students are incredibly rewarding. I am deeply passionate about creating a positive, inclusive environment where every student feels heard and understood. Fun Fact: I can sing the alphabet backwards. Favorite Quote: “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” - Neale Walsch

Dawn Russell, MiCI Teacher-Breckenridge: I have been in the education field for almost 20 years and I am currently teaching in the MiCI program in Breckenridge. I am passionate about teaching students with special needs and feel that ALL students are capable of learning. I am excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the GIRESD. Fun Fact: I love singing, cooking, fishing, and spending time with family. Favorite Quote: "I touch the future, I teach" - Christa McAuliffe

7 months ago, GIRESD

Delores Curtis, SEI Teacher: I have been working in Special Education for 29 years, I enjoy gardening and spending time with my grandkids. I love the team I am currently working with, and my students ROCK! Fun Fact: I have 21 grandkids. Favorite Quote: "That student is not giving you a hard time, he is having a hard time.”

Sara Beauchamp-Hicks, SCI Teacher for the GIRESD at MPHS: I have been in education for nearly 30 years. I have worked in all sorts of different settings. I really LOVE my position as an SCI teacher with the GIRESD. Fun Fact: I own a Laser Arts and Crafts business! 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

7 months ago, GIRESD

Colleen Crites, MoCI Teacher at TSN: This is my 10th year teaching, and my first year here at GIRESD. I am passionate about teaching moderate cognitive impairments. In my current role at Gratiot-Isabella RESD, I enjoy working with classroom staff and collaborating with other teachers. Fun Fact: I have my Irish citizenship. Favorite Quote: “You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” - Christopher Robin

7 months ago, GIRESD

Anna Hungerford, Early Literacy Coach: I have 6 years experience as a classroom teacher where I focused on fostering a love of reading in young students. In my current role, I love collaborating with teachers to build strong literacy practices in their classrooms. Fun Fact: I have a twin sister who looks nothing like me! Favorite Quote: "Reading should not be presented to children as a chore, a duty. It should be offered as a gift." - Kate DiCamillo

8 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

8 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

8 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!

8 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

8 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.

8 months ago, Nichole Cowles

8 months 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.”

8 months 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

8 months 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

8 months 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

8 months 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

8 months ago, Joe Trommater

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