UPVA STAFF

UPVA STAFF

Administration

 Dan Giachino – Director of Virtual Programs

Mr. Giachino is the Director of Virtual Programs.  A 1998 graduate of Calumet High School, he received his Bachelor's degree in Education from Finlandia University. Prior to joining the Virtual Program, he worked for the State of Michigan within our local court system. His current role includes overseeing the UPVA program as well as working with students needing special education services. He is also working towards his Master’s Degree and endorsement in Special Education through Northern Michigan University. In addition to his duties at UPVA, Mr. Giachino has been coaching hockey for the Copper Kings for the past 13 years and Head Coach for the last 8 years. He resides in Calumet with his wife and two daughters.

Melissa Corrigan – Asst. Director of Virtual Programs and Special Education Teacher

Mrs. Corrigan is the Assistant Director of Virtual Programs. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University in Elementary and Special Education. Mrs. Corrigan has fifteen years of experience working with middle and high special education students. She is looking forward to working with students and families choosing alternative routes to reach educational goals. She enjoys traveling and outdoor activities with her family, camping, side by side riding, visiting the beach and watching the sunset. Other free time activities include watching sports, painting and building puzzles. She currently lives in Lake Linden with her husband and two daughters.


Michelle Meneguzzo – Administrative Assistant of Virtual Programs

My name is Michelle Meneguzzo and I am a Calumet native, graduating from Calumet High School in 2001. After high school, I attended Northern Michigan University graduating in 2005 with a Bachelor's degree in Business Management. After graduation I moved away from the area where I worked in retail management and for the MI Department of Corrections. In 2018 I returned to the Copper Country with my husband, Jason, and two kids, Mason and Piper and began a career in research administration at Michigan Tech. After 5 years in higher education, the opportunity to join the CLK family as the Administrative Assistant at the UPVA was the career change I needed. In my free time I enjoy gardening, camping, and building Legos. I am excited to bring my skills and knowledge to the team and look forward to working with you and your families. 



Mentors

Cathy Baranowski – Mentor

Mrs. Baranowski is a native of Calumet, graduating from Calumet High School and Michigan Technological University. She recently retired from her position at CLK Schools as an administrative aide, where she enjoyed working closely with both staff and students for the past 15 years. In her free time, she can be found outdoors, appreciating all that the beautiful Keweenaw has to offer. When she can’t be outside, she enjoys music, reading, games and all sorts of puzzles, but especially loves spending time with her family, friends and two dogs. She is looking forward to being a mentor to students who are taking an alternate educational path and hopes to build solid relationships with each to enable them to reach their individual best

Tom Blessing – Mentor

I began teaching in East Detroit Public Schools in 1969 and over 33 years I taught both middle schools and high school.  After I "retired" I spent several years subbing in East Detroit and also in local districts in the Copper Country. In 2005 I interviewed for a part-time job at Horizons Alternative HS and worked there as a teacher, long-term sub, and finally the online credit recovery classroom.  During this time I also took on the position of mentor for the UPVA when the program began.  My wife teaches Kindergarten at Barkell in Hancock. 

Penney Parmet – Mentor

Mrs. Parmet is a mentor and English teacher for the UPVA. She began teaching in 1974 and during that time has taught at the elementary, middle school, high school, undergraduate and graduate school levels. In addition to working with the UPVA, she is also an instructor at Bay College in Escanabe where she teaches Interpersonal Communications and College Reading Skills. Mrs. Parmet is originally from Philadelphia, PA, but in 1999 moved to Gladstone, MI where she and her husband live. She has 3 children and a very cute dog named Jynx who is a 16 year old Bichon.

Molly Power  – Tutor

I recently graduated from Michigan Tech with a degree in Wildlife Ecology and Management. I will be focusing on math and science tutoring. When I'm not tutoring, I will be co-instructing the Rock Climbing class at the CLK Virtual Center. I spend my summers working as a wildlife field technician. In my free time I enjoy backpacking, canoeing, and climbing with friends.





Teachers

John Asiala – Science and Math Teacher

Mr. Asiala is a graduate of Michigan Technological University where he majored in Mathematics and minored in Science. He also has a Master’s degree in Applied Science Education. Mr. Asiala taught for 2 years in Minnesota where he was teaching High School math and science. He currently is a teacher at Washington Middle School in Calumet where he has taught since 2004. As you can tell from his photo, he enjoys hunting.

John Croze – Math Teacher

Mr. Croze is a 1993 graduate from Michigan Tech and has a Bachelor's degree in mathematics. He's been teaching at Calumet High School since 1993 and currently teaches Calculus, Precalculus, Physics and Statistics. He has been coaching football for the Calumet Copper King's for the past 29 years and Head Coach for the past 20 years.  He has also coached basketball and track. He lives in Bootjack, MI with his awesome dog, Vince.

Josh Frantti – Health & PE Teacher

I have been married (Danielle) for 9 years and now have three kids Tanner (7) Bria (4) and Jake (2). I grew up in Laurium, Graduated from Calumet High school in 2005, Went on to Michigan Tech where I majored in Exercise Science as well as played football. After graduating I went on to start coaching and earned my Masters Degree in Secondary Education. I have been teaching Health and Physical education at Calumet High school for 8 Years now. In my free time, I enjoy playing sports, hunting, camping, and spending time with my family. 

Julie Giachino – Elementary Teacher

My name is Julie Giachino and I am honored to be a virtual teacher. I graduated from Northern Michigan University in 2005.  I have taught kindergarten, as well as fifth grade at CLK Elementary. I live in Calumet with my husband, Dan and my daughters Ava and Mia. Having grown up in Calumet, I am very proud to be part of this school as an educator. 

Matthew Hampton – Elementary Teacher

Mr. Hampton is a graduate of Northern Michigan University where he majored in Elementary Education and minored in Mathematics. He also has a Master's degree in Administration. Mr. Hampton has taught kindergarten, first grade, and fifth grade. He has also been the Elementary Assistant Principal and is currently the CLK Elementary Principal. Mr. Hampton loves spending time with his family, camping, and all sporting events.

Joe Heflin – Science Teacher

Mr. Heflin

I grew up in a small town in Lower Michigan and worked in corn fields from age 13 detasseling seed corn. After high school, I went to Michigan Technology University for my undergraduate degree to become a science teacher and also a clinical laboratory scientist (testing for diseases, etc.)

I have been teaching science for 15 years at CLK Schools. The courses that I have taught include chemistry, AP chemistry, biology, natural resources, physical science (intro to chemistry & physics) and recently created a new forensic science course (think CSI).

My other teaching experiences include Ontonagon High School; Eastern Michigan University; Boise, Idaho; Taumarunui., New Zealand and St. Alfred Alara in Kenya, East Africa.

My wife and I have three daughters who are proud to be called Copper Kings.

Sean Jacques – General Education Teacher

Mr. Jacques has been involved in education for 29 years. He was a classroom teacher for 17 years, and has been the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Calumet High School since 2008. He is a proud graduate of Calumet High School and earned a Bachelor's degree in Industrial and Technology Education from Northern Michigan University in 1989. In 200, he earned a Master's degree in Educational Administration. Mr. Jacques and his wife Theresa live in Calumet. They have one daughter who attends Michigan Tech. Mr. Jacques enjoys traveling, boating, and spending time at the lake.

Troy Jarvi – Social Studies Teacher

Mr. Jarvi graduated from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science, with a major in Social Studies. He enjoys many sports and is a huge Detroit sports fan. Mr. Jarvi also enjoys the many outdoor activities the U.P. has to offer. Originally from Ontonagon, Michigan, he now lives in Houghton with wife Jordan.

Karen La Cross – English Teacher

Mrs. La Cross graduated from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in English Education. She has been teaching at Calumet High School since 1998. Along with teaching sophomore English, Mrs. La Cross also teaches the digital publishing class, which publishes the yearbook, public speaking, and occasionally teaches computer classes. Outside of the classroom, she is the varsity cheerleading coach, the Forensics Director, the Pep Club advisor, the Sophomore Class advisor, assists with the prom, manages the gym concession stand for athletic events, and sells tickets at the door for volleyball and basketball. In her free time, Mrs. La Cross enjoys spending time with her family, golfing, swimming, knitting and reading.

Meg North – Science Teacher

Mrs. North is in her 14th year of classroom teaching and has been involved in online education for 9 years. She is certified in all subjects of Math and Science and has taught and/or tutored all subjects. Copper Harbor is home, which is convenient for the hiking, rock-picking, berry-picking, snowshoeing, and paddling that she enjoys with her husband and two dogs. When the weather’s too bad for outdoor fun, she loves to cook, read good books and play her ukulele.

Penney Parmet – English Teacher

Mrs. Parmet is a mentor and English teacher for the UPVA. She began teaching in 1974 and during that time has taught at the elementary, middle school, high school, undergraduate and graduate school levels. In addition to working with the UPVA, she is also an instructor at Bay College in Escanabe where she teaches Interpersonal Communications and College Reading Skills. Mrs. Parmet is originally from Philadelphia, PA, but in 1999 moved to Gladstone, MI where she and her husband live. She has 3 children and a very cute dog named Jynx who is a 16 year old Bichon.

Jen Peters – Science Teacher

Mrs. Peters is a 2000 graduate of Michigan Technological University where she majored in Clinical Laboratory Sciences and went on to become certified to teach secondary Science. In 2005 she also earned her MS in Education with a focus on Educational Leadership from Walden University. Mrs. Peters taught Biology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Advanced Biology for 18 years at Calumet High School. She is currently the Principal at Calumet High School. She enjoys the outdoors, reading, baking, and singing.  

Troy Reuter – Social Studies Teacher

Mr. Reuter is from Kingsford, MI. He is a guidance counselor at Calumet High School. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Central Michigan University where he majored in Social Studies and PE. He also holds a Master's Degree in School Guidance Counseling from Concordia University, WI. Mr. Reuter also coaches football and track at Calumet. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children. He also likes to fish, hunt, and play lots of sports. He currently resides in Laurium with his wife, two children, and their dog Jersey. 

Luke Theisen – English Teacher

Born a Yooper, Mr. Theisen enjoys all that the U.P. has to offer, including hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. He attended Gogebic Community College, transferring to Northern Michigan University to complete his degree in Secondary English Education, with a minor in History. Teaching is one of Mr. Theisen’s favorite things, and he has at least a little bit of fun every single day.

Abe Voelker – Social Studies Teacher

Mr. Voelker has been a teacher at Calumet High School since August of 2000. He has a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education from Northern Michigan University and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Walden University. In his years at CHS, Mr. Voelker has been assigned to teach classes ranging from Local History to Gogebic Community College Psychology and Economics, to Civics, Government, World History, U.S. History, Michigan History and Sociology. In addition, he teaches driver education, advises the Student Senate and Student Leadership Committee and is the assistant varsity baseball coach. He resides in Calumet with his wife and three sons and feels privileged to be able to also work as an instructor through UPVA. 

Todd Waurio – Math Teacher

Mr. Waurio is in his 19th year of teaching and has been at the Calumet High School since 2010 (and previously taught in the Washington Middle School for 3 years.) He has an Associate of Science from Gogebic Community College; a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a minor in Physics from Northern Michigan University and Masters of Applied Science Education from Michigan Technological University. Mr. Waurio has taught all math and science courses at some time in his career from 7th and 8th grade math and science through Advanced Placement Calculus, Probability and Statistics, Physics, Chemistry and all in between. Mr. Waurio lives in Hancock, Michigan and enjoys hunting, fishing, mountain biking, building stuff and projects around the house.

Jennifer Wickstrom – Math & Science Teacher

Mrs. Wickstrom has been a teacher for 22 years. She has worked in several districts around the state and earned her Bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Michigan Tech. She also has a Master’s degree in Education focusing on learning disabilities from NMU. Mrs. Wickstrom is a Calumet High School grad and lives in Calumet with her husband Jason and their 3 daughters.

Amanda Willmert – Social Studies Teacher

Mrs. Willmert has been a teacher at Calumet High School since January of 2014. She has a bachelor’s in Secondary Education with a concentration in Social Studies and Biology from Northern Michigan University. She earned her Master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs from NMU in 2016. Mrs. Willmert currently teaches U.S. History and World History at CHS. She resides in Hancock with her husband, two young sons, and her labradoodle Waylon.

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