Meet the Staff
Elizabeth Belcher
Science, Volleyball Coach, Student Council, 8th grade advisor
ebelcher@kwoods.org
Ms. Belcher might surprise you. This science teacher, volleyball coach, and 8th grade advisor used to ride motorcycles and can fly airplanes, though she admits it's "just a small one!" Her path to KWoods has been as adventurous as her hobbies: from studying particle physics at FermiLab (working with muons and quarks) to database programming that took her to Panama and Singapore, before discovering that teaching was her true passion. She joined KWoods in 2021 along with her three children because she found a school that felt like family. Our school genuinely supports students' best interests and keeps them at heart. KWoods gives her the freedom to try amazing things like zombie apocalypse survival classes and nature journaling – alongside traditional Physics and Chemistry classes.
When she's not coaching Volleyball, advising 8th graders, or running Student Council, you'll find Ms. Belcher reading, solving puzzles, cooking, or planning an adventure to Oceania (the one continent she hasn't conquered yet). At KWoods, her motto is simple: "Start a Science Fair? Do Nature Journaling? Teach something completely different? Yes! Yes! Yes!"
Chris Boudrie
Art, Dungeons & Dragons Club, Theater Club, 7th grade advisor
cboudrie@kwoods.org
Mr. Boudrie proves that the best Art teachers are artists themselves. When he's not guiding 7th graders or leading Theater and D&D clubs, you'll find him writing, painting, tinkering with book layouts, or deep in a fantasy tabletop campaign (he games "a lot," both tabletop and PC, as he puts it). This graphic designer turned educator joined KWoods in 2023 because he found a place where he could work directly with students in a personalized environment. Mr. Boudrie loves sharing his passion for visual culture while helping students understand their impact on society. With degrees spanning Graphic Design, Visual Arts education, and assessment in the Arts, he brings serious expertise to his mission of helping students navigate the visual world that surrounds them every day.
At home in his creative household with wife Andrea, sons Gage and Scout, dog Maisie, cats Blix and Poe, and bearded dragon Mojo, Mr. Boudrie understands that Art is about understanding yourself, your culture, and your place in our growing global world.
Sabrina Delozier
School Social Worker, 7th grade advisor
sdelozier@kwoods.org
Ms. Delozier brings a unique mix of compassion, humor, and high energy to KWoods as our school social worker, creating safe spaces where students can be themselves and thrive. Fresh from earning her Masters in Social Work from Michigan State University, she started at KWoods the very week she graduated in April 2024, drawn by the school's small, personable atmosphere that lets her truly connect with every student. Her passion for helping kids was sparked by her own high school experiences and deepened during four years working at a daycare, where children's colored pictures and handwritten notes (which she still treasures) reminded her of the power of showing up with heart. Students describe her as honest, loyal, compassionate, and empathetic—someone who believes in being the bright light where there is darkness.
When she's not supporting students or connecting with families, you might find this social person hiking trails across Michigan or even Zion National Park, spending time with loved ones, or enjoying quiet moments journaling and painting.
Ed Deizwra
Facilities
edzierwa@kwoods.org
Ed has proudly served as Custodian and Facilities Manager at Kensington Woods Schools for over 10 years. Before joining the KWoods team, he worked as an engineer at General Motors, bringing with him a strong background in problem-solving and precision.
A dedicated family man, he’s the proud father of four and a grandfather of two—and he takes great joy in watching his kids experience the same whirlwind of parenting he once did. Outside of work, he’s known for his creativity and craftsmanship, often found experimenting with resin art or building custom cornhole boards that are almost too beautiful to use (almost
Charlene Gawronski
Administrative Assistant
cgawronski@kwoods.org
Mrs. Gawronski has been a cornerstone of KWoods since 2014. She brings a wealth of experience from her diverse career path including six years as an Administrative Secretary in corporate settings, six years as Secretary and Library Services Coordinator at Howell Public Schools, and even owning a party store in Webberville. Her connection to our school runs deep—her youngest daughter graduated from KWoods in 2011, giving her both professional and personal investment in our school success.
When Mrs. Gawronski's not supporting the day-to-day operations that keep KWoods running smoothly, you'll find her embracing the outdoors: riding her horses, hunting, camping, fishing, or exploring with her metal detector in hand. Her combination of administrative expertise and genuine love for the KWoods community makes her an invaluable part of what makes the school special.
Sarah Oliveira
Spanish, 10th grade advisor
soliveira@kwoods.org
Ms. Oliveira brings fresh energy to KWoods as our newest Spanish teacher and 10th grade advisor, and yes, she's excited to admit she's a first-time educator who's ready to make her mark! After graduating from Grand Valley State University in 2022 and spending last year as a substitute, she's thrilled to have her own classroom where she can create those magical lightbulb moments as students suddenly understand a concept. What drives Ms. Oliveira isn't just teaching Spanish vocabulary and grammar, but guiding students to those breakthrough moments and helping shape the next generation in ways that go far beyond required curriculum.
When she's not planning lessons or mentoring Sophomores, you'll find her hiking with her two dogs, crocheting, listening to Jon Bellion (she loves how he shares his creative process with fans), or capturing moments with her beloved camera—because photography feeds her creative soul just like teaching does. Her dream vacation is visiting family in Brazil, where she can experience the language and culture she teaches in its natural setting.
Nathan Richards
Mr. Richards has a secret he wants his students to know: their math teacher failed 9th grade math. After being told by a teacher that he "wasn't good at math" and should avoid any career involving it, he proved that persistence and determination can overcome any obstacle—earning degrees in Electrical Engineering Technology and Mathematics, building robots, and now inspiring the next generation as KWoods' math teacher and 11th grade advisor. Mr. Richards joined the school in 2024 after 16 years of teaching because he met genuine people who wanted to do great things for kids, and he believes teaching offers something his engineering career couldn't: the chance to have a profound impact on society by helping students become who they want to be.
When he's not helping students conquer equations or navigate 11th grade challenges, you'll find this focused educator tackling home renovation projects, exercising, or planning a dream trip to Wales to explore his family roots with his wife, two children, and four pets.
Dan Stastyshyn
Students know Mr. Stastyshyn as the Social Studies teacher who dreams of flying to see the world from new perspectives, which perfectly captures his approach to education and life. His journey from Buffalo to South Carolina's golf industry to Michigan classrooms is anything but typical, but it led him to discover his true calling: teaching. Mr. Stastyshyn joined KWoods in 2019 because he wanted to make a positive impact and foster future generations, bringing the same energy to coaching Basketball and managing athletics that he does to helping Freshmen navigate their first year of high school.
When he's not planning the next athletic season or discussing global perspectives in Social Studies, you'll find Mr. Stastyshyn hiking, golfing, or traveling with his wife and dog—always dreaming of his next adventure to Peru to experience those mountains and beaches firsthand.
Joy Ferguson
Student Support
jferguson@kwoods.org
Mrs. Ferguson brings both heart and multilingual skills to her role in student support at KWoods. She's been building relationships since 2019 as both a Paraprofessional and Substitute Teacher. With a BA in English, Communications, and History from the University of Michigan, she understands that the KWoods difference lies in genuine relationships between staff members and students who feel seen, heard, and valued. Her connection to our school runs deep. Married to English teacher Mr. Ferguson, she has watched daughter Abi graduate as Valedictorian and head to the University of Michigan, and currently has two sons progressing at their own pace in our KWoods' safe, friendly environment.
Mrs. Ferguson is also a dog mom to two rescue miniature pinscher mixes and what might be surprising about her is that she speaks four languages. At home, she and Mr. Ferguson use Swahili as their "secret" language. Guided by C.S. Lewis's wisdom about desires that point us toward something greater, Mrs. Ferguson approaches each day knowing that the relationships she builds with students matter far beyond the classroom.
Kerry Keuvelaar
Teacher Consultant, 10th grade advisor
kkeuvelaar@kwoods.org
Mrs. K (as students know her) dreams of having the superpower of invisibility, which is ironic, because her impact at KWoods has been anything but. Since joining our school in 2021, this Special Education teacher brings BS and MS degrees in interdisciplinary studies and learning disabilities along with certifications spanning K-12. But what really sets her apart is her belief that the KWoods difference lies in genuine connections and creating a safe space where everyone can be themselves and belong. After 24 years of marriage to Mr. K, she's raised three remarkable children who've each found their own paths: one as a heavy haul tow truck driver, another studying Nursing at Oakland University, and another, a KWoods graduate who's now a firefighter pursuing Emergency Services.
When she's not supporting students with learning differences or spending time with her three "fur children" (Brewer, Sadie, and Vanna), you'll find Mrs. K camping, baking, or dreaming of her perfect vacation: camping on a beach somewhere with her family and dogs.
Shawn Pollman
Math, College Counselor, 12th grade advisor
spollman@kwoods.org
Mrs. Pollman lives by the motto “hard work beats talent that doesn’t work hard”—and after two decades at KWoods as Math teacher, college counselor, and 12th grade advisor, she’s proven it’s true for both herself and her students. With degrees from University of Michigan and Marygrove College, Mrs. Pollman joined KWoods in 2003 because she found a place where staff truly collaborate to help every student succeed, where student voices matter, and where creative learning experiences flourish in ways only possible at a small school.
When she’s not helping seniors navigate college applications or guiding students through complex equations, you’ll find Mrs. Pollman running, biking, or walking her two collies who love exploring the world around them. She and her meteorologist husband, Rich, have raised two daughters who’ve followed their own paths—Sarah as a high school Science teacher and Kylie balancing retail work with MSU classes—proving the Pollman family knows something about nurturing individual success.
Derek Henderson
Mr. Henderson believes his favorite technology is either the printing press or the alphabet, which tells you everything about this English teacher, Theater Club advisor, and 11th grade advisor who also happens to be a published poet with a PhD in Literature. After years of adventures across multiple states and countries (including some memorable meals in rural Japan) while raising seven kids, he recently returned to Michigan and joined KWoods because he found a school that celebrates differences as strengths rather than obstacles. Whether he's guiding 11th graders through complex texts, directing theater productions, or sharing one of his favorite quotes (Henry Miller's observation that "well-behaved children rarely make outstanding men and women"), Mr. Henderson approaches each day with the expectation that it can be better than the last. When he's not in the classroom, you'll find him managing his bustling household of kids, dogs, and cats. He’s also preparing to become a grandfather this November and working on his next book of poetry.
David Yule
Mr. Yule lives by one simple question: "Am I a person Mr. Rogers would be proud of?"—and that philosophy drives everything he does as KWoods' new Music Teacher, Garage Band advisor, and 9th grade advisor. After 11 years of teaching music and earning degrees from New Jersey City University and Madonna University, he joined KWoods because he found a small, inclusive community with a strong desire to pursue the Arts. As a classical percussionist and bass guitar enthusiast, KWoods is exactly what Mr. Yule was looking for. His "controlled-chaos" working style comes in handy whether he's leading Music classes, guiding Freshmen, or pursuing his own passions: tabletop games, D&D, fantasy novels, and his secret dream of making it onto Jeopardy!
When he's not sharing his love of music with students (his two favorite things combined), you might find Mr. Yule contemplating his ideal superpower of telekinesis—because as he puts it, "the pure convenience of moving things with my mind, not to mention levitating, makes it an easy answer."
Ken Ferguson
English, Cross Country Coach, 6th grade advisor
kferguson@kwoods.org
Students describe Mr. Ferguson as energetic, creative, and tough-but-fair. He challenges them to think bigger while weaving captivating stories from his international experience into daily lessons. This English teacher, cross country coach, and 6th grade advisor brings over two decades of teaching experience to KWoods, including formative years teaching in Africa that continue to shape his classroom storytelling. Mr. Ferguson returned to KWoods in 2009 because he believes in the school's commitment to knowing students as individuals rather than data points, which is a philosophy that drives his mentoring approach with every 6th grader.
When he's not coaching runners or leading Literature discussions, you might find Mr. Ferguson starting his day with pre-dawn runs through Livingston's quiet trails (often with a song stuck in his head) or ending it playing board games with his family on the front porch. It’s all part of his belief that teaching is "the most important job I can imagine."
Melinda Leffert
Student Services Assistant
mleffert@kwoods.org
Mrs. Leffert has dedicated a decade to making a difference in students' lives at KWoods, where her role has grown and evolved since she first arrived in 2014. As a Registered Social Service Technician with an Associates Degree in Human Services from Washtenaw Community College (2023), she brings both professional expertise and genuine heart to supporting students and families through challenges and transitions. Her vision for solving world problems reflects her professional mission: converting unused buildings into safe spaces where families can rebuild after tragedy, because helping people get back on their feet drives everything she does.
This proud "KWoods bear" balances her commitment to students with a peaceful home life in Howell, where she enjoys reading, spending time with her three dogs, and dreaming of quiet moments on a Smokey Mountain porch taking in the scenery.
Jessie Pratt
Principal, Art, Leadership/National Honors Society
jpratt@kwoods.org
Mrs. Pratt leads Kensington Woods with the heart of an educator and the vision of someone who believes in empowering every student to think, create, and grow. In her role as principal since 2020, she continues teaching Art because staying connected to students and the classroom experience drives her leadership philosophy. With an MA in Art Education from NYU and BFA from the University of Michigan, Mrs. Pratt brings both artistic expertise and educational vision to her role, having taught everywhere from the Bronx to KWoods since 2007. What defines her approach is seeing our students connect classroom learning to the world beyond school, challenging them to ask "why" and discover what art and learning can truly be in their lives. To Mrs. Pratt, the KWoods difference lies in treating each other as real people and family, creating a community where everyone works together to learn and grow.
When she's not leading the school or inspiring students in the art room, you'll find her gardening, spending time with her husband and three children, or volunteering as a Daisy Girl Scout leader - always modeling the creativity, curiosity, and care that define KWoods education.
Sarah Shaw
Mrs. Shaw joined KWoods in 2022 as our Speech & Language Pathologist. She brings a unique perspective from her travels across the country. Mrs. Shaw has lived everywhere from Tennessee and Georgia to Minnesota and New York City before settling in Michigan. With a BA in Early Childhood Education and MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders, she found her perfect fit at KWoods because the school encourages individuality and provides the community support students need to thrive. What might surprise people about this professional who helps students find their voices, is that she dreams of competing on the reality show, Survivor. Her desert island survival kit reveals her practical side: sunscreen, a novel, and a feather down pillow.
When she's not working with students on communication skills, you'll find Mrs. Shaw hiking, reading, or traveling with her husband and two young children, always planning thier next adventure to places like Paris for the amazing food and art. She finds inspiration in the music of Aurora, whose poetic lyrics carry deep emotion, much like the meaningful connections she helps students make through communication.