Saint
Basil School Staff
Mr. Kelly Ford, Principal'
kellyford@saintbasilcatholic.org
Mr. Ford has a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from Michigan State University and a Master of Arts in Teaching Degree from the University of Memphis. Currently he is working on a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration from The George Washington University. Prior to arriving at St. Basil, he has served in the Lutheran Volunteer Corps in the Seattle/Tacoma area as an environmental educator and Boys and Girls Club academic director and worked in the youth education department of the Memphis Botanic Garden. In addition to directing St. Basil's intramural athletic program, he also coaches the rowing program at the South Haven Yacht Club.
Mrs. Amy Peterson, Pre-K and Kindergarten
amypeterson@saintbasilcatholic.org
Mrs. Peterson graduated from Western Michigan University with her teaching degree in December of 2003. She majored in elementary education with a specialization in early childhood development, math and science, and social studies. Since graduation Mrs. Peterson has been employed as a preschool teacher with Tri-County Head Start working in Benton Harbor, and as head teacher & director at Hope Preschool in South Haven. Mrs. Peterson is the proud mother of five beautiful children, and her step-daughter has made her a grandmother of a beautiful little girl. One son is a sophomore at Bangor High School and two daughters are students at St. Basil and loving it. Her youngest child is three years old and looking forward to joining the family at St. Basil next fall.
Mrs. Jennifer Cook, First & Second Grade
jennifercook@saintbasilcatholic.org
Mrs. Cook attended Western Michigan University and received a B.S. in Elementary Education this spring. Two internships were in first and second grade classrooms. She plans to pursue her science and math endorsements next year. A Saint Basil alum, she is thrilled to be one of the staff. Parents and students may recognize Mrs. Cook as she volunteered at St. Basil and was our Title 1 Math Tutor for two years. Mrs. Cook is recently married and lives in South Haven with her husband, Brandon. She enjoys reading, golfing, traveling and spending time with family & friends. She believes it is her job, as a teacher, to provide learning experiences that meet the needs and engage each of her students. Mrs. Cook will strive to provide students with a safe and comfortable environment in which to grow, create, and learn to the best of their abilities..
Mrs. Janelle Nienhuis, Third Grade
janellenienhuis@saintbasilcatholic.org
Ms. Nienhuis earned a bachelor's of science in elementary education from Grand Valley State University and plans to pursue her master's degree in reading and language arts starting next year. Ms. Nienhuis is thrilled to be a part of Saint Basil School. She believes that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically and socially.
Mrs. Cecilia Wondergem, Elementary Music and First & Third Grade Religion'
ceciliawondergem@saintbasilcatholic.org
Mrs. Wondergem is delighted to be back in the classroom. Formerly our principal, she will serve St. Basil this year as the Elementary Music Teacher, 1st and 3rd grade religion teacher, and paraprofessional to the 1st/2nd multi-age classroom. Mrs. Wondergem returns as Student Council Advisor, Scholar and Yearbook editor and has plans for an after school Drama Club this year. Mrs. Wondergem has five children including a son who is an 8th grade student at St. Basil. Mrs. Wondergem is the organist and youth choir director at St. Basil Church, and is the new Music/Liturgy Coordinator for the church. In her spare time, Mrs. Wondergem enjoys vacations at Crystal Lake, books, and time with her family.
Mrs. Nancy Kohn, Fourth Grade
nancykohn@sainbasilcatholic.org
Mrs. Kohn is certified in K-8 in all subjects from St. Norbert College in Depere, Wisconsin. Her areas of concentrations included Reading and Teaching Physical Education classes. Mrs. Kohn's teaching philosophy is that every student can learn. Teachers expose students and guide them..."leading them to the water". It is the teacher's responsibility to help the child explore to learn. She also believes in the importance of the basics...reading, writing and arithmetic!
Miss Kayla Nielsen'
kaylanielsen@saintbasilcatholic.org
Miss Nielsen graduated from Western Michigan University this past December. She worked as a substitute in various school around the country and is very excited to begin her first year teaching at St. Basil. Through teaching she hopes to share her passion for knowledge and education with her students. Miss Nielsen believes that all students should be given the opportunity to be the best that they can be.
Mrs. Marie Mielke-Reeves, Middle School Language Arts
mariemielkereeves@saintbasilcatholic.org
Mrs. Mielke-Reeves has earned both her bachelor's of science and her master's degree from Western Michigan University. Mrs. Mielke-Reeves believes in teaching children, not just lessons.
Mrs. Lois Brigham, Middle School Science and Religion
lcbrigham@saintbasilcatholic.org
Mrs. Brigham holds a BA in history and education from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids. Her areas of study were history, sociology and religion. She received her advanced degree from Western Michigan University. In teaching, Mrs. Brigham hopes to create life-long learners who see the stories in history and the faith of the people who created it.
Mrs. Roxanne Rogers, School Secretary
roxannerogers@saintbasilcatholic.org
Mrs. Rogers joined the St. Basil staff in August 2007. Her boundless energy has resulted in the most organized office since St. Basil opened its doors - or at least it feels like it! Mrs. Rogers believes that every school should provide a safe, supportive learning environment and she is looking forward to being part of the St. Basil experience. Mrs. Rogers has two sons at St. Basil, one in sixth grade and the other in third grade.