Panther Crew

Renee Kolle - Superintendent, Homeless Liaison

• What excites you about OMPS?
• Why Teach?
• Education
• Hobbies / Interests

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I'm very excited to be a part this school. I have always loved the community and environment in which OMPS sits, and I know both will be utilized throughout the school year. Students will have a fresh, real world learning experience at OMPS with these benefits and curriculum offered. I am so thrilled that I get to be a part of all of it!

​I chose education because working with kids is an amazing experience, helping them learn and grow.  They make me laugh every day, and they inspire me to continue to see the world through their eyes.  Seeing a child’s eyes light up when they learn something new, have an idea, or grasp a new concept, is incredibly rewarding to me.

I grew up in Traverse City.  I attended Eastern Michigan University for my undergrad and Grand Valley State University for my Masters in Education and Administration Certificate.

My number one interest is travel. My family and I (husband and daughter) travel when we can, but it's not as often as I'd like! I love experiencing different cultures, the traditions, food, lifestyle, etc.  It gets me out of my own world and helps me to remember the global picture.  Other hobbies include: reading, being outside whether it's swimming and boating or hiking through snow and skiing. ​

Kaitlyn Bailey - Principal, Interim Preschool Director

• What excites you about OMPS?
• Why Teach?
• Education
• Hobbies / Interest

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​I was attracted to Old Mission Peninsula School because of the strong community support system with common goals for our students; this kind of support will help our students go above and beyond.

It has always been a dream of mine to teach, and to be able to create a classroom community where all children feel welcomed, safe, and encouraged.  I am excited to be able to do that this coming year for our greater school community. ​

I grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, MI before attending Michigan State University where I earned my degree in Elementary Education with a focus in Language Arts and a minor in Child Development. ​

In my free time I love to be outdoors, and even more importantly on the water with my family.  I could not be more excited for the school year ahead!

Darla Eimers - Office Manager

• What makes OMPS special?
• Education
• Hobbies / Interests

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​OMPS is more than just a school--we are truly a family. Our partnerships with leaders and organizations within the community help to shape our students into good neighbors and world citizens and our beautiful campus is just icing on the cake! 

I have a B.S. in Integrative Studies with an Emphasis in Cultural Diversity and Globalization. I am currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Education, Instruction, and Curriculum

I have several different hobbies, including scuba diving, archaeology, backpacking, cooking, reading and crafting. I love challenges, trying new things, and learning in general.

Cheri Stainforth - Preschool Teacher

• What makes OMPS special?
• Why Teach?
• Education
• Hobbies / Interests

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​When you enter the OMPS building, you become pare of our school family. The entire staff strives to creat an atmosphere where all feel welcome. Our campus is a beautiful place to explore and learn. Oue preschool staff's goals are that your child's first​ experience in a school setting will foster a love for learning!​

​I honestly get excited when I am around children. Their energy is contagious! There is nothing better
than seeing a child grow and develop right before your eyes! Getting to know each child individually and
fostering a love for education is such an amazing opportunity!​

I graduated with a BA from Saginaw Valley State University. I have worked with children in some capacity my entire career! I enjoyed 13 years at an elementary school in Frankenmuth, 6 of those years were spent in
preschool. For many years, I had the privilege of working with children and their families who were a part of
the Special Education program. I am an advocate for ALL children regardless of their abilities. For 4 years before I came
to OMPS, I had been the Early Literacy Specialist at the Wickson District Library in
Frankenmuth. I'm excited to share my love of literacy with your children.

Spending time with my family and friends.  I enjoy hiking, boating, swimming, taking my dog Finley on adventures, painting and reading.

Kellie Torpey - Preschool Co-Teacher

• What excites you about OMPS?
• Why Teach?
• Education
• Hobbies / Interests

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I am truly thrilled to be part of this incredible school! I've been fortunate to spend time as a Substitute Teacher at OMPS, as well as a parent and the culture is so positive, bright and absolutely supportive. The Students and Staff are quite special! OMPS is a beautiful, safe space for our children to flourish!​

I love learning and I want to share that enthusiasm with our students! Especially since becoming a Mom, I've enjoyed finding fun and special ways to teach and connect with children. I genuinely want to be a positive influence each and every day!

My education began at Kettering University in Engineering and ultimately completed my education at Oakland University with a BA in Communications.

I love spending time with my family! I have a wonderful husband and daughter, we moved to TC about 5 years ago to be closer to family and enjoy all things TC! We especially love boating together. I also love running! These's something wonderful about putting on great tunes or a catchy podcast, and hitting the pavement! I also enjoy reading and catching a great movie, love a good ghost story.

Courtney Kierczynski - Kindergarten

• What makes OMPS special?
• Why Teach?
• Education
• Hobbies / Interests

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​All of it! The supportive community, engaged families, kind students and amazing staff!

Since a very young age teaching has been a passion of mine. I can remember making my brother and cousins “play” school while I taught them in our living room. Once in elementary school I had amazing experiences and teachers throughout my education, especially in Kindergarten. I remember taking a field trip to my teachers lake house where we learned all about our beautiful area and community, I left thinking, “this is what I want to do when I grow up”.

Western Michigan University, 2008 with a Bachelors of Science in Education, majoring in elementary education. I am presently working on my Masters Degree through Grand Valley State University.

Our family can be found on a boat, beach or hike in the summer and ice fishing, sledding and having bon fires during the winter! My husband, Jack, Adam and a golden retriever, Wally, all together!

Margot Denton - Kindergarten

• What makes OMPS special?
• Why Teach?
• Education
• Hobbies / Interests

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​What makes OMPS special is the tight knit community between students and parents of all grades, and staff. This allows everyone to better support one another’s unique needs. 
 

I teach because I want to provide children with a safe space to learn about themselves, the world, and how to be in a community with others. I find joy in seeing students grow, in knowledge and understanding of concepts, as well as confidence. It is a privilege to walk along young learners and share in their successes. 
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​ Lake Superior State University where I earned my degree in Elementary Education.

​​Some of my hobbies include playing basketball, pickleball, and scrabble. I love to read on the beach and spend time with my family and friends.

Kaile Bartnick - First Grade

• What make OMPS special?
• Why Teach?
• Education
• Hobbies / Interest

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OMPS is a place where relationships are built between teachers, students, and parents.  Our school is a happy place where everyone is treated with kindness and respect.  OMPS is a positive community where individuals are valued and everyone collaborates together while putting the students first.

After redirecting my career to education, I felt very passionate about guiding and helping young children make and learn valuable lifelong choices to make them better citizens in today’s world.

Central Michigan University with an Early Childhood Degree in Education.

I enjoy golfing and spending time in the Upper Peninsula stream fishing and exploring the beaches along Lake Superior with my husband and two Jack Russell Terriers.

Abigail Harnish - First Grade

• What excites you about OMPS?
• Why Teach?
• Education
• Hobbies / Interest

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​I am most excited about the culture at OMPS; everyone is so positive and welcoming! I am also excited to explore the outdoor learning lab with my first grade friends.  

I am very passionate about providing a safe environment for children to grow and thrive. I also believe students should experience joy while learning, and I hope to bring back some of that joy in teaching.

​I grew up in Traverse City and attended Traverse City schools. I attended Michigan State University and received my degree in Elementary Education with a teaching focus in Social Studies. Additionally, I have an endorsement from the Urban Educators Cohort Program at MSU.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy being outside with my friends and family. I like to hike, swim, and explore new spots in Northern Michigan. I am an avid reader, and I am always eager to hear book recommendations! ​

Kaitlyn Bricker ​ - Second Grade

• What excites you about OMPS?
• Why Teach?
• Education
• Hobbies / Interests

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​I am excited to be part of this community and the new adventure of 2nd Grade!

I can remember from a very young age always wanting to be a Teacher. I wanted to create an environment where students feel safe, heard, and loved.  This will allow students to thrive and be the best learners they can be! I love to be able to watch me students grow and celebrate successes!

I received my degree from Central Michigan University in Elementary Education Teaching Grades Preschool - Grade 6.

In my free time I love hanging out with my friends and family. I enjoy camping, going to the beacj and spending time on the boat,

Macy Meindertsma - Second Grade

• What excites you about OMPS?
• Education
• Hobbies

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 I love the community we have at the school! We are like a little family and we care for one another so well. We also get to work in one of the most beautiful landscapes ever! ​​

I received two Bachelor's degrees in Environmental Studies and Sustainability and Sustainable Parks, Recreation, and Tourism from Michigan State University.

I love skiing, hanging out with my family and friends, and hiking! 

Aubrey Moore -  Third Grade

• What excites you about OMPS?
• Why Teach?
• Education
• Hobbies / Interests

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​I love the small, tight-knit community and the beautiful setting on the peninsula!

It is such a privilege to me to build relationships with students and families, and to invest into their lives for such a significant period of time. I love kids and the joy that they bring! What is a better way to start your day? I'm thankful for the oppurtunity to help support the growth of academic learning and chartacter development for the children in my class. Each child is so uniquely gifted and special - I love the process of finding those treasures within each of them!

University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Elementary Education

I love to hike/walk ourdoors, spend time with family and friends, visit lighthouses (I have a loft goal of visiting all 129 of Michigan's lighthouses!), and I can often be found behind a piano or acoustic guitar creating a melody or two.

Emily Byrd - Fourth Grade

• What excites you about OMPS?
• Why Teach?
• Education
• Hobbies / Interests

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​The people and the community are what make the difference at OMPS! I am so excited to begin this journey with Old Mission Peninsula's incredible staff, students, and families. Let's go, fourth grade!

I have always loved the classroom and its many ways to inspire, create change, and reach goals. Teaching provides opportunities for on-going learning amongst all ages, academic and social-emotional growth, and chances to build community.

I received my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with a focus in Language Arts and a minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Michigan State University. 

I love to volunteer, adventure outdoors, and spend time with family and friends!

Eddie Pailet ​ -  Fourth Grade

• What excites you about OMPS?
• Why Teach?
• Education
• Hobbies / Interests

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The moment I set foot on the beautiful campus, I was immediately struck by the strong sense of community and overall happiness shared by both students and teachers. I am thrilled to become part of this vibrant, close-knit community and can't wait to bring my passions to contribute to its continued success.

Teaching is my true passion! I'm dedicated to creating a learning environment where students feel safe to take risks, explore their curiosity and develop their personalities as they grow into young citizens. Building lasting relationships with my students and their families motivates me every day as I help them achieve their goals.

Masters in Elementary Education from USC Rossier School of Education, BA in Psychology and Theater from Bucknell University

I love all things sports: golf is my obsession but I also enjoy playing basketball, football and soccer. My family and I also love getting into nature whether it be hiking or going to the beach!

Katie Kellogg - Fifth Grade

• What makes OMPS special?
• Why Teach?
• Education
• Hobbies / Interest

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​The family atmosphere, the amazing campus location, and all of the great opportunities that OMPS provides.

​I am excited about the family atmosphere, the amazing campus location, and all of the great opportunities that OMPS provides.

I have degrees in Music and Elementary Education from Alma College with a minor in English. I have a Master of Arts in Music from Ball State University where I also did doctoral studies in Music.

I love music, reading, knitting, traveling, and being outdoors--especially in beautiful Northern Michigan!

Kathleen Hoagg - Art Teacher

• What excites you about OMPS?
• Why Teach?
• Education
• Hobbies / Interests

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​I can’t wait to settle in, get to know the children, and see what interesting and exciting things we come up with to do together!

I’ve always enjoyed and been interested in children. They’re funny, spontaneous, curious, authentic and perplexing. Art can be magic, thrilling, and at times daunting and intimidating. I cannot think of a better way to engage with, learn about and support children through all of this self-discovery and learning about our world than through the arts. And through it all I grow as a person and an artist.

BFA  Painting College for Creative Studies, Detroit, MI.  MAT Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, MD.  Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Deer Isle, ME.

​I can find it hard to be inside on a beautiful day and enjoy outdoor activities in every season! I’ve been an organic gardener for years and have chickens too. I also really like to cook. I love reading and learning about all kinds of things, but especially the arts and sciences. I treasure time with my family and friends as well as the  solitary time in my studio.

Hannah O'Brien - Music Teacher

• What excited you about OMPS?
• Why Teach?
• Education
• Hobbies / Interests

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​I am very excited to be a part of the OMPS team!  It is so encouraging to see the amazing administration and staff excited to teach and learn alongside their students.  The beautiful Northern Michigan backdrop allows for teaching to expand beyond the walls of the school and encourages a lifelong love of learning. 

​Children are the world's future.  It is a privilege to have a small impact on their lives as they grow and develop.  Music is a passion that children can take with them through the rest of their lives.  Music is also a creative outlet where students can learn the reward of patience and perseverance.  ​

 I am a Traverse City native.  I attended Central Michigan University and received my Bachelor's of Science in Education. ​ ​

My husband and I enjoy all things music! You can find us at one of his band's shows, hiking or visiting the Upper Peninsula in the summertime.  We love playing piano, guitar and singing together on Sundays at our church.  

Liz Hague​ - Library Media Para Pro & Math Intervention

• What excites you about OMPS?
• Why Teach?
• Education
• Hobbies / Interests

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​​The enthusiasm of the students, teaching with wonderful staff and being part of a supportive community!

​Ever since the third grade I have wanted to become a teacher. My main goal as an educator is for students to be excited to come to school and have fun learning! I want to instill the value of being a life-long learner and serving others.

I graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and I obtained a Master’s Degree with a Master in the Art of Teaching focusing on Reading and Literacy from Mary Grove College. I taught second grade for two years in southwest Florida. In 2008, I moved up to Michigan after marrying my husband and taught third grade for six years in Oxford, Michigan. ​

 I love to be outside in all seasons either running, hiking, walking my pups, snow skiing and boating. I also love to be with my family!

Dave Vachon -  PE / Instructional Assistant

• What excites you about OMPS?
• Why Teach?
• Education
• Hobbies / Interests

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​The whole community, from staff to families, has a very welcoming attitude. Everyone is committed to the well-being and academic success of the students.  I am excited to contribute to the continued success of the school’s vision and mission. ​ 

When reflecting on my work history, the one thing that stood out was the satisfaction I received while working with kids. Kids are so cool. They are funny, creative, curious, and authentic. Being around them helps remind me of the joy life has to offer, which I think most adults need in a world that can leave us cynical and jaded. I hope to help all our students achieve their full potential. ​

I grew up in the Chicagoland area where I completed my undergraduate degree in Community Health and Wellness. In 2016, I attained a graduate degree in Public Health (MPH) with an emphasis in community health education. My relevant professional experiences include program development and educational instruction in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and sexual health. Prior to joining OMPS, I worked for Michigan State University Extension in their Children and Youth Institute. ​

Mason Felker - Special Education

• What excites you about OMPS?
• Why Teach?
• Education
• Hobbies / Interests

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 I am excited to start the new year with many adventures in 2nd grade this year!

Ever since I was young, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher. My goal is to create a space where children feel safe, accepted and challenged. I aim to instill a passion to learn in all of my students while helping them grow into kind, successful individuals.

Received my degree from Grand Valley State University for Elementary Education and English Language Arts. Previously taught Kindergarten at OMPS.

Aside from teaching, I enjoy boating, crafting, baking and trying new things!

Jill Murphy - School Counselor

• What excites you about OMPS?
• Education
• Hobbies / Interests

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​I am excited about the small school family feel of OMPS.  I have been in many schools over my career and feel there is something special about this place!  I am excited to meet the students and staff of OMPS and see how I might offer added support to an already amazing community.  I lived out here on the peninsula about 22 years ago, so in a sense it feels like coming full circle in my life/career. 

I received my Bachelor's Degree from Central Michigan University and Masters in Counseling from University of La Verne in California. I have 25 years experience in several different school districts, in various capacities. I have also been a Substitute Teacher, Early Childhood Education Director and developer of preschools, home visitor, parent educator, infant mental health consultant, and counselor of students of all ages. I also have a private counseling practice in Traverse City, where I have mostly an adult client-base.

 I enjoy spending time with friends and family, traveling to new places, and most recently one of my #1 favorite things is spending time with my new, amazing grandson!  I also like reading, listening to music and running – this summer I accomplished a long -time goal by participating in the 8 Mile Mackinaw Island Run.

Leslie Ketko - Reading Interventionist

• What excites you about OMPS?
• Education
• Hobbies / Interests

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​I live on Old Mission Peninsula and have been involved in our school for thirteen years and counting. I have volunteered for every school position and event! Now I am excited that I get to spend my days working at our wonderful school. I am excited for this year, seeing familiar faces again and meeting new ones. I am looking forward to utilizing our beautiful campus for hands on outdoor learning.

Illinois State University with a degree in Fine Art and a minor in Social work.

I love spending time outside, visiting friends and family. We spend most of our time out at our barn with our horses.

Korrie Garcia - Head Chef

• What makes OMPS special?
• Education
• Hobbies / Interests

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​I love that so many of their values align with my personal values!  I try to be a human that makes as little waves as possible in the environment.  I love that my job is to create delicious, healthy food for kiddos, all the while producing minimal waste, and doing so in a conscientious manner.

Associate of Business Administration from NMC
Bachelor of Business Management with a Specialty in Entrepreneurship from GVSU
​Natural Foods Chef Certification from Natural Gourmet Institute in NYC

I love being with my two young children, spending time in and around the water and exploring nature.  I enjoy gardening, harvesting and preserving the bounty it gives me, and making my own maple syrup.  I also love teaching allergy-friendly/diet specific private cooking and pastry classes for people who are interested in learning.  I enjoy budgeting and teaching others to live well within their means. ​

To Be Announced - AfterCare & School Aide

• What makes OMPS special?
• Education
• Hobbies / Interests

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Becky Seah - School Aide

• What makes OMPS speical?
• Education
• Hobbies / Interests

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OMPS has been apart of our community for a very long time, it has seen many changes but still remains. Our community has put forth its heart and soul to keep our school thriving. We are a community and family all in one. You know it and feel it when you are here. Our Teachers and Crew work great together to make sure everyone feels like they belong and are cared for. There is nothing like our little gem anywhere!

Textiles and Apparel Studies with an emphasis in Design, Western Michigan University 

I love spending time with my husband and kids. Love going on hikes and bicycle rides. My current hobbies are quilting, rug making, alterations and sewing anything I can.

Cheryl Zinn - School Aide

• What makes OMPS speical?
• Why Teach?
• Education
• Hobbies/Interests

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​The unique location, small class size and incredible community involvement with both the families and the teachers make OMPS truly special!

When I decided to leave my corporate job in the entertainment industry, it was scary, but after my first year teaching in NYC and seeing the incredible growth of the children, it was beyond inspiring and truly taught me just how important teachers are!

 B.A., Public Relations from ISU
Early Childhood Education Credential from West Side Montessori School in NYC

Boating, Hiking, Yoga, Pilates, travel and just spending time with my husband, two kids and our puppy Hudson!

Dave Rybka - Facilities Manager

• What excites you about OMPS?
• Education
• Hobbies / Interests

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As a member of the Old Mission community and a parent of a child who attended OMPS, I am excited to be apart of the continued tradition of having a school on the peninsula. I am looking forward to working with the members of the community and the staff to keep this school up and running and a gem of the community. 

Associates in Science, Pasco-Hernando State College

 I love spending time with my family being outdoors, playing board games and just having quality time together. We love skiing in the winter and hanging on the beach and boating on West Bay  all summer. We are very fortunate to live in an area that offers so much to explore!