This AAC device lets Jozlyn select words or pictures simply by looking at them, and the device speaks for her. Hearing her communicate using it for the first time has been incredibly exciting.
Pictured here are Jozlyn’s mom and Zack getting everything set up. We can’t wait to hear all the amazing things Jozlyn will share with this new tool!
#hillsdaleisd #michiganisds #greatjob #communication #thankful
#halloween #trickortreat #hillsdaleisd #michiganisds
ISD student Jozlyn is sporting her new wheelchair that was delivered today!!! Allison Mach, our ISD physical therapist, coordinates with companies that support the needs of our students. One of the companies is National Seating and Mobility, which is located in Lansing.
Instead of families having to drive to Lansing, we are grateful for Clay, who makes the drive to Hillsdale to help our county kids be safe and comfortable. Today, it was Jozlynn who is MUCH more comfortable in her brand new chair, especially made for her!
Thank you to our Allison and to Clay for making it happen.
#hillsdaleisd #michiganisds #bigday #grateful
#hillsdaleisd #michiganisds #halloween #frankenstein
🌟Staff Spotlight: Stephanie Hines 🌟
Inclusion Specialist | Hillsdale County ISD
Meet Stephanie Hines, one of our amazing Inclusion Specialist here at the Hillsdale County ISD! Stephanie is celebrating her 18th school year with us, and throughout her time here, she has made a lasting difference for students, families, and staff alike. 💙
Stephanie began her career at HCISD in 2007 after graduating from Spring Arbor University with a degree in Special Education. She started as a teacher for students with severe multiple impairments, later earning a Master of Arts in Cognitive Impairments from Eastern Michigan University. In 2016, she transitioned to the Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) department, where she’s served in multiple roles before becoming an Inclusion Specialist. She also holds a Master of Education in Early Childhood Special Education from Grand Valley State University and a Special Education Administration Certificate from EMU.
✨ What she loves most about her work:
“I love supporting both teachers and students in achieving success. Helping educators understand how to effectively support all learners—and seeing children thrive—is incredibly rewarding.”
As an Inclusion Specialist, Stephanie helps create inclusive, supportive environments where every child can learn and grow. She provides professional development, IEP guidance, and builds strong partnerships with preschool programs and families to strengthen early learning systems. 🌈
💬 Her motto:
“Never underestimate what a child can do. Always hold them to high standards and believe in their potential.”
Outside of work, Stephanie has been happily married for 18 years and is the proud mom of four and grandmother to one sweet grandchild. She enjoys being outdoors, decorating and remodeling her home, and cheering on her kids at the ball field.
Thank you, Stephanie, for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to helping others succeed. You truly make a difference every day at HCISD! 💙✨
#StaffSpotlight #Inclusion Specialist #HCISDPride #ThankYouStephanie #TeamHCISD #michiganISDs #hillsdaleisd
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🌟Staff Spotlight: Kim McFeters 🌟
Custodial Staff Member | Hillsdale County ISD
Meet Kim McFeters, a valued member of our Maintenance and Custodial Department at the Hillsdale County ISD!
Kim first joined HCISD over 11 years ago—spending 8 years in maintenance and custodial services and 3 years as a paraprofessional in the classroom. After taking some time away, she returned last August and has been back for a year. “I love this organization,” Kim shared. “After leaving, I realized my heart and love are here—my calling is in maintenance and custodial.”
✨A graduate of Concord High School (Class of 2000), Kim takes great pride in keeping our buildings clean, safe, and welcoming. “Helping fellow employees with projects and keeping the buildings clean for everyone is what I love most about my job,” she said.
Kim knows her work makes a difference, even when it’s behind the scenes. “Cleaning is important—it helps keep students and staff healthy. And when the public visits our buildings for meetings or events, we want them to see how great our facilities are.”
✨Her personal motto is simple but meaningful:
“Life goes by fast—enjoy it!”
✨Outside of work, Kim and her husband enjoy dirt track racing during the summer and cheering on their favorite teams—Go Lions! 🦁 Go Tigers! 🐅
Thank you, Kim, for all you do to keep our schools running smoothly and shining bright! 💛
#StaffSpotlight #HCISDPride #ThankYouKim #TeamHCISD #michiganISDs #hillsdaleisd
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🌟Staff Spotlight: Amy Bayes 🌟
Teacher Consultant – Visually Impaired and Blind, Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist, Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Meet Amy, our Teacher Consultant for the Visually Impaired and Blind, Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist, and Early Childhood Special Education Teacher here at Hillsdale County ISD!
This is her 6th year with HCISD, and she’s passionate about helping students gain independence and confidence.
🎓A proud graduate of Western Michigan University, Amy earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education/Special Education – VI and later returned for a Master’s in Orientation and Mobility for Children. She also holds a Master’s in Early Childhood Special Education from Eastern Michigan University. Her dedication to lifelong learning is reflected in her commitment to empowering students to reach their fullest potential.
✨ What she loves most about her job?
Being able to promote independence and success. "
✨Amy's guiding moto:
"Whatever you do, do it with excellence."
✨Outside of work, Amy is a proud mom of four adult children, has three energetic dogs, loves arts and crafts, enjoys watching football 🏈, and thinks fall is the best season of all! 🍂
Please join us in giving a big shoutout to Amy for inspiring students and showing them that with the right tools and support, the future is limitless. 💛
#StaffSpotlight #HCISDPride #ThankYouAmy #TeamHCISD #michiganISDs #hillsdaleisd #VisuallyImpaired
School Social Worker | Hillsdale County ISD
Meet Ryan Broughton, a dedicated School Social Worker who’s been making a big impact in just one year at HCISD! A proud graduate of Spring Arbor University with a Master’s in Social Work, Ryan brings a wealth of experience from both educational and clinical settings. From his early days in school social work to leadership roles at Lifeways CMH, Ryan has always kept one thing at the heart of his work — his passion for supporting youth.
✨ What Ryan loves most about his job?
"My job offers me the chance to make a difference in the lives of others. The work we do is impactful, and I like to look at it as one of the coolest honors to be a small part of students' care and growth in schools. It is such a joy watching students make positive changes and having the responsibility of building trust and rapport. Even though that is a big weight to carry at times, the reflection in the work we do shines through because of it. "
His role is more than just support — it’s about building trust, connecting families, and bridging schools with resources to meet students’ social and emotional needs.
✨Ryan lives by the mantra:
"No matter how rough the sea, you keep standing. No matter what. You don't give up."
And it shows — in his resilience, his leadership, and the positive impact he brings to our team.
✨Outside of work, Ryan enjoys time with his wife Valerie and their daughter Miah, along with their two dogs, Kobe and Takoda. He’s also a big fan of fishing, collecting sports memorabilia, and a proud fan of the Detroit Tigers and Lions. 🐾⚾🦁
Please join us in giving a big shoutout to Ryan for the incredible work he does and the heart he brings to HCISD. We're lucky to have you on our team! 💙👏
#StaffSpotlight #HCISDPride #MentalHealthMatters #ThankYouRyan #SocialWorkStrong #TeamHCISD #michiganISDs #hillsdaleisd
This year's recipients:
Amy Bayes - 5 years
Jo Patterson - 5 years
Wendy Playford - 5 years
Kaitlyn Reese - 5 years
Heather Robidoux - 5 years
Lynette Clark - 25 years
Jamie Monahan - 25 years
Nick Langston - 25 years
RaLena LoPresto - 25 years
Tim Wilcox - 25 years
Jennifer Cook - 30 years
#ServiceAwards #StaffAppreciation #hillsdaleisd #michiganisds
