Our Teachers
Bay County Public School Academy teachers
are some of the best in the area. They strive to reflect their
personal enthusiasm for teaching and learning on each and
every student. They receive professional staff development
enrichment on a regular basis and are encouraged to volunteer
something of themselves outside class time to enrich the children's
educational experience. Some teachers offer after school tutoring,
others get involved in some of our PTO after school programs.
Teacher Bios
 Tonia Reinig
Position: Lead PreKindergarten
Teacher/Program Director
Experience: This is my tenth year teaching.
Educational philosophy: As an educator my goal is to help children reach their goals. I feel it is my responsibility to provide children with a fun, stimulating and challenging environment. I also feel children should be allowed to develop their own unique self.
What I like about my job: I love a preschooler’s honesty! I love to see the smiles on their faces when a child is able to carve out and complete tasks without the assistance from a teacher for the first time and I especially love the “a-ha” moments.
Special Interests: When I am not working I spend most of my time with my two children and my husband. I enjoy hosting “get togethers” with friends and family, spending time at my uncle’s cottage during the summer, being outdoors and have found a new interest in flower gardening.
TOP
 Nichole Keister
Position: Lead PreKindergarten Teacher
Experience: I am a 2007 graduate of Saginaw Valley State University. This is my fourth year at BCPSA. I worked for two years as the prekindergarten co-teacher and am now entering my second year as lead teacher.
Educational Philosophy: I believe it is my job, as an educator, to create a safe and caring learning environment for all children, particularly children at the prekindergarten level. I hope to prepare these prekindergarten children to be successful in school and to become life-long learners.
What I like about my job: I love kids at the pre-k level. It is fun spending my day with them and being able to talk with them. I try and make a personal connection with each student. I have also enjoyed getting to know the staff I work with here at BCPSA!
Special interests: I enjoy spending time with my family and with my friends. My husband and I have been married for two years and just welcomed a new baby girl into our family on March 22, 2010. Her name is Hadley and the thing I like most about being a mommy is the special bond we have made and the way she looks at me as if she wants to say, “That’s my mommy!” I love the job I get to come to every day. My job, my family, and my new daughter are the most important things in my life, but I also enjoy scrapbooking and going up north with my family.
TOP
Tracey Freehling 
Position: Associate PreKindergarten Teacher
Experience: This is my eighth year at BCPSA. I am a Saginaw Valley State University graduate.
Educational Philosophy: I believe that I have an enormous responsibility to help each child reach his or her potential to the fullest, and to help him or her become independent, responsible citizens.
What I like about my job: I love to watch the children grow and transform throughout the years. I also love that no two days are ever alike!
Special interests: My twins, Cal and Ella, are my "special interests" at the moment!
TOP
Heather Bohlinger 
Position: Associate Preschool Teacher
Experience: This is my third year teaching at BCPSA. I taught 4th grade for the ‘07-‘08 school year. I have my Bachelor of Arts degree from Saginaw Valley State University. I also have my ZA in Early Childhood Education.
Educational Philosophy: I believe that all children should have a safe, consistent, loving environment. It is my job and my desire as their teacher to provide this for them.
What I like about my job: I love the energy and enthusiasm the kids have; I can’t help but be happy and excited myself! I also enjoy being silly and letting loose with my students.
Special Interests: Spending time with my beautiful daughter Hailey and my family. I also like to play the drums.
TOP
Amy Grimm
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
Experience: I am a graduate of Central Michigan University and am currently finishing my Master in Educational Administration. I recently returned to Bay City after teaching in Boston, Massachusetts for three years and am veryexcited to be in my hometown again. I look forward to the upcoming school year.
Educational Philosophy:
What I like about my job: I love working with children.
Special Interests:
TOP
 Lori
Kurchak
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
Experience: This is my fifth year at BCPSA. I am teaching Kindergarten for the second year. In previous years, I have taught first, sixth and seventh grades. I received my teaching degree from Saginaw Valley State University in May 2006 and I am currently pursuing my master's degree in Early Childhood Education at SVSU.
Educational Philosophy: I know that every
child can and will learn. It is my job to make sure that
I reach every student. Students depend on me and I also depend
on them. I welcome the diversity in my classroom and will
incorporate it as much as I can into my teaching strategies.
What I like about my job: veryday is a
new day which brings new experiences as well. I love working
with children and being able to see the light bulb go on.
Special Interests: I love spending time
with my family. My husband and I have two children, Morgan
who is 6 years old and Marshall who is 2 years old. We love
to camp, especially at North Higgins Lake State Park and
we love to attend sporting events (Go Tigers and Pistons).
TOP
 Jason
Wakefield
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
Experience: This is my second year at BCPSA. I graduated from Saginaw Valley
State University with a B.A. in Elementary Special Education:
Emotional Impairment. I student taught two semesters at Weiss
Elementary and then finished out the year as a long term
sub at Weiss. I also worked for Head Start Preschool for
4 years as a disability aide and substitute.
Educational Philosophy: Children are capable
of great things!
What I like about my job: The students
and getting to be a part of their life.
Special Interests: Spending time with my
wife, Stephanie, traveling, sports, family, and playing with
my nieces and nephews.
TOP
Rachel Lauria
Position: 1st Grade Teacher
Experience: This is my first year at BCPSA and I am very excited to be here. I student taught in a first grade classroom and loved teaching the students at this level. I graduated from Saginaw Valley State University in 2006 with my Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. I am currently working on my master's degree in Educational Leadership at Saginaw Valley as well. I most recently worked at Carrollton Public Schools as a Reading Interventionist and I have also substitute taught in various schools here in Bay City.
Educational philosophy: I believe all children have the right to learn and should be able to do so in a safe, friendly, and caring environment.
What I like about my job: I love children and watching them when the “light bulb” goes on when they learn something new or master a new skill.
Special Interests: I enjoy spending time with my husband and dog, Bo. I enjoy shopping, watching movies, traveling up north, and spending time outdoors!
TOP
 Chrystal Watkins
Position: 1st Grade Teacher
Experience: This is my second year teaching at BCPSA. I did my student teaching in first grade, and I loved working at this grade level. Previously, I was the director for the After School Program at Sherwood Elementary for Saginaw Township Community Schools. I have also substitute taught for two years at schools in the Saginaw area. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education degree from Saginaw Valley State University. I am currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching Degree in Early Childhood Education at Saginaw Valley State University.
Educational Philosophy: I believe that every child is entitled to an education in an environment where they feel safe both physically and emotionally. It is my responsibility to make my classroom a place where my students know what is expected of them at all times. I believe that this consistency will allow my students to thrive. Every student deserves to have someone who cares about them and is supportive of them. I will be one of those people in all of my student’s lives.
What I like about my job: I love to see students learn something new and know that I was a part of their learning process. It is a great feeling to see students grow and accomplish new things.
Special Interests: In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Ben, and our two sons (Aiden is 5 and Ryan is 2). I also love being outdoors, traveling, riding my bike, swimming, watching movies, reading and being with my family and friends.
TOP
Courtney Wojtkiewicz
Position: 1st Grade Teacher
Experience: I graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood endorsement. After graduation, I became a Reading Interventionist at Carrollton Elementary. I then began substituting in the Tri-City area schools. I was given the opportunity to be a long-term substitute here at The Academy, which led into me obtaining a 1st grade teaching position.
Educational philosophy: I believe every child deserves the right to learn and succeed in a safe and caring environment. Each student is an individual and I want my students to embrace their individuality!
What I like about my job: The laughter & joy my students bring me everyday and those little teachable moments!
Special Interests: I love spending time with my husband Joe, my family and friends, as well as my 2 cats, Rocky and Apollo, and my turtle, Henry. I enjoy reading, relaxing (naps are great!), watching movies, and spending time on the beach in the summer!
TOP
 Shalynn Jones
Position: 2nd Grade Teacher
Experience: This year is my eighth year teaching at BCPSA. I have had many opportunities to work in many school settings and with many grade levels. Aside from teaching 2nd grade at the Academy, I have also have the opportunity to teach 6th grade and I have also taught a 2nd/3rd grade split classroom. I received my associate of arts degree from Delta College and my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Saginaw Valley State University in 2003. I am currently working towards my master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Saginaw Valley State University.
Education Philosophy: My educational philosophy is probably much like all other teachers. I chose to become a teacher because I love children and I enjoy taking part in their educational experiences. I find beauty and strength in all my students and I admire the creativity that each of my students possess. I can't explain the joy it brings me when I see success among my class and the students individually. I want my students to have the best possible educational experience with the freedom to grow and make mistakes. I want them to feel comfortable with each other as well as with themselves as individuals. I want them to enjoy school and be able to try their best each day. Most importantly I want my students to move on through their educational experiences knowing that each day and every situation they are faced with ultimately contributes to their overall success in the future. I want them to grow educationally as well as socially, and to be more responsible individuals as they strive to succeed and achieve their goals.
What I like about my job: I enjoy watching my students grow educationally as well as socially from the beginning of each year until the end of each year. It is the most rewarding occupation to have when you see a student succeed from the things you have taught them.
Special Interests: I enjoy being outdoors and camping during the summer months. In the winter I like to stay inside and watch movies. I also enjoy watching NASCAR on the weekends. My favorite thing to do is spend time with family and friends.
TOP
 Trisha Galus
Position: 2nd Grade Teacher
Experience: I am a 2008 graduate from Saginaw Valley State University. Throughout my time at SVSU, I was able to work in many different classrooms in the Bay County and Saginaw areas. This is my second year teaching at BCPSA.
Educational philosophy: I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and simulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It is my desire as an educator to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas.
What I like about my job: Everyday is new and has exciting teachable moments.
Special Interests: When I am not working I spend most of my time with my family and friends. I also enjoy traveling, golfing, watching movies, cooking (not baking), and relaxing.
TOP
 Mandy Nowak
Position: 3rd Grade Teacher
Experience: This is my fourth year teaching at BCPSA. I graduated in May of 2006 from Saginaw Valley State University and I am working towards my master’s degree as a Literary Specialist.
Educational Philosophy: I feel that learning along with your students is the best way to gain experience. Each student brings a unique talent to you and it’s your job to mold each talent; so each student can feel successful and important.
What I like about my job: Everyday is a new and exciting experience.
Special Interests: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I like to read and travel to many different places, especially Mackinac Island. My favorite animal is an owl and I love the color green.
TOP
 Marissa Kae Markey
Position: 3rd Grade Teacher
Experience: I began teaching in the Midland Public School system as a part-time Kindergarten teacher. This is my fourth year here at BCPSA and I love everything about being here; especially the students.
Educational philosophy: I believe that every child can and will learn if given the right tools. A teacher who is willing to go the extra mile will give each student at least one tool to walk away with and use for the rest of their lives.
What I like about my job: I like the light bulb effect. When a student is struggling with an aspect of school and out of nowhere, for no particular reason, the “light bulb” goes on. That student’s eyes are brighter, they smile more, and are willing to work hard to have that feeling again.
Special Interests: I love being with my family and friends, doing anything outside, traveling to Chicago and going on nonsense adventures.
TOP
 Angela Rousse
Position: 4th Grade Teacher
Experience: This ia my fourth year at BCPSA. I graduated from Saginaw Valley State University in December of 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. As soon as I graduated I began substitute teaching and did so until I began here at Bay County Public School Academy. Throughout my time at SVSU I was able to work in many different classrooms at differing grade levels.
Educational philosophy: I believe school should be a place where children want to be. Learning should be exciting and enjoyable and meet the individual needs of each student.
What I like about my job: I love seeing the impact I can have on one student. Being able to see that they understand something and helping them when they cannot. I also love being able to make school a place where children want to be and enjoy going each and every day.
Special Interests: I love to play basketball, walk, roller blade, and go camping. There is also nothing better than curling up and reading a good book!
TOP
Paula Holland
Position: 4th Grade Teacher
Experience: This is my first year teaching at BCPSA and I am very excited for this opportunity. I had the pleasure working at BCPSA last year as a long term substitute in a second grade classroom. I graduated from Saginaw Valley State University in May 2009. My student teaching was in a fifth grade classroom in bad Axe, Michigan. I am looking forward to going back to school for my master's degree in the winter of 2010.
Educational philosophy: As a teacher I will fill the minds of my students with knowledge so that one day they can independently succeed in the future. As an educator I have the responsibility to reach all of my students learning levels. I will not only be aware of their learning needs but be attentive to their physical, spiritual, and emotional needs.
What I like about my job: My favorite part of the school day is in the morning when I get to see my students arrive in the classroom. I love being a part of their lives and being able to help those students that don’t understand something. To be able to see them caught up in their “ah ha” moments is the most amazing feeling knowing that I am a part of their accomplishment.
Special Interests: I like watching movies with my husband, hanging out with my two sisters, playing softball outside, watching my husband playing ball and coaching, and also being with my nephews.
TOP
Nick Meldrum
Position: 5th Grade Teacher
Experience: I graduated from Saginaw Valley State University in May of 2010 with Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. Soon After graduation, I began searching and applying to many places. Eventually, I got hired here at the Bay County Public School Academy. Even though I have very little experience in my own classroom, SVSU has provided me an excellent education with plenty of fieldwork in many different school settings.
Educational philosophy: Today’s children are the future. In my classroom, I will help my students develop to their full potential by believing in them. I will help them discover their strengths and give them an opportunity to work on their weaknesses. I will provide my students with a safe, positive, and caring environment, so they can learn and grow. I will teach to meet the needs of all students.
What I like about my job: I love the fact that I am presented with something new and different everyday. I enjoy watching my students mature throughout the year and how rewarding the job can be. I live for the opportunity to make a difference in all of my students’ lives.
Special Interests: I am an outdoorsman. I love fishing, hunting, and camping. I enjoy playing, coaching, and watching sports. Before all of these fun things, I enjoy spending time with my wife, family, and friends.
TOP
Cathy Schmidt
Position: 6th Grade Teacher
Experience: I spent the last 2-½ years as a Lead Intervention Teacher, in a K-4 reading program at Carrollton Elementary School. Prior to that, I substitute taught K-12 in many of the Saginaw and Midland county schools. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education, with minors in Science and English from Saginaw Valley State University 2006. This is my first year teaching all subjects in a self contained classroom at Bay County Public School Academy.
Educational philosophy:
• I will encourage students to be creative and responsible in their achievements and actions.
• I will incorporate fun into learning.
• I will treat each student as an individual person.
• I will teach with kindness and caring, not anger and resentment.
• I will challenge and set high expectations for all my students.
• I must respect the students first before they will respect me.
• I will instill the importance of education for them now and the future.
What I like about my job: “Interaction” At Bay County Public School Academy, the curriculum is full of opportunities for creating a classroom environment full of discovery.
Special Interests: I’m currently pursuing a Master’s program in Educational Leadership as Saginaw Valley State University. My husband and I have a son attending Michigan State University (Steve) and a son who’s a senior in high school (Luke). Luke is involved with varsity football and basketball; we LOVE to watch him play. Relaxing with a bowl of popcorn and a great comedy is one of my favorite things to do.
TOP
Stacey Van Buren
Position: Title One Teacher/Director
Experience: I have a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from CMU with an early childhood endorsement and I am pursuing a master’s degree in Reading from Saginaw Valley. I have taught in kindergarten, first, and second grade. Currently, I am the reading intervention specialist and I work with grades kindergarten through sixth.
Educational Philosophy: I believe all children can learn. It is my job to make a difference in the lives of children in a positive and creative manner. I can do this by seeing each child as an individual and trying to find their special talents and interest that will help them to succeed in school.
What I like about my job: I love working in small groups with my children. It is wonderful to see them growing in their academics. I enjoy coming to work everyday and working with children that want to succeed.
Special Interests: I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, bowling, playing volleyball and watching sports.
TOP
Darci Van Buren
Position: Title One Interventionist
Experience: This is my fourth year at the academy. I am currently a student at Saginaw Valley State University; I am working on my degree in Special Education with a minor in English.
Educational Philosophy: I believe each and every child has the potential to bring something unique and special to the world. I will help children to develop their potential by believing in them as capable individuals. I will assist children in discovering who they are, so they can express their own opinions and nurture their own ideas. I have a vision of a world where people learn to respect, accept, and embrace the differences between us, as the core of what makes life so fascinating.
What I like about my job: I love the look on a child’s face when they finally get something that they have been working so hard on.
Special Interests: I love spending time with my family, and when I get extra time to myself I love to read a good book.
TOP
 Megan
Storm
Position: Title One Teacher - Writing
Experience: Six years teaching Kindergarten at the Academy. This is my second year in Title One.
Educational philosophy: I believe that all children can learn and that it is my job to figure out what they need to succeed.
What I like about my job: I love the “ah-ha!” moment when a child finally understands what you have been trying to tell them.
Special Interests: I like to read, travel, and spend time with my family.
TOP
 Kelly
Pletzke
Position: At Risk Math Teacher
Experience: 3/4 grade split at St. Elizabeth Catholic School in Reese, 5th grade, 5 1/2 years of 1st grade, and Title I Math/At Risk.
Educational philosophy: I teach because of the children. I love helping my students succeed and I love watching them learn. I want my students to be the best they can be in everything they do.
What I like about my job: The kids!
Special Interests: Spending time with my daughters Paige and Makenna, family and friends; traveling, reading, walking, and relaxing, and eating!
TOP
 Monique Engel (Miss Monique)
Position: Title One Instructional Reading/Math
Experience: This is my seventh year at the Academy. When I first started working at the Academy I was a Teachers Aide for a 2nd/3rd grade split classroom. I then moved on to the Title I department servicing children of all grade levels in Reading and Math.
Educational Philosophy: Every child has a right to learn no matter what challenges they face.
What I like about my job: Being able to work with K-7th students depending on their area of need. Working with struggling children is what I enjoy the most. I love a challenge.
Special Interests: During my off time, I enjoy reading, listening to all kinds of music and spending time with my teenage son and daughter.
TOP
Joy Wagner
Position:
Special Education Teacher
Experience: This is my third year at Bay County Public School Academy and my first year as a Special Education Teacher. In December of 2003 I graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with a degree in Elementary Education. I am currently working on my master's degree in Special Education.
Educational Philosophy: I believe that every child can be successful in school and have fun while learning. It’s my job to create educational opportunities that appropriately challenge and encourage my students to succeed.
What I like about my job: I love discovering new ways to help struggling learners!
Special Interests: I love family vacations – spending time with all of my family is the best! I’m a great cook and enjoy experimenting with new recipes. If we have extra time and money on the weekends, you’ll find me at the movies sharing a huge tub of popcorn with my husband.
TOP
Heidi Marciniak
Position: Special Education Teacher
Experience: I have worked with children throughout my life starting as a babysitter. When raising my two children, I volunteered extensively at their schools. Later, I returned to school to become a teacher and received a Bachelor of Art degree from Saginaw Valley State University in Elementary Education with a Minor in Math and Science. Before coming to Bay County PSA, I held a position with the Saginaw Immediate School District as a Teacher Assistant for the Vision Impaired. Most recently, I have taught 7th Grade Mathematics in Summer Sessions for the Saginaw Public School District.
Educational Philosophy: As a teacher, I make every effort to have a positive impact on the attitudes of my students. I am compassionate about helping all students discover their fullest potential. To promote each student’s learning outcomes, I am conscientious about addressing individual needs and circumstances. I take the time to do everything possible to provide educational opportunities that will open the doors of understanding for each individual student.
What I like about my job: I like working with the students and the staff of Bay County PSA!
Special Interests: I enjoy camping, music, spending time with family.
TOP
Jed Maxwell
Position: Physical Education Teacher
Experience: This will be my first year at BCPSA. I am a recent graduate of Saginaw Valley State University.
Educational Philosophy: It is my responsibility to meet the needs of the students in the field of P.E. I will do this by teaching to a diverse student population and encourage discussions to enhance student learning. Students will be able to use what they learn in P.E. in "real life" situations. Through actively participating in class discussions and activities, the students will meet my three objectives -- to learn, be safe, and have fun!
What I like about my job: The kids, who bring us a different experience every day.
Special Interests: I like spending time with my wife and son (Jamie and Cade), three dogs (Keira, Kenji, and Kangai), and cat (Harley). I like to watch and play any sport, especially summer league softball.
TOP
Michael Donovan
Position: Physical Education Teacher with Bay Area Catholic Schools
Experience: This is my first year teaching in Bay City. I graduated in May with a bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Health from Grand Valley State University. I did my student teaching semesters in Grand Rapids Public Schools where I also coached wrestling and baseball.
Educational Philosophy: I believe that all students are capable of learning. In addition to improving physical abilities, PE can also be a place to improve students’ social abilities and foster their leadership abilities, no matter what their personality traits or physical skills may be.
What I like about my job: I love everything about physical education. I love seeing the enjoyment and hearing the laughter from the students during activities, I love watching the students’ skills develop both physically and as people, but most of all I love when students accomplish a task or complete a challenge they previously thought they could not.
Special Interests: In my spare time, I enjoy going to sporting events, exercising, watching my Chicago sports Teams whenever possible (Bears, Bulls, White Sox, Blackhawks, NU Wildcat football) on TV, and spending time with friends and family. I have also wrestled most of my life and am looking to be an assistant coach this season.
TOP
Crystal Mobley
Position: Music Teacher
Experience:This is my fifth year at BCPSA. I graduated from Oakland University in December of 2005 with a degree in Music Education and African Studies. I did my student teaching in the Rochester School District.
Educational Philosophy: I believe that music is an intelligence of its own and that it gives students another venue in school to grow and achieve in. I believe that if every person is capable of musical understanding, then every student should have the opportunity to have a valuable music education throughout their entire academic career. Music is a way for students to better understand the world around them and a unique way to express themselves.
What I like about my job: I love music and I love teaching others about it. To be able to witness that “ah-ha!” moment in a student’s face is the most wonderful feeling in the world!
Special Interests: I love going to the theatre to see various shows and concerts, traveling and learning about other cultures, reading, watching movies, and spending time with my friends and family.
TOP
Melissa Rookus
Position: Art & Music Teacher
Experience: I travel between schools as an art and music teacher.
Educational Philosophy: I feel that education is the only way that we can better ourselves. An education can take a child from any diverse cultural background and give them the opportunity to become anything that they want to become. As an Art and Music major I feel that I can help children express who they are and their desires thru music and art and even find a creative outlet for their frustrations. I believe that art and music give us a quality of life that can change our mood. When we are looking for a way to relax many people will listen to music or look at pictures. In teaching art and music, I am able to teach children to appreciate all the beauty around them. From a flower in a field to a music concert by their favorite singer.
What I like about my job: The best thing about teaching music and art is getting t play all day. I enjoy helping children of all ages create beautiful things.
Special Interests: I enjoy spending lots of time outside, from gardening to sitting by a campfire with my children and grandchildren. I love to play and sing music and enjoy church and curling up with a good book.
TOP
|
