Meet our New Staff Members!

We are excited to welcome several new professionals to our team.

Shandalyn Bender - Fourth Grade Teacher

Hometown: Kingsley

Education: Calvin University, bachelors, Wester Michigan University, masters.

Previous Experience: I have taught first and second grades and Kindergarten and subbed in the district for eight years.

Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and in my free time I like to digitally scrapbook.

Favorite food: Watermelon

Genevieve Bramer - High School Math Teacher

Hometown: Suttons Bay, Michigan

Education: Northern Michigan University

My favorite part of the job: Seeing students grow in a subject that often has a bad rap!

What I want the community to know: I am super excited to be in your school for my first year of teaching!

Caylie Grubaugh - Preschool Teacher

Hometown: Traverse City, Michigan

Education: Freshman at Central Michigan University

Hobbies: Baking and cooking

I couldn't live without: My favorite blanket, the beach, and my Crocs.

My dream: To teach kindergarten, get a new car, and be successful.

Grace Fosmore - Long-term Substitute Teacher for Second Grade

Hometown: Maple City, Michigan

Education: Alma College

What do you want the community to know about you? I'm excited to be working at Kingsley for my first year teaching!

What is something surprising people may not know about you? I played on the Alma College Women's Basketball team my first year. And I want to go to Greece.

Favorite food: Any kind of pasta

Samantha Kubesh - First Grade Teacher

Hometown: Traverse City

Education: Ferris State University

Teaching Style: I am very hands-on and activity-based. I love having students move around the classroom and use all of their senses while learning.

Hobby: Crafting; I like to pick up a new craft every other month. Right now, I enjoy crocheting

What is something surprising people may not know about you? I speak German. I'm not fluent, but I can hold a conversation.

Joshua Lovendusky - Physical Education Teacher

Hometown: Kingsley, Michigan

Education: Olivet College

What do you like most about the grade levels you work with? The willingness to try something new.

What do you want the community to know about you? I'm willing to help in any way possible, just ask.

Personal motto: "Kids don't care how much you know till they know how much you care."

Scott Morey - Industrial Arts Teacher

Hometown: Mason, Michigan

Education: Central Michigan University

Why did you get into education? To help students open doors to opportunity for themselves.

Hobbies: Camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking

Favorite icecream: Cherry garcia

Erik Nieman - Transportation Director

Hometown: New Buffalo, Michigan

Tell us about yourself: I grew up at the bus garage, my dad was the mechanic! My favorite part of my job is the students...and the yellow door to a child's future.

What are you most looking forward to this year? Making the transportation team stand out.

Hobbies: Maintaining the yard.

Favorite food: Breakfast

Myranda Wagatha - Fifth Grade Teacher

Hometown: Meauwataka, Michigan

Education: Ferris State University

What do you like about fourth graders? I love their interactions, the conversations, and their independence.

What would you like the community to know about you? I am a mom of three beautiful kids. My oldest boy is in preschool at Kingsley, and my husband is the high school assistant principal. We just welcomed our newest baby in June, Phoebe!

Personal Motto: "You are worth your shot."

Abigayle Zimmerman - Kindergarten Teacher

Hometown: Gaylord, Michigan

Education: Saginaw Valley State University

Experience: Student taught at Kingsley Elementary with Katie Rothwell and Erin Bach and was a long-term substitute in the preschool. I love the connections with students and families that I have made so far.

Fun fact: I LOVE volleyball and try to journal every day.