Robin Bentley - Innocademy Zeeland
Robin was born and raised in West Michigan. She earned her associates degree as an administrative assistant in 1993 and worked for Johnson Controls for many years before moving to Germany with her husband Budd in 1999, returning in 2001. Robin is passionate about kids and fell in LOVE with Innocademy and its staff immediately when her two daughters (Lillian - 10 and Jaylee - 7) began attending the school two years ago. She began her involvement with the school by leading the parent group and organizing the school stewardship activities. Last year, she was brought on as a para-professional, assisting with the needs of Innocademy’s students. Robin is enrolled at the University of Phoenix where she will be earning her degree in elementary education. When she is not focused on growing little minds or her studies, Robin enjoys camping with her family, canoeing and thinking of new ways to challenge herself. Robin can be reached at robin.bentley@innocademy.com.
Kerri Bosch - Innocademy Zeeland
Kerri is very excited and feels very blessed to be teaching at Innocademy for her second year. She has over 5 years of experience substitute teaching in grades K through 6. Kerri’s educational passion is teaching kids to love reading. Kerri has been married to Chris for 20 wonderful years. Together they love going to sporting events to watch their two children, Jake 17, and Katie 14. Kerri also enjoys camping, reading, and shopping. Kerri can be reached at kerri.bosch@innocademy.com
Kendra DeYoung - Innocademy Zeeland and Mexico
Kendra has been in education for 11 years. She received her BA from Central Michigan University in Elementary Education and her MA from Grand Valley State University in Educational Leadership. She LOVES learning, but is especially passionate about nature and the great outdoors. She spends her free time riding her horse, Chance, spending time with Madison (8 years old), Brady (6 years old), her husband, Gail and their family zoo of 2 dogs, 3 cats, and 6 fish. To summarize her Innocademy experiences so far, “more blessed, than good!” Kendra can be reached at kendra.deyoung@innocademy.com.
Gary Fales - Innocademy Zeeland
Gary has been in education for 32 years. He spent 12 of those years teaching and 17 years as an elementary principal for Jenison Public Schools. The 2010/11 school year will be his third at Innocademy as a teacher and co-director. Gary received his BA degree from Western Michigan University and an MA degree from Grand Valley State University. In his spare time, Gary loves to read adventure and mystery books as well as play golf. Gary can be reached at gary.fales@innocademy.com
Kelli Gunn - Innocademy Zeeland
Kelli Gunn returns to Innocademy for the fourth year. Social studies is her passion with an emphasis on stewardship. This marks Kelli’s 16th year in education. She received her BA degree from Aquinas College and her MA degree from Western Michigan University. Prior to Innocademy, Kelli taught 2nd grade as well as 5th and 6th grades. Kelli is married to Scott, a high school principal and together they raise Cameron, a middle friend at Innocademy. Kelli can be reached at kelli.gunn@innocademy.com
Amy Harbison - Innocademy Zeeland
Amy Harbison is excited to join Innocademy as the coordinator for Kids Club. She is a native of
Tawas City, MI and moved over from the east side of Michigan in 2006. Two of her three children are students at Innocademy; Avery, first grade and Ella, kindergarten. Amy holds a BA degree from Northern Michigan University and still heads back to ‘da UP whenever time allows. She enjoys the outdoors, reading, sewing, traveling and spending time with her family. Amy is very excited to be working with your child(ren) this year.
Bob Herman - Innocademy Zeeland
Bob is entering his first year on staff at Innocademy where he has two girls attending school. He most recently completed his Masters degree in Professional Counseling from Cornerstone University, and received his undergraduate degree in Recreation Management from Central Michigan University. Bob’s work experience includes serving as a Youth Sports and Aquatics Director at a YMCA, serving as a Program Director for a year-round camping outreach for needy, at-risk children and youth, serving as a Youth, Family and College Pastor, and serving as a Masters Level Counseling intern at a college university. He also currently serves as an Adjunct Counselor for a Professional Counseling Center in Holland, MI. Bob is happily married for almost 10 years to his wife, Amelia, and feels blessed with 3 girls (Kindra- 7, McKenna- 6, and Stella- 4). He enjoys running, working out, most things outdoors, and most of all quality time with his family. Bob is about as excited as a person could be to have joined the quality team at Innocademy, and looks forward to working with the students. Bob can be reached at bob.herman@innocademy.com
Leisa Lobbezoo - Innocademy Zeeland
Leisa Lobbezoo is excited to begin her 3rd year at Innocademy and her 16th year in education. She received both her BA and MA degrees from Western Michigan University. Leisa’s educational passion is science. In her spare time, she enjoys playing softball, reading and laughing with her family; JD, (a middle school science teacher), Jack (a middle friend at Innocademy) and Anna (a youngest friend at Innocademy). Leisa can be reached at leisa.lobbezoo@innocademy.com
Terry Mitchell - Innocademy Zeeland
Terry has been in education for more than 30 years. She received her BA degree and her MA degree from Grand Valley State University. Terry’s focus for most of her career has been the primary grades. Her passion is teaching reading and love of literature. When Terry has free time, she loves to be with her family, her friends, reading, writing or traveling. Terry is very excited to be part of Innocademy. You can reach her at terry.mitchell@innocademy.com
Leslie Rindfliesch - Innocademy Zeeland
Leslie Rindfliesch is looking forward to her third year at Innocademy as both a teacher and the Enrollment Coordinator. Leslie really has a passion for language arts and math, and is looking forward to teaching at all levels this year. She earned a BA degree from Central Michigan University and her MA degree in Educational Leadership from Saginaw Valley State University. Leslie enjoys spending time with her husband, Mark, and two daughters, Alexis (6 years old) and Tessa (4 years old). Leslie can be reached at leslie.rindfliesch@innocademy.com with any enrollment questions or concerns.
Deb Weiss-Gelmi - Innocademy Zeeland
Deb Weiss-Gelmi is grateful to begin her second year teaching at Innocademy. She taught kindergarten in Hamilton for 4 years as well as a year of preschool in Zeeland schools. She received her BA from Central Michigan University, as well as her MA in Reading and Literacy. She loves teaching reading and writing and especially enjoys teaching through music. Deb is quite passionate about healthy eating, the environment, supporting local businesses, and teaching her children’s Sing Song Yoga program. In her spare time she loves doing yoga, reading, running, and spending time with her rather large family. Deb’s daughter Lia is in her second year at Innocadmey as well! Deb can be reached at deb.weiss-gelmi@innocademy.com
Nancy Staal - Innocademy Zeeland
Nancy Staal has been in education for 25 years. Nancy earned a BA from Hope College and an MA from Grand Valley State University. The most rewarding and inspiring post graduate experiences have been being a part of Teachers College Writing Institute at Columbia University and the National Writing Project. Her passion has always been language arts. She has been an avid reader all of her life. (Her mother used to hide Nancy’s books until her chores were done!) Nancy and her husband, Tim, enjoy the outdoors. They hike the dunes near Lake Michigan, cross country ski, run, and ride bikes. Tim and Nancy have four children. Nancy can be reached at nancy.staal@innocademy.com
Mellissa Zoerhof - Innocademy Zeeland
Mellissa Zoerhof is excited to start year 4 of her career at Innocademy. Mellissa has a passion for learning and for Innocademy. Mellissa earned her BA degree from Grand Valley State University. She also attended Michigan State University where she studied English and Spanish. She has a passion for Mexican culture and Spanish Language. Mellissa is also an aerobics instructor at a local gym. In her spare time Mellissa likes to exercise, read, spend time with her family and her fantastic husband. Mellissa can be reached at mellissa.zoerhof@innocademy.com
