Presenters

Frances Adams

Presenter Bio:  Frances Adams is a General Education Social Worker for the Jackson County ISD.   She is a story collector and enjoys hearing and learning about others' personal journeys.  Outside of work, she likes to spend time with her family and laugh at her goofball dog, Sonny.

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Markeese Boyd

Presenter Bio:  MarKeese Boyd (Keese) is a member of the Whole Child Team at Jackson County Intermediate School District. Keese currently serves as the Homeless and Special Populations Coordinator in the community of Jackson, Michigan.This role has allowed Keese to build and maintain a strong network of community partners and McKinney-Vento Liaisons to provide resources to our students and families. His passion and love for all people has driven him to become an active advocate for those in need and provide support. 

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Kimberly Brown

Presenter Bio: Kimberly Brown, Attendance Truancy and Special Populations Coordinator.  Over the last 15+ years, I have held many positions in the Jackson area.  I’ve had the opportunity to participate in community meetings and participate in community collaborations.    I’m really committed to the growth of the Jackson community especially as it relates to Education and DEI.  I look forward to utilizing my diverse skills and experience to further build partnerships and relationships in the Jackson Community. 

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Kaitlin Burnham

Presenter Bio: Kaitlin Burnham, MA, LPC graduated from the University of Toledo in 2010 with a Master’s degree in Psychotherapy and Clinical Counseling and is a licensed therapist in Ohio and Michigan. She has experience working with children and families as an outpatient clinician, as well as, substance use therapist, working with both adolescents and adults. At LifeWays since 2013, Kaitlin has worked as an Access Clinician, completing intake and diagnostic assessments, a Recipient Rights Specialist, conducting investigations into the legal rights of consumers served, and is currently a Clinical Trainer offering an array of trainings on topics such as, Integrated Health, Person-Centered Planning, and Medical Necessity.

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Kelly Crum

Presenter Bio: As a visionary Chief Diversity Officer, Kelly is dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at the highest organizational levels. With a proven history of driving cultural transformation and creating inclusive environments, I am passionate about building bridges that connect diverse perspectives to strategic goals. Leveraging 10 years of leadership experience, I have successfully developed and executed comprehensive diversity and inclusion strategies that empower teams, enhance education outcomes, and enrich institutional cultures. By blending strategic insight with empathetic leadership, I am steadfast in my mission to cultivate workplaces where every individual's unique contributions are recognized, valued, and celebrated

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Max Clark

Presenter Bio: I am a former social studies teacher. While teaching social studies at Concord I became a distinguished modern classroom educator. I have taught all secondary social studies topics. In my 11 years in a social studies classroom I was able to develop a modern blended learning environment that provided students with an abundance of choice while focusing on skill development.  

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Grace Denig

Presenter Bio: Grace Denig is an alumnus of Columbia Central and obtained her Bachelor’s in Psychology at Central Michigan University. Grace has experience as a Registered Behavior Technician and Case Manager for children with Autism in Jackson County and also has experience as a Special Education Paraprofessional for elementary-age children. Grace is currently the Community Training Specialist for LifeWays CMH where she teaches CPR/FA, Basic Life Support, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and Safety Care.

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Marcus Gill

Presenter Bio: Marcus Gill is a native of Detroit, Michigan and a Murray Wright High School graduate. Marcus earned his bachelor’s degree from Albion College in education and also completed a master’s degree from Siena Heights University in educational leadership. Marcus is currently the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer for the Jackson County Intermediate School District and also the Head Varsity Basketball Coach for your Concord Yellowjackets. Prior to his current positions, Marcus spent many years in a leadership roll at Albion College and is the former Head Basketball coach of Earlham College in Richmond Indiana. Marcus loves spending time with family, mentoring youth and coaching basketball. Marcus and his wife Ebony reside in Albion, Michigan with their 5 children.

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Janelle Buchler

Presenter Bio: Janelle works at the JCISD as a Whole Child Consultant to support local districts in addressing the whole child needs of students. She provides coaching and consultation to schools and community partners to develop effective systems that meet the needs of all students and helps to build capacity around whole child within a multi-tiered system of support. Prior to her work with the JCISD, she spent the majority of her career in the public health sector as a Prevention Consultant and Health Educator. Janelle has extensive experience in, and understanding of systems change, community building and collaboration, and collective impact.

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Darcy Heselschwerdt

Presenter Bio: Darcy taught 3rd grade for 12 years, and she has spent the last three years as an Early Literacy Coach at the Jackson County Intermediate School District.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, with a major in Integrated Science and dual minors in Reading and English Language Arts, and a Master’s degree in Reading.  She believes in fostering a love of literacy for both students and educators alike.  

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Theresa Horne

Presenter Bio: Theresa is a certified personal trainer and certified sports nutrition specialist with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She holds specialty certifications in small group training, functional aging, and numerous group fitness training modalities including but not limited to as kettlebell, kickboxing, mat Pilates, yoga and barre. Theresa is the Healthy Living Director at the Jackson YMCA.

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Jamie Isham

Presenter Bio: I have been a middle school social studies teacher for a total of 14 years and an adjunct college professor for part of that time. Some of my teaching goals are to include multiple learning styles in every lesson and make social studies ENJOYABLE, while also asking my students to think deeper, work harder, ask more questions, research more thoroughly, and write better. Many students don't plan to enjoy history or geography, so when they get excited about a simulation, project, or challenge, I know I've done a good job creating meaningful lessons that will inspire them to think, work, ask, and write.

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Kelsea Jabkiewicz

Presenter Bio: Kelsea has been with the Jackson County ISD for 2 years.  In her roles as the Whole Child Coordinator she assists schools with making data driven decisions and systems level changes along with  working with community members to provide services to youth in Jackson County.   She has a passion for equity, mentorship and breaking down barriers for students in Jackson County.

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Charissa Langstaff

Presenter Bio: This is my fourth year at Springport Middle School and I have 10 years of school based work.  I have also worked as an Outpatient Therapist and provided homebased services to families.  I get to be a Building Coach with a great SLT.  We are lifelong learners passionate about student growth and empowering them to lead their best lives. 

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Kait Mashio

Presenter Bio: I am a Jackson native and have recently taken up the role of Elementary Math and Science Consultant for JCISD. I bring years of teaching elementary mathematics and science at daVinci Primary school to this role in addition to a Master's degree in Elementary Education. I also have experience in Coaching, Coordination, & Consultation both inside and outside the education field.

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Maeghan McCormick

Presenter Bio: Maeghan McCormick has been at the ISD for over 21 years. She is a Literacy Consultant and Reading Recovery Teacher Leader. Maeghan organizes and facilitates professional learning for literacy-related initiatives in Jackson County. 

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William Montgomery

Presenter Bio: Bill Montgomery has been a passionate school educator since he began his journey in 2001. As a secondary mathematics and science teacher for 15 years, Bill has thoroughly enjoyed growing and learning with his students and fellow colleagues. He credits his experiences with them as a teacher, friend, football coach, class sponsor, school improvement team co-chair, and department chair as constantly re-energizing his enthusiasm for public education. For the past 5 years, Bill has been the science consultant for the Jackson County ISD. Throughout this time, he has been amazed at the levels of collaboration within the county and deeply treasures his experiences with his local teachers and administrators.

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Holly Nelson

Presenter Bio: I am an Early Literacy Coach with JCISD.  I have held many different Early Childhood roles for the past 30 years.  I have been a lead GSRP teacher and site director for the past 8 years. During my time in GSRP I have had great experiences in Literacy Training and utilizing the essentials in my classroom.

Sessions: Interactive Read Alouds in the Preschool Classroom


Julie Page

Presenter Bio: I am six months into my role at the ISD as a Whole Child Coordinator specializing in social and emotional wellness.  I have spent over 25 years in the classroom teaching in both elementary and secondary settings throughout my career.  My expertise lies in classroom management and social and emotional wellness for students and for staff.   

Sessions: Responding to Student Behavior


Amy Reynolds

Presenter Bio: Amy has 23 years of experience teaching Early Elementary. She is currently working as an Early Literacy Coach for the Jackson County ISD. Amy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences with a ZA endorsement in Early Childhood and a Master’s degree in Curriculum Design and Instruction. She has a passion for Literacy that she loves sharing with students and the teachers that she works with.

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Raymond Sexton

Presenter Bio: Hello! My name is Raymond Sexton and I have been the Behavioral Interventionist for the past year and half for Springport Middle School. Go Spartans! I am a certified trauma resiliency coach and have worked with youth for the past 11 years  in the capacity of detention centers, public schools, and ABA therapy. I have always had a passion for the students that were "that one kid." The ones that just about everyone struggles with, they have always been on my heart and mind as my target of who I have wanted to work with. Through my time in the detention centers I realized that I wanted to help these students from getting to this point and I sought after the opportunity. I realized that I wanted to work in the school systems and that would be where I would make my impact. That was when my opportunity came to come to Springport Middle School and do exactly what I had hoped to do. Now I can be the voice for those kids who were just like me lost and no one to go to.  

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Paul Smith

Presenter Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Paul Smith and I have the pleasure of being an EdTech Consultant at the Jackson County ISD. Previously, I have been a STEM, Third, and 5th Grade classroom teacher. I also enjoy being able to serve my community as both a Firefighter and as a Foster Parent. In my free time I like to spend time outside with my wife and kids. I am looking forward to learning with you! 

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Rachael Snyder

Presenter Bio: Rachael Snyder is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who obtained her Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling from Spring Arbor University with a focus on Clinical Practice. Rachael has been providing therapy and crisis services since 2014 through a multitude of clinical experiences including working with adults and children experiencing serious mental illness, serious emotional disturbance, intellectual/developmental disability, and/or substance use disorder.  Rachael is currently a Clinical Training Specialist at LifeWays and is excited to help others grow and develop in order to better serve our community. 

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Denae Tracy

Presenter Bio: Denae is a Social Worker who has a passion for developing others and helping them fulfill their greatest potential. She graduated from Grand Valley State University with her BSW and earned her MSW at Eastern Michigan University. She has worked at LifeWays for the past 8 years serving individuals experiencing a serious mental illness, serious emotional disturbance, intellectual/developmental disability, and/or substance use disorder. Her experience includes providing crisis intervention services, conducting biopsychosocial assessments, and implementing trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) with children who have been impacted by a traumatic event. Denae is currently the Clinical Training Supervisor at LifeWays and uses her passion to equip staff members with skills and knowledge to provide effective behavioral health care. 

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Dana VanSumeren

Presenter Bio:        Dana VanSumeren has been an art teacher for twenty years and currently serves as the Visual Arts Educator at Western High School, in Parma, Michigan.  She has had the privilege of teaching grades pre-K through college level courses.  She received her B.A. at Spring Arbor University, an M.A. in Art Education from Western University and her second M.A. from Central Michigan University in Administration.

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Courtney Vincent

Presenter Bio:  My name is Courtney Vincent I am a General Education Social Worker at the Jackson County Intermediate School District. My passion and role in education is to continue supporting children and students, Social, Emotional, Behavioral and Mental Health Needs. After, Graduating from Central Michigan University I taught both kindergarten and second grade where I gained insight and understanding to the foundation of public & Private education. Following this I earned my Masters Degree in Social Work from Spring Arbor University. I take pride in creating relationships with community partners and our local school districts. 

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Eric Swihart

Presenter Bio: Eric Swihart is on the JCISD Whole Child Team and serves as the Regional Health Coordinator. He brings over 20 years of experience in local schools as a teacher, coach, and principal. Eric's passion is in preparing students to learn through equitable systems, high expectations, and healthy habits...all while using a sense of humor!

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Sandra White

Presenter Bio: Sandy White has been at the ISD for over 19 years as a Literacy Consultant. Sandy organizes and facilitates professional learning and supports the Jackson community with literacy related initiatives.

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Ashley Whitney

Presenter Bio: Ashley Whitney is a CPS Supervisor with Jackson DHHS. She has been in child welfare since 2011. 

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Jeanelle Wonders

Presenter Bio: Jeanelle is a former elementary and technology teacher in Lenawee County. She enjoys spending time with her family either camping, watching sports, or enjoying the outdoors. Jeanelle is always looking forward to working with teachers and implementing new and exciting things for students.

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