School Counselors
Rockford Public Schools employs school counselors for students in 6th-12th grade. School counselors support students in their emotional, academic, and social development. They help students identify their abilities, capacities, and interests. This multifunctional role includes career and college readiness, academic outreach, supporting mental health, and working with families to create a bridge between school and home. Each student is assigned a counselor based on last name.
Rockford High School 10-12
Kara Dixon
Credentials: B.S. in Secondary Education,6-12 Integrated Science & Biology; M.A. in School Counseling, K-12
Years of Experience: 10th year in Rockford (4 years as a science teacher, 6 as a School Counselor)
About Me: I am originally from the Traverse City area. I have two daughters. I spend my summers camping, hiking and boating around Torch Lake.
Email: kdixon@rockfordschools.org
Location: Rockford High School 10-12
Phone: 616-863-6030
Rachel Kreuze
Credentials: B.S. in Elementary Education, Endorsement Special Education, Calvin College; M.A. in School Counseling, K-12, Western Michigan University.
Years of Experience: I've been in Rockford 20 years. Prior to becoming a school counselor, I taught 2nd grade with inclusion for three years.
About Me: I grew up on the west side of Grand Rapids with eight siblings. In my free time I love spending time with my husband and our boys (2 humans and Gunner), cooking, reading, gardening and boating up north.
Email: rkreuze@rockfordschools.org
Location: Rockford High School 10-12
Phone: 616-863-6030
Kasey Sauder
Credentials: B.S. in Secondary Education,6-12 Math and Integrated Science; M.A. in School Counseling, K-12
Years of Experience: 7th year in Rockford, 13th year in Education (4 years as a math teacher, 2 years as a school counselor in the Lansing area)
About Me: I am from the thumb of Michigan originally and attended Central Michigan University for both my bachelors and masters degree (Fire Up!). In the summer I’m more of a pool person.
Email: ksauder@rockfordschools.org
Location: Rockford High School 10-12
Phone: 616-863-6030
Jonathan Taylor
Credentials: B.S. in Secondary Education, 6-12 History & Political Science; M.A. in School Counseling, K-12
Years of Experience: 18th year in Rockford (13 years as a School Counselor, 5 years as a History Teacher)
About Me: I am a history buff who enjoys running, softball, and traveling. You can often find me spending my summers on Lake Bella Vista.
Email: jtaylor@rockfordschools.org
Location: Rockford High School 10-12
Phone: 616-863-6030
Sarah Young
Credentials: B.A. in Psychology, University of Michigan; M.A. in School Counseling, Western Michigan University, K-12; Licensed LPC
Years of Experience: 26 years at Rockford High School (24 as a school counselor and two years as an English teacher).
About Me: I grew up in the southwest corner of Michigan but have lived in Rockford since 1997. I have three children and stay busy with their sports and activities. We love all things U of M. Go Blue!
Email: syoung@rockfordschools.org
Location: Rockford High School 10-12
Phone: 616-863-6030
Freshman Center
Jen Lutz
Credentials: B.A.. in Elementary Education,K-8 from University of Michigan; M.A. in School Counseling from Georgia State University
Years of Experience: 10th year in Rockford (24th year as a School Counselor; 4 years teaching 6th grade)
About Me: I am originally from Grand Rapids, but have lived in Georgia and Arizona and traveled around the world. I spend most of my time with my 2 kids, and enjoy running, yoga, hiking, the beach and anywhere there is sunshine!
Email: jlutz@rockfordschools.org
Location: Rockford Freshman Center
Phone: 616-863-6350
Riley Legge
Credentials: B.A. In Psychology and Counseling; M.A. in School Counseling
Years of experience: This is my 2nd year at Rockford!
About me: I am originally from Midland, Michigan, but I spent the last 6 years in Indiana getting my education. In my spare time, I love running, reading, and spending time with my friends and family.
Email: rlegge@rockfordschools.org
Location: Rockford Freshman Center
Phone: (616) 863-6350
East Rockford Middle School
Erin Barbeau
Credentials: B.S. in Elementary Education,K-8 language arts & history; M.A. in School Counseling, K-12
Years of Experience: 21 years in Rockford (7 years as a teacher, 14 as a School Counselor)
About Me: I enjoy camping, boating, reading, and spending time with my favorite people.
Email: ebarbeau@rockfordschools.org
Location: East Rockford Middle School
Phone: 616-863-6140
Scott Haggadone
Credentials: Masters in Counseling Education-School Counseling
Years of Experience: 13
About Me: Originally from the east side of the state, I moved to West Michigan in 2017 with my wife to start the next chapter of our lives. We have two amazing little boys aged 4 and 2 and we currently reside in Rockford, Michigan. I received my undergraduate from Michigan State University in Psychology and my masters in Counseling Education-School Counseling from Western Michigan University. I am an avid sports fan and a big promoter of self-care through physical fitness and mindfulness. This will be my second school year at Rockford Public Schools.
Email: shaggadone@rockfordschools.org
Location: East Rockford Middle School
Phone: 616-863-6140
North Rockford Middle School
Karla Koops-Fiske
Credentials: B.A in Secondary Education 6-12, Hope College; MA in School Counseling K-12, Western Michigan University.
Years of Experience: 1 year in Chicago at MPA as School Counselor, 7 years at GRCH as School Counselor, 5th year in Rockford as a School Counselor.
About Me: I’m from Byron Center, Michigan where my husband Paul and I raised three children. Our two daughters live and work out of state and our son is at MSU. I love being outdoors riding my horse, hiking, swimming, gardening and skiing. I grew up in Holland, Michigan and enjoy summers on Lake Michigan.
Email: kkoopsfikse@rockfordschools.org
Location: North Rockford Middle School
Phone: 616-863-6300
Angie Hughes
Credentials: B.A. in Secondary Education, 6-12 English and History, Cornerstone University;
M.A. in School Counseling, Western Michigan University, K-12
Years of Experience: 26 years in Rockford Public Schools (Eight years as a NRMS school counselor and 17 years at ERMS as an English and History teacher)
About Me: I am originally from the Lansing area, and I have lived in West Michigan since 1995. I have three daughters and stay busy with their sports and activities. I am also the handler for Chillie, the NRMS school counseling dog.
Email: aohlman@rockfordschools.org
Location: North Rockford Middle School
Phone: 616-863-6300
Mental Health Liaison
Mental Health Liaison is a unique position in our district. We are lucky to have two; one serving the elementary level and one serving the secondary level. Our Mental Health Liaisons offer assistance in times of crisis, referrals to outside agencies, and partner with the student's team to provide a network of support in the educational setting.
Colton Cnossen
Credentials: Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Social Work from Ferris State University.
Years of Experience: Three years of clinical experience through Cherry Health and Emergency Department Social Work Services. Six years as a School Mental Health Liaison through Kent ISD and now Rockford Schools. Extensive knowledge of local mental health resources and agencies.
About Me: I am born and raised in West Michigan. I’m a strong promoter of self-care. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my wife, son and dog. My passions are snowboarding, hiking, traveling, wildlife photography, and being outdoors.
Email: ccnossen@rockfordschools.org
Location: K-5 buildings
Phone: 616-863-6342
David Jangda
Credentials: MA in Psych from WMU, BA in Psych and Business from GVSU, and research and doctoral level assessment classes at the University of Michigan
Experience: Over 16 years of clinical experience at Pine Rest in Locked residential, unlocked residential, inpatient, and outpatient services. Worked with Kent County juvenile courts with local diversion programs and did outreach work within with Michigan Department of Corrections. I have also worked within school districts the past 15 years as a mental health liaison at GRPS, FHPS, and now in Rockford.
Personal: I love sports, working out, and hanging out with my own children. I also love being outdoors, being at the lake, and fishing with my friends.
Email: djangda@rockfordschools.org
Location: 6-12
Phone: 616-863-6030
Social Workers
Social workers foster student's social and emotional well-being to help them be successful in and out of the classroom. They provide critical support in a wide range of areas from social skills to learning strategies to crisis management. Our school social workers are trained mental health practitioners who are licensed and hold master's degrees. RPS has social workers in each building.
Holly Jones
Credentials: LMSW
Years of Experience: 10
About Me: I grew up in Rockford and graduated from Rockford Public Schools. I have my Masters in Social work from Grand Valley State University. Working with students and watching them grow in their social/emotional abilities is one of my favorite aspects of my job. I currently live in Rockford with my Husband and three sons. Being with my family and being outside is what brings me joy!
Email: hjones@rockfordschools.org
Location: Rockford Freshman Center
Phone: 616-863-6350
Kate Miller
Credentials: LMSW
Years of Experience: 19
About Me: I graduated from Calvin with a BA in psychology, and from GVSU with my Masters in Social Work. This is my 13th year working for Rockford Public Schools. I am married, have 3 children, and 1 dog. In my spare time I enjoy reading, cooking, being outdoors, and spending time with my friends and family. I am passionate about helping others learn how physical exercise and cognitive coping strategies, such as mindfulness and relaxation can relieve stress and improve overall health.
Email: kmiller@rockfordschools.org
Location: Rockford High School 10-12
Phone: 616-863-6030
Katie Gardner
Credentials: LMSW
Years of Experience: I have 4 years of experience as a School Social Worker. The past 3 years have been in Greenville at Baldwin Heights Elementary School. Previously, I worked for 2 years at University of Michigan Health-West as a Medical Social Worker in the Childbirth Center. I also worked in the Emergency Department and throughout the entire hospital as a float. I spent one year providing families with housing and family resources at Kent County Community Action.
About Me: I am originally from Southern California. I grew up in the Mohave Desert and then lived in the San Bernardino Mountains. I received my bachelor's and master’s degrees in social work from Grand Valley State University. I am married with 4 wonderful girls. My daughter currently attends Lakes Elementary. In my free time or during summer break, we love being outside and going to Lake Michigan. We love to hike, travel, and explore all the wonderful places Michigan has to offer. We love being a part of the Rockford Community.
Email: kgardner2@rockfordschools.org
Location: Valley View Elementary
Phone: 616-863-6366
Abby Kaminski
Credentials: LLMSW
Years of Experience: 5
About Me: I am entering my 6th year as a School Social Worker and I truly enjoy every aspect of this career. Fostering strong relationships with my students is at the core of my practice, and getting to see them grow and improve every day is my favorite part of what I do. I grew up in Walker and I currently live in Wyoming with my husband and nine-month-old twin girls. We are animal lovers and have two dogs and two cats, as well! Family is very important to us. In the summer you can find us spending ample time with them on Hardy Pond, while in the fall you will likely find us in Ann Arbor most Saturdays, cheering on our Wolverines at the Big House. Go blue!
Email: akaminski@rockfordschools.org
Location: Belmont Elementary
Phone: 616-863-6362
Liz Nasser
Credentials: LCSW
Years of Experience: 11
About Me: My name is Mrs. Nasser and I am the social worker at NRMS. My role is to support your student socially, behaviorally, and academically as they navigate middle school! I have worked at NRMS since 2020. I have been a social worker since 2014. I have two pugs and a flock of chickens.
Email: enasser@rockfordschools.org
Location: North Rockford Middle Schools
Phone: 863-6300
Katie Remtema
Credentials: Bachelors of Science in Community Health Education from Central Michigan University. Masters of Social Work from Michigan State University. LMSW
Years of Experience: 5 years of experience in community education at Michigan State University Extension, field placement experience in Grand Rapids Public, and 5 years of experience in School Social Work in Rockford
About Me: My husband and I live in Rockford with our two year old son. I love to watch football, read, go hiking and visit the Upper Peninsula. I am the handler for our counseling dog, Phoenix
Email: kremtema@rockfordschools.org
Location: Lakes Elementary
Phone: 616-863-6340
Ann Macdhubhain (Mac Gwan)
Credentials: LMSW
Years of experience: Third year at Rockford Public schools, 9 years as a school social worker, and 25 years in education.
About me: A West Michigan native and Michigan State University alumna with a master's in social work. Guiding students to success is a driving passion, especially in tasks once thought impossible. A Rockford resident, enjoys cycling the White Pine Trail and spending time with family.
Email: amacdhubhain@rockfordschools.org
Location: River Valley Academy and additional locations as needed.
Phone: 616-863-6324
Roxanna Osburn
Credentials: Bachelors of Psychology, Western Michigan University; Bachelor's of Social Work, Western Michigan University;, Master of Social Worker, Grand Valley State University
Years of Experience: 145years as a School Social Worker, 2.5 years in home-based case management with a focus on children, families and maternal/infant health.
About Me: I am originally from SE Michigan but have been living in the Grand Rapids area since 2010. This is my 4th year with Rockford Public Schools, and 2nd year as primary handler and host home for Winston, RPS's 6th Counseling Dog. I love spending time with my family, sharing my school home with my daughters and seeing friends, near and far. I enjoy movies, music, reading, sewing and crafting.
Email: rosburn@rockfordschools.org
Location: Cannonsburg Elementary and Edgerton Elementary
Phone: 616-863-6344
Amanda Petrovich
Credentials: LLMSW
Years of Experience: 5
About Me: I live in Grand Rapids with my son and huge German Shepherd Sila. I love working with kids and being in the school environment.
Email: apetrovich@rockfordschools.org
Location: Meadow Ridge Elementary and Parkside Elementary
Phone: 616-863-6360
Kendra Weidenfeller
Credentials: LMSW, MPA
Years of Experience: 7 years experience as a School Social Worker, 6 of which are with Rockford Public Schools. Also my 1st year supporting the K-5 ASD program. I have prior experience working in foster care, behavioral intervention in the school system, crisis intervention for Arbor Circle, and clinical social work in a private practice and hospital setting as well.
About Me: I am a graduate from GVSU with a BSW (Bachelor of Social Work), MSW (Master of Social Work), and MPA (Master of Public Administration). I am also the handler of Hopper (Meadow Ridge's counseling dog) where we are working on improving the social emotional needs of our staff and students throughout the year. I live in Rockford with my 3 kids who also attend Rockford in their Spanish Immersion program. In our free time, we love to get outside to be active, give back to our community, and exploring new things our community has to offer.
Email: kweidenfeller@rockfordschools.org
Location: Meadow Ridge Elementary
Phone: 616-863-6342
Rebekah Chino
Credentials: LLMSW
Years of Experience: 2nd year in Rockford
About Me: I have lived all over the United States, but Michigan has truly felt like home. My family has been a part of Rockford Public Schools for many years—six of my children have attended RPS, and five of them were part of the Spanish Immersion program. I am passionate about the power of education to change lives and love working with Rockford students as they strive to reach their goals. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outdoors with family and friends, whether it’s walking, biking, or kayaking.
Email: rchino@rockfordpublicschools.org
Location: Roguewood Elementary
Phone: 616-863-6374
Julie Hatley
Years of Experience: 2nd year in Rockford
Email: jhatley@rockfordschools.org
Location: East Rockford Middle School
Phone: 616-863-6140
School Psychologists
School psychologists provide in-depth specialized services, identifying, addressing, and assisting children with learning or behavioral needs. A primary focus of their job is testing and assessing those who may qualify for special services as well as those students already receiving special services. School psychologists collaborate with staff, student, and family to address a student's needs and challenges in the learning environment.
Jennifer Fike
Credentials: Ed.S.
Years of Experience: 25
About Me:.While originally from the great state of Kentucky, I have lived and worked in Rockford for 22 years. We have two daughters that are Rockford graduates and I enjoy spending as much time with them as they will tolerate. Some of my favorite professional years were spent in the Special Education Early Childhood program, as well as my current assignments in our elementary programs for students with Autism and Cognitive Impairments. You can usually find me drinking coffee, connecting with friends and family, reading, following a variety of sports, or planning a new adventure.
Email: jfike@rockfordschools.org
Location: Multiple Buildings
Phone: 616-863-6348
Heather Slater
Credentials: M.A., Psy.S., ABSNP
Diplomate American Board of School Neuropsychology
Years of Experience: 29
About Me: I am originally from Ann Arbor. I’ve attended Purdue University, University of Michigan, Cleveland State University, and Kent State University. I maintain a credential through the American Board of School Neuropsychology. I began my career in Cleveland Public Schools and then came to Rockford Public Schools. I have worked at all grade levels in my career and enjoy them all a great deal. I have two grown children and enjoy traveling. I do not drink coffee. I do enjoy tea and a good martini. I love to cook and renovate historic homes.
Email: hslater@rockfordschools.org
Location: Multiple Buildings
Phone: 616-863-6348
Miya Gorter
Credentials: School Psychologist, EdS
Years of Experience: 5
About Me: I am from Traverse City, MI. I earned my bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and my master's and educational specialist's degrees from Ohio State University. My favorite part of my job is helping students gain confidence in themselves and helping them see their strengths! Outside of work, I love running, singing, reading, and spending time with my dog, Rory!
Email: mgorter@rockfordschools.org
Locations: Belmont Elementary and Edgerton Trails Elementary
Phone: Belmont- 616-863-6363 ex 4540 Edgerton Trails- 616-326-1030 ex 7015
Teacher Consultant
Our teacher consultants work side-by-side with our school psychologists to assist in special education evaluations. They assist at BCT and CAT meetings to address student learning and behavioral needs. They also work on Tier II and Tier III intervention implementation.
Holly Lewakowski
Credentials: M. Ed
Years of Experience: This is my third year in Rockford and my 23rd year in education with 19 of those years in Kentwood Public Schools. I have had experience as a mild cognitive impaired teacher in middle school, an elementary resource room teacher, an instructional coach and now as a special education evaluation teacher consultant.
About Me: I live in Rockford with my husband, our 2 daughters, one who is in 7th grade at East Rockford Middle and one who is in 10th grade at the high school, and our dogs, Teddi and Rubi. Most of my time outside of work is spent with my family watching our oldest run cross country and track and our youngest compete in gymnastics or carting them around to their various activities. However, I also enjoy traveling, exercising, reading, shopping, and spending time with friends.
Email: hlewakowski@rockfordschools.org
Location: Valley View and East Rockord
Phone: 616-863-6366, ext. 6737 and 616-863-6140
Behavior Coach
Our behavior coachdevelops and implements strategies to support students with behavioral or emotional needs. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to create a positive and productive school climate ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed academically and socially.
Morgan Blankenhagen
Credentials: MA, LBA, BCBA
Years of experience: 7 years of clinical experience providing ABA services in home and center-based settings. I have been a board-certified behavior analyst for 4 years. This is my 3rd year in Rockford schools.
About me: I graduated from Calvin College with a B.A. In psychology. I fell in love with the field of behavior science after working with kids at a center for autism. I then obtained my master's degree in applied behavior analysis and became a BCBA. I provided home-based therapy for 2 years before I joined Rockford schools as a behavior coach. In my free time my husband and I love to go boating and explore northern Michigan.
Email: mblankenhagen@rockfordschools.org
Location: Roguewood Elementary
Phone: 616-863-6342
Director of Special Programs
Special programs cover a wide range of areas including English Learners, McKinney-Vento, Homebound, Foster Care, and Section 504. It also includes planning and implementation of district mental health programming, social-emotional learning, and MTSS Behavior.
Larinda Fase
Credentials: B.A. in Education, Aquinas College, Certified K-12 Reading Specialist, M.Ed in Elementary Education, M. Ed in Educational Leadership K-12, Western Michigan University
Years of Experience: 31
About Me: Currently a Rockford resident, I grew up in the Grand Rapids area. My husband and I love spending time with our 4 sons which keeps us busy. I enjoy running, sports, outdoor activities (even the winter ones), cooking, reading, and concerts. Throughout my years in education, I have worked with a wide range of students from preschool to high school. I love that Special Programs allows me to assist district-wide with all the children and staff.
Email: lfase@rockfordschools.org
Location: Rockford Special Services, Courtland Street, Rockford, MI, USA
Phone: 616-863-6414
