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Faculty & Staff Bios

Teaching Faculty

Becca Dymond, M.Ed. - Provost and Learning Skills Department Chair

Becca Dymond, M.Ed. -  Provost and Learning Skills Department Chair

Becca Dymond, M.Ed. - Provost and Learning Skills Department Chair

bdymond@leelanau.org

Becca took on the newly created role of Provost in 2019. As Provost Becca is responsible for organized and integrated management of the “student experience”; the Academic program, Residential Life program, and Student Counseling Office. Becca will also continue to act as the Learning Skills Department Chair. Becca has been with The Leelanau School since 2010. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and a Master of Arts in Educational Technology and Learning. Becca came to Leelanau with her husband, a Leelanau alum, and they both continue to embrace the opportunity to serve this fantastic school and its extraordinary students alongside the most dedicated team of colleagues imaginable. “It was a serendipitous journey that brought us to Leelanau, but it is the continued tradition of helping wonderful teens find their footing on each of their exceptional paths that keeps us here.”

Elizabeth Blondia, M.Ed. - Humanities Department Chair; Government, History, and English

Elizabeth Blondia, M.Ed. - Humanities Department Chair; Government, History, and English

Elizabeth Blondia, M.Ed. - Humanities Department Chair; Government, History, and English

eblondia@leelanau.org

Elizabeth began her teaching career at the Leelanau School over two decades ago. Elizabeth is the chair of the Humanities Department. She has her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Valparaiso University and her Master’s Degree in Education from DePaul University. Elizabeth is married to Joe Blondia (science teacher) and has two children, Kate and Jamie. She enjoys reading, cooking, hiking, traveling, and playing viola. These interests have fostered her passion for teaching at The Leelanau School.

Joe Blondia, M.Ed. - Science and History

Joe Blondia, M.Ed. - Science and History

Joe Blondia, M.Ed. - Science and History

jblondia@leelanau.org

Joe has been teaching for almost three decades and has been teaching science at The Leelanau School since 1995. Joe received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Grand Valley State University, his Master’s Degree in Education from Nazareth College, and did post-graduate studies in Environmental Studies at the University of Montana. Joe is married to Elizabeth (Humanities chair) and has two children, Kate and Jamie. Joe enjoys cooking, travel, and music, and is passionate about hunting and fishing.

Elara Coleman, B.F.A. - Visual Arts

Elara Coleman, B.F.A. - Visual Arts

Elara Coleman, B.F.A. - Visual Arts

ecoleman@leelanau.org

Elara Coleman has been around the Leelanau campus for decades, having grown up alongside Leelanau families. Elara followed up her Visual Arts major at Interlochen Arts Academy with a BFA from the Cleveland Institute of Art. Elara’s specialty is in metalsmithing, jewelry, and enameling and loves to bring these experiences to students. Elara’s teaching aims to explore and provide experiences in a broad base of visual arts modalities, supporting the individual passions of her students, from beginning to advanced learners. Elara and her family love to explore the natural world by hiking together. Elara’s experiences as a professional artist, her instructional experience, her love of nature, and her connection to galleries and art advocacy groups in the region help sustain and grow our Visual Arts program.

Melissa Ellsworth, M.Ed. - Spanish

Melissa Ellsworth, M.Ed. - Spanish

Melissa Ellsworth, M.Ed. - Spanish

mellsworth@leelanau.org

Melissa holds a BA in Spanish Language from Indiana University and a Master in World Language Instruction from Eastern Michigan University. Melissa has 14 years of experience in Spanish and English Language Learner (ELL) instruction, serving students of all ages. She has a background in both public and independent settings. Her 10+ years at Rudolf Steiner High School are particularly well-aligned with the instructional approaches of Leelanau, where she demonstrated great creativity and energy in experiential lesson design (lots of art! lots of cooking!). Her important ELL work in Ann Arbor, Manchester, and Saline public schools demonstrates her dedication to individual learners and connecting to their larger life stories. Prior to her teaching career, she supported economic and business development in Latin America, Spain, and Puerto Rico. Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband, Scott, and 3 grown children, Max, Zoe, and Nina, whenever she can! Melissa’s passion for connecting with students, along with her creativity, experience, and humor, is a gift to our community.

Kate Gallup, M.S.Mt.E. - Math

Kate Gallup, M.S.Mt.E. - Math

Kate Gallup, M.S.Mt.E. - Math

kgallup@leelanau.org

Kate Gallup is an educator, program developer, engineer, and artist. She has a passion and a successful history of supporting student enthusiasm for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) education. Kate holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Michigan, with Ph.D. studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She has experience working for the US Patent and Trademark Office in Washington DC. Her work in supporting women in science and engineering has been profound. Kate has been celebrated with numerous awards for her scholarship, research, teaching, and community service. Kate has experience teaching adolescents in math, science, social justice, and community services. She is a skilled artist, gallery owner, and outdoors enthusiast. Kate grew up in the Traverse Bay region and brings her local awareness to the student experience. Kate’s expertise, imagination for inquiry and applied learning, relevant work experience, and demonstrated support for emerging learners are a gift to our Leelanau community.

Bruce Hood, M.S. - Science Department Chair; Science and Ceramics

Bruce Hood, M.S. - Science Department Chair; Science and Ceramics

Bruce Hood, M.S. - Science Department Chair; Science and Ceramics

bhood@leelanau.org

Bruce is the chair of the Science Department and has been teaching science for 24 years, 23 of them at The Leelanau School. Bruce received his Bachelor of Science in Botany from the University of New Hampshire, his Teaching Certification from Northern Michigan University, and his Master’s Degree from Central Michigan University in Animal Behavior. Bruce lives with his wife, Laura, on a cooperative farm in Cedar, where they have horses, pigs, chickens and family gardens. He has two children, Ian and Jessie. Bruce says, “I spend as much time as I can fly fishing and hunting for woodcock and grouse in the fall.”

Laura Hood, B.A. - Arts Department Chair; Music

Laura Hood, B.A. - Arts Department Chair; Music

Laura Hood, B.A. - Arts Department Chair; Music

lhood@leelanau.org

Laura is the chair of the Visual and Performing Arts Department and teaches music at the Leelanau School. Laura has been on the faculty at Leelanau since 1993, and lived on campus in the dorms for her first 12 years of teaching. She has a BA from Michigan State University in both the French Horn and Guitar. Laura is a member of the Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra, the Manitou Winds, and plays music with her daughter in a folk group called “Da Sista Hood”. Laura lives on an intentional community farm in Cedar with her husband Bruce and their English Setter, “Blue”. Laura has two children, Ian and Jessie, who are now young adults following their passions and dreams. Laura’s motto for teaching at the Leelanau School continues to be, “Never an average day, always an amazing school,” and this is what keeps her passionate about her teaching and being a part of this wonderful Leelanau community.

Kate Keener - Learning Specialist

Kate Keener - Learning Specialist

kkeener@leelanau.org

Kate arrives in Northern Michigan with an exceptional variety of teaching and leadership positions as her foundation. She has over 14 years of experience working in elementary, middle schools, high schools and collegiate settings. She has worked in Chicago, Wisconsin, and Tennessee; in regular education, magnet programs, special education, training teachers, and building curriculum. She has instructional expertise in language acquisition, world languages, arts, social studies, math instruction, sciences, English and literature. In addition to her work with children, she has been an active civic leader promoting healthy living options in her community. She is also a yoga and pilates instructor. Prior to her career in education, she was a translator/grant writer supporting international environmental research projects. Kate‘s career has been so remarkable and inspirational because she shows tremendous attention to each student in her care. She exemplifies the authenticity that comes from being a teacher to her very core. 

Cal Meyers, B.S.Ed. - Math

Cal Meyers, B.S.Ed. - Math

Cal Meyers, B.S.Ed. - Math

cmeyers@leelanau.org

Cal has a Bachelor’s Degree from Central Michigan University and is a native of Traverse City. He has had the opportunity to teach in several academic disciplines including Geography, German, Science and, of course, Math, but especially loves teaching at Leelanau because of the freedom teachers have to teach and the small class sizes. Cal previously taught in Traverse City Area Public Schools where he also coached football, wrestling, and track. Cal also spent many summers as a camp counselor in Upstate New York.

Cris Piña-Gautier, M.S.Ed. - Learning Specialist

Cris Piña-Gautier, M.S.Ed. - Learning Specialist

Cris Piña-Gautier, M.S.Ed. - Learning Specialist

cpina@leelanau.org

Cris is a Learning Specialist. He holds a Masters in Special Education from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and a Licenciate in Clinical Psychology from Universidad Pedro Henrique Urena in the Dominican Republic. He also attended City College of New York and Long Island University. Cris says, “I have yet to encounter a student who can’t learn. I have chosen to do what I do and love being a teacher. I am grateful that a school like Leelanau School exists. Yes, I am competitive. Yes, I don’t believe in giving less than 100%, but I am patient to help others achieve their goals.”

Angela Repke, M.A. - Learning Specialist

Angela Repke, M.A. - Learning Specialist

Angela Repke, M.A. - Learning Specialist

arepke@leelanau.org

Angela holds a Master of Arts in English Language and Literature from the University of Michigan-Flint, a Master of Arts in Counseling from Grand Valley State University, Teaching Certification in Secondary Education from Saginaw Valley State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in History and English from Albion College. Angela has many years of teaching experience in both secondary and post-secondary settings. She spent 6 years teaching high school language arts and humanities at Ionia Public Schools. She was a composition instructor and mentor of Great Lakes Bay Early College within Saginaw Valley State University and was a Writing Center and Composition instructor at the University of Michigan-Flint, Delta College, and Saginaw Valley State University. Angela also taught nature writing and mindfulness at the Grand Traverse Nature Conservatory. She is a frequently published freelance writer and is currently working on a nonfiction book. The vastness of Angela’s experience as a teacher and mentor is a wonderful contribution to our Learning Skills program, where student success and self-confidence are so profoundly supported. In her spare time, Angela and her husband, along with their two children, enjoy exploring the outdoors together and are avid hikers and rock hunters. 

Norm Wheeler, M.A. - Faculty Emeritus, Astronomy

Norm Wheeler, M.A. - Faculty Emeritus, Astronomy

Norm Wheeler, M.A. - Faculty Emeritus, Astronomy

Norm taught full-time at the Leelanau School for 33 years. While retired as a full-time teacher, Norm returns from time-to-time to teach an Astronomy class to Leelanau students (and other local area students), and to be involved with Poetry Out Loud, musical performances, etc. He has a BA from Olivet College in English and Physics and an MA in English Literature from Drake University. Norm plays trumpet/flugelhorn in several bands and performs “spoken word” poetry and stories. He has a wife, two children, and three grandchildren.

Dr. Elizabeth Wolterink, Ph.D. - English and Humanities

Dr. Elizabeth Wolterink, Ph.D. - English and Humanities

Dr. Elizabeth Wolterink, Ph.D. - English and Humanities

ewolterink@leelanau.org

Elizabeth holds a Ph.D. and MA in Mythological Studies with an emphasis in Psychology, and a BA in Anthropology with a minor in Cinema. She has been recognized with honors and awards for her research and academic leadership. She is a popular educator, guest lecturer, and freelance editor. She has been invested in the education of adolescents by writing experiential curricula, tutoring, and providing college preparation services. She is celebrated in the local (Traverse City) community for her impact on area youth, the positive relationship she develops with students, and her ability to engage deep thinking and creative enthusiasm. Elizabeth is also experienced in martial arts, comparative religions, ESL, gender studies, cultural studies, film studies, and facilitating wilderness experiences.


Residential Life Faculty

Anika Eisenstat, B.S. - Coordinator of Residential Life and Athletic Director

Anika Eisenstat, B.S. - Coordinator of Residential Life and Athletic Director

Anika Eisenstat, B.S. - Coordinator of Residential Life and Athletic Director

aeisenstat@leelanau.org

Anika brings coordination, problem solving, and innovation to the Residential Life experience. Anika’s background in Youth Development, commitment to Leelanau, and endless energy allow us all to be more alert and responsive to student and school needs. Anika also uses her passion for athletics to continuously enhance our school athletic program. Anika graduated with her B.S. in Youth Development and a minor in Athletic Coaching from Springfield College.

Michael Beery - Residential Life Curriculum Coordinator

Michael Beery - Residential Life Curriculum Coordinator

mbeery@leelanau.org

Michael has a passion for enriching student residential programming and increasing community engagement, both on and off campus. He has prior experience in Residential Life at both Interlochen and Leelanau, where he previously served as a house parent, head of house, and chef. As a local resident, Michael is connected with the greater Traverse City area community and eager to provide opportunities for our students to participate in community activities.

Chris Lipscomb, G.C. - Residence Life Instructor, Kindel House

Chris Lipscomb, G.C. - Residence Life Instructor, Kindel House

Chris Lipscomb, G.C. - Residence Life Instructor, Kindel House

clipscomb@leelanau.org

Chris began working at The Leelanau School in 2012 after a career with the National Park Service, where he worked as a Park Ranger in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Chris earned a B.A. in History with a minor in Native American studies from University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 2004 and a Master’s Certificate in Historic Preservation from Eastern Michigan University in 2016. He and his wife Amie have a dog, Ajax, who does their fair share helping out on campus by playing or cuddling with the students.

Jessie Fales, B.F.A. - Residence Life Instructor, Kindel House

Jessie Fales, B.F.A. - Residence Life Instructor, Kindel House

Jessie Fales, B.F.A. - Residence Life Instructor, Kindel House

jfales@leelanau.org

Jessie was born and raised in Kalamazoo and is a lifelong Michigander. She graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and studied English literature and creative writing at Kalamazoo College and Western Michigan University. While earning her BFA, she worked closely with youth in a variety of settings: she has years of experience as a teacher’s assistant for English courses through the Academically Talented Youth Program, she served as a writing center consultant at WMU, and she also coached lacrosse. Jess grew up camping, hiking, and kayaking on the Leelanau Peninsula, and lives on a farm in Northport when school is not in session. When she isn’t adventuring with her Golden Retrievers, Gimli and Pippin, she’s usually found behind a book, sketch pad, or a camera—always with a cup of coffee in hand.

Katrina Schafer, B.S. - Residence Life Instructor, Cochran House

Katrina Schafer, B.S. - Residence Life Instructor, Cochran House

Katrina Schafer, B.S. - Residence Life Instructor, Cochran House

kschafer@leelanau.org

Katrina has a BS in Freshwater Science and Sustainability from Western Michigan University and has worked as a volunteer at the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador; Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary in Hubert, NC; and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, which included work with young children.

Katherine Briggs - Residence Life Instructor, Pinebrook House

Katherine Briggs - Residence Life Instructor, Pinebrook House

Katherine Briggs - Residence Life Instructor, Pinebrook House

kbriggs@leelanau.org

Katherine has dedicated her career to helping youth find their voice.  She has worked at the Zeeland Public school as the Student Success Coordinator for the last several years where she worked closely with teacher, support staff and students to help them get their needs met and flourish at school. 

Amy Houston - Residence Life Instructor, Pinebrook House

Amy Houston - Residence Life Instructor, Pinebrook House

Christopher Zanardi, B.A. - Residence Life Instructor, Cochran House

Christopher Zanardi, B.A. - Residence Life Instructor, Cochran House

czanardi@leelanau.org

Chris graduated from The Leelanau School in 2011.  After graduating from Leelanau Chris attended Drew University, worked at a Law office and the census bureau. Chris knew he always wanted to come back to Leelanau to help students find their voice, self confidence and Leelanau spirit. The faculty and staff helped him become the person he is today and wants to help the next generation of Leelanau graduates become the best version of themselves.  


Nursing Staff

Angel Maritz, RN - Coordinator of Health Services

Angel Maritz, RN - Coordinator of Health Services

231-334-5836 | amaritz@leelanau.org | nurse@leelanau.org

Angel is the Coordinator of Health Services and is a Registered Nurse with more than a decade of nursing experience. Prior to her time at Leelanau, Angel worked at Munson Medical Center in Cardiothoracic Care, Medical Surgical, Pediatrics, and Maternity. Angel has worked with interdisciplinary teams, has supervised LPNs and CNAs, and has been a mentor to first-year nursing students and Critical Care Interns. As she is a wife and a mother to 2 children, in her role at Leelanau, Angel enjoys the direct one-on-one relationships she builds with students.

Libby Stanton, RN

Libby Stanton, RN

Libby Stanton, RN

231-334-5836 | nurse@leelanau.org

Libby is a Registered Nurse who joined Leelanau in the fall of 2018. She loves the natural environment that is the Leelanau campus and thoroughly enjoys the relationships she is able to create with the students in such a close-knit community.


Food Service, Facilities, Auxiliary and Campus Safety Staff

Katlyn Fleis - Director of Food Services

Katlyn Fleis - Director of Food Services

kfleis@leelanau.org

After working in several restaurants in Northern Michigan, Katlyn has found herself in the home of Leelanau’s kitchen. While she has been with our family for five years, 2022 is her first as the kitchen coordinator. She says, “Feeding these kids and faculty fills my bucket more than a restaurant. Instead of a nameless ticket, I get to know them every single day.” With a degree in Sustainability and Film from Northern Michigan University, Katlyn’s passion for sustainability most definitely simmers over into her daily food preparations. And all who taste her ideas are nourished from the inside out because to her, we’re all family.

Kate Evans, Kitchen

Kate Evans, Kitchen

kevans@leelanau.org

Kate has been working in the Leelanau Kitchen since May ’22.  Before that, she cooked at an assisted living facility in Frankfort for 5 years.  She is also a certified Yoga Instructor and taught in Traverse City for 11 years.  Long ago, Kate earned her BA in Art History from MSU.  She owns a home in Empire and has recently become a grandmother!

Melissa Greenheart, Kitchen

Melissa Greenheart, Kitchen

mgreenheart@leelanau.org

Melissa first came to Michigan from Texas as a Fine Art major at Interlochen Arts Academy. After years of coast to coast creative adventures and family life, she has returned to the great north woods to share her love of the arts, cooking, and gardening with the Leelanau community. She is a proud parent to Dax, Leelanau class of 2023, and Caspian who carries on her love of music. She feels that … “nourishing people and eliciting joy is the highest form of activism.” Melissa brings so much life and zest to the flavors in the Leelanau kitchen and always serves meals with a smile.

Alex Kleinfelder, Kitchen

Alex Kleinfelder, Kitchen

akleinfelder@leelanau.org

Alex has been with The Leelanau School since 2021 where he works both in the kitchen and the greenhouse. He plants mostly herbs which can also be used in the kitchen. Before working at Leelanau, he was a private gardener. Alex is from Beverly Hills, Michigan where he attended Oakland Community College. He loves working at Leelanau because he gets to enjoy his surroundings and the people, all while using his creativity in the kitchen. He lives in Cedar with his partner where he manages a retirement community for chickens and tries to domesticate raccoons.

Amie Lipscomb, Kitchen

Amie Lipscomb, Kitchen

alipscomb@leelanau.org

Amie has been a part of the Leelanau family since 2013. Aside from serving in the kitchen, she has also been a House Parent, Head of House, and substitute teacher. Amie also works seasonally for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which is what brought her to the area in 2008 to be closer to family. Before that her lifelong addiction to learning resulted in several changed majors, a BS in Earth Science from Eastern Michigan University, an MFA in Creative Writing from Ashland University, and a resume that spans from photojournalist to Braille paraprofessional aide adapting lessons for a blind first-grade student.

Rob Dymond - Coordinator of Auxiliary Programs, Technology, and Campus Safety

Rob Dymond - Coordinator of Auxiliary Programs, Technology, and Campus Safety

Rob Dymond - Coordinator of Auxiliary Programs, Technology, and Campus Safety

rdymond@leelanau.org

Rob Dymond graduated from Leelanau School in 2000 and started working at school in the fall of 2010. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Manchester College in 2007. Rob loves the “great outdoors” and especially enjoys spending time with his wife, Becca, who serves as Provost at Leelanau, and his two boys, Brody and Milo, in the amazing Leelanau School community.

Rob Fritts, Facilities Manager

Rob Fritts, Facilities Manager

Rob Fritts, Facilities Manager

Chris Karner, Grounds and Maintenance

Chris Karner, Grounds and Maintenance

Chris Karner, Grounds and Maintenance

ckarner@leelanau.org

Chris Karner is the son of two previous staff of The Leelanau School, Rob and Barb Karner, and pretty much grew up on campus, living right across the street from the school. His parents still live across the street and his mom continues part-time work in the gardens at Leelanau. A graduate of Glenn Lake High School, he worked at Leelanau part-time from a young age and is now a full-time employee. Leelanau has always been a special place for him, which is why Chris has chosen to stay. Chris enjoys riding dirt bikes, BMX bikes, gardening, welding and fabricating, and being outdoors. Chris and his wife, Elizabeth, have two cats and one dog and love animals.

Brenda Wells, Housekeeping

Brenda Wells, Housekeeping

Brenda Wells, Housekeeping

bwells@leelanau.org

Brenda Wells is a Traverse City local for life, graduating from TC Central High School and later earning her associate degree in early childhood education from NMC. She served as a preschool teacher through Head Start for 10 years and then worked with TCAPS for 14 years. Brenda loves being at The Leelanau School because of the kids and describes the school as “a community, not just a job.” Her favorite place on campus is the observatory. Brenda has been married for 35 years and has two sons and a grandson. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her grandson, spend time outside, and just enjoy life!


Administrative Staff

Robert Hansen, M.Ed. - Head of School

Robert Hansen, M.Ed. - Head of School

Robert Hansen, M.Ed. - Head of School

231-334-5800 | rhansen@leelanau.org

Rob graduated from the University of Illinois in 1987 with a Bachelor degree in Chemistry. He enjoyed a productive career as research chemist and project manager at the Pharmacia-Upjohn company in Kalamazoo. After 12 years in the pharmaceutical industry, both Rob and his wife Jennifer went back to school to pursue higher degrees in order to achieve careers closer to their heart; Rob as a teacher and Jennifer as a botanist. Rob obtained teacher certification in 1999 and began his new career at Bullock Creek High School in Midland. He completed his Master in Education from Aquinas College in 2001. Rob successfully implemented a student centered approach to learning and assessment that proved highly effective and popular with students and families. He was recognized for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching by the greater Midland community. In addition to teaching, he served the community as curriculum coordinator and accreditation chair. As Rob and Jennifer considered educational options for their young son, they became frustrated with what they viewed as the curiosity killing practice of their local schools. They searched and discovered the vibrant independent school community that existed in the Grand Traverse region. In 2003, the Hansen Family relocated to Traverse City and enrolled their son, Daniel, in a local independent elementary school, Pathfinder. At that time, JD Friley was the head of the Pathfinder School. While being active parents at The Pathfinder School, Rob served as the Middle School and High School Science teacher at Northport Public Schools, inventing and delivering the curriculum to all students with engaging activities and a highly individualized support structure. At Northport, he also served as district curriculum director, school improvement director, and class advisor. He led the school’s learning community and delivered professional development to the staff. In 2007 he was recognized as the Outstanding Person in Education in Northport. He increasingly became involved in regional initiatives. In 2008, he joined the Instructional Services Team at Traverse Bay Intermediate School District as the Instructional Technology Integration Specialist. He also developed data systems that informed instruction and enabled teachers to better server the diversity of learners present in any classroom. He became very active in all the schools in the five-county region, working to change the status quo of education. In 2010, Rob assumed the supervisory role of the Instructional Service Team. He focused the team’s effort on providing professional development activities on teaching for critical thinking, problem solving, and instructional design. He frequently presented at state conferences and served on state committees. During this period, Rob also served on the Board of Trustees of The Pathfinder School. This eventually evolved into Rob becoming the Head of School at Pathfinder, where he served for 6 years. In 2015, Rob was recognized with the Outstanding Educator Award for the Traverse Bay Area. In 2018 Rob accepted the opportunity to become Head of School at the Leelanau School. In this new role Rob has the opportunity to continue his work with students in the secondary setting, focusing on experiential education, individualized learning, and assuring students thrive and not just survive in school.

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Kate Caliri-Spiegel, M.Ed. - Dean of Admission

Kate Caliri-Spiegel, M.Ed. - Dean of Admission

Kate Caliri-Spiegel, M.Ed. - Dean of Admission

231-334-5826 | kcaliri@leelanau.org

Kate holds a Bachelor and Master of Arts in Education from Cornerstone University, where she graduated as Salutatorian and Summa cum Laude respectively. She is the child of school teachers and has taught in high schools, middle schools, elementary schools, and preschool programs. She has experience within public, parochial, charter, and independent systems, has worked with special education programs, and has won many awards for teaching excellence. Kate’s vast teaching experience makes her acutely aware of the issues facing young learners and the obstacles parents encounter in advocating for their children. She has seen the impact standardization, testing, class size, and the pandemic has had on teenagers. She knows where school-based anxiety comes from. She has been in the trenches as IEP and 504 plans succeeded or failed. She has confronted bullying. She knows firsthand how a diversity of learning styles, personality types, and interests can result in a dynamic and useful education. She also knows the powerful role a small independent school can play in helping learners and families thrive and has witnessed the positive transformation of independent education. In her role at Leelanau, Kate tries to help families put words to their experiences and offer them a path forward, whether at Leelanau or elsewhere. Kate enjoys spending time outdoors–kayaking, camping, skiing, hiking, biking–with her husband, Stephen, and loves to introduce kids to her pet rats. 

Michael Jarvis, M.S. - Dean of Students

Michael Jarvis, M.S. - Dean of Students

Michael Jarvis, M.S. - Dean of Students

mjarvis@leelanau.org

Michael has been with The Leelanau School since 2001 and has worked in numerous roles, most recently as the former School Counselor and College Advisor. Michael holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, as well as a chauffeur’s license, a pilot’s license, and a Canadian Boat Captain’s license (which not only allows him to legally pilot vessels in Canadian waters but to perform marriages on said vessels.) In 2019-2020, Michael took on the role of Dean of Students with the intention of developing and maintaining a positive climate on campus. As Dean, Michael’s role spans the Academic, Residential, and Health Services programs. Michael’s experience at Leelanau has always been in advancing our mission through a focus on our students.

Katlyn Martin, M.S.Ed.C. - School Counselor and College Adviser

Katlyn Martin, M.S.Ed.C. - School Counselor and College Adviser

Katlyn Martin, M.S.Ed.C. - School Counselor and College Adviser

231-334-5840 | kmartin@leelanau.org

Katlyn joined The Leelanau School in 2019. She hails from Indianapolis, Indiana and graduated from Indiana University with her Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Counseling. Her academic and career interests include positive youth development and experiential education, both of which stem from her time working at Waycross Camp and Conference Center in southern Indiana. Katlyn completed her undergraduate education at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, and then moved to Montreal, Quebec, where she attended McGill University and received her Master of Arts (MA) in Education.

Kate Olson, B.A. - Director of Alumni and Development

Kate Olson, B.A. - Director of Alumni and Development

Kate Olson, B.A. - Director of Alumni and Development

231-334-5841 | kolson@leelanau.org

Kate has vast experience with securing support for independent schools, both in fund raising and friend raising. In her past work, she has managed historically significant campaigns, cultivated relationships with benefactors, administered scholarship funds, created data systems, produced materials, and coordinated countless events. She has served in Admissions, Alumni, and Development roles for both secondary and post-secondary institutions. Kate is a graduate of Oberlin College with a BA in Religion with concentrations in Music History and Studio Art.

Jen Parker, B.F.A. - Administrative Assistant and Registrar

Jen Parker, B.F.A. - Administrative Assistant and Registrar

Jen Parker, B.F.A. - Administrative Assistant and Registrar

231-334-5800 |  jparker@leelanau.org

Jen is the Administrative Assistant, Leelanau School Registrar, LeeShop Manager and Student Travel Coordinator. She has been with The Leelanau School since 2010. Jen graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Michigan State University and is a member of the Chi Omega Sorority. She was a cheerleader for the NFL’s Buffalo Bills in 1998 and has been the cheerleading coach for Glen Lake Community School since 2011. Jen has two athletic teenage sons and they all love living in Northern Michigan and feel extremely fortunate to be a part of The Leelanau Family.

Virginia Singleton, C.P.A. - Chief Financial Officer and Human Resources

Virginia Singleton, C.P.A. - Chief Financial Officer and Human Resources

Virginia Singleton, C.P.A. - Chief Financial Officer and Human Resources

231-334-5896 | gsingleton@leelanau.org

Ginny is the Chief Financial Officer and Director of Human Resources for The Leelanau School. Ginny joined the School in 2014, and prior to that she was the owner and lead advisor for her own bookkeeping company, served as CFO of an electrical contracting business for more than 20 years and worked for major accounting firms earlier in her career. Ginny is a CPA and is a Graduate of Alma College. She has two grown daughters, and one son in his sophomore year at Alma College. In her spare time she enjoys crafting projects and is an avid reader.