Myles Watson, BA

Teacher/Counselor, Ceeley Cottage

Contact Myles Watson at watsonm@starr.org

Myles’ goal is to help young people become successful citizens. “Using academics, I strive to incline my students' thoughts, in a happy and calm temper, toward those things that are noble and of moral excellence.”

Myles is a graduate of Spring Arbor University with a bachelor’s degree and is highly qualified to teach English and history at the secondary level. He began his career with Montcalm in June of 2010.

Myles enjoys reading, playing soccer and spending time with his wife. 

Aaron Grenier, BA

Teacher/Counselor, Structured Transitional Living

Contact Aaron Grenier at greniera@starr.org

Aaron’s passion for reading and learning is reaffirmed through his teaching experiences. Through teaching, he feels he has been given so many more opportunities to build meaningful relationships, providing guidance and direction.

He is a 2010 graduate of Spring Arbor University with a bachelor’s degree and is highly qualified to teach in the area of social studies. Aaron began his career with Montcalm School in September 2010.

Aaron lives in Stockbridge, Michigan.

Sara Baum, BA

Teacher/Counselor, Kutsche Cottage

Contact Sara Baum at baums@starr.org

Sara enjoys seeing the progress that her students make. “Each student brings their own set of struggles with them when they arrive. It’s so rewarding to watch them mature into young adults while they are here.”

She is a 2009 graduate of Albion College with a bachelor’s degree and is highly qualified to teach K-8 self-contained classrooms, with endorsements in K-12 physical education and health.  She began her career with Montcalm School in November 2010. 

Sara enjoys golfing, playing softball, baking, reading and spending time with her family and two dogs. She also likes to hunt and fish.  

Abbey Smith, BA

Teacher/Counselor, Newton Cottage

Contact Abbey Smith at smithal@starr.org

Abbey has always had a passion for teaching, reaffirming this passion with every new teaching experience. Through teaching, she feels she has been given so many more opportunities to build meaningful relationships, providing guidance and direction.

She is a 2009 graduate of Spring Arbor University with a bachelor’s degree and is highly qualified in the areas of mathematics and chemistry. She began her career with Montcalm in June 2010.  

She has lived in Jackson, Michigan, her entire life and loves this area. Outside of the classroom, Abbey is the mother of a young daughter who keeps her very busy. She also has a passion for scrapbooking, reading, watching movies and listening to music. 

Marley Knakal, BA

Teacher/Counselor, Wilcox Cottage

Contact Marley Knakal at knakalma@starr.org

Marley enjoys teaching and strives to be a positive influence on her students, in school and out. She loves seeing her students make progress in their academics and life choices.

Marley began her career with Montcalm in March 2011.  She is a 2007 graduate of Rochester College with a bachelor’s degree and is highly qualified in the areas of mathematics and history. Before teaching at Montcalm, she taught two years in the Battle Creek Public Schools.

She grew up in Clarkston, Michigan, and currently resides in Coldwater, Michigan. Marley likes to spend time with her husband, daughter and dog. She also enjoys reading and running.

Jeffrey Britcher, BA

Teacher/Counselor, Reynolds Cottage

Contact Jeffrey Britcher at britcherj@starr.org

Jeffrey is a passionate teacher who focuses his effort on building healthy relationships with his students and the staff who support him.

Jeffrey began working at Montcalm in July 2011. He is a 2010 graduate of Spring Arbor University where he earned his bachelor’s degree and is highly qualified to teach in the areas of social studies and physical education. Jeff spent time on Spring Arbor’s competitive Model Arab League team from 2010 to 2011 and was an active member of LINK, an AIDS awareness organization. This experience in global issues enhances his unique ability to link classroom curriculum to the lives of his students. 

Jeffrey enjoys fishing, mountain biking, snowboarding, motocross and spending time with family and friends. 

Darren Tanner, BA

Teacher/Counselor, Mendelssohn Cottage

Contact Darren Tanner at tannerd@starr.org

Darren’s goal is to provide meaningful lessons, hands-on experiences and model the love of learning to all students. Ultimately, he desires to see his students enjoy learning and to continue their journey as lifelong learners.

Darren recently graduated from Spring Arbor University where he earned his bachelor’s degree with certifications in learning disabilities. Darren spent time in the Marines and most recently worked as a Youth Specialist in Norton Cottage, working with students from our Outside In program for youth with autism spectrum disorders.  

Darren enjoys playing with his children, playing basketball and tennis and working on his house, which is 130 years old. He also enjoys camping, fishing and hiking.

Nathan Smith, BA

Resource Room Teacher

Contact Nathan Smith at smithn@starr.org

Nathan became interested in assisting those with learning disabilities early in his life as both he and his brother struggled with hearing loss. 

Nathan worked as a teacher at Montcalm School previously, returning as the Resource Room teacher in 2012. He has a bachelor’s degree with certifications in biology and English and an endorsement in learning disabilities.

Nathan enjoys spending time with his two daughters and his nephew whom he has taught how to play tennis. He has also played and taught guitar for many years and uses the mutual appreciation and love of music as a “doorway into students’ worlds.”