HDT - Teachers & Healers - February 17, 2024

02/17/2024

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Teachers and Healers

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024

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Nikki Tibbits is an English teacher at Ubly Jr. High School.

(Dominic Sevilla/Huron Daily Tribune)

Ubly educator, Nikki Tibbits helps students achieve goals Dominic Sevilla Staff Writer

Ubly Community Schools teacher Nikki Tibbits teaches English at the junior high school level.

Tibbits is a Michigan native who graduated from Central Michigan University in 2009 for teaching.

After that, she and her husband, who is also a teacher, moved to North Carolina, where they both taught and had their first son. In 2015, they moved back to Michigan, where they both received jobs in the Thumb, with Tibbits starting at Ubly Community Schools as a librarian.

Now after almost nine years working at Ubly Schools, Tibbits focuses on making sure her students are reaching the level that they need to be at and helping them achieve their personal goals.

“I try to meet them where they are at academically and then try to find a way to interest them to get on some common ground,” Tibbits said. “Once I do that

I help them set personal goals and reward them when they meet them. I hold them accountable for those goals but I also make sure that they feel safe and have fun learning.”

“Nikki and I have worked together for 8 years now. She has always been very organized and creative,” said Ubly High School Principal Yvonne O’Connor.” She is just a great overall person. She has her hands in a lot of different parts of the school and I enjoy working with her. She has been an asset to Ubly Schools since she came here.”

In addition to helping her own students, she also works with her fellow teachers by “team teaching,” where she will go to other classrooms and subjects to help kids who are behind their grade level.

In doing this she can help reach more kids as well as learn how her colleagues teach as well.

“It’s very rewarding to work with them and bounce ideas off of each other,” Tibbits said. “It’s

very enjoyable to watch other teachers. We put our heads together to come up with plans for each of the kids we work with. I learn a ton from seeing other really good teachers here.”

As for working in Ubly Community Schools, Tibbit enjoys the atmosphere, and said it is easier for her family as they are all in the same building. She said that she can be close to her oldest child, who is in elementary school, and when her two younger kids go to early 5s, they will be there as well.

Tibbits said she is happy to be a part of a mentorship program that her students are also a part of.

Her students work alongside elementary students throughout the year.

“They work with kids from kindergarten through third grade to give them a helping hand,” Tibbits said. “The kids, teachers and administrators work together to figure out what’s best. I am proud to be a part of this initiative.”

This February 2024 photo shows Harbor Beach science and agriculture teacher Sarah Blacker as she leads her students through a lesson. Blacker is also the school’s FFA advisor. (Mark Birdsall/Huron Daily Tribune)

Harbor Beach’s Sarah Blacker inspired Be a part of the by her own teacher Laker Legacy!

Mark Birdsall Assistant Editor

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Harbor Beach FFA advisor and science and agriculture teacher Sarah Blacker readily admits when she was growing up on a medium-sized dairy farm in Port Hope, she wasn’t fond of working with dairy cattle.

“I was not a very good farm girl — the only job I’ve ever been fired from was milking cows,” she said.

“Apparently, I had a ‘bad attitude.’ They were right, I really didn’t want to work with cattle when I was a teenager. I never minded helping bale straw or feed calves, but milking cows was not my favorite.”

So it’s understandable that when she went to college, she wasn’t looking to do anything related to agriculture. Science was her favorite subject in school, and she earned a bachelor of science degree in environmental geosciences from Michigan State Unisee BLACKER page 4

Teachers and Healers

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024

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The Hills and Dales health clinic team in Bad Axe is all about building relationships to help give the best care to their patients. (Shawn Robinson/Huron Daily Tribune)

Kozdron’s passion for medicine is shining bright in Bad Axe Shawn roBinSon

Throughout her medical training, Kozdron was able to see what it’s like to be able to interact with others, and it really drew her into where she is today.

“I’ve always enjoyed primary care,” Kozdron said.

“Even going into medicine, I knew it was going to be something primary care related. Coming from a rural area, primary care is a little hard to come by and it hit home. I really loved the continuity of care that family medicine provided and getting to see people throughout their lifetime and their families. I love doing pediatrics, women’s health, and the run-of-the-mill chronic disease things, so family medicine fit.”

Kozdron’s favorite part about being a primary care physician is providing continuity of care to her patients. She really takes pride in getting to know her patients and going above and beyond her calling as a doctor.

“I think it’s that full circle moment,” she said.

“You get an idea of what’s going on without things being explicitly said. You get to know people and they get to know you too.

It’s not just seeing you for an appointment, you get to see how I work with your loved ones and hopefully that can help bring that relationship with more trust.

“My hope is for them to get to know us, get a pretty decent look at how we are, and build that relationship with people. I think that’s really important when it comes to people trusting us with their care.”

For any doctor, being understanding and having compassion toward people is something that will go a long way. Kozdron knows that sometimes people aren’t going to agree with recommendations or her final decision, but it’s all about educating them and building trust between her and her patients.

“One of the most important parts of medicine is to be able to educate

ed clinicians who blend clinical experience in diagnosing and treating health conditions with an added emphasis on disease prevention and health management. All NPs must complete a master’s or doctoral degree program and have advanced clinical training beyond their initial professional registered nurse preparation. The education and training required of NPs prepares them to practice in various health care settings, including primary care, acute care and long-term care.

a host of services people often associate with physicians. The U.S. National Library of Medicine notes that NPs are allowed to provide a broad range of services, including:

Which services can NPs provide?

Some people may not even realize that the NP they speak with during What is a nurse an annual wellness exam practitioner?

The AANP notes that isn’t a physician. That’s NPs are highly educat- because NPs can perform

What are the qualifications to be an NP? The AANP notes that NPs undergo rigorous certification, periodic

Staff Writer

When it comes to primary care, Dr. Jamie Kozdron’s dedication and passion are evident inside and outside the office.

For six months, Kozdron and her husband, Henry, have been working at the new Hills and Dales clinic in Bad Axe. It may have taken some time to get things going, but the Kozdrons love being in the community and providing top-tier care for residents and others in the community.

“It’s been going well,” Jamie said. “We’re excited to be in the community and getting established.

When you start something new, you get that first little bit of anxiety, but it’s been great. We love it here. As we’re continuing to build up our patient panels, new people continue to come in.”

Kozdron has always had a passion for working in the medicinal field and wanted to put it to good use here in the Thumb.

What is a nurse practitioner?

Annual wellness visits have long been considered a vital component of preventive health care.

That hasn’t changed, though the dynamic between patient and health care professional during those visits has changed considerably for many people.

Once a realm exclusive to patients and their physicians, annual wellness exams now often involve patients and nurse practitioners. In fact, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners notes that NPs have become the preferred health partner of choice for millions of people, which makes it worthwhile to explore just what NPs do.

• Perform a physical exam • Order laboratory tests and procedures • Diagnose, treat and manage diseases • Prescribe medications and write prescriptions • Coordinate referrals • Provide information regarding preventive care and healthy lifestyles • Perform certain medical procedures

see NURSE page 5

Dr. Jamie, and her hu give the best healt sband, Henry Kozdron strive to patients on what hcar their choices are,” (Shawn Robinson/H e to residents here in Bad Axe. uron Daily Tribun Kozdron said. “Not e) every medical choice is the best decision for every single person. To but at the end of the day North Port Crescent St., me, it’s really about mak- it’s still about making sure and is open from 8 a.m. ing sure they know what patients can be their best to 5 p.m. Monday through their options are and try- advocate and me helping Thursday, and 8 a.m. ing to help them navigate with that.”

Jamie and Henry to noon on Fridays. To what the best option for them is. There’s not al- Kozdron’s office in Bad schedule an appointment, ways a clear-cut answer, Axe is located at 684 call 989-912-6575.

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Teachers and Healers

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From math problems to running tracks SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024

Shawn Robinson Staff Writer

Meet Mike Peter, the USA teacher and track coach, who believes in the power of strong relationships to help his students thrive both in the classroom and on the field.

In his 10th year of teaching at USA schools, Peter has been on a journey like no other. After starting his first 11 years in education at Caro schools, Peter found himself at USA teaching math during the day, and running strategies at night.

“They overlap a lot,” Peter said. “In class, we’ll talk about the sport, and in the sport, we talk about class too. They intertwine and the work ethic that comes with it. As far as outside of school and with my own family, I probably never get it right, but that’s OK. I keep trying. You’re a coach and a teacher even when you’re not here. Day by day, you try to balance what’s in front of you.”

Peter grew up in a household and family full of educators and teachers, but it wasn’t his initial calling. It was his dad and the teachers he had while growing up that helped him get to where he is today.

“I grew up in a family that had teachers in it,” Peter said. “I never wanted to be one growing up, ever.

But as I got somewhat mature, I noticed the benefits of being in education from my dad. My dad would be my biggest role model.

Once I started teaching, I knew I was in it for the long haul and had great mentor teachers who showed me the joy of teaching.”

Whether it’s in the classroom or on the track field, Peter knows how important it is to build a good relationship with his students. Each day, Peter looks forward to inter-

Mike Peter, USA teacher and coach, is making a difference at school through the power of strong relationships.

(Shawn Robinson/Huron Daily Tribune) acting with the kids and making them feel part of something special at USA. It’s something that makes his day and keeps him going, even during his busy schedule.

“Relationships are so important,” Peter said.

“Teaching is not about the topic or content, it’s about building relationships with kids, seeing them grow and progress, asking them how they’re doing. It’s kind of a family reunion every day, you walk in the door and see the same people from the day before and you get to catch up for a few minutes.”

“It’s extremely important,” Peter said. “I’ve always said you can get kids to do about anything if you build a relationship and trust with them. They’ll work for anything and at anything if you can do that.

I teach math, which is often kids’ least favorite subject, and coach running, which is often kids’ least favor-

ite activity. So I need that good relationship to help the kids perform.”

Peter has been the cross country and track coach at USA for the last 12 years.

He wasn’t always huge on running growing up, but has always had a passion for sports.

“I like that it’s hard,” Peter said. “For someone who has never watched or taken part in the sport, it feels like they are missing something. For the ones that I’ve coached and have been a part of, they feel like they are a part of a special group of something that other people didn’t get to experience. There is a culture in cross country that’s different than other sports.

It’s a community of schools and it’s powerful. I think the sport of cross country is really good at building a community across school districts. Some of our best teammates are on other schools because they care for each other.”

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Not only does Peter want his students to excel on the field, but in the classroom as well, as they both go hand-in-hand.

“That’s the ultimate goal, help build a strong work ethic in student-athletes here,” Peter said. “I think the biggest thing is having an intrinsic drive to do something. That correlates in athletics, school, and at home and it all overlaps. I try to relay to them that we

not only need to work hard at this practice, but also in the classroom.”

Although he loves teaching and coaching, Peter’s favorite part about being an educator is his daily interactions with his students, which help make his day.

“For teaching and coaching, it’s the same scenario,” he said. “It’s the conversation with the two minutes in between class or con-

BLACKER continued from page 2

versity.

During her time at MSU, she got a job as a teaching assistant and really enjoyed it. That’s why she became a teacher. “I have always enjoyed learning about science, and when I took the job as a teaching assistant, I realized how much more I enjoyed sharing that than doing research,” Blacker said. “I stopped applying to grad schools and started looking for a teaching education program.”

When she graduated, she decided to get a teaching certificate through an accelerated program at Saginaw Valley State University. She landed her first job in Port Hope, teaching math and science to high school and middle school students.

Blacker said she was inspired by her high school science teacher, Elaine Biondo, who introduced her and her classmates to some projects she said definitely steered her life’s trajectory. “(Mrs. Biondo) got us involved in the National Ocean Sciences Bowl, and my team made it to the national level my senior year,” Blacker said. “We did projects in class like building a telescope, which is now housed in my classroom in Harbor Beach. My route to teaching was the abbreviat-

ed version of hers.

“Mrs. Biondo has a degree in geology, and teaching was a second career for her. I graduated from my teaching program and was hired in Port Hope the year she retired. Her classroom became mine. I taught in Port Hope for five years, and this is year number 12 in Harbor Beach.” Blacker said when started teaching, the agriculture teacher in Harbor Beach taught in Port Hope for two hours every day. She was asked to run the club side of the FFA, since she had been an FFA member while in high school. When the Harbor Beach ag teacher left for another job, Blacker fully took over the program in Port Hope.

“Even when I was only teaching science and math, I always did my best to apply the content to things that are familiar to my students — food is interesting to most of them,” she said “I think that it is important for people to understand their food, where it comes from and how it was produced. Teaching agriculture classes was a natural extension of my love for science.” Blacker said her favorite part of being a teacher is working with students who are passionate about the same things she is.

“Talking with interested

versation in the hallway about what they want to do someday. It’s after practice when they’re waiting for a ride and we talk about a vacation or something. Those are the things at the end of the day when I drive home, that put a smile on my face.

You know those kids are going to be OK and have a vision for down the road.

It’s those little two-minute conversations throughout the day I really look forward too.”

Most importantly, Peter wants his students to know how much he values them as human beings.

“Every kid, athlete, student, even adults want to feel part of something, feel valued in that, and show progress,” he said. “If you can help a kid hit one of those, if not all three, when they practice or in class, I think you’ve done your job.

Even if they’re struggling and they feel valued or make some progress, they want to feel like they’re moving forward.

“I want them to know I really value them as a human being, and that I really wanted to help them find the best in themselves.

If I can help every kid that walks in the door feel valued and help get the best of themselves, I couldn’t ask for much more.”

students about scientific theories, new scientific discoveries, history of scientific and agricultural policies is some of my favorite time spent at school,” she said. If there’s one thing Blacker wants her students to take with them when they head out into the world, it is the skills and ability to take advantage of the access to vast amounts of information they have at their fingertips.

“I want my students to be able to use the information, identify patterns and understand data,” she said.

“These skills can be applied to multiple parts of their lives, from the food they eat to what kind of car they drive.”

Her firing from milking cows did lead her to one of her favorite hobbies, though. When she was fired from the milking parlor as a teenager, she was then tasked with cooking dinner for her parents and younger siblings.

“It was probably a bit rough on them for a few weeks, but I improved and now really enjoy cooking,” Blacker said. “My husband says that he has never had the same meal twice, because I don’t always follow a recipe. This is why baking is not for me, but cooking for people is something I find very enjoyable.”

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Tracie Henline is Scheurer’s newest Nurse Practitioner, joining full-time in November 2023.

(Courtesy Photo/Provided by Scheurer Health)

Scheurer Health’s newest nurse practitioner Tracie Henline Dominic Sevilla Staff Writer

Tracie Henline recently took on a role as a nurse practitioner for Scheurer Health, but has worked in the healthcare field over the last two decades in and out of Michigan.

Born and raised in Bad Axe, she first became a licensed practical nurse from St. Claire Community College and Excelsior University, where she worked for 11 years as a registered nurse.

She became a nurse practitioner through Simmons University’s virtual program out of Boston.

There she focused on women’s health, family medicine, and emergency medicine.

After becoming a nurse practitioner, she worked out of many cities in emergency departments in areas like Flint and Bay City.

“I really enjoyed emergency medicine because it made me well-rounded,” said Henline. “But, I feel like I miss out on stuff.

I’m excited to take care of people in all aspects, from the beginning to the end of care. It’s more personable and more relatable.”

She also worked in a small capacity alongside Scheurer Health before

NURSE continued from page 3

peer review and clinical outcome evaluations.

NPs also must adhere to ethical codes. In addition, due to the fluid nature of health care, NPs must self-direct their continued learning and development to ensure they maintain their clinical competency.

Why do I see an NP and not a physician?

The AANP notes that NPs help to address a shortage of primary care physicians. With their expertise and accepted range of responsibili-

becoming a full-time nurse practitioner at the beginning of November 2023.

“We are so excited to have Tracie on board our team, now as a full-time primary care provider in Pigeon,” said Clark Ramsey, head of communications and marketing for Scheurer Health. “What makes Scheurer so special and unique are the individuals who make our team and Tracie is no exception. She’s from the Thumb, she understands her patients’ concerns and most of all, is able to provide them with a path to better health.”

Being from the Thumb,

ties, NPs are helping to ensure patients receive timely and accurate medical advice. Without NPs, patients may have to wait especially long periods of time to see their physicians, which could have dramatic and adverse long-term effects on their overall health.

Nurse practitioners play a vital role in modern health care settings.

These versatile, talented professionals routinely apply their rigorous training and extensive education in ways that benefit their patients every day.

WE’RE ALL ABOUT YOU Our team is made up of more than just experts, we strive to treat each resident and guest as family from the moment they step through our doors.

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Nurse Practitioner Tracie Henline (Courtesy Photo/ Provided by Sche urer Health)

Henline said that it’s nice to be able to work in her community and for a company that is based in the community.

“I really enjoy that Scheurer is community-driven,” said Henline.

“Some of the larger corporations that I’ve worked for in the past lose the connection with the community. It’s nice to work for an organization that shares that love of the community.”

Currently, Henline is accepting patients, and she sees anyone from newborns to geriatrics.

“It’s going great,” said Henline. “I’m seeing a lot of new patients. It’s nice to come to work where everyone is happy.”

“One of Tracie’s greatest skills as a provider is being able to connect with her patients on a person-

al level,” said Ramsey.

“When you have a provider who is able to understand what you are going through, it can make a world of difference.”

Henline practices out of Scheurer Primary Care in Pigeon, 168 N. Caseville Road, and can be contacted by calling 989-4532141 for new patients.

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Teachers and Healers

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Meet Ashlee Mossner, math teacher at Laker Middle School SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024

Dominic Sevilla Staff Writer

Ashlee Mossner is a Huron County native who grew up in Sebewaing and now teaches math at Laker Middle School. She lives in Bad Axe with her husband Scott, who is also a teacher at Laker Middle School, and her two children Gabe and Natalie, who are students at Laker Schools. Additionally, they have three family pets, with a dog and two cats.

In her free time, she participates in events and activities with her church and does work for her business, Pure Haven. Mossner previously worked for the Huron ISD in special education and received both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Saginaw Valley State University.

••••• Q: When did you start teaching? What is something that you know now that you didn’t know when you started?

A: I started teaching over 17 years ago. I had taken my first job working with secondary students. I thought I wanted to teach students ages 0-5 at their homes before they ever made it to school, but it turns out that the open position with high school students was an exact fit for me.

I taught in a summer preschool program and confirmed that working with middle and high school students was much better. I prefer the more challenging content, enjoy the kids’

more developed personalities, and love that these older students get more of my jokes. Had I known this ahead of time, I could have finished college sooner.

••••• Q: What is your favorite part about teaching?

A: My favorite part about teaching math in middle school is being with the students, helping them navigate the most awkward and confusing years of their lives and guiding them into becoming the best version of themselves. Every day is different. The students come to school in different moods and with different experiences than the day before.

Sometimes the day is uneventful but most days in middle school there’s a range of activities and emotions. In January, I take the seventh graders to Camp Leelanau for four days of team building and playing in the snow. I really enjoy getting to know the students as people outside of the classroom setting. Sorry parents and coworkers; the meetings, lesson plans, grading and paperwork don’t keep me coming back. Students are hands down the best part of teaching.

••••• Q: What is something that people (students/ parents/other teachers) wouldn’t know about you at first glance?

A: I enjoy traveling.

During summer break we do a lot of camping.

We spend a lot of time in Oscoda on the river boating, jet skiing and swimming. Except I

don’t swim. I have a fear of fish. We spent many years attending and camping at a Christian music festival.

Most students know already, but I love music and dancing. We also camp frequently at Camper’s Haven and North Park. This past summer we started a new tradition of camping at Bay Shore’s Family Camp. I love my camper and the low level of responsibility camping brings. I enjoy traveling further too. In high school, I visited India for two weeks with my Girl Scout troop.

As an adult, I’ve vacationed at Disney, other places in Florida and Puerto Rico with family and friends. I traveled to Nashville and Costa Rica with my Pure Haven business in the last few years and I think my next adventure will be Las Vegas.

••••• Q: How would you describe your teaching style? Is there something that you focus on or that you would say is your signature method for teaching your grade/ subject?

A: It has always been important to me to create a safe environment for students to grow into respectful and productive adults and feel confident to try new things even with the possibility of failure. In math, I try to answer questions with questions or think aloud and wonder as I model solving a problem.

I value student participation and I encourage students to find patterns in what we’ve done to

Teachers & Healers

I would like to thank the staff of Ascent High School. This staff takes on a difficult job of working in an alternative education setting and they shine on a daily basis. Each person here wears many hats throughout the day. Whether it is teaching, serving, or just lending an ear to a student in need this staff rocks. I am lucky to work with each of you and most importantly our students are lucky to have each one of you. Thank you!

-Kelly Durr, Principal/Teacher Ascent High School Jennifer Simon Ms. Simon is in her 4th year with the program. She does a great job running the online lab and helping organize bus rides for students. Her positive attitude goes a long way in building great relationships with the students and staff.

Autumn Swartzendruber Mrs. Swartzendruber is in her fifth year with the program. She allows students to show off their creative sides in both Art and Photography class. Her assignments are always unique and allow students to shine while earning some elective credits.

Betty Durr Mrs. Durr has returned for a second stint with the program as the school secretary.

She does a great job organizing breakfast and lunch orders and helping students with general issues throughout the day. The building runs very smoothly with her here to help.

Stephanie Anderson Mrs. Anderson has been an excellent addition this year. She has chosen to continue her education career with us and we could not be happier to have her. She teaches the English courses at the school along with a history course. Her knowledge and positive attitude have been a great addition to the building. We look forward to having her for the near future.

T H AN K YOU!

Ashlee Mossner is a math teacher for Laker Middle School and has been teaching for the last 17 years. (Dominic Sevilla/Huron Daily Tribune) solve different-looking problems and I find more complex problems for them to work through in groups. I try to create a thinking

classroom and make it a slightly different learning environment than the sit-and-get math that I grew up with.

I hope to encourage

my students to give their best and not settle for the minimum. This year I gamified the sixth grade see MOSSNER page 8

Dr. Gassan Alaouie

McLaren cardiologist Gassan Alaouie offers tips for a healthy heart Mark Birdsall Assistant Editor

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming the lives of an average of 676,000 Americans every year. That’s why February has been designated as American Heart Month.

Dr. Gassan Alaouie is a cardiologist caring for patients at McLaren Thumb Region in Bad Axe, and he has some advice for people who want to keep their hearts strong and healthy.

He sat down for a special question-and-answer session and described what steps we all can take to care for our hearts.

Could you tell readers a little bit about yourself?

(I’m) originally from a small, rural area in West Africa. (I) went to medical school at Michigan State University. (I) enjoy spending any spare time with my family and children. see ALAOUIE page 8

Teachers and Healers

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Mrs. Geiger’s mission of making education fun at Caseville Schools Shawn Robinson

rubbed off on Geiger, and it led her to carry on those ways in her classroom today.

“My math teacher from high school really inspired me to go into teaching,” she said. “He encouraged me and I loved how he used humor in the classroom to engage students. I try to do that with my students and have a positive climate in my classroom. I love seeing my students learn and engage in learning. I love seeing their enthusiasm for learning, I enjoy it.”

Geiger has taught elementary students for the last several years, teaching every grade from kindergarten up to third grade where she is now.

Having a positive attitude in the classroom with her students is important, and helps the students want to learn.

“I create the climate and set the tone with my students,” Geiger said.

“If I come in with a positive attitude and a good

Staff Writer

Stephanie Geiger’s passion for making education fun is making a positive impact on students at Caseville Public Schools.

Geiger is in her seventh year of teaching, and third year of teaching third grade. Teaching has always been a passion of hers and she enjoys interacting with students and sharing her love of learning with them.

“Teaching has always been my passion and I have a love for children,” Geiger said. “I love teaching and love Caseville. It’s a small-knit community and everyone knows everyone here. Our community supports our school so much and it’s a great place to work. I really enjoy what I do.”

Like most teachers, Geiger was inspired to become an educator by one of her former high school teachers. His humor and passion for students

ALAOUIE continued from page 6

Why did you become a doctor, and why did you choose to specialize in cardiology?

I have always had an interest in medicine and taking care of people to make a difference, so they can live a healthy, happy life to their fullest potential. I grew up in a rural and underserved area and therefore, I understand the challenges in finding local, specialized medical

outlook with them, hopefully, that will spark their curiosity and help them to learn. The teachers really do set the tone and I just try to have a positive attitude and bring laughter into our day.”

So far this school year for Geiger has been great, and she really enjoys teaching her students and in the Caseville community. Out of all the subjects to teach, math is her favorite because it really gets the kids thinking.

“I enjoy teaching all of the subjects, but love teaching math,” Geiger said. “We have a new curriculum we’ve been using for the past few years and it’s just great. It’s a lot of open-ended questions and different strategies. I enjoy using that curriculum.”

Even though she’s a teacher and does all the teaching for her students, Geiger still makes an effort to learn new things herself. One of her favorite things to do while she’s

care. I am blessed to have the opportunity to take care of the patients and their families in our community. I recognize that every patient is someone’s mother, father, brother, sister or child, and I sincerely strive to treat every individual as I would my own family.

a healthy, balanced diet.

One of the biggest problems we are facing as a society is less exercise and diets high in processed foods.

What are some things people can do to improve their heart health? Is there one particular thing that has an immediate benefit?

Avoid unhealthy beWhat are the worst haviors, such as smoking, things people can do vaping and consuming to their hearts? excess alcohol. Set aside Among the worst things time for regular exercise are to smoke or vape, to stay healthy and relieve not exercise and not eat stress. Spending quali-

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024

students and others. The last book she read, “Leadership Goals” by John C. Maxwell, showed her the importance of leadership and how she can do that in the classroom.

“This book talks about the importance of leadership and how to be a good leader,” she said.

“Even though I don’t have a leadership role in the district, I’m a leader in my classroom. I know it’s important for me to continue to read and learn as an educator.”

Over anything, Geiger wants her students to have a love to learn and leave her classroom with the feeling that they were wowed away.

“I want them to have a love to learn,” she said.

“I want them to leave my classroom and think, ‘Wow that was someStephanie Geiger is revolutionizing education and thing.’ I want them to alinspiring joy in learning at Caseville Public Schools. ways continue to learn, (Courtesy Photo/Caseville Public Schools) and the love of learning doesn’t go away after out of the school building her continue to be a lead- high school, and learn is reading, and it’s helped er and a role model for her throughout.”

ty time with your family and loved ones, building strong bonds within your community and treating others with compassion and kindness — this all contributes to great gratification and a healthy body and mind.

Is there one piece of advice you give to all of your patients?

Be compliant with their healthcare providers’ recommendations and take their medications as prescribed. From a heart

perspective, do not ignore signs or symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, or changes in limitations in your physical activity. These are all signs of an impending or active heart attack. Seek immediate medical health should you not feel well.

Remain physically active and be aware of your risk factors, such as high blood pressure, family history of heart disease and heart attack, diabetes, and high cholesterol. These are red flags that you should dis-

cuss with your healthcare provider.

What one thing do you want readers to know about their health in general?

Do not take your health for granted, it is a gift, take care of yourself and that is by far the greatest self-investment. Remember, “Yesterday was history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift and that is why it is called the ‘present’” — Hannah Britt, fifth grader

Scott M. Behnan, DDS, MS 118 North Hanselman St. • Bad Axe, MI 48413

989.269.6811

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Teachers and Healers

Meet Bad Axe High School art teacher Christian Snider SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024

Dominic Sevilla Staff Writer

Christian Snider is the art teacher for Bad Axe High School and teaches from seventh grade all the way up to high school seniors.

Snider grew up as a “military kid” with his father being a part of the Air Force, so when he was younger he moved around until his family settled in Pigeon. He graduated from Laker High School, and after getting married, moved to Grand Rapids, then Clio, teaching art.

Snider and his wife had their first daughter during this time and they both decided to move back to Huron County in Bad Axe where he now teaches and lives raising his now daughter and son.

••••• Q: Why teaching? What drew you to teaching in the first place? Any teachers or mentors that inspired you?

A: Being a military kid, I switched schools many times and had countless teachers. It wasn’t until fifth grade that I had a teacher who I felt greatly disrespected and mistreated students. She would frequently make students feel small and diminished

by teasing and mocking them.

It was during this year that I realized if a teacher holds the power to diminish students, then they also have the ability to raise them back up. From that point on, I wanted to be a teacher in order to raise up and empower my students.

School always came easy for me until I took an art class. Art was hard, no matter how dedicatedly I practiced or worked, there was always room for improvement. I loved the challenge of seeing myself constantly improve and wanted to be able to share that with students and show them new levels of what they are able to achieve.

••••• Q: What is a typical day for you like?

A: In a day I have six art classes consisting of students from seventh grade all the way up to 12th grade.

In those classes, we spend every day creating.

Some classes focus on foundational skills, while others challenge students with college-level art tasks. Each assignment focuses on either building a technical art skill within students or expanding

MOSSNER continued from page 6

class and that has been a lot of fun. The curriculum is the same but the process of notes, practice, quizzes and tests is built upon defeating chaos in our logical and

mathematically sound world.

••••• Q: Why do you teach math? Was there interest when you were younger or was it something that you discovered you liked teaching later in life?

their creativity and problem-solving.

••••• Q: How would you describe your teaching style?

Is there something that you focus on or that you would say is your signature method for teaching?

A: My goal of art class is to provide a safe and calming space for all students to create and grow. Because of this, I often work oneon-one with every student to help them achieve their goals. I am so grateful to be an art teacher because it allows me to work with each student at their own pace and help them develop necessary skills that are at their individual level.

••••• Q: What is your preferred medium when it comes to art? Is it painting, working with 3D materials, or multi-medium?

A: I do not have a specific preferred art medium that I lean toward. I have degrees in drawing, painting and sculpture so that I am equipped to teach students as many methods and styles as possible.

Personally, in my artwork, I enjoy capturing specific details as accurately as possible. I appreciate the technical challenge that photorealistic art provides and would happily

A: I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I was in second grade and my teacher knew of my interest and gave me a few old textbooks. I went home and taught my younger brother with them. I decided on early

michigansthumb.com

Christian Snider is the Bad Axe High School art teacher where he focuses on helping his students to achieve their goals (Dominic Sevilla/Huron Daily Tribune) render tiny details all day if I could.

••••• Q: What is your favorite part about teaching?

A: Every person is worthy of love, respect and dignity. But so often we do not show those things to ourselves and convince ourselves that we are unworthy. Being an adolescent is hard. It is difficult

work to discover who they want to be, what mark they want to leave on the world and what values they hold dear.

My students are doing the difficult work of discovering those things for themselves as they grow and mature. It is so easy for students to compare themselves to others and incorrectly find them-

selves lacking and unworthy. My favorite part of teaching is working to show students that they are worthy of great things, capable of achieving their goals and deserving to feel proud of themselves. I find that art has a way of showing students they are capable of more than they imagined, which is awesome to witness.

childhood, special education, and math when I was in college.

Math was always my favorite subject. I like that there is only one right answer but usually a couple of different ways to get there. I like

the thinking math lends itself towards. Even if you aren’t directly taught how to solve a problem, you may be able to use what you already know to make sense of it.

Before I started teaching, I had a couple of jobs

that were math-related. I sold life insurance and taught people how to invest their money by paying themselves first. I also worked with an auditing firm and traveled the state assessing township tax funds.

THE THUMB’S

HEART TEAM GASSAN ALAOUIE, DO

BETH BRITT, FNP-C McLaren Thumb Cardiology 1100 S. Van Dyke Rd. Bad Axe, MI 48413 (989) 269-7504 mclaren.org