Christin Lankheet (Title I Specialist, Department Leader ● lankheetc@brpsk12.org)

Teaching and children have been on my heart from a young age. I had amazing teachers which inspired and pushed me. As a child, I couldn't wait to become a teacher and instill that same love of learning. In 2007, I graduated from Calvin College with my Elementary Degree and began my career at Black River. Working in the Title I department, I have the privilege of seeing young readers blossom and mathematicians take off. I enjoy working one-on-one and in small groups with students to best support their academic needs. My husband and I have three children, who all attend Black River. We enjoy camping, reading, downhill skiing, and sunsets over Lake Michigan.

Lisa Barrett (Title I Specialist ● barrettl@brpsk12.org)

In 2016, I graduated from National Louis University with my Elementary Education degree. Shortly after graduating, my family and I moved back to Michigan, after living in the Chicago area for 17 years. This is my fourth year working in the Title I Department, here at Black River. The most rewarding part of working in the Title I department is seeing students grow as readers and as mathematicians. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Kevin, and our 2 daughters-Theressa and Mairi. I enjoy hiking, cycling, camping, taking road trips, going to concerts, and cooking for my family.

Adriann Divozzo (Title I Paraprofessional ● divozzoa@brpsk12.org)

I am from Ohio and discovered Holland as a Hope College student. Upon graduation, I moved to Portland, OR for two years and became an AmeriCorps volunteer and nanny. Passionate to volunteer abroad, my husband Jason and I moved to Belize, Central America to support a community development non-profit. I taught third grade and offered art classes for all ages at the local school. After close to two years, we returned to Holland, where I worked as an office manager, substitute and preschool volunteer. I've enjoyed working here since 2014 as a Health Aide/Teacher Assistant and in 2019 I joined the Title I team to focus on early literacy. I love watching young students thrive in individual instruction and develop into confident readers. Jason and I have two children who attend BR, Jilliann and Miles. In my free time, I enjoy yoga, live music, and walking the beach with my dog.

Alaina Kramer (K-5 Literacy Coach ● kramera@brpsk12.org)

I've known I wanted to go into the field of education ever since the third grade, when I had an inspiring teacher who made a lasting impression on all of her students. I am a graduate of Grand Valley State University and taught in a Lower Elementary Montessori classroom here at Black River for 14 years. In the summer of 2021, I accepted the position of K-5 Literacy Coach and now enjoy supporting both teachers and students in their literacy endeavors. Literacy has been a life-long passion of mine and I'm thrilled to have an opportunity to share this with others. I have a fifth grade daughter and kindergarten son here at Black River. Outside of school, I love to read mysteries, run, visit the beach, go for family bike rides, and play with our new puppy, Charlie.

Charity Thelen (Title I Paraprofessional ● thelenc@brpsk12.org)

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