Meet The PIIT Coaching Team

I graduated from MSU with a degree in Early Childhood Education.  I studied Elementary Education, Child Development, and Psychology.  After graduating I aquired my AMS (American Montessori Society) certification in for Montessori Primary (3-6 year olds).  I worked for 25 years in Montessori Education.  I was a lead teacher for 20 years.  During these years, I ran professional develppment courses for teachers and did parent education for our school community.  I currently work at ADMTEI training Montessori Teacher candidates and I am an active Board member for MMS (Michigan Montessori Society).  I started this past July with PIIT.  I realized although I truly enjoy working in a classroom with children, I have found my new passion in assisting adults with the career of teaching.

Why are you passionate about this program? 

I am passionate about assisting teachers in their careers. PIIT is such an amazing program, becasue we have educators coming to our program from so many different backgrounds and previous experiences.  All of the candidates took their own unique path to find us, but what they all have in common is a passion for teaching and connecting with students.  I see the dedication and focus in these individuals that come into our program.  They truly want to make a difference in the lives of children.  We simply find a way to guide them by setting individual goals and then helping them establish a plan to achieve growth.  

As a coach, what do you feel is special about this program?

PIIT offers a personal connection to its candidates.  We see each candidate as an individual.  We meet with each candidate prior to starting within our program - we want to hear their stories, we want to know what guided them to us, how they got here, and what they want to accomplish through our program.  We want to help each candidate achieve their goals, pairing each candidate with a coach along the way. We have Live Sessions through Zoom with each of our courses, to create a sense of community for our candidates.  They can collaborate, discuss, share, engage, and interact with one another throughout the program. I think these things are game changers! 

I earned my MBA at Northwood University with all kinds of entrepreneurial ambition. I didn't mean to find education but education found me and hasn't let me go. My heart is here. There are so many solutions to be created and so many amazing ways we can improve outcomes for all - students, teachers, families alike. For the past 12+ years I have taken everything I learned in business and transferred it to education. There is no greater gift than the ability to work with a school to see their ideas come to life. Fun facts - I love the smell of cafeteria food, perhaps because as many tell me, I eat like a child. My favorite thing in the world to do is put my toes in a nice, sandy, white Gulf of Mexico beach.

Why are you passionate about this program?

It's all about heart! It capitalizes on the very thing that is at the center of amazing teachers. The program meets candidates where they are and supports them both in developing teaching skills but also in developing confidence. It builds peer to peer relationships that are lasting. It's built on respect. And, it allows for opportunities that weren't available for some of the greatest future teachers that weren't there a few years ago. It's pretty amazing to be part of watching somebody's dream come true!

As a coach, what do you feel is special about this program?

It's timely and customized. No two candidates experience the same program, yet all learn the same curriculum. The program recognizes that there is a gap between theory and reality and builds in coaching to help close that gap. Coaches are invested in the success of each candidate and willing to dig in deep to support them any way possible.

I began my teaching career in 1993, and have since served as a K-8 teacher of various subjects, School Improvement Chair, Data and Assessment Coordinator, PLC Leader, Reading Specialist and RtI Supervisor, Data Coach, Instructional Specialist, Educational Consultant, Curriculum Director, Assistant Principal, Principal and Superintendent. I currently serves as CEO of High Performing School Services Inc, a Comprehensive Educational Service Provider, which focuses on providing high quality professional development, and focused strategies for school improvement. My continued professional focus is to provide performance management support to school staff and leadership in the areas of: Aligned and Rigorous Curriculum, Effective Instructional Practices, Use of Assessment Data, Shared Leadership and Collaboration, Culture Focused on Student Achievement, Professional Learning Communities and more. When not working, I enjoy gardening, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family!

Why are you passionate about this program?