CONTACT US
Gail Bliss
Gail Bliss
Home School Liaison/Program Director
gail.bliss@nilesschools.org
Office - (269) 262-4505 ext10055 Cell - (574) 340-1025 FAX - (269) 684-9532
(If you use one of the other District Phone numbers, the extension is 10055)
CONTACT GAIL FOR: Any question
I received my MBA through Bethel University and my BA in Business through Taylor University. I have home-schooled for over 20 years. My husband and four children have enjoyed the wonderful experiences we have had on our homeschool journey. All of my children have pursued higher education and are now employed in their chosen professions. Each has been extremely individual and I have enjoyed playing a part in their journey to adulthood and beyond. My own history included being home-schooled, attending private school and attending public school. My experiences growing up as a "Missionary Kid" have ingrained in me an insight into the many ways to learn. Nothing warms my heart more than to see people excited in their learning. We want to help you keep that excitement in your children's learning experience.
I have always believed in the potential of parents partnering with local school districts and was honored to be given the ability to participate in Niles Virtual School. Each child has been created to be unique works of art and our aim is to come alongside you to help you develop your children's skills and talents. Who knows...maybe some day one of our children might discover the next ground breaking technology because of a Lego robotics course they took or become the next Picasso due to an art class that introduced them to a world they never even knew.
Home School Liaison/Program Director
gail.bliss@nilesschools.org
Office - (269) 262-4505 ext10055 Cell - (574) 340-1025 FAX - (269) 684-9532
(If you use one of the other District Phone numbers, the extension is 10055)
CONTACT GAIL FOR: Any question
I received my MBA through Bethel University and my BA in Business through Taylor University. I have home-schooled for over 20 years. My husband and four children have enjoyed the wonderful experiences we have had on our homeschool journey. All of my children have pursued higher education and are now employed in their chosen professions. Each has been extremely individual and I have enjoyed playing a part in their journey to adulthood and beyond. My own history included being home-schooled, attending private school and attending public school. My experiences growing up as a "Missionary Kid" have ingrained in me an insight into the many ways to learn. Nothing warms my heart more than to see people excited in their learning. We want to help you keep that excitement in your children's learning experience.
I have always believed in the potential of parents partnering with local school districts and was honored to be given the ability to participate in Niles Virtual School. Each child has been created to be unique works of art and our aim is to come alongside you to help you develop your children's skills and talents. Who knows...maybe some day one of our children might discover the next ground breaking technology because of a Lego robotics course they took or become the next Picasso due to an art class that introduced them to a world they never even knew.
Kerrie Bass
Kerrie Bass
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
kerrie.bass@nilesschools.org
Office - (269) 262-4505 ext 10021 Cell - (574) 238-7023
(If you use one of the other District Phone numbers, the extension is 10021)
CONTACT KERRIE FOR: All questions about the classes she "teacher mentors." / All questions from her homeroom students /
Any general NVS questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp / Facebook issues & invitations
I worked in the public schools full time for 14 years before I decided to look for something different. I am happily married with two step-children and four grandchildren (that I love to spoil). I have two dogs and four cats (if my husband would allow it we'd have more animals). I'm looking forward to the opportunity to do something different in education and I'm excited to be a part of the Niles Virtual School.
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
kerrie.bass@nilesschools.org
Office - (269) 262-4505 ext 10021 Cell - (574) 238-7023
(If you use one of the other District Phone numbers, the extension is 10021)
CONTACT KERRIE FOR: All questions about the classes she "teacher mentors." / All questions from her homeroom students /
Any general NVS questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp / Facebook issues & invitations
I worked in the public schools full time for 14 years before I decided to look for something different. I am happily married with two step-children and four grandchildren (that I love to spoil). I have two dogs and four cats (if my husband would allow it we'd have more animals). I'm looking forward to the opportunity to do something different in education and I'm excited to be a part of the Niles Virtual School.
Adrianna Burke
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record for full-time virtual students
adrianna.burke@nilesschools.org
CONTACT ADRIANNA FOR: All questions about the classes she "teacher mentors."
I moved from Grant, Michigan to Niles to begin my teaching career, and little did I know, this place would become my home. I graduated from Calvin College with a K-12 certification in Spanish and Physical Education. I love learning, reading, running/walking/kayaking, nature, spending time with my pups, adventures with my husband, and being with family. My love for learning started at home with my mom, and from there I have learned in public school, private college, a couple dozen jobs, and through each experience I have been blessed with. I have been teaching Spanish in Niles since 2014, and I look forward to continuing my work within the district.
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record for full-time virtual students
adrianna.burke@nilesschools.org
CONTACT ADRIANNA FOR: All questions about the classes she "teacher mentors."
I moved from Grant, Michigan to Niles to begin my teaching career, and little did I know, this place would become my home. I graduated from Calvin College with a K-12 certification in Spanish and Physical Education. I love learning, reading, running/walking/kayaking, nature, spending time with my pups, adventures with my husband, and being with family. My love for learning started at home with my mom, and from there I have learned in public school, private college, a couple dozen jobs, and through each experience I have been blessed with. I have been teaching Spanish in Niles since 2014, and I look forward to continuing my work within the district.
Mary Landgraf
Mary Landgraf
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
mary.landgraf@nilesschools.org
CONTACT MARY FOR: All questions about the classes she "teacher mentors." / All questions from her homeroom students /
Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
mary.landgraf@nilesschools.org
CONTACT MARY FOR: All questions about the classes she "teacher mentors." / All questions from her homeroom students /
Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
- Graduated from Saint Mary's College with a BA degree with a major in Social Studies and minor in English and a secondary teaching license
- Earned a master's degree in the Art of Classroom Teaching from Michigan State University
- Earned her elementary teaching endorsement from Andrews University
- Taught English and Social Science in Niles Community Schools for 34 years
- Was the At-Risk Coordinator at Niles High School for five years
- Has taught or is teaching at Bethel College, Lake Michigan College, and Southwestern Michigan College
- Is the Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record for Niles Virtual School
- Is currently a teacher for the Niles Adult Education Program and the WAY program
Jared March
Jared March
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
jared.march@nilesschools.org
CONTACT JARED FOR: All questions about the classes he "teacher mentors." / All questions from his homeroom students /
Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
I'm a K-12 home school graduate who earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from WMU, and decided to come back and teach home schoolers through West Michigan Homeschool Fine Arts. At WMHFA, I teach 4 concert bands, a jazz band, 2 brass ensembles and the Northern Lights Marching Band. I also am the music director of the Gull Lake Partnership as well as a Mentor teacher for the Niles Virtual School. I play keys in the indie rock band Michigander and enjoy rock climbing, biking and scuba diving.
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
jared.march@nilesschools.org
CONTACT JARED FOR: All questions about the classes he "teacher mentors." / All questions from his homeroom students /
Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
I'm a K-12 home school graduate who earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from WMU, and decided to come back and teach home schoolers through West Michigan Homeschool Fine Arts. At WMHFA, I teach 4 concert bands, a jazz band, 2 brass ensembles and the Northern Lights Marching Band. I also am the music director of the Gull Lake Partnership as well as a Mentor teacher for the Niles Virtual School. I play keys in the indie rock band Michigander and enjoy rock climbing, biking and scuba diving.
Josh Rinehart
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
josh.rinehart@nilesschools.org
CONTACT JOSH FOR: All questions about the classes he "teacher mentors." / All questions from his homeroom students / Any general NVS questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
Bachelors of Science / K-12 Certification in Physical Education
I am a lifetime resident of Southwest Michigan. I graduated from Edwardsburg High School and earned my BA at Western Michigan University. I am married with three kids; Jaxon 8, Ellie 2 and Kellen 1. As a family we enjoy traveling with Ocracoke Island and Disney World as our favorite destinations. In the summer we like to kayak and BBQ and spend as much time outside as possible. I have had several teaching assignments over the years I have taught a careers class at Ross Beatty High School in Cassopolis, worked with WAY in Niles and currently teach 7-12 Physical Education at Brandywine Jr/Sr high. My first teaching job was as an Elementary Physical Education teacher in Avondale, AZ. Along with teaching I have coached several sports at the youth and varsity levels. I am currently coaching my sons youth baseball team and look forward to watching his development as a player.
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
josh.rinehart@nilesschools.org
CONTACT JOSH FOR: All questions about the classes he "teacher mentors." / All questions from his homeroom students / Any general NVS questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
Bachelors of Science / K-12 Certification in Physical Education
I am a lifetime resident of Southwest Michigan. I graduated from Edwardsburg High School and earned my BA at Western Michigan University. I am married with three kids; Jaxon 8, Ellie 2 and Kellen 1. As a family we enjoy traveling with Ocracoke Island and Disney World as our favorite destinations. In the summer we like to kayak and BBQ and spend as much time outside as possible. I have had several teaching assignments over the years I have taught a careers class at Ross Beatty High School in Cassopolis, worked with WAY in Niles and currently teach 7-12 Physical Education at Brandywine Jr/Sr high. My first teaching job was as an Elementary Physical Education teacher in Avondale, AZ. Along with teaching I have coached several sports at the youth and varsity levels. I am currently coaching my sons youth baseball team and look forward to watching his development as a player.
SUPPORT STAFF
Heather Krenk
Heather Krenk
Accounts Payable / Community Expert Liaison / Mentor / Technical Support
heather.krenk@nilesschools.org
Cell - (269) 587-0154
CONTACT HEATHER FOR: All questions regarding the website / Questions regarding Community Experts / Any NVS questions / Any questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp / Mentoring
I earned my bachelor of science degree from Western Michigan University majoring in criminal justice and sociology. After working as a counselor and administrator in the field of community corrections for a decade, I left full-time employment to raise my family. My husband and I have 5 children, all of whom have been home schooled, generally during middle and high school. During my time at home I have owned and operated two business, volunteered, and written four books. Currently, I have my hands full home-schooling our last child who is still at home and supporting three children at university, renovating our house, and continuing my volunteer work. I enjoy kayaking, genealogy, gardening, learning new things, and solving problems.
Accounts Payable / Community Expert Liaison / Mentor / Technical Support
heather.krenk@nilesschools.org
Cell - (269) 587-0154
CONTACT HEATHER FOR: All questions regarding the website / Questions regarding Community Experts / Any NVS questions / Any questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp / Mentoring
I earned my bachelor of science degree from Western Michigan University majoring in criminal justice and sociology. After working as a counselor and administrator in the field of community corrections for a decade, I left full-time employment to raise my family. My husband and I have 5 children, all of whom have been home schooled, generally during middle and high school. During my time at home I have owned and operated two business, volunteered, and written four books. Currently, I have my hands full home-schooling our last child who is still at home and supporting three children at university, renovating our house, and continuing my volunteer work. I enjoy kayaking, genealogy, gardening, learning new things, and solving problems.
Valerie Sandoval
Registrar
valerie.sandoval@nilesschools.org
Registrar
valerie.sandoval@nilesschools.org
CONTACT VALERIE FOR: Enrollment at NVS
I have lived in Southwest Michigan my whole life and have been a stay at home mom for the past 14 years. I am married and we have 2 sons who both attend Niles Schools. With the Covid-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to try virtual school with my children. While one did not enjoy it and chose to go back to in person learning, my other son excelled with virtual. It gave him a chance for individualized attention and he grew more independent and confident. I feel each learner is an individual and what works for one does not work for all. I am excited to be a part of the Niles virtual team and look forward to working with you and your student.
I have lived in Southwest Michigan my whole life and have been a stay at home mom for the past 14 years. I am married and we have 2 sons who both attend Niles Schools. With the Covid-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to try virtual school with my children. While one did not enjoy it and chose to go back to in person learning, my other son excelled with virtual. It gave him a chance for individualized attention and he grew more independent and confident. I feel each learner is an individual and what works for one does not work for all. I am excited to be a part of the Niles virtual team and look forward to working with you and your student.
Aaron Schutte
IT - Technical Support/Mentor
aaron.schutte@nilesschools.org
CONTACT AARON FOR: Password Reset / Online Community Expert Class Signups or Issues / Any general NVS questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
I was blessed to be born and raised in southwest Michigan then homeschooled after the 3rd grade. After school I managed a small businesses, worked as a Congressional intern, then moved to Houston. I spent 10 years at a non-profit coordinating volunteers and doing IT and also got married to a girl from church. A couple years ago we had the opportunity to move back to Michigan with our four little Texans. My wife is starting to homeschool and I know firsthand the tremendous opportunities NVS brings to families like ours.
IT - Technical Support/Mentor
aaron.schutte@nilesschools.org
CONTACT AARON FOR: Password Reset / Online Community Expert Class Signups or Issues / Any general NVS questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
I was blessed to be born and raised in southwest Michigan then homeschooled after the 3rd grade. After school I managed a small businesses, worked as a Congressional intern, then moved to Houston. I spent 10 years at a non-profit coordinating volunteers and doing IT and also got married to a girl from church. A couple years ago we had the opportunity to move back to Michigan with our four little Texans. My wife is starting to homeschool and I know firsthand the tremendous opportunities NVS brings to families like ours.
Nicole Sherbun
Mentor
nicole.sherbun@nilesschools.org
CONTACT NICOLE FOR: questions / issues if you are in her homeroom.
Hello! My name is Nicole Rinehart and I am one of the part-time mentors at Niles Virtual. I graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelors in Sociology and a Masters in Social Work. I have been in the Social Work field for 10 years in a variety of settings including outpatient, residential, criminal justice system and academic. This is my 6th year working in a school setting. I love working with students and enjoy collaborating with parents and teachers. I have 3 young children of my own who keep me very busy in my free time. We love traveling (especially to Disney!), kayaking and watching the oldest play baseball.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me should you ever need support, assistance, or just someone to talk to!
Mentor
nicole.sherbun@nilesschools.org
CONTACT NICOLE FOR: questions / issues if you are in her homeroom.
Hello! My name is Nicole Rinehart and I am one of the part-time mentors at Niles Virtual. I graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelors in Sociology and a Masters in Social Work. I have been in the Social Work field for 10 years in a variety of settings including outpatient, residential, criminal justice system and academic. This is my 6th year working in a school setting. I love working with students and enjoy collaborating with parents and teachers. I have 3 young children of my own who keep me very busy in my free time. We love traveling (especially to Disney!), kayaking and watching the oldest play baseball.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me should you ever need support, assistance, or just someone to talk to!
PARTNERSHIP INFORMATION
The Partnership Office is located at Oak Manor located at One Tyler St, Niles, MI 49120
FAX: (269) 684-9532
MAILING ADDRESS:
Oak Manor - Niles Virtual School
ATT: Gail Bliss
1 Tyler Street
Niles, MI 49120
Office hours:
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
These are general office hours, you may want to contact us before you come as we may be in a meeting
or on a visit. Please feel free to make an appointment.
Gail is able to meet with you in your home, at a coffee shop, the library or at the office.
FAX: (269) 684-9532
MAILING ADDRESS:
Oak Manor - Niles Virtual School
ATT: Gail Bliss
1 Tyler Street
Niles, MI 49120
Office hours:
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
These are general office hours, you may want to contact us before you come as we may be in a meeting
or on a visit. Please feel free to make an appointment.
Gail is able to meet with you in your home, at a coffee shop, the library or at the office.