I graduated from Spring Arbor University in 2005 with a triple minor in Elementary education, Science and Social Studies. I am currently working on my Masters in school administration through Saginaw Valley State University. I was hired in 2007 at Northwest Academy to teach 6th and 7th grade. In 2009 I was asked to assume the duties of CAO of Northwest Academy. Not wanting to give up my first love I agreed, as long as I could still teach elementary students.
I was born in Charlevoix but moved to Petoskey with my family when I was 6 years old. I still live in Petoskey with my wonderful wife, who is the choir director at Petoskey High School and three beautiful children. My oldest daughter is a junior at MSU studying to become a teacher. In my spare time I like to work in the theater, building sets and teaching students how to work with stage lights and sound systems.   

Gary Stutzman was born and raised in Charlevoix. He graduated from Charlevoix High School and received his Bachelor and Master of Music Education degrees from Northern Michigan University.His first teaching job was at Flint Northern High School where he directed the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band.  He then became the assistant Director of Bands for the Charlevoix Public Schools along with his mentor and former teacher C.A. Odmark. While working as the assistant director of bands, he also became the head Track & Field coach for the Charlevoix Rayders. After six years as the assistant to Mr. Odmark, Gary took on the position of Director of Bands at CHS. The Charlevoix Bands had a rich tradition and a history of high honors for all aspects of their program. In the fall of 1979, an opportunity in professional fundraising presented itself and Gary took the opportunity to move west to Colorado. The sales position took Gary to hundreds of schools throughout southeastern Colorado and then after six years, the company relocated him back to Michigan. In 1996, the year NWA received their charter, Gary was looking to get back into the teaching ranks when a member of the board of Northwest Academy called and asked if he would be interested in teaching again. That is all it took and the rest is history. The Northwest Academy Advanced Band is regarded as one of the finest small bands to perform in Michigan. The bands have traveled to England, Colorado, and throughout the Midwest. The NWA Jazz Band is hired on a regular basis to perform at private parties, weddings, concerts and benefits of all kinds. Beginning in 1999, several individual band members have qualified for State Solo & Ensemble Competition and the large groups have qualified for seven years for the State Band and Orchestra Festival.  The bands are now leading the way for all charter schools across Michigan to form their own Charter School music organization for music festivals and events. 

Cindy Romero was born and raised in Charlevoix County. She graduated from East Jordan High School and has a Bachelor's degree with a major in Spanish and a minor in art, as well as a Master's degree in Administration from Grand Valley State University. Cindy also had the opportunity to live in Mexico and attend the Universidad de las Américas, studying Spanish and Art.
Cindy taught high school Spanish in Harbor Springs for two years before joining Northwest Academy as the Spanish and Art teacher. From 2004-2006, Cindy was the CAO for Northwest Academy.  Currently, she does administrative work as well as teaching Spanish.
During the summer, Cindy likes to sail her Catalina 25 on Lake Charlevoix when she is not working on the Race Committee for the Boyne City Yacht Club Tuesday evenings.

Phoebe Gohs has a Master of Arts degree in Reading and Literacy, and is a certified Reading Specialist. She currently works as the Literacy Programs Director, Curriculum Coordinator, and Kindergarten through 2nd grade Teacher at Northwest Academy. She is also an adjunct professor in the School of Education for Spring Arbor University. Her early elementary program is designed to focus on individual children. Students are active participants in their education, and are encouraged to explore ideas and concepts through guided, hands-on lessons. Our literacy program includes skills-based practice and a whole language approach to literacy development. We build on prior experience to engage students in literacy activities throughout the curriculum.

Sue has a Bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and a Master's degree from the University of Michigan and has taught for many, many years. The last several have been at Northwest Academy. She and her husband, an architect, live nearby in Norwood Township. All four of their children are grown, have married and have blessed them with eight grandchildren. All that experience, her listening ability and her patience are personal strengths that help her in her job. She loves to see the untapped potential in her students blossom as they grow in confidence. She works with secondary students and enjoys each and every one.

Kris Rasmussen graduated from Michigan State University with a B.A. in humanities and later earned a masters degree from Ferris State University in education.  She is a certified teacher consultant through the National Writing Project and a member of the Prestwick House National Teacher Advisory Board where she evaluates new language arts curriculum for schools. She was born and raised in northern Michigan and this will be her seventh year teaching at Northwest Academy.
In addition to devoting her time to teaching at Northwest Academy, she is a published playwright, author, and freelance journalist. She is also an adjunct writing instructor at North Central Michigan College.

"There is no better place for me than Northwest Academy," is what Shelly Brya said last fall when she accepted her first teaching position and she truly believes there is no better place for your child to learn and grow! Shelly has been a resident of Northern Michigan for 12 years and currently lives in Charlevoix with her husband, Denny, her daughter, Lily  and their son Hayden.  Her love of science took her from a 10+ year career in Public Health back to Ferris State University to complete her teaching certificate. Her teaching major is Biology and her minor is General Science. Northwest Academy is proud to offer the following courses based on the most current high school content expectations mandated by the Michigan Department of Education: Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Health Science, Physical Science, Earth Science, Anatomy & Physiology, and Michigan Environmental Science. Shelly is very excited about teaching here and welcomes you and your child to the Northwest Academy family!

Hi, my name is Mike Halliwill the new Social Studies Teacher. I am a graduate of Saginaw Valley with a major in History, minors in Political Science and Sociology, and a Social Studies endorsement. I graduated in May of 2010 and taught down state before accepting the position at Northwest Academy. I am very happy to be living and teaching in northern Michigan. Outside of school I enjoy hunting, fishing, tennis, golf. I am very excited to be able to work with the great students and staff at Northwest.

Mary Jane Grunch is the school's new resource, academic support, and electives teacher. She is orignally from Charlvoix and a 1993 graduate of Charlevoix High School. She has a bachelor's degree in elementary education and special education with a minor in reading from Aquinas College and a master's degree in educational technology from Michigan State University.
Outside of teaching her interests include being outdoors, reading, horseback riding, volleyball, bowling, golf, gardening, snowshoeing. Mary Jane enjoys working at Northwest Academy with all of the students, families, and staff. 

Hello!  My name is Jason Wiley and I’m a graduate of Central Michigan University with a Science in Education with majors in Mathematics (EX endorsement) and Industrial Technology (IX endorsement). I graduated in December 2010. I completed my student teaching at the Cheboygan Middle school, and was a long-term substitute at Pellston High School in the spring of 2011. This is my first year being a full-time teacher and I have truly enjoyed every moment. I am an avid sports fan; enjoy playing sports, and staying healthy. During my student teaching experience I had opportunity to be the Assistant Middle School Boys basketball coach for seventh grade and help out the school Math Counts program. This experience reassured my plan to coach school sports in the future and be involved in extracurricular activities.
Throughout high school I played soccer, basketball, and track and field. Also, I still enjoy playing basketball, golf, and softball in my spare time. A big part of my life is my family and friends and I thoroughly enjoy spending time with them as well. In the summer months I work for Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry. Throughout this winter I plan on taking my 100 ton Captains test to receive my license. 

Hi, my name is Megan Herriman and I am the Health Care Aide in the elementary class, and also the school librarian.  I am a 2002 graduate of East Jordan High School.  I started working at Northwest Academy in September 2010.  I am married to Luke Herriman and have two handsome sons Joshua 12, and Tyler 8.  One of my favorite things about working here is getting to know all the students, parents, and other staff members, and the feeling of going home each night knowing I helped at least one student learn something.

Hi, my name is Cindy Themm (pronounced Theme). I am the secretary here at Northwest Academy.  I started out as a parent volunteer in the office in 2003.  I am married to Thomas Themm who along with his brother operate our dairy farm. Our 2 children, Alyssa and Evan, both graduated from Northwest Academy (valedictorian and salutorian).  Being the secretary is a job that is both challenging and rewarding.

Leslie has been the office manager at Northwest Academy since 2005. Prior to that, she was a parent volunteer at the school.  Leslie has 2 grown sons, 1 granddaughter and 2 grandsons.