Our Leadership

Kathleen Grinwis, Principal

Education:

I completed my bachelor’s of science in education with a focus on Language Arts and Science from Western Michigan University in 1987. I completed a Master of Art in Education in 1992 and a second Master of Art in Counseling Psychology in 1998, both from WMU. Currently I am working on my PhD in Educational Leadership at Western Michigan University.

Previous Education Experience and Number of Years in the Field:

I have been in the field of education for 24 years. Prior to coming to work for NHA I worked at The Gagie School, an independent private school in Kalamazoo, MI. I also worked as a child therapist in private practice for one year before joining the staff at Walton Charter Academy in its opening year.

What do you like most about working here?

I love the opportunities each day brings! I enjoy working with a very talented and dedicated staff and watching our amazing students grow. Paramount families are very involved in their children’s education and committed to the success of our school. We are truly a family working together for everyone’s success!

Karen Cleveland, Dean Young Five Kindergarten - 2

Education:

Jackson Community College: A.A., Elementary Education(1999)
Western Michigan University: B.S., El. Ed. (2002)
Western Michigan University: M.A., Ed. Leadership (2007)

Previous Education Experience and Number of Years in the Field:

I have been in the field of education since 1991 where I worked for a private Christian school teaching 3rd and 4th grades in Clarkston, Michigan until 2002 when I moved to Linden Charter Academy.

What do you like most about working here?

I love the support and various training opportunities from the company and the camaraderie with the staff.

Personal:

I have been married for 9 1/2 years and have a beautiful 2 years old daughter.

Sheri Glas, 3-5 Dean:

Education:

Northwestern Michigan College- Associates of Science
Central Michigan University – Bachelor of Science
Central Michigan University- Masters of Arts in Elementary Education

Previous Education Experience and Number of Years in the Field:

2nd Grade 7 years
6th grade 7 years
4th grade 10 years
Dean 1 year

What do you like most about working here?

Working at Paramount has provided me the opportunity to grow as an educator. I not only have the opportunity to be able to reach out and help children, but to help teachers learn and grow as professionals.

Personal:

I love to ski, golf, and bike. I currently watch a lot of soccer and softball as those are the two sports in which my daughter is involved. We have two dogs, a fish, and a gerbil.

Karyn Medendorp, 6-8 Dean

Education:

Western Michigan University (B.S. Education)
Marygrove College (M.A. Teaching)
Cornerstone University - Currently pursuing an M.A. in Leadership

Previous Education Experience:

Environmental Educator, 1 year
Middle School Science Teacher, 3 years
5th grade Teacher, 7 years
Gifted and Talent Consultant, 4 years
New Teacher Leader, 8 years

What do you like most about working here?

What I love most about working for National Heritage Academies, at Paramount Charter Academy, is the people. The people I work with are not only my friends, but my family. The way we support and care for each other is unprecedented in any other field. It makes coming to work something I look forward to every day.

Personal:

I knew I was going to marry my husband the moment we met, and we’ve been happily married for 8 years. We know the names of all the “princesses” and “Thomas and Friends” thanks to our two preschool children.

I retired from ballet after 25 years and currently run half marathons to help me unwind after a long day. I also love to scrapbook with several other teachers from Paramount.

My other interests include traveling, reading and writing.