Science on the Grand 2023

Chris is in his second year running the Elementary STEAM lab for East China School District in St. Clair County. Prior to that he spent 23 years as a teacher in Macomb County. He has his Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Michigan and a Master’s from Oakland University and has also been a consultant and trainer for Delta Education with their FOSS Science Curriculum.

Grace Boersma studied Chemistry and Sociology at Hope College before attending the University of Michigan through the Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship, where she completed a Master’s in education, while student teaching in Detroit, in a single year. She has spent her eight year career teaching at Godwin Heights High School in Grand Rapids, primarily teaching Chemistry. Working with the University of Colorado Boulder, Grace has become a leader of inquiry based learning being brought into science classrooms. She is a lead facilitator of their iHub curriculum, teaching courses to educators nationwide. For these efforts, Grace was recently named the 2023 Michigan Science Teacher of the year by MSTA. This year she created a new course designed to engage students in chemistry taking place in the kitchen, the Science of Foods.

Ann grew up in Grand Rapids graduating from East Grand Rapids High School. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from CMU, then a Master’s Degree from GVSU. Currently Ann lives in Cheboygan MI with her husband and is the STEAM teacher for Cheboygan Area Schools. In her free time, Ann is the handbell director for 2 local churches in Cheboygan.

Pete is the Director of Professional Learning for Communications by Design. He received his PhD in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University. His expertise include project-based learning, student engagement, and educational equity. Pete received his certification as a mindfulness instructor from Mindful Schools and has taught mindfulness to students since 2020. Previously, he taught middle and high school mathematics in Kentwood Public Schools.

Hillary Gutierrez is an elementary science specialist in Dixon, California, where she loves getting messy in the classroom. She’s a firm believer that hands-on learning activities are key to the educational experience. She’s been teaching for eighteen years. Hillary holds both multiple subject and single subject credentials along with several special education certifications, and a Masters in STEAM Education. Outside the classroom, Hillary enjoys spending time with her husband, four kids, and numerous pets.

Ellen Holste is the Community Program Manager at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute in Hastings, Michigan. As an informal educator, she provides a wide range of science and nature hands-on learning experiences to students, families, and adults. Ellen holds a Masters of Science in Forestry and dual PhD degrees in Forestry and Ecology from Michigan State University. She also is certified as an interpretive guide through the National Association for Interpretation.

Cory Kavanagh’s passion for education and helping others learn is obvious in his role as Instructional Specialist at VAI. Cory has worked in laboratory settings for over 13 years, lending his knowledge and skill to a variety of scientific organizations. As a key member of the Student Programs team, Cory strives to deliver engaging STEM content for students of all ages.

My name is Debi Kilmartin. I am a retired teacher with experience at the elementary, intermediate, and middle school levels. I received a Bachelor degree from Western Michigan University and a Masters degree from Michigan State University. My educational emphasis was on math and science, but I have also received training over the years in integrated curriculum and teaching writing. Since retiring, I have spent time at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute volunteering in their education department, and also working at my grandson’s elementary school.

Amy Klopf is currently the 6th grade Science and Language Arts teacher for Coleman Community Schools. She has been teaching for 21 years. Amy prides herself in continuing her education as well as expanding her teaching pedagogy. In the summer of 2022, she participated in the MiSTAR Modeling workshop as well as continuing her PBL2 work with the Belle Isle Institute and Dow Innovative Teacher Fellowship. Amy has focused the last couple of years on becoming an outdoor educator. Amy Klopf believes that middle school is the time to reach and expand students’ interests. Where foundational skills should be second nature and now students and teachers are diving deeper into how they fit in the world. Outdoor education allows for students to start making connections to the real world and being introduced to the experts that can answer their “whys.”

Kevin Knack is a practicing middle school science teacher with 19 years of experience in urban, Title 1 schools. He has an MA in Teaching Practices from WMU and an MS in Applied Engineering Education from MTU. He is a NOYCE fellow and Mi-STAR PLF and has extensive experience with designing and implementing supplementary STEM/STEAM experiences for students. He loves disc golf and playing video games with the kids.

Dan Lubin is a passionate educator with extensive experience in project-based learning (PBL). He currently teaches STEAM at NexTech High School in Grand Rapids and previously taught science at Gateway to Success Academy. As a Project-Based Learning Coach with Magnify Learning, Dan provided customized coaching and professional development to over 100 teachers annually. Dan’s expertise in instructional design and educational technology ensures curricula align with state and national standards and create engaging and collaborative learning environments.

Jamie MacPherson has 13 years of experience teaching developmental kindergarten, kindergarten, and fourth grade. During her time as an educator, Jamie worked closely with VAI as her school transformed their science program to better meet the needs of 21st century learners. Inspired by the way inquiry-based instruction positivly impacted her students, Jamie was eager join VAI as a Learning Solutions Specialist and become a part of their mission to foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in classrooms everywhere.

Dawn McCotter is a passionate educator with over 20 years in the profession. Before joining the Van Andel team, Dawn devoted her time and talents to the high school science classroom. She truly believes that creating a rich learning environment is the key to unlocking student potential and success. As Teacher Programs Manager at Van Andel Institute for Education, Dawn provides professional development and support to teachers across the country through inquiry-based instruction and authentic learning practices.

Elementary Educator since 2003, experiences as the K-6 ELA Department Chairperson and the K-5 Science Department Chairperson. M.Ed in Educational Leadership and Supervision, and a Certificate in Curriculum and Instruction. Children’s book author and illustrator, (Cynthia Anne author name). Currently interested in promoting creativity and wonder through an integrated approach on a daily basis in the elementary school classroom.

Kawther Mohammed received a bachelors in English Linguistics from Eastern Michigan University and a Master’s in TESOL from Western Michigan University. As the lead middle school ESL teacher at Milwood Magnet School, she teaches language through four content areas. She collaborates with content teachers to give students rich language and content experiences. She views students, teachers, and parents as the most important stakeholders in K-12 education, and she uses their collective feedback to drive the resources she brings into the classroom.

Jon Oosterman spent six years teaching middle school science while also serving as the head coach of Science Olympiad. In addition to teaching, he helped his school transition to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) as a way to create a broader and more comprehensive understanding of STEM. As a VAI Instructional Specialist, Jon endeavors to create learning experiences that are fun, dynamic, and memorable for all students.

Recently completed my 9th year teaching working as an Integrated Technology Coach in a K-8 district. Previously supported students as a Teacher-Librarian in a K-5 setting and started as a Fourth Grade teacher. I have my Masters in Instructional Technology and my Technology Specialist and Library Information Science endorsements.

Jenna currently serves as the Field School Outreach Coordinator for Northview Public Schools. Prior to this role, Jenna spent four years teaching K-2 multiage outdoor classes. She has worked as a reading specialist, ELL teacher, and instructional coach. Jenna studied Integrated Science for Elementary Education at Hope College and has a Master’s of Social Work degree from Western Michigan University. Jenna’s main passion is creating student-centered learning experiences in the outdoors that help students develop a sense of place.

Randy Schregardus is a veteran educator with 34 years of experience teaching across multiple grade levels and subjects. An early adopter of inquiry-based education methods, Randy was instrumental in introducing science teaching reform where he assisted and trained teachers in the latest learning technologies. As the Student Programs Manager for VAI, Randy works to foster a culture of success both within and beyond the classroom.

Retired 4th & 5th grade teacher of 20+ years, Author of “Learn Like a PIRATE: Empower your students to collaborate, lead and succeed,” Top 50 Global Teacher Prize Finalist (Varkey), Illinois Educator of the Year (ICE/IDEA), Teacher of Excellence Award (Van Andel Institute for Education), Blue Apple co-author of “Take a Stand” and “State of Sustainability.”

Sara has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Cornell University and a dual PhD in Crops and Soil Science and Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior from Michigan State University. Sara has worked with preK-12 students and teachers for the past 20 years, and she has worked at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute for the past 9 years.

Ben Talsma has spread a love of learning to students of all ages over the course of 15 fabulous years in education. In addition to teaching, he has built a STEAM program to cultivate a new generation of innovators, while also supporting a plethora of afterschool activities. Ben is thrilled to be working with VAI as a Learning Solution Specialist to help teachers around the world improve the lives of their students.

Terra Tarango is an accomplished executive in the education industry with more than 15 years of experience in educational publishing and services. Prior to joining VAI, Terra served as president of SDE, one of the largest providers of professional development for pre-K through 12th grade educators in the U.S. Before that, she developed award-winning print and digital curriculum with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, the largest educational publisher in the nation. She is an expert in instructional climate and culture and has devoted her career to increasing curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in the classroom.

Carol Trembath is an educator, author, and environmental speaker. She was awarded a BA from WMU, MA from WSU in Library and Information Science, and a MA in Educational Technology from MSU. Carol taught in the Plymouth School District and later as a media specialist in the Allen Park Public Schools and the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools. She is the author of seven award-winning books including the heroic environmental “Water Walkers Series”. Website: caroltrembath.com

I bring 30 years of professional experience and am currently a 4th grade teacher in Kimberly, Wisconsin. UW-La Crosse and UW-Stevens Point were the start of my educational journey. My mission is to ignite curiosity, choice, and drive to equip our youth with the skills and strategies they will need for the world of tomorrow! I will see you all at Science on the Grand in July!

While researching at the University of Michigan Biological Station, I fell in love with field research and teaching, which inspired me to earn my MS in Outdoor and Environmental Education from Alaska Pacific University. After seven years teaching in school gardens in the Last Frontier, I was hired at Careerline Tech Center to create the Environmental Field Studies program. Through project- and service-based learning, I inspire the next generation of outdoor leaders.

I love being a teacher. I’ve now taught for 25 years! I’ve taught in Detroit Michigan for DPS for 16 years. I have also taught in Florida for 4 years and Las Vegas for one. I’ve been a presenter and also a mentor teacher. I’ve taught k-12 too! I am passionate about students having joy at school while learning. All lessons will not be fun, (I tell them that often) but when you do science, especially investigations you can make it a joyful experience for your students. I am also passionate about helping students in urban settings be successful.