CONTACT US
Gail Bliss
Gail Bliss
Home School Liaison/Program Director
gail.bliss@nilesschools.org
Office - (269) 262-4505 Cell - (574) 340-1025 FAX - (269) 684-6337
(If you use one of the other District Phone numbers, the extension is 10055)
CONTACT GAIL FOR: Any question
I am a graduate of Taylor University with a BA in Business. I have home-schooled for over 20 years. My husband and four children have enjoyed the wonderful experiences we have had on our home school journey. All of my children have, or are pursuing higher education. Each has been extremely individual and I have enjoyed playing a part in their journey to adulthood and beyond. My own history included being home-schooled, attending private school and attending public school. My experiences growing up as a Missionary Kid have ingrained in me an insight into the many ways to learn. Nothing warms my heart more then to see people excited in their learning. We want to help you keep that excitement in your children's learning experience.
I have always believed in the potential of partnerships with local school districts and was honored to be given the ability to participate in the Niles Partnership. Each child has been created to be unique works of art and our aim is to come along side you, as home school parents, to help you develop your children's skills and talents. Who knows...maybe some day one of our children might discover the next ground breaking technology because of a Lego robotics course they took or become the next Picasso due to an art class that introduced them to world they never even knew.
Home School Liaison/Program Director
gail.bliss@nilesschools.org
Office - (269) 262-4505 Cell - (574) 340-1025 FAX - (269) 684-6337
(If you use one of the other District Phone numbers, the extension is 10055)
CONTACT GAIL FOR: Any question
I am a graduate of Taylor University with a BA in Business. I have home-schooled for over 20 years. My husband and four children have enjoyed the wonderful experiences we have had on our home school journey. All of my children have, or are pursuing higher education. Each has been extremely individual and I have enjoyed playing a part in their journey to adulthood and beyond. My own history included being home-schooled, attending private school and attending public school. My experiences growing up as a Missionary Kid have ingrained in me an insight into the many ways to learn. Nothing warms my heart more then to see people excited in their learning. We want to help you keep that excitement in your children's learning experience.
I have always believed in the potential of partnerships with local school districts and was honored to be given the ability to participate in the Niles Partnership. Each child has been created to be unique works of art and our aim is to come along side you, as home school parents, to help you develop your children's skills and talents. Who knows...maybe some day one of our children might discover the next ground breaking technology because of a Lego robotics course they took or become the next Picasso due to an art class that introduced them to world they never even knew.
Kerrie Bass
Kerrie Bass
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
kerrie.bass@nilesschools.org
Cell - (574) 238-7023
CONTACT KERRIE FOR: All questions about the classes she "teacher mentors." / All questions from her homeroom students /
All questions regarding her Art & Technology Exploration trips / Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp / Facebook issues & invitations
I worked in the public schools full time for 14 years before I decided to look for something different. I am happily married with two step-children and four grandchildren (that I love to spoil). I have two dogs and four cats (if my husband would allow it we'd have more animals). I'm looking forward to the opportunity to do something different in education and I'm excited to be a part of the Niles Home School Partnership.
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
kerrie.bass@nilesschools.org
Cell - (574) 238-7023
CONTACT KERRIE FOR: All questions about the classes she "teacher mentors." / All questions from her homeroom students /
All questions regarding her Art & Technology Exploration trips / Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp / Facebook issues & invitations
I worked in the public schools full time for 14 years before I decided to look for something different. I am happily married with two step-children and four grandchildren (that I love to spoil). I have two dogs and four cats (if my husband would allow it we'd have more animals). I'm looking forward to the opportunity to do something different in education and I'm excited to be a part of the Niles Home School Partnership.
Mary Landgraf
Mary Landgraf
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
mary.landgraf@nilesschools.org
CONTACT MARY FOR: All questions about the classes she "teacher mentors." / All questions from her homeroom students /
Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
mary.landgraf@nilesschools.org
CONTACT MARY FOR: All questions about the classes she "teacher mentors." / All questions from her homeroom students /
Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
- Graduated from Saint Mary's College with a BA degree with a major in Social Studies and minor in English and a secondary teaching license
- Earned a master's degree in the Art of Classroom Teaching from Michigan State University
- Earned her elementary teaching endorsement from Andrews University
- Taught English and Social Science in Niles Community Schools for 34 years
- Was the At-Risk Coordinator at Niles High School for five years
- Has taught or is teaching at Bethel College, Lake Michigan College, and Southwestern Michigan College
- Is the Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record for Niles Home School Partnership
- Is currently a teacher for the Niles Adult Education Program and the WAY program
Jared March
Jared March
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
jared.march@nilesschools.org
CONTACT JARED FOR: All questions about the classes he "teacher mentors." / All questions from his homeroom students /
Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
I'm a K-12 home school graduate who earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from WMU, and decided to come back and teach home schoolers through West Michigan Homeschool Fine Arts. At WMHFA, I teach 4 concert bands, a jazz band, 2 brass ensembles and the Northern Lights Marching Band. I also am the music director of the Gull Lake Partnership as well as a Mentor teacher for the Niles Partnership. I play keys in the indie rock band Michigander and enjoy rock climbing, biking and scuba diving.
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
jared.march@nilesschools.org
CONTACT JARED FOR: All questions about the classes he "teacher mentors." / All questions from his homeroom students /
Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
I'm a K-12 home school graduate who earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from WMU, and decided to come back and teach home schoolers through West Michigan Homeschool Fine Arts. At WMHFA, I teach 4 concert bands, a jazz band, 2 brass ensembles and the Northern Lights Marching Band. I also am the music director of the Gull Lake Partnership as well as a Mentor teacher for the Niles Partnership. I play keys in the indie rock band Michigander and enjoy rock climbing, biking and scuba diving.
Denall Miller
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
denall.miller@nilesschools.org
CONTACT DENALL FOR: All questions about the classes she "teacher mentors." / All questions from her homeroom students / Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
After graduating from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree that included a major in music with an elementary education minor, I taught elementary music and physical education in a public school for 7 years. I resigned from my teaching position to stay home with my own children and had no idea that I would eventually embark on the homeschooling journey.
My background not only includes full time public education and homeschooling, but also teaching At-Risk summer school, teaching private flute and piano lessons, substitute teaching in area public schools, and playing flute in the St. Joseph Municipal Band during the summer months. Sometimes I play my flute at church and have done some occasional freelance work. I have accumulated many graduate hours in education and have participated in many professional development workshops that have included Asperger’s and autism to behavior management and teaching spelling, reading, and writing.
Even though I do not get to do much of it, I love to travel. I also enjoy a variety of other things such as knitting, sewing, baking, and reading.
I am a native of Southwestern Michigan and have not been able to imagine living anywhere else except for Michigan’s Great Southwest.
I tend to be a night owl, so hearing from me during the evening hours will probably be the norm.
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
denall.miller@nilesschools.org
CONTACT DENALL FOR: All questions about the classes she "teacher mentors." / All questions from her homeroom students / Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
After graduating from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree that included a major in music with an elementary education minor, I taught elementary music and physical education in a public school for 7 years. I resigned from my teaching position to stay home with my own children and had no idea that I would eventually embark on the homeschooling journey.
My background not only includes full time public education and homeschooling, but also teaching At-Risk summer school, teaching private flute and piano lessons, substitute teaching in area public schools, and playing flute in the St. Joseph Municipal Band during the summer months. Sometimes I play my flute at church and have done some occasional freelance work. I have accumulated many graduate hours in education and have participated in many professional development workshops that have included Asperger’s and autism to behavior management and teaching spelling, reading, and writing.
Even though I do not get to do much of it, I love to travel. I also enjoy a variety of other things such as knitting, sewing, baking, and reading.
I am a native of Southwestern Michigan and have not been able to imagine living anywhere else except for Michigan’s Great Southwest.
I tend to be a night owl, so hearing from me during the evening hours will probably be the norm.
Josh Rinehart
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
josh.rinehart@nilesschools.org
CONTACT JOSH FOR: All questions about the classes he "teacher mentors." / All questions from his homeroom students / Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
Bachelors of Science / K-12 Certification in Physical Education
I am a lifetime resident of Southwest Michigan. I graduated from Edwardsburg High School and earned my BA at Western Michigan University. I am married with three kids; Jaxon 8, Ellie 2 and Kellen 1. As a family we enjoy traveling with Ocracoke Island and Disney World as our favorite destinations. In the summer we like to kayak and BBQ and spend as much time outside as possible. I have had several teaching assignments over the years I have taught a careers class at Ross Beatty High School in Cassopolis, worked with WAY in Niles and currently teach 7-12 Physical Education at Brandywine Jr/Sr high. My first teaching job was as an Elementary Physical Education teacher in Avondale, AZ. Along with teaching I have coached several sports at the youth and varsity levels. I am currently coaching my sons youth baseball team and look forward to watching his development as a player.
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
josh.rinehart@nilesschools.org
CONTACT JOSH FOR: All questions about the classes he "teacher mentors." / All questions from his homeroom students / Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
Bachelors of Science / K-12 Certification in Physical Education
I am a lifetime resident of Southwest Michigan. I graduated from Edwardsburg High School and earned my BA at Western Michigan University. I am married with three kids; Jaxon 8, Ellie 2 and Kellen 1. As a family we enjoy traveling with Ocracoke Island and Disney World as our favorite destinations. In the summer we like to kayak and BBQ and spend as much time outside as possible. I have had several teaching assignments over the years I have taught a careers class at Ross Beatty High School in Cassopolis, worked with WAY in Niles and currently teach 7-12 Physical Education at Brandywine Jr/Sr high. My first teaching job was as an Elementary Physical Education teacher in Avondale, AZ. Along with teaching I have coached several sports at the youth and varsity levels. I am currently coaching my sons youth baseball team and look forward to watching his development as a player.
Jason Woodard
Jason Woodard
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
jason.woodard@nilesschools.org
CONTACT JASON FOR: All questions about the classes he "teacher mentors." / All questions from his homeroom students / Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
Hello, my name is Jason and I have a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Northern Illinois University and my Health Education certification from Grand Valley State University. I have studied Special Education at the University of Wisconsin and am currently finishing my Master’s in Special Education at Northern Michigan University. I have taught K-12 Physical Education and Health in the Dominican Republic, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and in Kentwood, MI. I have two daughters who are home schooled and I love all things sports and being outdoors. I have coached Basketball, Soccer, Cross-Country and Track at the High School level and am a certified FAA drone pilot. I love taking photos of nature and sharing them on Instagram. One fun fact is that I grew up on Mackinac Island and my class had 8 students! We flew in small airplanes to basketball games in the winter and took some of our courses live on interactive TV where our teachers were teaching from all over Michigan. It was like Facetime or Skype live with a video camera and a TV. The Dominican Republic has the best beaches; Costa Rica is my favorite place to visit; Italy has the best food, and Guatemala had the best coffee!
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
jason.woodard@nilesschools.org
CONTACT JASON FOR: All questions about the classes he "teacher mentors." / All questions from his homeroom students / Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
Hello, my name is Jason and I have a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Northern Illinois University and my Health Education certification from Grand Valley State University. I have studied Special Education at the University of Wisconsin and am currently finishing my Master’s in Special Education at Northern Michigan University. I have taught K-12 Physical Education and Health in the Dominican Republic, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and in Kentwood, MI. I have two daughters who are home schooled and I love all things sports and being outdoors. I have coached Basketball, Soccer, Cross-Country and Track at the High School level and am a certified FAA drone pilot. I love taking photos of nature and sharing them on Instagram. One fun fact is that I grew up on Mackinac Island and my class had 8 students! We flew in small airplanes to basketball games in the winter and took some of our courses live on interactive TV where our teachers were teaching from all over Michigan. It was like Facetime or Skype live with a video camera and a TV. The Dominican Republic has the best beaches; Costa Rica is my favorite place to visit; Italy has the best food, and Guatemala had the best coffee!
SUPPORT STAFF
Cordelia Tomasino
Homeschool Liaison/Technical Support - Thumb region/Registrar
cordelia.tomasino@nilesschools.org
Home - (989) 673-4355
CONTACT CORDELIA FOR: All questions regarding any step of the Partnership registration process / All account problems with GoSignMeUp / Any changes of information or changes in enrollment status / Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
The best part about home-schooling for the past 15 years has been the ability to follow my children’s and my own curiosity to new learning adventures. The early years did focus on making sure the foundations of reading, writing, and math were in place, but we also climbed mountains, raised caterpillars and other critters, read hundreds of books, filled the walls with artwork, kept the kitchen counters messy with science experiments, and made music together. As my children are entering adulthood and following their individual passions and pathways, I can see clearly now that those early years of togetherness were weaving the strands that now bind the tapestry of our family together—our “common core.” By joining the Niles Home School Partnership team, I hope to encourage other families on their educational journeys, and to strengthen our community through broadening learning opportunities and creating greater educational opportunities for children and their families.
My educational journey includes earning a B.S. in Biology from UM-Ann Arbor and a Ph.D. in Organismal Biology & Anatomy from The University of Chicago. I had the privilege of 17 years of indulging my passions researching questions of cancer biology, reproductive biology & behavior, and endocrine physiology prior to my home school journey.
Homeschool Liaison/Technical Support - Thumb region/Registrar
cordelia.tomasino@nilesschools.org
Home - (989) 673-4355
CONTACT CORDELIA FOR: All questions regarding any step of the Partnership registration process / All account problems with GoSignMeUp / Any changes of information or changes in enrollment status / Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
The best part about home-schooling for the past 15 years has been the ability to follow my children’s and my own curiosity to new learning adventures. The early years did focus on making sure the foundations of reading, writing, and math were in place, but we also climbed mountains, raised caterpillars and other critters, read hundreds of books, filled the walls with artwork, kept the kitchen counters messy with science experiments, and made music together. As my children are entering adulthood and following their individual passions and pathways, I can see clearly now that those early years of togetherness were weaving the strands that now bind the tapestry of our family together—our “common core.” By joining the Niles Home School Partnership team, I hope to encourage other families on their educational journeys, and to strengthen our community through broadening learning opportunities and creating greater educational opportunities for children and their families.
My educational journey includes earning a B.S. in Biology from UM-Ann Arbor and a Ph.D. in Organismal Biology & Anatomy from The University of Chicago. I had the privilege of 17 years of indulging my passions researching questions of cancer biology, reproductive biology & behavior, and endocrine physiology prior to my home school journey.
Heather Krenk
Heather Krenk
Homeschool Liaison/Technical Support - Southwest Michigan area/Community Expert Liaison
heather.krenk@nilesschools.org
Cell - (269) 587-0154
CONTACT HEATHER FOR: All questions regarding her Art & Technology Exploration trips / All questions regarding the website / Questions regarding Community Experts / Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
I earned my bachelor of science degree from Western Michigan University majoring in criminal justice and sociology. After working as a counselor and program manager in the field of community corrections for a decade, I left full-time employment to raise my family. My husband and I have 5 children, all of whom have been home-schooled, generally during middle and high school. During my time at home I have owned and operated two business, volunteered for myriad organizations, and wrote four books. Currently, I have my hands full home-schooling our two children who are still at home, supporting two children at university, supporting one daughter on an 18 month church mission in Ukraine, and continuing my volunteer work.
Homeschool Liaison/Technical Support - Southwest Michigan area/Community Expert Liaison
heather.krenk@nilesschools.org
Cell - (269) 587-0154
CONTACT HEATHER FOR: All questions regarding her Art & Technology Exploration trips / All questions regarding the website / Questions regarding Community Experts / Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
I earned my bachelor of science degree from Western Michigan University majoring in criminal justice and sociology. After working as a counselor and program manager in the field of community corrections for a decade, I left full-time employment to raise my family. My husband and I have 5 children, all of whom have been home-schooled, generally during middle and high school. During my time at home I have owned and operated two business, volunteered for myriad organizations, and wrote four books. Currently, I have my hands full home-schooling our two children who are still at home, supporting two children at university, supporting one daughter on an 18 month church mission in Ukraine, and continuing my volunteer work.
Amy Otto
Technical Support - Grand Rapids Area/ Mentor
amy.otto@nilesschools.org
CONTACT AMY FOR: Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
I am a Michigan native who left the mitten state to attend the University of Arizona, and stayed out West for 15 years. My husband, two kids, and I moved back to Michigan about four years ago. We started our home school journey last year. Being newer to homeschooling, I know it can be overwhelming. I really enjoy helping families navigate the partnership so they can maximize their experience. I am in the Grand Rapids area and am more than happy to talk over the phone, or meet in person to help any way I can.
Technical Support - Grand Rapids Area/ Mentor
amy.otto@nilesschools.org
CONTACT AMY FOR: Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
I am a Michigan native who left the mitten state to attend the University of Arizona, and stayed out West for 15 years. My husband, two kids, and I moved back to Michigan about four years ago. We started our home school journey last year. Being newer to homeschooling, I know it can be overwhelming. I really enjoy helping families navigate the partnership so they can maximize their experience. I am in the Grand Rapids area and am more than happy to talk over the phone, or meet in person to help any way I can.
Amber Salo
Amber Salo
Technical Support - Kalamazoo area/ Mentor
amber.salo@nilesschools.org
CONTACT AMBER FOR: Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
I have the unique privilege of growing up in Niles, being a Niles High School graduate, marrying a Niles High School graduate, working for the Niles Homeschool Partnership and having my children be part-time students of Niles through the Partnership. It is an honor to work alongside Niles as we continue to strive to build a diverse and beautiful community of learners and life-changers that span the state. I am also a Western Michigan University Alum with a Bachelor’s Degree that includes minors in Mathematics and Science, Integrated Arts and Early Childhood. I spent many years working with preschool students upon high school graduation and after college, spent nearly ten years teaching at-risk students in Kalamazoo, MI and Elkhart, Indiana before relocating back to Michigan where I became blessed with the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom and embarked on the homeschooling journey with our three young girls.
Homeschooling is something that I honestly had never fathomed doing but am so extremely thankful for as I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing our children thrive and experience the thrill of learning and building memories together that will surely be cherished for a lifetime. It is my desire to help other homeschooling families experience the blessings that come from the adventurous, and sometimes challenging, but always rewarding journey we call homeschooling as well as link them to the vast array of opportunities available to students through the Niles Homeschool Partnership to enrich their learning experience.
I absolutely love the outdoors, listening to music, and working on projects around the house. Bike rides, camping, exploring new places, and taking walks are all family favorites as well as vacationing in the Smoky Mountains in North Carolina or visiting the U.P.
Aaron Schutte
IT - Technical Support/Mentor
aaron.schutte@nilesschools.org
CONTACT AARON FOR: Password Reset / Online Community Expert Class Signups or Issues / Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
I was blessed to be born and raised in southwest Michigan then homeschooled after the 3rd grade. After school I managed a small businesses, worked as a Congressional intern, then moved to Houston. I spent 10 years at a non-profit coordinating volunteers and doing IT and also got married to a girl from church. A couple years ago we had the opportunity to move back to Michigan with our four little Texans. My wife is starting to homeschool and I know firsthand the tremendous opportunities the partnership brings to families like ours.
IT - Technical Support/Mentor
aaron.schutte@nilesschools.org
CONTACT AARON FOR: Password Reset / Online Community Expert Class Signups or Issues / Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
I was blessed to be born and raised in southwest Michigan then homeschooled after the 3rd grade. After school I managed a small businesses, worked as a Congressional intern, then moved to Houston. I spent 10 years at a non-profit coordinating volunteers and doing IT and also got married to a girl from church. A couple years ago we had the opportunity to move back to Michigan with our four little Texans. My wife is starting to homeschool and I know firsthand the tremendous opportunities the partnership brings to families like ours.
Melinda Thompson
Accounts Payable/Facebook coordinator
melinda.thompson@nilesschools.org
CONTACT MELINDA FOR: Accounts payable (including reimbursements)
Accounts Payable/Facebook coordinator
melinda.thompson@nilesschools.org
CONTACT MELINDA FOR: Accounts payable (including reimbursements)
PARTNERSHIP INFORMATION
The Partnership Office is located on the 1st floor of Westside School (Administration Offices)
located at 111 Spruce Street, Niles, MI 49120
FAX: (269) 684-6337
It is the first office on the right as you turn the corner to proceed down the long hallway.
Office hours:
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
These are general office hours, you may want to contact us before you come as we may be in a meeting
or on a visit with a Partner. Please feel free to make an appointment.
Gail is able to meet with you in your home, at a coffee shop, the library or at the office.
located at 111 Spruce Street, Niles, MI 49120
FAX: (269) 684-6337
It is the first office on the right as you turn the corner to proceed down the long hallway.
Office hours:
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
These are general office hours, you may want to contact us before you come as we may be in a meeting
or on a visit with a Partner. Please feel free to make an appointment.
Gail is able to meet with you in your home, at a coffee shop, the library or at the office.