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 eleventh 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.
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Nichole Keister
 Position: Lead PreKindergarten Teacher
Experience: I am a 2007 graduate of Saginaw Valley State University and this is my fifth year here at BCPSA. I worked for two years as the Pre-Kindergarten co-teacher and am now entering my third year as being the lead classroom 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 Pre-Kindergarten level. My goal is to make each child feel safe and loved at school. I want them to feel comfortable in their classroom and for it to be a place they love to come every day.
What I like about my job: I love kids at the Pre-K level! It is so much fun spending my day with four-year-olds and exploring the different ways they learn. I am able to make personal connections with each of my students.
Special interests:I enjoy spending time with my family and with my friends. I have been married to my husband for three years now and we have a one-and-a-half year-old daughter, Hadley, who I love more than anything. We also have a yellow lab at home who we named Tito. He is three years old now and loves playing with our daughter! The most important things in my life are all my school children, my family, and my daughter. I like to scrapbook and to read and to go out to eat. One of my favorite things to do is going to the lake with my family. I like splashing around on the beach with my daughter and getting out on the boat to learn new tricks on my kneeboard.
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Heather Bohlinger
 Position: Associate Preschool Teacher
Experience: This is my fourth 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.
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Amy Grimm
 Position: Kindergarten Teacher
Experience: I am a graduate of Central Michigan University and will graduate this May with a Masters in Educational Administration from the University of Massachusetts. This is my fifth year of teaching and my second year at BCPSA.
Educational Philosophy: I believe that all children learn if they are given the right tools. My goal is to help all children be successful and have a true love for learning.
What I like about my job: I love working with children. Each day is unique and there is never a lack of excitement!
Special Interests: I enjoy spending time with family, singing, and acting.
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Jason
Wakefield
 Position: Kindergarten Teacher
Experience: This is my third 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.
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Trisha Galus
 Position: 1st 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 third 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.
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Courtney Sanders
 Position: 1st Grade Teacher
Experience: I graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with my B.A. in Elementary Education in December 2010. I started at BCPSA in March 2011.
Educational Philosophy: I believe that all children have the ability to learn. It is my goal to give the students what they need to be successful, while helping them grow not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well.
What I like about my job: There is no greater feeling of accomplishment than the feeling I get when a student finally understands something he/she has been struggling with. I also love the mornings. Each day is a new day, and you will never know what it will bring!
Special interests: When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, golfing, reading, and camping.
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Lisa Hansen
 Position: 1st Grade Teacher
Experience: This is my 1st year at BCPSA. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Michigan State in December 2009. Last year, I completed a full-year internship in a 3rd grade classroom in Zeeland, MI. As a new resident to the area, I am excited to explore all that Bay City has to offer!
Educational Philosophy: As an educator, I am firm believer of the benefits of inquiry-based learning. Through hands-on exploration, the relation to real world phenomena, and small group work with peers, the children are scaffolded to discover new concepts and ideas independently. By incorporating such activities within my instruction, I am looking to provide children with the skills they need to be successful, both inside and outside the classroom.
What I like about my job: I love seeing the children's eagerness to explore new concepts, and their curiosity about the world. The thoughtful questions that the children ask lead us to great conversations and deeper connections within our studies.
Special interests: In my down time, I love to read children's books, spend time outside, and go shopping. I also enjoy spending lots of time in the kitchen cooking and baking!
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Chrystal Watkins
 Position: 2nd Grade Teacher
Experience: This is my third 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.
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Marissa Kae Markey
 Position: 2nd Grade Teacher
Experience: I began teaching in the Midland Public School system as a part-time Kindergarten teacher. This is my fifth 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.
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Shalynn Jones
 Position: 3rd Grade Teacher
Experience: This year is my ninth 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 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.
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Angela Rousse
 Position: 4th Grade Teacher
Experience: This ia my fifth 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!
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Paula Holland
 Position: 4th Grade Teacher
Experience: This is my second year teaching at BCPSA. 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.
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Nick Meldrum
 Position: 5th Grade Teacher
Experience: This is my second year at BCPSA. I graduated from Saginaw Valley State University in May of 2010 with Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.
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.
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Bonnie Harris
 Position: 6th/7th Grade Teacher
Experience:
Educational philosophy:
What I like about my job:
Special Interests:
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Joy Wagner
 Position:
Special Education Teacher
Experience: This is my fifth year at Bay County Public School Academy and my second year as a Special Education Teacher. In 2003 I graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with my degree in Elementary Education. I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Special Education.
Educational Philosophy: Every child can be successful in school and have fun while learning! It’s my job to create educational opportunities that both challenge and encourage my students to succeed.
What I like about my job: I love seeing the gleam in my students’ eyes when they are learning something new and exciting!
Special Interests: Spending time with my family is what I love best. No matter how crazy my day is, I enjoy going home and cooking dinner for my husband and kids. I also spend my extra time reading, working in my garden, or watching movies.
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Heidi Marciniak
 Position: Special Education Teacher
Experience: This is my second year at BCPSA. 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. I have also 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.
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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.
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Monique Engel (Miss Monique)
 Position: Title One/ At Risk Intervention Specialist
Experience: This is my tenth year at the Academy. I completed my Michigan Work Keys/No Child Left Behind Certificate in 2005. When
I first started working at the Academy, I was a classroom aide in a 2nd/3rd grade split classroom. I then moved on to the Title I Department servicing children in Reading, Math, Writing and Handwriting.
Educational Philosophy: Every child has a right to learn no matter what daily challenges they face.
What I like about my job: Watching the excitement on a child’s face when they learn something new!
Special Interests: Spending time with my family, reading, listening to all kinds of music, watching high school football games, couponing and bargain shopping.
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Casey Phelps
 Position: Physical Education Teacher
Experience: This is my seventh year at Bay County Public School Academy!
Educational Philosophy: My goal as an educator is to provide a safe environment where each and every student can grow into the person they strive to be.
What I like about my job: I enjoy seeing the student’s everyday and helping them make the positive choices that will help them become successful in the years to come.
Special Interests: I enjoy watching baseball and hockey, going for a run, and hanging out with my wife, daughter, and two dogs. Another hobby of mine is collecting Detroit Tigers memorabilia. In the past I have helped out at neighboring high schools coaching baseball. As you can tell, baseball is and has always been a huge part of my life.
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Michael Donovan
 Position: Physical Education Teacher with Bay Area Catholic Schools
Experience: This is my second 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.
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Crystal Mobley
Position: Music Teacher
Experience: This is my sixth 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.
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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 to 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.
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Jeremy Mynderse
Position: Share-time Art Teacher
Experience: I recieved my BA in Visual Arts Education from Spring arbor university in May of 2009 and taught the following year at my Alma Mater, Bedford Public Schools in Temperance, MI. Following severe budget cuts at my home district I spent the following year honing my management skills as a substitute teacher, which was an invaluable experience for me. I am currently in my third year teaching professionally and I look forward to what this year will bring.
Educational Philosophy: Elementary age students are more creative than any adult will ever be, and they still see the world in all its amazing detail. They stop and actually look at things most of us grownups just walk past or step on without realizing it. It is precisely the upper elementary grades when most experts say children "outgrow" their creative phase, which makes it imperative that all children are pushed to preserve and exercise their imaginative skills through art-making. Fewer children losing their creative skills as they grow up will result in a more ingenuitive and competitive America, and more of these students will be emboldened to pursue their dreams successfully.
What I like about my job: I like passing on what skills were passed to me, and seeing kids' eyes light up as their creative juices start flowing. I am convinced the best sound any teacher will ever hear is from a frustrated student who suddenly exclaims, "Oh!" as the lightbulb comes on in his or her head. Each of these moments builds a students confidence to approach the next challenge and seeing this process is the joy of my job.
Special Interests: My wonderful wife, Allison occupies most of my free time, but I am an outdoorsman and a craftsman when I can be. I hunt, fish and make primitive bows and arrows along with some fine leatherwork. Anytime I am not doing one of those things I am probably reading about primitive skills, history or a good Louis L'amour novel.
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Jodi Kietzman
Position: Spanish Teacher
Experience: I am a graduate of Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Spanish and French. This will be my seventh year of teaching. I have previously taught Spanish for the Bay Area Catholic Schools, and worked as a substitute teacher for Bay City and Midland Public Schools.
Educational Philosophy: I try to create a safe and creative environment that nurtures the students confidence, and develops a positive self-esteem around their new language. My responsibility as an educator is to design activities that address the diverse abilities and needs of the students.
What I like about my job: I enjoy sharing my knowledge of the Spanish language and culture with my students. It is amazing to see how the students progress with their language skills and I love being a part of that accomplishment. I love to see students having fun while conversing in Spanish with one another.
Special interests: I enjoy spending time with my husband and three children. As a family we do many outdoor activities such as swimming, biking, boating and camping. I take dance and Zumba classes and I am also working towards my black belt in Tae Kwon Do. When I have the time, I enjoy scrap booking and reading a good book!
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