Meet the Regional Instructional Services Staff
Carrie Johnson
Assistant Superintendent
Carrie Johnson is the Assistant Superintendent for Regional Instructional Services. Carrie has a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Dayton with double majors in English and History, as well as a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Teaching from Michigan State University. Carrie has 13 years of teaching experience at middle and high school, served as a middle school administrator for 3 years, and a curriculum director for 5 years. Prior to transitioning into this role, Carrie worked on the Statewide Field Team as an Implementation Specialist supporting identified districts to implement systems for improvement.
Deb Shepherd
Administrative Services Specialist
Deb Shepherd is the Administrative Services Specialist for Regional Instructional Services. She is Carrie Johnson's assistant. Deb is the SCECH Coordinator for the Calhoun ISD . Deb also assists the consultants on professional learning set up along with other projects. She started with Calhoun ISD in 2004 in Special Education. While in Special Education she worked with Medicaid and professional development.
Don Beck
Implementation Facilitator
Don Beck is the Implementation Facilitator for Regional Instructional Services. He assists districts by supporting school and district improvement, Title I and other state and federal grants, ELL, and Regional Assistance Grant implementation. Don received his teaching degree from Michigan State University, and a master's degree in educational administration from Purdue University. He spent 16 years as a high school ELA teacher before transitioning to a principal, a role he occupied for 5 years. Don also spent two years as Marshall Public Schools' Director of Curriculum and Instruction, where he oversaw grants, McKinney-Vento, foster care, Special Education, and curriculum. Don is a school and district improvement specialist with experience planning and implementing the school improvement process, including reviewing and analyzing school data; targeting weaknesses and gaps; selecting research-based strategies to meet school needs; and implementing schools in developing goals, strategies, and initiatives to increase student learning.
Sarah Stawowy
Culture and Climate Consultant
Sarah Stawowy is a Culture and Climate Consultant for Regional Instructional Services. She provides consultation support and professional learning opportunities for educators throughout Barry, Branch, and Calhoun counties. She is a facilitator for the PBIS Coaches Network, Certified SWIS Data Assessment Coordinator, and Youth Mental Health First Aid trainer. Sarah is passionate about providing support to the whole school, whole community, and whole child through the lens of a whole person perspective. She has worked on a variety of multidisciplinary teams and is focused on supporting partnerships and collaborations through using best practices and science implementation within the MTSS framework. Sarah comes to Calhoun ISD with 20 years of experience in the field of Social Work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker as well as Certified School Social Worker. Sarah has a Bachelor’s Degree in Family Studies from Western Michigan University and a Master’s of Social Work Degree from Eastern Michigan University.
Jessica Hackworth
Culture and Climate Consultant, PBIS Implementation Facilitator
Jessica Hackworth works as a Culture and Climate Consultant and a PBIS Implementation Facilitator for Regional Instructional Services. She provides coaching support and professional learning opportunities for teachers in Branch, Barry, and Calhoun counties. Jessica is passionate about providing support to the whole school, whole community, and whole child in order to meet the needs of each and every child in Michigan. Prior to becoming an education consultant, Jessica taught for ten years in grades spanning K-8. Jessica received her Bachelor’s Degree in English from Olivet College and her Master’s Degree in Education from Marygrove College.
Anne Hosking
Early Literacy Coach
Anne is an Early Literacy Coach for Regional Instructional Services. She provides early literacy support to districts across Branch and Calhoun Counties. Anne has worked as an elementary teacher and building level instructional coach within her 16 years as an educator. In addition to her classroom experience, Anne has spent the last three years being trained in the research and importance of the GELN Early Literacy Essential Practices. Currently, as an early literacy coach, she works to support the implementation of the General Education Leadership Network (GELN) Early Literacy Essential Practices in K-3 classrooms as well as the School-Wide & Center-Wide Essential Practices K-3.
Shannon Sweet
Literacy Consultant
Shannon is an Early Literacy Consultant for Regional Instructional Services. She provides early literacy support to districts across Calhoun County. Shannon has worked as an elementary teacher, behavior specialist and Title One teacher within her 19 years as an educator. In addition to her classroom experience, Shannon has spent the last three years being trained in the research and importance of the GELN Early Literacy Essential Practices. Currently, as an early literacy coach, she works to support the implementation of the General Education Leadership Network (GELN) Early Literacy Essential Practices in K-3 classrooms. Shannon also facilitates learning around effective literacy practices with teachers, principals and superintendents and trained co-facilitator of the Statewide Intensive Coaching Institute.
Lindsey Hughes
Early Literacy Consultant
Lindsey Hughes is an Early Literacy Consultant for Regional Instructional Services. She provides coaching support and professional learning opportunities for teachers in Calhoun County. Prior to becoming an Early Literacy Coach, Lindsey worked as an elementary teacher. As an elementary teacher, Lindsey worked closely with English Learners and co-taught with the Special Education teachers. She is a licensed Reading Specialist. Lindsey received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Trine University and her Master’s Degree in Reading from Spring Arbor University.
Kim Lehman
Early Literacy Consultant
Kim is an Early Literacy Consultant for Regional Instructional Services, and also brings experience to the position. She has been an elementary teacher. curriculum leader and instructional coach/consultant for both the CISD and local districts for over 20 years. Kim's experiences have allowed her to work systematically with district teachers and administrators alike, to use data to inform instruction and improve literacy achievement across classrooms, grade levels and buildings. Her passion for early literacy is apparent and backs her strong commitment to teaching all kids that they are readers and writers. Kim received her Bachelor's Degree from Central Michigan University and her Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Spring Arbor University.
Heidi Turchan
Literacy Consultant
Heidi is an Early Literacy Coach for Regional Instructional Services. She provides coaching support and professional learning opportunities for teachers in Calhoun County. During her 25 years in education, Heidi has worked as a reading specialist/Literacy Coach specializing in dyslexia, AD/HD and high poverty schools and as a Curriculum and Instruction Director. She has provided early literacy support to teachers in data analysis and implementation of MTSS processes; integration and implementation of the science of reading practices/LETRS professional learning in all tiers of instruction to improve literacy outcomes. Currently, as an early literacy consultant, works to support the integration of General Education Leadership Network (GELN) Early Literacy Essential Practices in K-3 classrooms as well as the School-Wide & Center-Wide Essential Practices K-3.
Danielle Heil
Literacy Consultant
Danielle Heil is an Early Literacy Consultant for Regional Instructional Services. She provides early literacy support to districts in Calhoun County through the integration of the General Education Leadership Network (GELN) Early Literacy Essential Practices in K-3 classrooms. Prior to becoming an Early Literacy Consultant, Danielle worked as an elementary and middle school teacher for 14 years. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education where she also obtained her ZA Endorsement specializing in Early Childhood Development. She is currently working towards obtaining her Master’s Degree in Literacy Studies.
Jennifer Goldstein
Literacy Consultant
Jennifer Goldstein is the 6-12 Disciplinary Literacy Consultant. Jennifer has a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Michigan State University, as well as a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Teaching from Michigan State University. During her 25 year career in education, Jennifer has taught English and French, has supported teachers in all subjects as an Instructional Coach, and has served as an Elementary Principal as well as a High School Assistant Principal. As a secondary literacy consultant, Jennifer works to support the implementation of the General Education Leadership Network (GELN) Literacy Essential Practices in 6-12 classrooms.
Becky Smith
Math and Literacy Consultant
Rebecca Smith works as a Math and Literacy Consultant for Regional Instructional Services. She provides coaching support and professional learning opportunities for teachers across Calhoun County. Rebecca has worked as an elementary and middle school teacher during her 10 years of experience. Rebecca received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University, and her Master’s Degree in Reading from Grand Canyon University. Most recently Rebecca has been trained in Math Recovery and the Orton Gillingham Dyslexia method.
Teresa Cooper
Educational Consultant
Teresa Cooper is an Educational Consultant in the Regional Instructional Services Department. Teresa has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan-Flint in Secondary Education with a certification in History and English. She later added a certification in Social Studies and obtained her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Michigan State University. During the first 17 years of her career, she taught middle school and high school classes in History and English. She spent two years as a District Social Studies content coach for grades 6-12 and seven years as an Instructional Coach supporting Career Academies, project-based learning and literacy. In her role as an Educational Consultant, she provides coaching support in literacy and mathematics programs including tiered interventions.
Kim Fox
Math Consultant
Kim Fox works as a Math Consultant for Regional Instructional Services. She provides coaching support and professional learning opportunities for teachers in Branch, Barry, and Calhoun counties. She has also been involved, from the ground floor, in the state initiative with the MSP grant to bring Math Recovery to Michigan. Kim values the constructivist theory when it comes to mathematics and is passionate about helping teachers find the joy in teaching mathematics to their students. Kim is a member of M2C2, MAISA MLT, and the GELN Math Task Force. Her recent contributions include working on the Essential Instructional Practices in Early Mathematics. Prior to becoming an education consultant, Kim worked in a district for 15 years as a teacher, math interventionist, and math coach. Kim received her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of North Alabama and her Master’s Degree in Education from Western Michigan University.
Sharon Sherman
Math Consultant
Sharon Sherman is an Educational Consultant for Regional Instructional Services. She provides early math support to districts across Calhoun County. She has over 20 years of teaching experience in four different states. In addition to her teaching experience, she worked as an educational training consultant. She received her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Maine and is working on her Master's Degree. Currently, she assists districts with implementation of GELN Early Math Essentials and Number Sense Routines.
Nicole Vaughn
Math Consultant
Nicole is a Math Consultant for Regional Instructional Services. Nicole has worked as a secondary mathematics teacher and building level instructional coach within her 19 years as an educator. In addition to her classroom experience, Nicole has joined the MiSTEM Network to grow Data Science instruction as a collaboration between the Math Action Area and the Computer Science Action Area statewide. Nicole received her Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from Western Michigan University and her Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Walden University.
Jennifer Johnson
Educational Consultant- Emphasis on MTSS & Leading Systems Change
Jennifer Johnson is an MTSS Consultant assisting districts with MTSS implementation and leading systems change. Jennifer received her Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from Albion College and her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University. Jennifer has over 20 years of experience in the field of education. She has worked with state and federal grants, curriculum, and served as a HIL Facilitator. Prior to transitioning to this role, Jennifer served as an elementary principal for 5 years.
Katie Gilding
Educational Consultant- Emphasis on MTSS & Leading Systems Change
Katie Gilding is a MTSS Consultant assisting districts with successful implementation of MTSS and systems level change. Katie has worked as an educator for 13 years with experience teaching middle school and high school Spanish and Title 1 Reading to students in grades K-3. In addition to her classroom experience, Katie has spent the last 3 years as a Literacy Specialist for the Montgomery County Educational Service Center in Dayton, Ohio. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Spanish from Central Michigan University, a Master’s in PK-12 Spanish Education, Principal’s License and Dyslexia Certificate from the University of Dayton. Katie also is a Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner and a Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist.
Aric Vaughn
School Mental Health Specialist
Aric Vaughn is a School Mental Health Specialist. He has worked in K-12 buildings for the last seven years as a School Social Worker, Behavior Interventionist, Student Success Specialist, Substitute Teacher, and Bearcat coach. As a School Mental Health Specialist, Aric will work with students and adults to increase their emotional intelligence. Aric earned his Associate's and Bachelor's degrees from Ferris State University. He holds a Master's Degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University.
Caitlyn Wood
School Mental Health Specialist
Caitlyn Wood is a School Mental Health Specialist serving K-12 students in Calhoun County. Caitlyn has worked the last three years as a Behavior Interventionist for Battle Creek Public Schools. Prior to her work in K-12 schools, she has experience in various social work settings including private practice, medical case management, and trauma therapy for survivors of sexual and domestic violence. She graduated from Grand Valley State University (GVSU) with a Bachelors of Science in Public and Nonprofit Administration and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. She also graduated from GVSU with her Master of Social Work where she worked as a graduate assistant providing programming on violence prevention at the Center for Women and Gender Equity.
Julie Steele
School Mental Health Specialist
Julie Steele is a School Mental Health Specialist serving K-12 students in Calhoun County. Julie has 22 years of experience in the field of Social Work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker as well as Certified School Social Worker. Julie has been employed by the Calhoun ISD for the past 11 years as a special education Social Worker. Prior to the CISD, Julie was employed by Wayne County as a Day Treatment Social Worker. Julie received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Saginaw Valley State University and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Wayne State University.
Keila Kilgore
School Mental Health Specialist
Keila Kilgore is a School Mental Health Specialist serving K-12 students in Calhoun County. Keila is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been a Mental Health Specialist since 2021. She has 13 years experience as a school counselor in all grade levels. She has served as an adjunct faculty for 7 years for both undergraduate and graduate counseling and education at Spring Arbor University and Siena Heights University. Keila has additional experience in private practice counseling, trauma therapy and assessment, health coaching, care coordination, safety training, stress management, yoga, mindfulness and relaxation. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Group Minors (Elementary Education, Mathematics, and Art) and Siena Heights University with her Master of Arts in Counselor Education: Agency with a K-12 (NT) Guidance and Counseling Endorsement.
Angela Blood Starr
Safe and Healthy Schools
Angela Blood Starr is the Regional School Health Coordinator serving Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph counties with experience in supporting educators in Regional Instructional Services related to the field of health education. As a former physical education and health teacher, Angela gained experience in the classroom that continues to influence her guidance to others who support schools. Currently, Angela services a five-county region in the areas of health education, sex education, crisis intervention, the whole child, and trauma. As an iRest®️ Level I Teacher, Angela provides training and support to educators experiencing compassion fatigue through self-care promotion and practice.
Lisa Middleton
SPLASH/Nutrition
Lisa has worked as a Nutrition Educator for Regional Instructional Services since 2014. She provides nutrition and physical education lessons for SNAP eligible elementary schools in Calhoun county known as the SPLASH program (Shaping Positive Lifestyles and Attitudes through School Health).
Prior to becoming a nutrition educator, Lisa worked in the health field as an Athletic Trainer for 20 years and a Physical Therapy Assistant for 5 years. Lisa received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports Medicine with a minor in Exercise Science from Central Michigan University and her Master of Science Degree in Physical Education Exercise Science with an emphasis in Administration from Michigan State University.
Travis Winchell
SPLASH/Nutrition
Travis has worked as the Coordinator of the SPLASH program (Shaping Positive Lifestyles & Attitudes through School Health) since 2014. Travis has over 21 years experience in the Health and Wellness field. Before coming to the CISD, he was an adjunct professor at Kellogg Community College and Jackson Community College, he also managed a hospital fitness facility for 12 years. He holds a B.A. from Spring Arbor University, a M.A. from Western Michigan University, and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist through the NSCA.
Jonah Curtis
SPLASH/Nutrition
Jonah began his career as a Nutrition Educator for Regional Instructional Services in 2022, working to provide nutrition and physical education instruction for SNAP eligible elementary schools in Calhoun County. Prior to coming to the SPLASH program (Shaping Positive Lifestyles and Attitudes through School Health), Jonah worked in the health field for 15 years. He worked as a strength coach at a fitness facility, as well as operating a community garden and teaching gardening to children. Jonah holds a B.S. in Dietetics and Exercise Science from Central Michigan University and has graduated from the MSU Extension Master Gardener program.