Gratiot-Isabella Regional Education Service District

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.

8 months ago, Jennie Arlt

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.

9 months 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

9 months 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!

9 months 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

9 months ago, Joe Trommater

Students paddle their winning boat down the Chippewa River.

9 months 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

9 months ago, Shelby Vanscoyoc

🫶 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

9 months ago, Shelby Vanscoyoc

9 months 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

9 months 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

9 months ago, Tracey Galgoci

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

9 months 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"

9 months 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

9 months ago, Shelby Vanscoyoc

10 months 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

10 months ago, Shelby Vanscoyoc

10 months 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.

10 months 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/).

10 months 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

10 months ago, Shelby Vanscoyoc