Chris Doucette earned his associate’s degree from Grand Rapids Community College in 1993, a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Michigan in 1995, and a master’s degree in social work from Grand Valley State University in 1999. He worked as a community service worker for the Grand Rapids Police Department. He was a Counselor at Counterpoint, a runaway shelter in Inkster. He also worked as an outpatient therapist for five years at Arbor Circle in Grand Rapids before he got his first job as a school social worker in Saranac where he was also a middle school wrestling coach. He has been a school social worker for Belding Area Schools at the high school for the past seven years.

Amanda Ehlert graduated from Grand Valley State University with a bachelor of arts degree. She has been married for two years to her husband, Scott. In her spare time Amanda likes to read and spend time outdoors with her family.

Liz Wilson is a paraprofessional at Ellis Elementary. She has three daughters and more than 10 grandchildren. She lived in Grattan until she was 18 when she graduated and married Pat Wilson. One year after they were married her husband was drafted into the army and they stayed for 20 years, 12 of those years in Germany. They moved back to Belding in 1991 and have lived here ever since. Mrs. Wilson has worked for the City of Belding for 14 and as a substitute paraprofessional for five years before becoming a fulltime paraprofessional. She loves her job working with the children and is very grateful.

Petra Carico-Laux is a paraprofessional at Ellis Elementary. She is married to a wonderful man and together they have a son, Justin. Justin graduated from Belding in 2010 and is attending the Grand Rapids Ccommunity College law enforcement program. Petra is a graduate from Aquinas College with a teaching certificate. She is very involved in my community and church. In her spare time she loves taking pictures of sports and wildlife, and as a family they love to travel.

Mrs. Hyler graduated from Michigan State University where she was part of the Spartan Marching Band for four years. She also received her master’s degree from Central Michigan University in 2007. 2011 marks her 9th year of teaching but her first year at Belding Area Schools. Prior to Belding she taught at Fulton Public Schools for four years and Wyoming Public Schools for four years. At Belding High School she teaches band, iMac applications, electronic music, and choir. When not at school, Mrs. Hyler enjoys spending time with her two children and husband. In her “spare” time she enjoys playing softball, running, and biking.

Seth Anderson earned his bachelor of arts from Michigan State University with a major in humanities and a minor in Spanish in May of 2011. During his time at Michigan State, he took part in many community based projects and decided he wished to continue pursuing his passion for education. He is part of the Michigan State University College Advising Corps and is one of 32 corps members placed in high schools around the state. This initiative through the Michigan College Access Network, also supported by the larger National College Advising Network, is to dedicated to increasing the proportion of Michigan residents with college degrees or high-quality credentials to 60 percent by the year 2025. He is excited about working in the high school and helping students of all grade levels in preparing for post-secondary education. Outside of school, he enjoys exploring on his bicycle, playing his piano, and cheering on Spartan athletics.

Bethany Swift grew up in the small town of Nashville, Michigan and graduated from Maple Valley High school. She attended Kellogg Community College to receive her associates degree in Early Childhood Education then transferred to Grand Valley State University and graduated with her bachelors degree in elementary education in December of 2009. Bethany currently lives in Grand Rapids and is very excited to be working at Belding Area Schools. In her free time she loves to read any book she can get her hands on and take care of her many animals.