Katie Roettele is a Bay Arenac ISD Assistive Technology Specialist and Occupational Therapist working primarily in the area of early childhood. She has been practicing occupational therapy for 9 years in a variety of settings including hospital based, outpatient pediatrics and school based. Katie has additional experience and training in the areas of assistive technology, augmentative and alternative communication, feeding therapy, sensory integration and neurodevelopmental techniques. Katie serves as the Michigan chapter leader for Makers Making Change, a non-profit organization focused on developing and providing low cost assistive technology to its users.

I absolutely love working as a pediatric Physical Therapist! I graduated from CMU in 2007 with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.  I have since worked in Neurorehabilitation, specifically traumatic brain injury, and at Bay-Arenac ISD.  I now specialize in working within the ISD’s center-based programs and oversee the MOVE (Mobility Opportunities via Education) program at our Living and Learning Center, Bay Campus.  I am married to my husband James, who keeps himself busy as a business owner.  We have 3 children at home, who keep us very busy.  I am an avid sports and dance mom and you can find my cheering on my kids in whatever they are doing.  Sometimes I am coaching as well! We also have a yellow labrador, Wynn, who we adore. 

Assistive Technology is a passion of mine, especially looking at the best options for adaptive seating and positioning in the school setting.  I strongly believe that we can help to meet our students' needs by meeting them where they are and then providing them opportunity after opportunity.  This is reflected in one of my favorite quotes, “ability is of little account without opportunity.” 

Having worked in educational settings ranging from a gifted and talented classroom to a resource room and inclusion settings, it is evident that children benefit from using various technologies. Even when teaching others to swim, adaptations had to be made for some. Now employed at Bay Arenac ISD as the teacher consultant for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing, the doors have opened to all the academic classrooms in the ISD, once again visiting various classrooms. Being part of the AT committee opens avenues to travel with regard to students and the possibilities of achievement. When presenting a concern regarding a child, or even a concern in general, the AT team has the ability to look at what facts we have and integrate and evolve into where we want to get utilizing everyone’s suggestions and knowledge. The joint efforts have paid off in helping to advance the learning of so many of our students. 

Nichole Leasure has been a school-based speech-language pathologist for 22 years. Currently she works with preschool students in GSRP programs and elementary students in Bay City Public Schools.  She graduated from Central Michigan University where she was a graduate assistant on the AAC team.  As an SLP, she loves finding ways to help children communicate.  Nichole joined the AT team to continue to learn about new tools to use with students to support communication, access to classroom settings, and working with team members to support the child's access within the classroom and community settings.  Along with this, working and supporting the student's family is very important to her. 

My name is Baleigh Turner and I am an Occupational Therapist servicing the LLC Bay Campus, Bay City Central, MacGregor Elementary and Hampton Elementary! I have been a pediatric OT since 2018 and am very passionate about helping children learn and grow to be the best version of themselves!  I am very excited to be a part of this AT group to continue expanding my knowledge in this area and better assist my students as a clinician. When I am not at work I love to read, go on walks and spend time up north at Higgins Lake with my family!

Erica Brady has been in education for 26 years. Currently, she works with BAISD teachers as the Curriculum Coach.  She graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with a master's in teaching. She has an endorsement in EI and CI. As a coach, she loves seeing teachers and students thrive in a healthy, supportive environment.  Erica joined the AT team to continue learning new tools to use in classrooms to support communication and working with team members to support the child's access within the classroom and community settings.  Along with this, working with and supporting the teachers and staff is very important.  

My name is Susie Davis. I am a School Psychologist with Bay Arenac ISD in the Early On program as well as Bay City Public Schools elementaries. I have 18 years experience in working with children birth through age 26. I joined the AT team to further my knowledge into what is available to make it possible for children to access the world around them. My passion stems from my step-son who is nonverbal and struggles making his wants and needs known on a daily basis. In my free time I like creating and baking new treats as well as learning to play new musical instruments.  

I am Kristi Strzelecki, a speech-language pathologist working in the BAISD Early On program. I have13 years of experience as a school-based speech therapist and outpatient pediatric SLP specializing in language disorders, autism and traumatic brain injury. Joining the AT team has allowed me to widen my clinical knowledge and provide enhanced support to students and their families. Outside of work, I am happily married to Brian and a proud mother of two daughters. We enjoy spending quality time together at the dance studio, exploring new travel destinations, and embarking on camping adventures. 

Katie Fitzgerald is a school-based speech and language pathologist currently servicing early childhood and center-based populations for the Bay-Arenac ISD. She graduated from Central Michigan University in 2015 and has been practicing pediatric speech and language pathology since in outpatient and school-based settings. Katie joined the assistive technology team to support her passion for AAC, as it provides endless possibilities for all people to communicate. Katie is a new first-time mom and in her spare time loves traveling, reading, and spending time outdoors.  

Natalie Kremer is an Early Interventionist in Bay-Arenac’s Early On program. She is a pediatric speech-language pathologist and certified lactation counselor who specializes in feeding therapy and tethered oral tissues. She has worked in acute care, outpatient, private practice and school-based settings. Natalie is passionate about improving access and early introduction of Augmentative and Alternative Communication for all children and believes all children deserve a voice. She is happy to be part of the Bay-Arenac assistive technology team and to continue to learn and grow alongside her fellow team members.

My name is Nicole Biskup and I am a Speech-Language Pathologist for Bay-Arenac ISD. In the past 11 years as an SLP, I have worked primarily in early childhood settings, specifically in special education preschool programs and in other center-based settings as well. I have experience working with a variety of augmentative and alternative communication systems (AAC) including the LAMP Words for Life program. I have been a member of the Assistive Technology team for 4 years. 

Andrea Schlaud is an Inclusion Coach for Bangor Township Schools and Essexville-Hampton Public Schools.  Previously a school-based speech and language pathologist, she has a passion for helping students find their voice and succeeding within the general education curriculum. Andrea is a RCN leader and trainer for the START grant. In her free time, she loves spending time with her two boys and husband finding adventures outdoors. 

My name is Aimee Clark. I am a speech-language pathologist who is currently servicing Standish-Sterling Central Elementary and Au Gres-Sims School districts. Learning about how technology can impact student access to education (and other information in the world) is a big passion of mine. I have learned so much about AAC in my role at the ISD and I still have a lot to learn about other technology that can help students. I look forward to being a part of the team this year and taking the information I learn back to my local districts to aid in student outcomes. Fun Facts about me:

    I got married this summer!! July 23, 2022

    I have an autistic little brother who is the reason I became a speech pathologist

Susanne Masters is the Special Education Director at Bay-Arenac ISD. She has been in the field of special education since 1998 serving in roles such as teacher, principal, Special Education Supervisor, and Special Education Director. 

My name is Olivia Hutchinson-Hiveley and I am a Special Education Teacher at Standish-Sterling Central Jr/Sr High. I am currently obtaining my degree in Elementary and Special Education from Grand Canyon University. Thankfully, I attend a very large majority of my classes online, so I am able to encounter the numerous of the same issues of distance learning and issues with technology that our students would have accessing their education. Technology is never going away in the world we live in, therefore I believe it is crucial for students to learn how to access different forms to help benefit in their daily lives. 

My name is Kelly Ballard and I’m the Teacher Consultant for the Visually Impaired at BAISD. I’m fortunate enough to work with so many students who benefit from all types of Assistive Technology. No matter what my students use, assistive technology is the key to empowering them in becoming independent learners! The excitement and seeing how accomplished my students feel when using Assistive Technology has lead time to being a member on this great team! 

Molly Yuhanna is a speech-language pathologist working at LLC - Bay Campus this school year. She graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders. Molly is passionate about all things AAC and helping her students communicate with their families, teachers, and friends at school. She joined the AT team to collaborate with classroom teachers, occupational therapists, and physical therapists to best serve the community. Molly loves spending time reading, being outside, and hanging out with her husband and puppy dog, Cash. 

My name is Rachelle Sowinski and I am an Occupational Therapist for the Bay-Arenac ISD.  I have been an Occupational Therapist for 22 years. I graduated from Saginaw Valley State University in 2000. I have experience in a variety of settings including geriatrics, orthopedics, and neurorestorative rehabilitation therapy. I am a Certified Brain Injury Specialist with experience working with traumatic brain injuries. I am also a Certified Dyslexia Practitioner and enjoy working with children to improve literacy skills. I am also currently working towards my Masters Degree in Business Administration. I have three children and I enjoy spending time with my family and attending their many sporting events. In my spare time I enjoy walking my Golden Retriever, Maizie, and I also like to travel and listen to audiobooks. I joined the AT team to continue to learn and grow within the area of assistive technology so I can better support the students I serve within the school-based setting and collaborate with other team members.

My name is Molly Schalk and I am an occupational therapist at the BAISD. I will be servicing Bangor for the 24-25 school year. I am going on my seventh year of being an OTRL and have worked in just about every setting so far.  I am married and have two wonderful children and a golden retriever, Ellie. I enjoy everything fall, spending time with my family, and sports. I joined the AT team to grow within the area of assistive technology so I can better support the students I serve within the school-based setting.  

My name is Katie Little and I am a new Physical Therapist at the BAISD. I currently service LLC Bay Campus, Hughes Elementary, Washington Elementary, Bay City Central, The Planetarium, and outpatient students. I am currently going into my eighth year of being a PT, and I have experience working in outpatient and inpatient settings with pediatric, neurological, and amputee clients, as well as working for the Genesee ISD. I absolutely love calling myself a Pediatric Physical Therapist and I am excited to have joined the AT Team this year to expand my knowledge within the area of assistive technology and better assist all of my students while growing as a clinician. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two-year old son. We love doing anything outside, especially going to the beach and going for walks by the river! 

Stacey Britko is a Speech Therapist/Early Interventionist in Bay-Arenac ISD’s Early On program. She is going on her seventh year of being an SLP and has worked in school-based settings as well as rehabilitation settings. She joined the AT team to grow her knowledge of assistive technology to best support students and families she works with. In her spare time she enjoys fishing, watching sports and going to concerts with her husband. She also enjoys reading and walking her dog, Buster. 

Lynne Loiselle is a speech and language pathologist with the Bay Arenac Intermediate School District. She has been working with children in the public education system for over 20 years. The majority of her career was spent working students in first through twelfth grades until January of 2022 when she began a new position in Early On working with children from birth to three and their families. She has had the pleasure of providing services to not only children with speech and language delays but also children with a variety of needs including those with visual impairments, hearing impairments, cognitive deficits, physical disabilities, emotional impairments, and autism spectrum disorder. Lynne joined the AT team to expand her knowledge in all areas of assistive technology. This team supports her belief in collaboration and utilizing the expertise from a variety of sources in order to provide resources that will best support individual needs so every student can be independent, confident and successful. 

Crystal is a General Education teacher, teaching 2nd grade currently. I started my teaching career in North Carolina teaching 1st grade for 15 years. I am very excited to join the AT team to be able to help out students with different needs. 

Ranae Gradowski is a Speech-Language Pathologist servicing Bay City Public Schools and Bay-Arenac’s K-5 MOCI programs. She has been a school-based SLP for just over a year, but has 5 years of experience working with pediatrics and adults in outpatient neurology clinics and acute care. Based on her time in outpatient, she has experience with AAC working primarily with adults who benefitted from speech generating devices following strokes or other neurological trauma. She is excited to be on a similar journey helping school-aged children find their voices while being an advocate for communication and inclusion. 

Kayla is an Early Interventionist and Occupational Therapist with six years of experience in Early On, who has had the privilege of working with young children who require specialized support. She has an Infant Mental Health endorsement that equips her to address the unique needs of infants, toddlers, and their families. One area of her expertise lies in the field of DME for students’ with physical impairments. She is passionate about exploring and learning new AT tools that can enhance the lives of children and their families."

Hi, I am Kelly Lennox,  I  have 2 daughters and three grandchildren.  This will be my 13th year at the BAISD as an ISS. I have classroom experience with some different types of assistive technology including Lamp Words for Life. I am now in a new position as the ISS for the Vision Department.  I look forward to expanding my knowledge of assistive technology and how it can benefit our students. 

My name is Katie Mervyn and I have been a speech-language pathologist for 2 years. I graduated from Central Michigan University in 2022 and have been practicing pediatric speech and language pathology since in school settings. I currently service elementary students in the Pinconning school district. I joined the AT team to expand my clinical toolbox in AAC and other forms of technology to best support students' communication needs in the classroom and community settings. I am passionate about collaborating within a team approach to create meaningful and functional outcomes for students. In my spare time I enjoy watching sports, being outdoors, and playing the piano.  

My name is Ashley Dolney. I have been an early childhood special education teacher for 15 years. The majority of my career I worked with preschool students aged 3-5 years old. I currently work with infants and toddlers and their families in our Early On program. I have used low tech and high tech AAC in my preschool classroom and currently use it with my toddler families. I joined the AT Team this year to gain more knowledge about assistive technology to help support the families I work with. I have 4 children and 2 dogs and we spend most of our time at hockey rinks and baseball fields. 

Adrianne Cole is the Science and Instructional Technology Coach at the Bay-Arenac ISD. She has over 20 years of STEM career experience, including as a chemist, high school science teacher, university adjunct professor, and local STEM director. Adrianne is passionate about STEM education and appreciates partnering with local teachers to enhance their students' experiences in the areas of science and technology. Outside of work, Adrianne enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as traveling, reading, and outdoor activities.  

Melissa Burkey is in her 6th year at Washington Elementary as a  STEM teacher and prior to that  worked a few months at Kolb. Other teaching experience includes North Saginaw Charter Academy, Saginaw ISD and a suspension program held through the Bay City Public Schools. In between teaching jobs she worked full-time at Valley Publishing (MLive) as a graphic designer. She has her Masters in Technology in Education from Walden University. Shejoined the team to learn how to adapt my STEM class to all learners.  

My Name is Scott Biskup. I have worked as a pediatric Occupational Therapist for the past 8 years. I started as an Outpatient Occupational Therapist at Westlund Guidance Clinic in Saginaw working with children with Autism and was a part of the Trauma assessment team. Then I worked as an Occupational Therapist in the Saginaw Public Schools working with Preschool-High School aged Students. I was Hired as Inclusion Coach at the BAISD in December 2021. I am Passionate about spreading awareness of Trauma Responsive practices, Inclusion, Assistive Technology, AAC, Social Emotional Learning, Universal Supports and the value they hold for ALL Children.  I have been a part of the AT team for the past year.