Faculty & Staff Bios

231-645-8899
eblondia@leelanau.org

Elizabeth Blondia 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 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, travelling and playing viola. These interests have fostered her passion for teaching at The Leelanau School.

231-360-0904
jblondia@leelanau.org

Joe Blondia has been teaching for over two 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.

231-334-5886
bdymond@leelanau.org

Joe Blondia has been teaching for 24 years, and has been teaching science at The Leelanau School for 21 years. 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.

Becca Dymond is the Director of the Learning Commons and has been with The Leelanau School for seven years. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Eastern Michigan University. Becca says, “It was a serendipitous journey that brought my husband and me to Leelanau. It is the friends, family, community and students who have helped us make Leelanau our home. Now with our two cats, dog, horse and sweet son, there is nowhere else in the world we would rather be teaching, learning, laughing and living. Life is good!

231-835-1584
tfirestone@leelanau.org

Tanya Firestone has seventeen years of teaching experience. Before teaching at Leelanau, she was involved with Assessment and Curriculum development while serving as a tenure-track professor with the City Colleges of Chicago. Tanya has a BA in English Literature from Miami University, Oxford and MA (English) from University of Dayton with two years MS (post-bac) work in Secondary Education. Her recent teaching with Northwestern Michigan College directly impacted community outreach in young women leadership. She has published a work of fiction and has presented at the National Council of Teachers of English, Conference on College Composition and Communication. Her young son, Jack and inherited goldfish, Goldie and Black-eye keep things interesting. “Authentic learning, to me, is meant to extend beyond classroom walls as the actual catalyst for inspiring entire lives.”

231-883-4772
bhood@leelanau.org

Bruce Hood 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.”

231-645-5351
lhood@leelanau.org

Laura Hood 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 bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University on both the French horn and the 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. Ian just finished a degree in microbiology and is spending a year adventuring in New Zealand. Jessie is studying Dressage and horse breading and training in Germany as part of her equine degree. 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.

kmccue@leelanau.org

Kaz McCue is a Visual Arts Instructor and advisor for the Signpost, Leelanau’s annual yearbook. He has been teaching for since 1993 and he has been with The Leelanau School since 2012. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Parsons School of Design and a Master of Fine Arts from Long Island University/C.W. Post Campus. Kaz is an experienced artist, curator, arts administrator and educator who brings a diversity of expertise to his teaching. As a professional artist, Kaz is known as a storyteller who works in a variety of media. He serves as the Artistic Director for Michigan’s Legacy Art Park. Over the past five years he has focused on collaborative projects where teens have had the opportunity to get involved in his creative studio practice.

231-357-7642
cmeyers@leelanau.org

Cal Meyers is as a math teacher for The Leelanau School. He 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 disciples including Geography, German, Science and, of course, Math. Cal taught in Traverse City where he also coached football, wrestling and track. During the summer, Cal is a camp counselor in upstate New York.

231-357-2941
jmeyers@leelanau.org

Jay Meyers is not entirely new to our teaching faculty. Jay was one of our teachers for Winter Term when he teamed with his brother, Cal, to teach Lego Mindstorms. He has a Bachelor of Science in Education, specializing in Integrated Science and minoring in Mathematics from Central Michigan University. He did his student teaching at East Middle School in Traverse City. Jay has been officially teaching full-time at Leelanau since Septmeber 2016. Jay is an outdoormen and enjoys assisting with skiing and snowboarding in the winter and running fishing club in the fall.

231-920-5558
cpina@leelanau.org

Cris Pina-Gautier is a Learning Specialist at The Leelanau School. He has his 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 old. Yes I am competitive. Yes I don’t believe in giving less than 100%, but I am patient to help others achieve their goals.”

Kim Speicher is our Spanish Teacher and has been teaching for since 1979. She has been with The Leelanau School since 2006. She received both her Bachelors (Spanish) and Masters (Education) Degrees from Purdue University. Kim says, “I love to travel and take students along. Leelanau County is my favorite place in the world, so teaching at Leelanau is great. When I am not at school I like to read, kayak, sail, hike and spend time with my family and friends.”

Norm Wheeler taught at the Leelanau School for 33 years. While retired as a full-time teacher, Norm returned in 2016-17 to offer an evening Astronomy class to Leelanau School students (and other public school students in the area). 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 three grandchildren. His wife, Mimi, founded the Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate store.

586-206-7457
bzyren@leelanau.org

Barbara Zyren is a Learning Specialist at The Leelanau School.She joined us after 34 years of teaching experience in Michigan Public Schools as a General/Special Education Teacher, English as a Second Language Coordinator, and Reading Specialist. She received a Educational Specialist from Wayne State University, a Master of Arts from University of Michigan and a Bachelor’s of Arts from Nazareth College. In her “free time” she works as a private Cognitive Therapist for children and adults with closed head injuries and as a private Reading Coach for children and adults seeking remediation or enrichment. She believes that being given the opportunity to discover wthat they are good at, build confidence, strengthen cognitive skill, and inspire young people to become life long learners is an honor and a privilege. After meeting her you will see that teaching is her passion. In 2015, she and her husband, Jerry, moved from Royal Oak to Suttons Bay to fulfill a life long dream to live in Northern Michigan. They always look forward to visits from family and friends who love to visit “MI” place.

646-578-5624
dchamberlin@leelanau.org

Daniel Chamberlain is a house parent in Kindel. Daniel graduated magna cum laude from Western Connecticut University with a BA and MA in Professional Writing. He has been teaching Short Fiction and Composition as a Graduate Assistant. Daniel has also been a founding partner of Bend Bars Lift Gates, a game-design cooperative. He is very proud of a project which is a role playing world game presented in 2015 at Gen Con, a gaming convention. Daniel has also been very active and held multiple positions with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

978-844-1127
aeisenstat@leelanau.org

Anika Eisenstat is Head of House of Kindel & Cochran, the Atheltic Director, and Coordinator of Afternoon Activities & Clubs. She has eight years of experience as a daycare, afterschool, and camp counselor. She graduated with her B.S. in Youth Development and a minor in Athletic Coaching from Springfield College in May of 2015. During her time at Springfield College, she worked with a variety of local youth organizations and schools to develop one day events and workshops focusing on healthy living, team building, and diversity.

919-601-7860
clipscomb@leelanau.org

Chris Lipscomb began working at The Leelanau School in 2012 with his wife, Amie, after a career with the National Park Service, where he worked as a Park Ranger in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. He has been in Residential Life ever since, starting out as a House Parent in Kindel, and now serves as the Head of Pinebrook House and as a Head of Campus. This is his fifth year, and he has the added responsibility of teaching a section of American History, which is also one of his passions. He and Amie have two dogs, Ajax and Buford, who do their fair share helping out on campus by playing or cuddling with the kids.

810-841-7207
sseaman@leelanau.org

Spencer Seaman is returning to Leelanau Schools as a House Parent in Pinebrook. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a BS in Environmental Health Science and Gender & Health. Spencer has also been employed in various campus and hospice programs and has been a nanny for a family for about two and a half years.

314-660-0833
dspellman@leelanau.org

David Spellman is a House Parent in Kindel. He was born and raised in
Saint Louis, Missouri and earned a BA in International Business from Webster University. During the summer months David works at a summer camp in northern Wisconsin teaching mountain biking. In his free time he enjoys biking, camping and hiking.

kschafer@leelanau.org

Katrina serves as a House Parent in Pinebrook House. She 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. Katrina was also a long term manager of a Jet’s Pizza in Traverse City.

231-334-5836
amaritz@leelanau.org

Angel Maritz is the Coordinator of Health Services. She is a Register Nurse with over 10 years of nursing experience, most recently at Munson Medical Center where she worked 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. Angel is a wife and a mother to 2 children.

231-334-5836
scarmichael@leelanau.org

Stephanie Carmichael, RN, has been with The Leelanau School for four years and has been a nurse for 19 years. Stephanie has worked in various fields of nursing but is particularly interested in working with children. She is a Foster Care provider. She has six children, and her oldest son is a graduate of The Leelanau School. She loves cooking and being outside, and also works on-call for our local hospital.

231-334-5836
skline@leelanau.org

Susan Kline is a Registered Nurse with over 40 years experience in Pediatrics and Public health. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Detroit and her Master of Science in Nursing from Wayne State University as a clincial nurse specialist in pediatrics. Most recently, Sue has worked at Interlochen Center for the Arts as a school nurse dispensing medications and conducting daily health assessments for students based on their medical/psychological complaints.

231-334-5836
amontie@leelanau.org

Alice Montie is one of the school R.N.’s. She has been an RN since 1984, graduating from Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor. She has been with The Leelanau School since 2007. Alice has also been a Yoga Instructor for over 20 years, certified through American Viniyoga Institute and Union Yoga. Yoga became a passion after her first child was born. Alice believes it is a perfect complement to her work here at The Leelanau School.

Sarah Jane Crimmins joined The Leelanau School in the fall of 2015 as the Enrollment Assistant. She is also the coordinator of Student Events and Student Ambassadors. Sarah Jane is a Leelanau County native and graduated from Leland High School in 2011 and the University of Michigan in 2015. Sarah Jane is an avid cook and music enthusiast. She lives in Traverse City and in her spare time enjoys exploring all that the vibrant town has to offer.

231-334-5896
gdeisler@leelanau.org

Virginia “Ginny” is the Chief Financial Officer and Director of Human Resources for the 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 high school aged son. In her spare time she coaches the Varsity Equestrian team at Traverse City St. Francis and is an avid reader.

231-334-5834
jdfriley@leelanau.org

JD Friley is the Head of School. He has taughter at seven different schools since he began teaching in 1975. He has been at the Leelanau School since 2007. JD received his B.M.E from Depauw University in Greencastle, IN and his M.A.E from Ball State University in Muncie, IN. He has worked in various capacities in education such as a classroom teacher, a band director, a football coach, a counselor, an academic adviser, and as a school administrator. JD also enjoys time with his family and his English Sheep Dog, Willow, who you will see around on campus. In his spare time, JD hosts a jazz radio show on Sunday afternoons.

231-334-5840
wivankovich@leelanau.org

Westley Ivankovich is the Dean of Students. Wes was born in Michigan and worked in the Traverse Symphony Orcherstra as a bassist for several years in the 1980’s. Wes was previously at the Roosevelt International Academy in Rhode Island where he worked as the Director of Residential Life and the Director of Operations. Westley brings an International perspective, a keen interest in student development, a passion for the arts and the great outdoors. Westley was previously a faculty member at the International School of Florence, Italy in many different professional roles – educator, Administrative Dean, Coordinator of Curriculum and Assessment, Coordinator of Service Learning and music teacher. A graduate of Olivet College with a BA in Music, Westley earned a Master’s degree in Education from Framington State College. He studied educational leadership and instruction at the University of the Virgin Islands while working as a music teacher in an urban school environment on St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. He was awarded recognition from the PTA and the Governor of the Virgin Islands by presenting concerts with students at Government House, Senior Citizen homes and the University of the Virgin Islands Center for the Arts.

231-313-2989
mjarvis@leelanau.org

Michael Jarvis is the Director of Director of Counseling and College Advising. Michael has worked in education since 1992 and has been with Leelanau School since 2000. He has a BS in Humanities from the United States Air Force Academy, and an MA in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Michael says he has been working with adolescents since leaving the Air Force in 1991. “I am committed to helping young people grow into compassionate, conscious adults who know themselves, and who want to make the world a better place. I believe that education should be holistic and include physical and community learning.”

231-334-5831
kmccaw@leelanau.org

Kristie McCaw is the Director of Marketing and worked as an Executive Assistant prior to this appointment. She graduated from Leelanau in 1999 and has a BA from Finlandia University. She credits the Leelanau School for solidifying a deep love of the outdoors and for making her a citizen the world. After leaving Leelanau, she lived and traveled both domestically and abroad, but she and her husband chose to come back home to Leelanau County in 2005 to start a family and now has two boys. She enjoys being active, reading, writing, and singing and was a member of Leelanau’s Mighty Snappy music group during her time at the school.

231-334-5826
gmitchell@leelanau.org

Graydon Mitchell became a member of the leadership team as the Director of Enrollment Management in April 2017. As the school’s Director of Enrollment, Graydon is an independent school leader with over 20 years’ experience in admissions, enrollment management, marketing, and communications. Graydon has also demonstrated his ability for leadership and retention through his work with domestic and international recruitment events and marketing initiatives. Most importantly, Graydon understands the power of authentic and trusting relationships, and his approach to enrollment management is human-centric. He is very much looking forward to building his own meaningful connections with students and parents as well as developing relationships with both domestic and overseas educational consultants and other professionals in our global community. Graydon is a member of the Small Boarding Schools Association (SBSA) Board of Trustees.

Jen Parker is the Administrative Assistant, Leelanau School Registrar, LeeShop Manager and Student Travel Coordinator. She has been with The Leelanau School since 2010. She 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 is married, with two athletic teenage sons. They love living here and feel extremely fortunate to be a part of The Leelanau Family.

Julie Povolo is the Director of Advancement and has been with The Leelanau School since 2013. She has worked in the non-profit development arena for over 30 years. Julie has a BA from Michigan State University. She has two grown adult children, and a Sheepdog, Willow, who comes to school regularly. In her spare time, Julie plays clarinet, a lot of tennis, and loves to read.

231-334-5851
lbrach@leelanau.org

Lynne Brach is the Food Service Director at The Leelanau School. She has been in the food business for 30 years and has been with the School since 2012. She attended Calvin College, College of the Atlantic and NMC Culinary School. Lynne also spent a semester at sea with Hurricane Island Outward Bound. Lynne says, “Cooking has been my passion for 3 decades. I have cooked on bike tours across the US, at retreats in New Mexico and for a canoe tripping camp in Canada, at the Traverse City Children’s House and Oryana Natural Foods in Traverse City.’ Lynne has two grown children “whom I find endlessly interesting.” I love to ski, run, travel and backpack with with my husband and amazing dog.

231-334-5831
mbeery@leelanau.org

Michael Beery started as our Food Service coordinator in the fall of 2016. He is familiar with our school having been a Head of House in the past.

Rob started working at The Leelanau School in the fall of 2010, and graduated from Leelanau School in 2000. He received his Bachelors from Manchester College in 2007. He says he loves the “great outdoors.” He especially enjoys spending time with his wife, Becca, and son in the amazing community that they live in.