SWMSA Launch Meeting by Victoria Ash

Kim Nichols

nicholsk17 — 2025-04-30 20:36:33 UTC

I'm so excited to embark on this journey with you and launch the Southwest Michigan Science Alliance network!

I am currently a student data services consultant at the Calhoun Intermediate School District. I taught high school Biology and Anatomy for 25 years in Coldwater prior to my current position. I was also a gymnastics and assistant track coach in my tenure there.

I am a bonus mom and bonus Gigi too! In addition to spending time with my family, I enjoy gardening, reading, scrapbooking and yoga in my free time.

#BetterTogether

Victoria Ash / Cereal City Science

vash4 — 2025-05-01 12:28:14 UTC

Hi there! What a great day to get together and expand our networks!

I am the curriculum writer for Cereal City Science, a science curriculum for grades K-8. Before this, I was in the classroom teaching grades Preschool, 1st, 3rd, and 4th, in both Michigan and Wyoming. I have always made integrating science a top priority.

I have 3 young boys, a 4-year-old and twin 1.5-year-olds, so life tends to be pretty busy. Outside of that, I read, paint, and garden! This year is my first garden, so wish me luck to overcome my lack of a green thumb.

Sandy Erwin

serwin11 — 2025-05-06 11:58:43 UTC

Hello everyone!
I’m looking forward to the exciting collaborations we’ll build together!

I currently serve as the Director of Outreach and Professional Learning at Cereal City Science, a K–8 curriculum company based in Battle Creek, MI. Before this role, I was a high school science teacher for 33 years. Supporting teachers and building capacity to advance science education has always been at the heart of my professional goals.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family—especially with my first (and so far only!) grandson. It’s such a joy to watch how toddlers explore and make sense of their world. I also enjoy quilting, knitting, and practicing yoga as ways to create and stay mindful.

Jennifer Beck

2025-05-07 20:10:14 UTC

I retired in June after 30 years in education, and upon invitation, went immediately to CCHS in the role of Instructional Coach and Curriculum Development. This is my second year in such a role and prior to that I taught biology, and every other science discipline ☺️at the secondary level forever and love making learning real, relevant, and fun. I am also a certified art teacher and bring that into learning every day. I have extensive experience in the inner city, rural, and in the urban classroom as well as in educational leadership, which has shaped my firm conviction that behind every success story is a support story; I strive to build others’ capacity for transformation through a focus on engaging student experiences, collaboration and technology integration.

Sara Syswerda, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute

saraparrsyswerda — 2025-05-07 20:10:31 UTC

Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, Elementary Science Coach in Barry County working mainly with PreK-5 students as well as college students.

Kaj Holm 7/8 Science Paw Paw

2025-05-07 20:11:11 UTC

Lego Enthusiast, Runner, Floater on the Water

Joshua Dickeson

2025-05-07 20:11:30 UTC

Brandywine Community Schools

Nikki VanPelt

2025-05-07 20:11:49 UTC

I am currently teaching Astronomy (1st time) and Conceptual Physics at Hastings High School.

Rachel Hoard

2025-05-07 20:12:07 UTC

I teach STEM to 2nd - 5th graders at Jefferson and Lakeland Elementary in Coldwater.

Margaret Steele

2025-05-07 20:12:07 UTC

6th grade science rocks! First year teacher at Marshall Middle School.

Marie Toburen 4th grade Olivet

2025-05-07 20:12:12 UTC

This is my 25th year of teaching 4th grade at Olivet Middle School. For the last 22 years I have been able to specialize in Science & Social Studies.

2025-05-07 20:12:21 UTC

Jessica Arend

Science teacher at Edwardswardsburg Middle School.

This year I'm working mainly with 7th grade students. Currently in my 12th year of teaching.

I have a son joining me today - Emmett.

I have been teaching middle school science in Niles for 22 years.

2025-05-07 20:12:33 UTC

Kenda Stutzky - Lawton HS

kstutzky — 2025-05-07 20:12:57 UTC

Hi! I am Kenda. I teach Biology and Forensic Science at Lawton High School (9 years). I do modeling in biology (6 years). I also do standards referenced grading (5 years).

2025-05-07 20:12:59 UTC

My name is Brandon Smith; I teach 6th-grade science at Legg Middle School in Coldwater. 6th grade teaches the middle school NGSS standards. This is my 18th year in education. I was an elementary school teacher for 12 years, a building administrator for 3, and the rest has been in a middle school setting.

Renee' Cribbins Homer, MI

2025-05-07 20:13:34 UTC

I teach at Homer High School. This year I'm teaching...

10th grade Physics

11th grade Algebra II

12th grade Data Science

Lexus Baxendale Battle Creek Central High School

2025-05-07 20:14:20 UTC

I am currently teaching freshman biology at Battle Creek Central High School and have been teaching here for 4 years.

2025-05-07 20:14:36 UTC

Neil Lundgren - South Haven Public Schools, Elementary STEM.

I grew up in southwest Michigan but began my teaching career in Kansas as an elementary science teacher. I also worked for the Kansas State Department of Education as a teacher consultant leading elementary science PD around the state. I recently moved back to Michigan to raise my daughters closer to family.

Ellie Owsley CCHS (Harper Creek in the Fall :))

2025-05-07 20:14:48 UTC

Hey everyone! I am currently a paraprofessional with Calhoun Community High School, but am thrilled to be teaching at Harper Creek High School starting next fall! I am a new teacher and am so excited to learn as much as I can!

Carly Swain

swainc13 — 2025-05-07 20:16:27 UTC

I am a 6th grade science teacher! I am finishing my 10th year at Pennfield Middle school! I have also previously taught 7th grade as well!

Erica Towers - Legg MS

2025-06-04 19:21:43 UTC

I am a 7th grade science teacher at Legg MS in Coldwater. I am getting ready for my 15th year of teaching secondary science. I taught ten years of secondary science in Washington state before moving to the Midwest. Since then, I taught one year of high school biology in Indiana before returning to middle school here in Coldwater. I have taught all areas of science but love earth science and life science. I am currently beginning a journey to teach science to students new to speaking English.

2025-06-04 19:34:37 UTC

Hello Everyone! I have been teaching biology for 24 years and I am so excited to learn and share with all of you:)

Winsor Demore, 7/8 Science at North Middle School - PPS

2025-06-05 12:20:36 UTC

Hi! I teach seventh and eighth grade science at North Middle in Portage.

Next year will be teaching year twenty for me. I can't believe it's been that long, yikes!

I've taught all over - Alaska, Colorado, Wyoming, and now Michigan, where I plan to stay until my soon-to-be second grader graduates. I'm excited to build a network of like-minded teachers!

Tim Eastman

teastman11 — 2025-06-05 12:58:51 UTC

Finishing 2 1/2 years at Lawton High School. I teach Chemistry, Anatomy, and Environmental Science.