Alma Public Schools

My name is Angela Stephens.  I live in St. Louis with my husband Scott and my son Connor (5 yrs old). I also have a step-daughter Brooke and a son-in-law Cody. I like to read, bake and play golf in my spare time.  I am excited to be a Panther!

Sarah was raised in Sanford, and after graduation went to GVSU. There she earned a bachelor's in Integrated Science and a minor in Elementary Education. She then went on to teach in Texas for 9 years before moving back in 2018. She is very excited to be a part of Alma Public Schools. 

Hi! My name is Cheryl Irvin. I am so excited to be working with Alma Public Schools at Luce Rd this year. I have been an educator for over 20 years. I have a passion for helping children realize that they have the ability to do great things. I have a background in reading, behavior, science, and leadership. I am ready to support Alma’s mission of promoting and educating life-long learners in a safe and healthy environment.

My name is Joshua Criner.  I graduated from Michigan State University. I’m in my 16th year of teaching with experience teaching in Florida and Midland, Michigan.  My family recently has moved to Alma and we’re very excited to become a Panther!

Beth Masters is delighted to join the excellent staff at Donald L. Pavlik Middle School in Alma. Beth currently lives in Hemlock, MI. She has two children that are just entering “adulthood”. Her son is a recent graduate of GVSU; her daughter just graduated from Hemlock High School and is heading off to MSU this fall. Beth also has two adult step-children as well as an adorable dog named Fitzgerald that she loves to spoil. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, singing, and playing the flute. She also enjoys watching sporting events and is excited to cheer for her students as they participate in their extracurricular activities.  

Prior to becoming a teacher, Beth studied both Business Management and Marketing. She worked for many years in business management in the industrial distribution sector. After she decided to embark on a new career journey, Beth returned to SVSU to study Education and is now certified to teach both English Language Arts and Social Studies at the secondary level. She performed her teaching residency in her own classroom at Hemlock Middle School before joining the Alma team. Beth is looking forward to being a part of the Panther community. 

Juliana Rowley is a recent graduate of Michigan State University with her BA in Music Education.  She is a passionate choral educator and is a current member of ACDA, MSVMA, and NAFME.  She looks forward to rebuilding and growing the Middle and High School choral programs.

My name is Kendall Vedrode (soon to be Mrs. Trefil).  I will be getting married in August.  I’m an Alma graduate and am so excited to be back as a teacher!  Go Panthers!

Hello!

My name is Stephanie Biscorner and I am proud to say that this will be my 15th year in elementary education.  I have had the pleasure to teach 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade.  I grew up in a small town in southeast Michigan and graduated from CMU.  I am overjoyed to accept this opportunity and become a part of the Alma community!

Jillian Luplow is a former 5th-grade teacher and has spent the last six years in Early Childhood Education.  She has a passion for social-emotional growth and academics and comes from a family of teachers.  Her love for mentoring students also extends to coaching volleyball, and, helping out in the community.  Jillian is excited to make Alma her new home, and impact kindergarteners at Luce Road!

Alina Bodeis is a May 2021 graduate of Central Michigan University.  Originally from Saginaw, Michigan.  She has always had a passion for teaching and knew right away that she would become an educator.  During her time at CMU, Alina has been involved in many organizations, including STEM Education Scholars and Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society.  She has just completed teaching summer school, and is beyond excited to be teaching kindergarten at Luce Road!

Michelle Klingensmith has lived in the Central Michigan area for over 33 years.  She was raised in a farming community in Sunfield, MI.  Michelle and her husband have three adult children.  She enjoys working with young people as they explore and define their life plans.  In her free time, she enjoys sewing and creating one-of-a-kind fabric art.

Scott Hemker comes to APS with 21 years of experience in education.  He taught math and Spanish at St. Louis High School for 14 years before serving as district athletic director and high school Dean of Students for 5 years.  Scott spent the last 2 years as virtual math and Spanish teacher at Link Learning in St. Louis.  Mr. Hemker will be teaching 7th & 8th-grade math this year at DLPMS and is excited to be in the same building with his two sons, Jackson and Tyler.

My name is Meghan Slater.  I am originally from Alma.  Graduated from Alma High School, attended Central Michigan University where I received my bachelor’s in Exercise Science.  I also played volleyball for CMU and now coach JV Volleyball for Alma.  I have three children that all attend Alma and I am very excited to be a part of the community again.

My name is Heather Hutchins.  This year will be my 25th year of teaching and my 7th year teaching preschool.  I have taught in Jackson, Quincy, and most recently, Chippewa Hills.  I am looking forward to teaching preschool again after teaching 3rd grade for the last eight years.  I have missed singing, dancing, and the joy that comes with being a 4-year-old!

Julie Westhaus graduated from Grand Valley State University last summer with a BA in Language Arts.  After taking a year off to home school her 2 young children, she will be teaching her first year at Luce Road Elementary as a first-grade teacher.  Joining her will be her kindergarten and first-grade children.

New to Mid-Michigan, Courtney Clare is excited to join the panther community.  A mother of two, and wife to a member of the Army National Guard.  Courtney loves to stay busy.  She is an avid reader and a life-long learner.  She has a passion for helping others.