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!
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 | |
| Administrative Staff | ||
| Morgan Nowicki | HS/MS Principal | mnowicki@manistee.org |
| Bridget Warnke | Assistant Principal | bwarnke@manistee.org |
| Dean of Students | ||
| Karen Beldo | Administrative Assistant | kbeldo@manistee.org |
| Guidance | ||
| Chelsea Hammer | Guidance Counselor | chammer@manistee.org |
| Tara Lange | Guidance Administrative Assistant / Registrar | tlange@manistee.org |
| Activities | ||
| Kenn Kott | Athletic Director | kkott@manistee.org |
| Kendra Mikolajczak | Activities Secretary/Athletics Administrative Assistant | kmikolajczak@manistee.org |
| District Technology | ||
| Kenneth Blakey-Shell | District Technology Director | kblakeyshell@manistee.org |
| Gabe Delgado | Elementary Device Support | gdelgado@manistee.org |
| Matt Froncek | Apple Certified Technician | mfroncek@manistee.org |
| David Gagstetter | Data & Device Systems Manager | dgagstetter@manistee.org |
| MMHS School Instructional Staff | ||
| Scott Adkins | Instrumental Music | sadkins@manistee.org |
| Gregg Bennett | Social Science | gbennett@manistee.org |
| Ryan Biller | Instrumental Music | rbiller@manistee.org |
| Kylee Bohle | PE/Health | kbohle@manistee.org |
| Amy Bush | ELA/Special Education | abush@manistee.org |
| Amanda Clemons | Special Education Teacher Consultant | aclemons@manistee.org |
| Jane Deising | Special Education | jdeising@manistee.org |
| Kari Eastway | Language Arts | keastway@manistee.org |
| Rachel Edmondson | Language Arts | reedmondson@manistee.org |
| Sarah Eix | Math | seix@manistee.org |
| Cindy Erdman | Special Education | cerdman@manistee.org |
| Amanda Feyen | Choir | afeyen@manistee.org |
| Shane Harrigan | Social Science | sharrigan@manistee.org |
| Joe Hendges | Social Science | jhendges@manistee.org |
| Sophie Hooper | Language Arts | shooper@manistee.org |
| Mackenzie Houston | PE/Health | mhouston@manistee.org |
| Marcy Huber | Math | mhuber@manistee.org |
| Sam Joseph | Language Arts | sjoseph@manistee.org |
| Brooke Koller | Special Education | bkoller@manistee.org |
| Mitch Mast | Science | mmast@manistee.org |
| Erryn Moore | Math | emoore@manistee.org |
| Aaron Myers | Social Studies | amyers@manistee.org |
| Troy Nezki | Math | tnezki@manistee.org |
| Ryan O'Donnell | Science | rodonnell@manistee.org |
| Mary Olson | Science | molson@manistee.org |
| Amber Poortvliet | Science | apoortvliet@manistee.org |
| Amber Puchtel | Art | apuchtel@manistee.org |
| Tobia Purple | Special Education | tpurple@manistee.org |
| Lucas Quakkelaar | Language Arts | lquakkelaar@manistee.org |
| Cole Rens | Social Science | crens@manistee.org |
| Dan Saylor | Social Science | dsaylor@manistee.org |
| Polly Schlaff | Language Arts | pschlaff@manistee.org |
| Devin Schweigert | Science | dschweigert@manistee.org |
| Whitney Simic-Finch | Math | wsimicfinch@manistee.org |
| Joel Smith | Language Arts | smithj@manistee.org |
| Hannah Starmann | Language Arts | hstarmann@manistee.org |
| Robert Von Herbruck | PE/Health | rvonherbruck@manistee.org |
| Amy Watkins | Math | awatkins@manistee.org |
| Paraprofessionals | ||
| Ingrid Bond | Band Paraprofessional | ibond@manistee.org |
| Courtney Cole | One to One Paraprofessional | ccole@manistee.org |
| Alyssa Dewitt | General Supervision | adewitt@manistee.org |
| Ethan Lavender | General Supervision | elavender@manistee.org |
| Autumn Myers | General Supervision | amyers@manistee.org |
| Julia Newell | General Supervision | jnewell@manistee.org |
| Nicole Sarhan | General Supervision | nsarhan@manistee.org |
| Donna Williams | General Supervision | dwilliams@manistee.org |
| Jennifer Williams | MS Activities Director / Sensory / Library | jwilliams@manistee.org |
| MMHS School Custodial | ||
| Jeff Bowerman | Head Custodian | jbowerman@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 Savage | Nutrition Service Director | hsavage@manistee.org |
| Jessica Brown | Nutrition Service | |
| Robin Christensen | Nutrition Service | rchristensen@manistee.org |
| Sara Froncek | Nutrition Service (Meals on Wheels Assistant) | sfroncek@manistee.org |
| Richard Koon | Nutrition Service (Driver) | rkoon@manistee.org |
| Carol LemIeux | Nutrition Service | clemieux@manistee.org |
| Terri Morski | Nutrition Service (Meals on Wheels) | tmorski@manistee.org |
| Jennifer Rogers | Nutrition Service (Senior Meals Program) | jrogers@manistee.org |
| Linda Wandrych | Nutrition Service | lwandrych@manistee.org |
| Facilities | ||
| Josh Schubert | Facilities Director | jschubert@manistee.org |
| Nate Cole | Maintenance | ncole@manistee.org |
| David Rutowski | Maintenance | drutowski@manistee.org |
| Douglas Montey | Consultant | dmontey@manistee.org |
| Paine Aquatic Center | ||
| Chris Zehner | Coordinator | czehner@manistee.org |
View Kennedy Staff
Administrative Team
Principal: Shelly Vanvoorst | svanvoorst@manistee.org
Administrative Assistant: Carly Cheever | ccheever@manistee.org
Instructional Staff
Jennifer Abel
Resource Room jabel@manistee.org
Leah Antal
3rd Grade Teacher lantal@manistee.org
Tristan Baller
3rd Grade Teacher tballer@manistee.org
Ryan Biller
Specials - Instrumental Music rbiller@manistee.org
Linda Coyle
Special Education lcoyle@manistee.org
William Edmondson
4th Grade Teacher wedmondson@manistee.org
Amanda Feyen
Elementary Music afeyen@manistee.org
Tanya Hunter
5th Grade Teacher thunter@manistee.org
Jaclyn Kaminski
5th Grade Teacher jkaminski@manistee.org
Tina Mannon
4th Grade Teacher tmannon@manistee.org
Taylor Mellon
5th Grade Teacher tmellon@manistee.org
Cassie Miller
Specials - PE/Health cmmiller@manistee.org
Emily Noteware
Special Education enoteware@manistee.org
Kelly Petersen
3rd Grade Teacher kpetersen@manistee.org
Michael Rosteck
Specials - Elementary Art mrosteck@manistee.org
Rose Savela
5th Grade Teacher rsavela@manistee.org
Kayla Szokola
3rd Grade Teacher kszokola@manistee.org
Nicole Weaver
4th Grade Teacher nweaver@manistee.org
Sam Zeller
Elementary Coding szeller@manistee.org
Kelly Zimmerman
4th Grade Teacher kzimmerman@manistee.org
Non-Instructional Staff
Gabby Applegarth
Academic Specialist gapplegarth@manistee.org
Krista Bennett
Math Coach kbennett@manistee.org
Chasity Gouker
Title I Reading/Literacy Coach cgouker@manistee.org
Emma Peake
SafeNet epeake@manistee.org
Andra Shobe
Academic Specialist ashobe@manistee.org
Para-Professionals
Terri Barkholz tbarkholz@manistee.org
Jill Johnson jjohnson@manistee.org
Natalie Knickerbocker nknickerbocker@manistee.org
Phil Kroll pkroll@manistee.org
Rachel Lindeman rlindeman@manistee.org
Selena Loredo sloredo@manistee.org
Alissa Stickel astickel@manistee.org
Nutrition Services
Stacy Applegarth bapplegarth@manistee.org
Melissa Gutowski mgutowski@manistee.org
Carol LeMieux clemieux@manistee.org
Laura Olk lolk@manistee.org
Custodial Staff
Don Froncek dfroncek@manistee.org
Johnny Skocelas jskocelas@manistee.org
View Jefferson Staff
Administrative Staff
Julia Raddatz, Principal raddatzj@manistee.org
Amy Miller, Administrative Assistant amiller@manistee.org
Kasandra Johnson, Administrative Assistant kkjohnson@manistee.org
Instructional Staff
Elizabeth Adams, Kindergarten eadams@manistee.org
McAnn Bradford, Second Grade mbradford@manistee.org
Chasity Gouker, Special Education cgouker@manistee.org
Amanda Feyen, Elementary Music afeyen@manistee.org
Cindy Lundberg, Kindergarten clundberg@manistee.org
Cindy Matthes, Second Grade cmatthes@manistee.org
Cassie Miller, Elementary PE/Health cmmiller@manistee.org
Sarah Padgett, Second Grade spadgett@manistee.org
Michael Rosteck, Elementary Art mrosteck@manistee.org
Josh Smith First Grade jsmith@manistee.org
Christine Slawinski, Kindergarten cslawinski@manistee.org
Anna Marie Thompson, First Grade athompson@manistee.org
Bryan Tomaszewski, Second Grade btomaszewski@manistee.org
Emily Tomaszewski, First Grade etomaszewski@manistee.org
Allison Veine, Kindergarten aveine@manistee.org
Michelle Wilson, First Grade mwilson@manistee.org
Sam Zeller, Elementary Coding szeller@manistee.org
Non-Instructional Staff
Krista Bennett, Math Coach kbennett@manistee.org
Deb Erdman, Academic Specialist derdman@manistee.org
Deb Forward, Academic Specialist dforward@manistee.org
Chasity Gouker, Title I Reading/Literacy Coach cgouker@manistee.org
Para-Professionals
Mirage Deling mdeling@manistee.org
Macie Goodspeed mgoodspeed@manistee.org
Tamara Jackoviak tjackoviak@manistee.org
Michelle Johnson michellejohnson@manistee.org
Stephanie Johnson stephaniejohnson@manistee.org
Katy Lacki klacki@manistee.org
Kristie Schlafley kschlafley@manistee.org
Misty Weber mweber@manistee.org
Izabela Zdunek
Custodial Staff
Michael VanDyke mvandyke@manistee.org
Bill Cole wcole@manistee.org
Nutrition Services
Bonnie Kruse bkruse@manistee.org
View Childcare, Preschool & GSRP Staff
Preschool Staff - 231-398-3758
Sandy Ludwig - Pre-School Teacher & After School Program - sludwig@manistee.org
Amber Hiipakka - Pre-School Teacher Assistant ahiipakka@manistee.org
3 & 4 Year Old Daycare - 231.398.3754
Julie Zajac - Daycare Lead jzajac@manistee.org
Brittan Manke - Daycare bmanke@manistee.org
MAPS Great Start Readiness Program Staff - 231-398-3757
Amy Brown, GSRP Lead Teacher abrown@manistee.org
Brenda Struble, GSRP Teacher Assistant bstruble@manistee.org
Courtney Gibbs, Classroom Helper cgibbs@manistee.org
Renee Turmel, Lead Teacher rturmel@manistee.org
Nancy Zatarga, Teacher Assistant nzatarga@manistee.org
Ashley Johnson Classroom Helper akjohnson@manistee.org
Nancy Anciso, Lead Teacher nanciso@manistee.org
Sandy Ludwig - Pre-School Teacher & After School Program - sludwig@manistee.org
Amber Hiipakka - Pre-School Teacher Assistant ahiipakka@manistee.org
After School Care Staff - 231.398.3758
Sandy Ludwig - Pre-School Teacher & After School Program - sludwig@manistee.org
Amber Hiipakka - Pre-School Teacher Assistant ahiipakka@manistee.org
Morning Care Staff - 231.398.3758
Ashley Johnson, Lead akjohnson@manistee.org
View Transportation Staff
MAPS Student Behavioral Health Services Team
Chris Eldredge, Limited Licensed Psychologist. Chris provides individual and group therapy, psychological services, staff training and crisis intervention at Manistee Middle & High School. Chris has a specialty certification in substance abuse treatment, is an advance trainer in the Nurtured Heart therapy approach and has over 30 years of experience in the mental health field. celdredge@manistee.org
Cecilia Lester, Limited Licensed Masters of Social Work. Cecilia provides individual and group therapy at Manistee Middle & High School. Cecilia has experience supporting students in crisis and linking students to resources. This is Cecilia’s second 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. Theresa supports students throughout MAPS by conducting screenings, obtaining consent forms, and developing treatment plans with families and staff. Theresa comes to MAPS with an extensive background in the mental health field as a director, group facilitator and case manager. 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
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
Amanda Serio, FNP-BC, Medical Provider, Northwest Michigan Health Services, aserio@nmhsi.org
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, Enabling Services Coordinator/Marketing, Northwest Michigan Health Services, Inc, aharmon@nmhsi.org
Guiding Our Philosophy
Mission
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
Goals
– 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.
Guiding Principle: All decisions we make are based upon impact to effect learning.
Non-Negotiable: Impact– 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.
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.
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.
Notice of Available Positions
- MMHS Long Term Substitute Science Teacher
- Powerlifting Assistant Coach
- 8th Grade Girls Basketball Coach
- After School Elementary Daycare Caregiver
- Paraprofessionals
- Behavior Specialist
- Science Olympiad Coach
- Academic Specialist
- Forensics Coach
- MS Track Coach
- 7th Grade Girls Basketball Coach
- Middle School Sideline Cheerleading Coach
- Homebound Teacher Posting
- Instructional Literacy Coach
- Full Time Maintenance
- Lifeguard(s)
- Paraprofessional