Pre-Kindergarten - 2nd Grade: Michelle Kittleson
Mrs. Kittleson has over 25 years of experience working in education. Before joining GLAS, Mrs. Kittleson served as the Preschool Director at Hinsdale Adventist Academy and taught kindergarten and first grade at Spencerville Adventist Academy in Maryland. Mrs. Kittleson loves teaching the little ones because she never knows what the day is going to bring - It’s always a surprise! Her biggest enjoyment and greatest reward are being able to be a part of her students’ spiritual journey. Mrs. Kittleson is married to Brian. They have three children: Devon (his wife is Amber), Brianna, and Matthew. Mrs. Kittleson is a grandmother to Parker, the cutiest toddler ever!
Pre-Kindergarten - 2nd Grade Teacher's Aides:
3rd - 5th Grade & Principal: Laura Frary
Mrs. Frary, a born and raised Michigander, has over 13 years of experience teaching elementary and is very excited to join the GLAS staff this year! She has her Bachelors degree in Elementary Education, her Masters in Reading and Literacy, and just recently completed a certificate program in Instructional Coaching. Mrs. Frary is passionate about helping kids learn to love learning! Her favorite subject to teach is math. Mrs. Frary's hobbies include reading, camping, and snuggling her cats Jack and Leroy.
6th - 8th Grade: Heidi Rasmussen
Mrs. Rasmussen is our 6th, 7th and 8th grade homeroom and 6-10 English and History teacher. She is an alumnus of Pacific Union College. Before joining GLAS, Mrs. Rasmussen taught in Northern California and Wisconsin. Her hobbies include learning more about God, hanging out with family and friends, music, and spending time in nature. One of her favorite Bible verses is Psalm 16:11: "You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
9th - 10th Grade: Philip Ermshar
Mr. Ermshar is no stranger to the GLAS family. From 2000-2004, Mr. Ermshar taught 7-10 Math and Science here. Mr. Ermshar has over 20 years of combined experience as a teacher and school principal. He graduated from Pacific Union College with a BA in Liberal Studies and a certificate in Elementary Education. He went on to earn his Masters in Reading, Curriculum and Instruction. Mr. Ermshar loves outdoor adventures like Backpacking, Surfing, and Rock Climbing. His favorite experiences with students include trips with outdoor adventures. Mr. Ermshar is very excited to be back at GLAS this year!
6th - 10th Grade Handbell Choir: Howard Chambi
Mr. Chambi is a part-time teacher at GLAS directing the school's Handbell Choir. He also is a private piano tutor to several grade school age students. Mr. Chambi grew up in Southern California in a Seventh-day Adventist home, and has a vast musicology, mainly from his piano and choir singing background, and real-life professional experience derived from his legal and historical background. He currently is a member of the Lansing Spanish SDA church and is heavily involved in his local church's pathfinder club.
3rd - 5th Grade Ukulele Choir: David Christenson
David Christenson is the part-time Ukulele Choir instructor at GLAS. His enthusiasm for both music and children is a valuable combination! Mr. Christenson also shares his love for music and the ukulele with the children's Sabbath School classes at the Lansing SDA Church each Sabbath. In addition, Mr. Christenson holds the position as a Pathfinder Area Coordinator for the Michigan Conference of SDA which further highlights his commitment to youth development.