As the 2009-10 school year begins, we are welcoming several new staff members, and congratulating others for taking on new positions and responsibilities.

Staff Transitions—Congratulations!

Deb Faling is now Director of Integrated Student Services, Secondary Schools.  Deb previously served as the Senior Site Coordinator at Kalamazoo Central High School and has a well-developed understanding of the needs of secondary students, the ISS model and the critical role of the Site Coordinator.  Deb has an MSW from the University of Kansas and is licensed at the Master’s level in Michigan (LMSW).  She has also served as a medical social worker and as the Executive Director of the Bach Festival.

Jesse Herron is now Director of Parent Engagement.  Jesse previously served as the KCIS Site Coordinator at Washington Writers’ Academy.  As Director of Parent Engagement, Jesse will be focusing on increasing parent engagement in education.  Jesse is a Pastor at the New Life Fellowship Church.  He previously worked for more than twenty years with General Motors, in a variety of administrative and engineering positions.  Jesse received his B.A. and his M.A. in Educational Leadership also from Western Michigan University.

Elissa Kerr is now Site Coordinator at King-Westwood Elementary School.  She previously served as an Americorps VISTA with KCIS during the 2008-09 school year.  Elissa has a degree in elementary and special education.  "I am very excited to be joining the King-Westwood school community" states Kerr, "and am looking to helping students by connecting them with effective community resources."

Tina Smith-Balanda is now Finance & Human Resources Coordinator for KCIS.  She previously served as the KCIS Administrative Assistant.  In her new position, she will be supporting the financial and human resources functions of the organization.

Helen Walls is now Publishing Center Coordinator for KCIS.  She previously served as the KCIS Marketing & Development Assistant.  She will be managing the Publishing Center program in fourteen KPS elementary, middle, and high schools.

Welcome, New Staff! 

All will be responsible for the development and implementation of the 21st Century Community Learning Center after-school program at their school site.

Larry Manley Jr. is the new Site Coordinator at Washington Writers’ Academy.  He received his B.A. in Recreation from Western Michigan University. 

Erin Arwady is the Site Coordinator at Loy Norrix High School.  She received her B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Notre Dame and she received her MSW from Temple University.

Holly Anderson is the Site Coordinator at Hillside Middle School.  She received her B.A. in Human Development & Social Relations from Kalamazoo College. 

Anissa Griffin is the Site Coordinator at Linden Grove Middle School.  She received her B.A. in Special Education and Elementary Education from Western Michigan University.

Tara Sytsma is the Site Coordinator at Maple Street Magnet School for the Arts.  She received her B.A. in Biology from Cornerstone University.

Marla Rogers is the new Site Coordinator at Milwood Magnet Center for Math, Science and Technology.  She received her B.A. in English and Spanish from Western Michigan University.