Mentor Bios
Kyle Annis ~ kannis@homeoftheshamrocks.org
Greetings and Happy New School Year (I assume we are all cheering, not moaning)!!
My name is Kyle Annis and I will be helping you as you trek through your classes this year. I would like to take this chance to introduce myself and say a friendly hello before we get on into the year too far.
According to my Facebook profile, I am 28 years old, recently married, and the father of one adorably hairy baby--my dog, Leia. Leia has been with me ever since I started teaching. After two years in the inner city of Grand Rapids, she moved with me to the Hamilton Community Schools, and though we currently live in Holland with her new Mom (my wife), she is looking forward to seeing what the wonderful students at Berrien Springs have to offer.
Outside of school, my wife and I enjoy fishing, competitive volleyball, and impromptu singing competitions between the two of us. I have spent the summer playing way too much Pokemon Go, and am now ready for this year to start.
I look forward to hearing from you as the year progresses!
Have a wonderful rest of your week,
Mr. Kyle Annis
Greetings and Happy New School Year (I assume we are all cheering, not moaning)!!
My name is Kyle Annis and I will be helping you as you trek through your classes this year. I would like to take this chance to introduce myself and say a friendly hello before we get on into the year too far.
According to my Facebook profile, I am 28 years old, recently married, and the father of one adorably hairy baby--my dog, Leia. Leia has been with me ever since I started teaching. After two years in the inner city of Grand Rapids, she moved with me to the Hamilton Community Schools, and though we currently live in Holland with her new Mom (my wife), she is looking forward to seeing what the wonderful students at Berrien Springs have to offer.
Outside of school, my wife and I enjoy fishing, competitive volleyball, and impromptu singing competitions between the two of us. I have spent the summer playing way too much Pokemon Go, and am now ready for this year to start.
I look forward to hearing from you as the year progresses!
Have a wonderful rest of your week,
Mr. Kyle Annis
Maria Dahn ~ mdahn@homeoftheshamrocks.org
Welcome to the Berrien Springs Parent Partnership! I am a homeschooling parent with two teenagers and am certified to teach in both Wisconsin and Michigan. In the past, I've taught everything from preschool through college to adult education. However, for the Partnership, I teach Personal Finance, Knitting, and MinecraftEDU. I also work full-time at the University of Notre Dame and play the violin. We have been homeschooling since my children were very young and they are now taking Dual Enrollment courses through the partnership. My son starts at Grace College in the Fall of 2017 to work on a career in Environmental Biology and my daughter will most likely transfer to a four-year college in another year but is currently studying at Southwestern Michigan College. My husband works at LECO and is a volunteer Fire Fighter (which is always exciting and sometimes scary).
Outside of school and work, my family loves camping, kayaking, fishing, and generally anything outdoors. We, also, love animals and have 2 hounds, 1 cat, 1 Russian tortoise, 1 leopard gecko, 13 chickens, 2 turkeys, and fish. I'd love to get a goat and a pig but have promised not to over-due it!
I look forward to getting to know you a little more as we go through the year!
Welcome to the Berrien Springs Parent Partnership! I am a homeschooling parent with two teenagers and am certified to teach in both Wisconsin and Michigan. In the past, I've taught everything from preschool through college to adult education. However, for the Partnership, I teach Personal Finance, Knitting, and MinecraftEDU. I also work full-time at the University of Notre Dame and play the violin. We have been homeschooling since my children were very young and they are now taking Dual Enrollment courses through the partnership. My son starts at Grace College in the Fall of 2017 to work on a career in Environmental Biology and my daughter will most likely transfer to a four-year college in another year but is currently studying at Southwestern Michigan College. My husband works at LECO and is a volunteer Fire Fighter (which is always exciting and sometimes scary).
Outside of school and work, my family loves camping, kayaking, fishing, and generally anything outdoors. We, also, love animals and have 2 hounds, 1 cat, 1 Russian tortoise, 1 leopard gecko, 13 chickens, 2 turkeys, and fish. I'd love to get a goat and a pig but have promised not to over-due it!
I look forward to getting to know you a little more as we go through the year!
Jill Dodge ~ jdodge@homeoftheshamrocks.org
Salutations Students and Parents!
I have had the joy of teaching since 1997, filling elementary positions such as multi-grade, pre-kindergarten , art, and principal. In 2013 I started teaching two classes for the Berrien Springs and Niles Partnerships and have enjoyed adding to my art curriculum each year. Most recently I added a Family Adventure Trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The things I enjoy are my husband Terry, our four children, Autumm, Winter, Trey and Holden, table games, dark chocolate, ceramics, photography, and being in nature, visiting U.S. National Parks, hiking and much more!
I look forward to communicating weekly with your family throughout this school year!
Blessings,
Mrs. Jill Dodge
Salutations Students and Parents!
I have had the joy of teaching since 1997, filling elementary positions such as multi-grade, pre-kindergarten , art, and principal. In 2013 I started teaching two classes for the Berrien Springs and Niles Partnerships and have enjoyed adding to my art curriculum each year. Most recently I added a Family Adventure Trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The things I enjoy are my husband Terry, our four children, Autumm, Winter, Trey and Holden, table games, dark chocolate, ceramics, photography, and being in nature, visiting U.S. National Parks, hiking and much more!
I look forward to communicating weekly with your family throughout this school year!
Blessings,
Mrs. Jill Dodge
Phil Giddings ~ pgiddings@homeoftheshamrocks.org
My name is Philip Giddings and I am a teacher who has enjoyed working with students and my colleagues over the past years. I have worked with middle school, junior high, high school, and college students in various capacities. I have also enjoyed administrative duties as I was the principal of a pre- kindergarten through 12th grade school in Chicago, Illinois. I also performed joint duties as I had the privilege of working in smaller school settings where I functioned as Teacher/Principal.
My joys are seeing student success and student development as they make positive choices that will enhance their future. I am an American but I have lived in and traveled to many different countries not limited to but including Africa, France, and the Caribbean.
I realize that the success of today’s youth is in reality a strong indicator of our accomplishments. This paved road makes smooth the passage for the next generation. We invest now and anticipate a lucrative return on our investment which will be withdrawn during the next generation and beyond. I am willing to take part in the crafting and the shaping of this emerging generation.
I look forward to being a part of your accomplishments, inspiration, and your ultimate triumph.
Sincerely,
Philip3
Philip E. Giddings III
My name is Philip Giddings and I am a teacher who has enjoyed working with students and my colleagues over the past years. I have worked with middle school, junior high, high school, and college students in various capacities. I have also enjoyed administrative duties as I was the principal of a pre- kindergarten through 12th grade school in Chicago, Illinois. I also performed joint duties as I had the privilege of working in smaller school settings where I functioned as Teacher/Principal.
My joys are seeing student success and student development as they make positive choices that will enhance their future. I am an American but I have lived in and traveled to many different countries not limited to but including Africa, France, and the Caribbean.
I realize that the success of today’s youth is in reality a strong indicator of our accomplishments. This paved road makes smooth the passage for the next generation. We invest now and anticipate a lucrative return on our investment which will be withdrawn during the next generation and beyond. I am willing to take part in the crafting and the shaping of this emerging generation.
I look forward to being a part of your accomplishments, inspiration, and your ultimate triumph.
Sincerely,
Philip3
Philip E. Giddings III
Becky Halcombe ~ rhalcombe@homeoftheshamrocks.org
Warm Greetings.
Prior to homeschooling my 4 children for 20 years ... I was an elementary school teacher. For the past 8 years I have worked with the BS Partnership as the Field Trip Coordinator ... As well, for the past 3 years it has been my pleasure to be a Mentor Teacher to many of your children. It is nothing short of delightful to get to know your children .... and to encourage them in their accomplishments and personal growth. They always manage to amaze me .... and make me smile. It is a privilege to journey with them.
Here's to a wonderful year filled with discovery, learning, and growth.
Warm Greetings.
Prior to homeschooling my 4 children for 20 years ... I was an elementary school teacher. For the past 8 years I have worked with the BS Partnership as the Field Trip Coordinator ... As well, for the past 3 years it has been my pleasure to be a Mentor Teacher to many of your children. It is nothing short of delightful to get to know your children .... and to encourage them in their accomplishments and personal growth. They always manage to amaze me .... and make me smile. It is a privilege to journey with them.
Here's to a wonderful year filled with discovery, learning, and growth.
Juliette Horton ~ jhorton1@homeoftheshamrocks.org
Hello students and parents!! I’ve had the awesome privilege of being an elementary school teacher! It has been a joy for me to teach children in the states of Alabama and Michigan for the last 18 years. I am married and my husband and I have been blessed with 2 lovely girls. We enjoy spending lots of time together as a family. We love reading together, visiting zoos and museums, playing games and helping others.
It is very important to me to see my students be successful in their education, so I work hard in helping them accomplish the goals that have been set for them or they’ve set for themselves. I’ve often times thought, “Is there another profession that I’d enjoy as much as teaching?” Well, it’s been almost 18 years and I’ve not found another yet. I LOVE being a teacher!! My students call me Mrs. Horton and I am happy to be a Berrien Springs Parent Partnership mentor. I look forward to working with you!
Hello students and parents!! I’ve had the awesome privilege of being an elementary school teacher! It has been a joy for me to teach children in the states of Alabama and Michigan for the last 18 years. I am married and my husband and I have been blessed with 2 lovely girls. We enjoy spending lots of time together as a family. We love reading together, visiting zoos and museums, playing games and helping others.
It is very important to me to see my students be successful in their education, so I work hard in helping them accomplish the goals that have been set for them or they’ve set for themselves. I’ve often times thought, “Is there another profession that I’d enjoy as much as teaching?” Well, it’s been almost 18 years and I’ve not found another yet. I LOVE being a teacher!! My students call me Mrs. Horton and I am happy to be a Berrien Springs Parent Partnership mentor. I look forward to working with you!
Mandy Jankoviak ~ @homeoftheshamrocks.org
My name is Mandy Jankoviak. I was a public school teacher for 13 years before deciding to homeschool. We have been homeschooling for 4 years. My children are 13, 11, 10, 6, 4, and 1. (Yes, that's 6!) Needless to say, I love kids and am excited to work with yours!
We enjoy the beach, swimming, Pinterest projects, decorating, and the arts.
I'm thankful for the opportunity to work with the partnership and happy to help in any way I can.
My name is Mandy Jankoviak. I was a public school teacher for 13 years before deciding to homeschool. We have been homeschooling for 4 years. My children are 13, 11, 10, 6, 4, and 1. (Yes, that's 6!) Needless to say, I love kids and am excited to work with yours!
We enjoy the beach, swimming, Pinterest projects, decorating, and the arts.
I'm thankful for the opportunity to work with the partnership and happy to help in any way I can.
Ani Kuhn ~ akuhn@homeoftheshamrocks.org
Iveth Ortiz ~ iortiz@homeoftheshamrocks.org
Hello Partnership Families! I am privileged to join the team of mentors this year and look forward to a wonderful year of learning and growing along with your families. My name is Iveth Ortiz and I have resided in the Berrien Springs area for 6 years now after moving from Florida. I am married and have two wonderful boys, aged 10 and 7 who are also students in the Berrien Springs Partnership. I currently serve as a Title 1 Reading Intervention Teacher in the 3 elementary private schools in Berrien Springs. I enjoy traveling to new places and spending time with my immediate family and extended family. I was born and raised in Colombia, South America and love latin American food, music and culture. I hope you will find the partnership program enriching and enjoyable as much as me and my family have.
Hello Partnership Families! I am privileged to join the team of mentors this year and look forward to a wonderful year of learning and growing along with your families. My name is Iveth Ortiz and I have resided in the Berrien Springs area for 6 years now after moving from Florida. I am married and have two wonderful boys, aged 10 and 7 who are also students in the Berrien Springs Partnership. I currently serve as a Title 1 Reading Intervention Teacher in the 3 elementary private schools in Berrien Springs. I enjoy traveling to new places and spending time with my immediate family and extended family. I was born and raised in Colombia, South America and love latin American food, music and culture. I hope you will find the partnership program enriching and enjoyable as much as me and my family have.
Mark Ring ~ mring@homeoftheshamrocks.org
Luis Sanchez ~ lsanchez@homeoftheshamrocks.org
Hola, my name is Luis and I am originally from the Dominican Republic. I've been teaching for over 12 years now and really love the connection I have with my students. I enjoy playing volleyball, traveling and spending time with family. I look forward to getting to know my students and finding out how they are doing in all of their classes.
Hola, my name is Luis and I am originally from the Dominican Republic. I've been teaching for over 12 years now and really love the connection I have with my students. I enjoy playing volleyball, traveling and spending time with family. I look forward to getting to know my students and finding out how they are doing in all of their classes.
Amy Scott ~
My name is Amy Scott, and as a homeschool parent, I am excited to mentor students in the Berrien Springs homeschool partnership! I have 16 years classroom teaching experience before leaving several years ago to begin homeschooling my two children.
Our children, ages 13 and 14, are both homeschooled and participate in many activities. My husband of 20 years is a 4th grade teacher. We enjoy spending time together as a family and participating in church activities.
It is a privilege to work with your family. We will have a fantastic school year and journey together!
My name is Amy Scott, and as a homeschool parent, I am excited to mentor students in the Berrien Springs homeschool partnership! I have 16 years classroom teaching experience before leaving several years ago to begin homeschooling my two children.
Our children, ages 13 and 14, are both homeschooled and participate in many activities. My husband of 20 years is a 4th grade teacher. We enjoy spending time together as a family and participating in church activities.
It is a privilege to work with your family. We will have a fantastic school year and journey together!
Sarah Smith ~
My name is Sarah Smith and as a K-12 homeschool graduate, I’m excited for the opportunity to meet and work with students and their families through Berrien Springs homeschool partnership program!
For the past eight years, I worked as a classroom teacher for Berrien RESA’s autism program and just left that to start a new adventure as full-time mama to McKenzie Noelle. I’m blessed to be wife to Brian Smith and together we enjoy being involved in our church, kayaking, camping and spending time with family and friends.
My name is Sarah Smith and as a K-12 homeschool graduate, I’m excited for the opportunity to meet and work with students and their families through Berrien Springs homeschool partnership program!
For the past eight years, I worked as a classroom teacher for Berrien RESA’s autism program and just left that to start a new adventure as full-time mama to McKenzie Noelle. I’m blessed to be wife to Brian Smith and together we enjoy being involved in our church, kayaking, camping and spending time with family and friends.
Bethany VanderArk ~ bvanderark@homeoftheshamrocks.org
My name is Bethany Vander Ark, and I have been a mentor teacher with the BSPP for several years. I love connecting with homeschooled students and hearing about their experiences through their partnership classes. I was homeschooled K-12, and earned my bachelors degree in Elementary Education. I live with my husband Isaac and our two children, Margaret and Ellis. When we are not working or snuggling our babies, we love working on projects around the house.
My name is Bethany Vander Ark, and I have been a mentor teacher with the BSPP for several years. I love connecting with homeschooled students and hearing about their experiences through their partnership classes. I was homeschooled K-12, and earned my bachelors degree in Elementary Education. I live with my husband Isaac and our two children, Margaret and Ellis. When we are not working or snuggling our babies, we love working on projects around the house.
Lynne Wieferich ~ lwieferich@homeoftheshamrocks.org
My name is Lynne Wieferich. I was a public school teacher for ten years before becoming a stay at home mom and homeschooling my two sons. I enjoy being a mentor teacher and hearing about all of the great classes that are offered through the partnership program.
My name is Lynne Wieferich. I was a public school teacher for ten years before becoming a stay at home mom and homeschooling my two sons. I enjoy being a mentor teacher and hearing about all of the great classes that are offered through the partnership program.