Welcome to Linden Middle School! I am so proud to be the principal of Linden Middle School. From the time I was twelve years old, I knew my career would involve working with middle level students.

I graduated from Elk Rapids High School in 1987, and the professional success I have experienced in my life is a direct result of the education I received from Elk Rapids Public Schools. I was the type of kid that followed the rules, was quiet, and had little guidance from home. Looking back at my middle school experience, school was not a means to and end, simply something I had to get through before I could get a job and support myself. However, thanks to the teachers of Elk Rapids Middle School I began to realize that I had gifts, was special and that my future could be whatever I wanted it to be. Through urging from teachers, I paid more attention to my studies, joined the basketball team and became a cheerleader. I now realize how essential the encouragement of middle level educators is for the middle level student.

I went to Adrian College, graduating in 1992 with a major in English and minor in mathematics. My job search led me to teaching positions in Ravenna Middle School and Carman-Ainsworth Middle School. Enjoying my work with my students and the subject area, moving into an administrative position was not an immediate goal of mine.

However, sometimes fate steps in, and we find ourselves in positions we were meant to be, despite our own ideas. In 2000, I was appointed assistant principal for Carman-Ainsworth High School. Working in the high school was a fantastic experience. I really was able to see and understand the importance of the strong connection between the middle school and high school. After five years at Carman-Ainsworth High School, I felt it was time to take what I had learned and return to the middle school, my first love.

In 2005, I came to Linden Middle School. Linden has become my home, and I am constantly thankful for the opportunity I have each day to work with a great community, students and staff. As a staff, we strive to be experts in middle level education. During the time of adolescence, students go through multiple changes, both physically and emotionally. These changes ultimately affect the social lives and academic success of students. Middle level students are struggling to find their niche in the world, battling the desire for independence while still needing support from parents, and are acutely aware of their surroundings. This is an extremely challenging age for educators to teach. We must consistently keep in mind the unique needs of adolescent students as we utilize the most effective instructional and assessment strategies available to ensure the academic success of students. Linden Middle School strives to keep abreast of the latest trends in education, aware of the changing needs of this generation of adolescence, and continually attending conferences and training to maintain the high instructional standards we have established.

Linden Middle School is truly a great place to be! I am proud of all we have to offer the children and families of Linden. I am excited to see what the future holds!