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High School
Office Staff
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Lisa Cichosz, 6-12 Principal
(906) 524-6000 ext. 2
lcichosz@laschools.us
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My name is Lisa Cichosz and previously taught Middle School Math. I was born and raised in L'Anse. I received my Elementary Education degree with a major in math and minor in language arts from Oakland University. I also have a masters degree in Instruction from Northern Michigan University.
I currently reside in L'Anse with my husband Chad and our children Lola and Kale. Besides teaching, I enjoy sports, reading and being with my family. |
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Heather Grentz, Guidance Counselor
hgrentz@laschools.us
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My name is Heather Grentz and I am the Jr/Sr High School Counselor. I graduated from Northern Michigan University in the Spring of 2000 with a degree in elementary education. I started working in the District that fall teaching 5th grade. In 2004 I received my Masters from NMU in K-12 guidance counseling. After 7 years in the District teaching 5th grade I made the move to the Guidance Office. The counseling office can be used for individual student planning, responsive services, guidance curriculum, and system support. |
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Katie Martinac, Jr/Sr High School Secretary
(906) 524-6000 ext. 2
kmartinac@laschools.us
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My name is Katie Martinac. I was born and raised in Ishpeming, MI. I graduated from Republic-Michigamme. I was previously a Para Pro here at L'Anse and then moved into the Middle School/High School Secretary position.
I currently reside in L'Anse with my two children, Aria and Hayden. Outside of work I enjoy time with my family, friends, playing/watching sports and traveling. |
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Kimberly MIron, Social Worker
khendrickson@laschools.us
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My name is Kimberly Hendrickson and I received my clinical and macro graduate degree as an MSW from Michigan State University. I received my School Social Work certification from MSU and have always enjoyed working in the schools.
I am fully licensed to practice in Michigan as an LMSW with ACSW certification. I have worked as a Director of Social Services, Medical Social Service Director, a private contractor for 10 years with 5 years full time as the School Social Worker for an Intermediate School District and as a contracted therapist for Access Psychological. I currently provide on call crisis services for Copper Country Mental Health and Pathways mental health, serving 8 counties. I currently work for my local school district in L'Anse as the Student Services Supports Director and have my School Social Work certification and I provide crisis services for R3 continuum as a contracted provider offering disruption, response and recovery services, when my availability allows.
I have extensive training and experience in Trauma work and serve on our local FAN chapter board (Families Against Narcotics) and have held National Certification In Addictions. I am also a member of BARCC (building a resilient copper country).
My interest in Trauma work has lead me to work on becoming an ACE (adverse childhood experiences) train the trainer and hope to provide education and engage parents and families.
I live in Skanee with my husband Dean. I have been a lifelong member of our community and am a member of the KBIC Tribe. With all of that said, my biggest accomplishment has been in raising our 5 girls and having four beautiful grandchildren. I love family gatherings, boating, hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, fishing, traveling, daily mindfulness practice, spending time with our dog, Charlie Rocket and gardening. |
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Darrin Voskuhl, Director of Student Services & Athletic Director
(906) 524-6000 ext. 2
dvoskuhl@laschools.us
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Hello, my name is Darrin Voskuhl.
I am currently the Director of Student Services and Athletic Director. In the past I have taught K-8 Physical Education and have been at L'Anse for nearly 17 years.
My hobbies include anything athletic. Outside of school, I enjoy hunting, fishing and spending time with my family and friends. I'm looking forward to another great school year!
Go Hornets! |
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Faculty
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Jason Briggs
K-12 Art
jbriggs@laschools.us
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I am married to the Middle School English Teacher, Sarah Briggs-McNeal. She moved to L'Anse from Negaunee Township in 2020 and I moved here the next year. We have built a house on Lake Superior after living in a camper for a couple of years on our property.
I went to NMU for Art & Design in 2000 and graduated in 2005 with a Bachelors of Fine Arts. I met my wife Sarah at College and we have lived in Marquette, Negaunee, Ishpeming and Newberry before moving to L'Anse.
We love going to the beach on Lake Superior with our dogs and canoeing. |
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Charles Campbell
Jr High Science & K-8 P.E.
ccampbell@laschools.us
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I am happy to be here in L'Anse, teaching 6th and 7th grade Science and Elementary PE.
It has been a long journey to get here.
I grew up in Concord, a small farming town of 1,200 in lower Michigan, in a school this size. I was fat, had no friends, my mother made my school clothes, and every month she would put a bowl on my head to cut my hair. Sports changed my future. I played Football 4 years (3 years varsity), Wrestled 4 years varsity, ran Track 4 years varsity, and worked out every morning with the Cross-Country team. I strongly support students in sports and will become a more contributing supporter in Hornet Sports.
I earned a degree in Business Administration and went on to manage Chuck E. Cheese’s in Detroit. Later, I became a Social Worker for the State of Idaho, investigating child abuse and neglect. I missed my family in Michigan and moved back to Detroit to open Blockbuster Video locations.
After a few years of that, my Elementary School Teacher mother said she had had enough of my adventures, and I was to quit and go back to school to be a teacher !!! I am kinda scared of telling a teacher no, especially my mother no so I did as she said. I was soon an Intervention Specialist / Assistant Principal for Albion Public Schools.
By a vacation blunder, I found myself in Manistique, MI, and fell into teaching 5th grade. After 4 successful years, I decided I needed to expand on my teaching skills and came to L’Anse. I bought a house in town and someday want to sit on my porch like my neighbors.
I have met such wonderful people here and am grateful for the opportunity. |
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Betty Cangemi
Science & Math
bcangemi@laschools.us
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Mrs. Cangemi is a L'Anse Area Schools graduate and has taught for over 20 years. She is repected by her students and peers. |
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Bill Connor
Bus Driver & Industrial Education Teacher
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Mr. Connor has been a bus driver for L'Anse Area Schools for over 20 years. He supports our athletes by driving many of the sports runs.
In 2024 he started teaching Shop and Machine Woods in the I.E. Building. |
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John DeLine
Social Studies
jdeline@laschools.us
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My name is John DeLine. I joined L'Anse Area Schools in 2021. Previously, I worked at L'Anse-Baraga Community Schools as an Alternative Education Teacher.
I graduated From Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin, with a B.S in Social Studies Education. I am a graduate of L'Anse Area Schools and have lived here most of my life. I feel fortunate to live and work in Baraga County.
I enjoy spending time on or near Lake Superior. My son and I have recently taken up fishing and we are eager to find the best parts of the earth that are covered by water. I also enjoy camping, snowshoeing, swimming and riding in my side by side. |
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Eric DeMink
Physical Education & Health
edemink@laschools.us
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Hello, my name is Eric DeMink and I graduated from Northern Michigan University in 2009 with a degree in secondary education. This will be my 7th year with L'Anse Area Schools as a teacher. My degrees are in: secondary education English and physical education. I'm well versed in social emotional learning, and I have a certification to teach health for the district and recently finished receiving my Driver's Education certification.
My goal in education is to develop the whole child while focusing on positive reinforcement and fostering a growth mindset. I look forward to meeting your child and helping support their growth in education and into the future as adults. I'm passionate about nutrition, weight training, and teachable moments.
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Elijah Emmer
At Risk Teacher
eemmer@laschools.us
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I graduated from Finlandia in 2023 with a degree in liberal studies with concatenations in History and Philosophy with an English minor. I have lived in the U.P. since 2018 and played 4 years of college football for WLC and Finlandia.
I am currently an At Risk teacher and Assistant Football Coach and enjoy being part of L'Anse Area Schools. |
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Alicia Evans
English & Grammar
aevans@laschools.us
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Meet Mrs. Evans!
We’re excited to introduce Mrs. Alicia Evans, who will be teaching Literature, Grammar, and Writing for Grades 6 and 7 this year!
Mrs. Evans brings over 20 years of experience in education and a lifelong passion for helping students grow as readers, writers, and thinkers. Originally from Flint, Michigan, she holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre, Dance, English, and Speech Education, as well as a Master’s Degree in Literacy (K - 12).
Her classroom is a place where creativity meets curiosity - where students explore stories, strengthen their voices through writing, and learn to communicate with confidence.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Evans loves snowboarding, playing the guitar, dancing, and enjoying outdoor adventures. She’s looking forward to an exciting year of learning, laughter, and literary discovery with her students! |
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Rebecca Frost
English
rfrost@laschools.us
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Hello! My name is Rebecca Frost and this is my first year at L'Anse schools. I graduated from Kalamazoo College in 2007 with a degree in German Language and Literature, and then came up to the UP to go to Michigan Tech for graduate school. I earned my masters in Rhetoric and Technical Communication in 2010, and my PhD in Rhetoric, Theory and Culture in 2015. I've taught composition at both Tech and KBOCC, and I'm happy to be able to continue to call the UP home.
I teach English III and NMU English, and I'm also a published author. In my free time, when I'm not reading or writing, I like to knit. |
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Heather Grentz
Guidance Counselor
hgrentz@laschools.us
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My name is Heather Grentz and I am the Jr/Sr High School Counselor. I graduated from Northern Michigan University in the Spring of 2000 with a degree in elementary education. I started working in the District that fall teaching 5th grade. In 2004 I received my Masters from NMU in K-12 guidance counseling. After 7 years in the District teaching 5th grade I made the move to the Guidance Office. The counseling office can be used for individual student planning, responsive services, guidance curriculum, and system support. |
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Austin Keranen
Chemistry & Science
akeranen@laschools.us
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Hello! My name is Mr. Austin Keranen and I started working at LAS in April of 2023. I teach classes in both middle and high school science. My biggest goal is to see all of my students succeed. I design my classes to have lots of labs and hands-on learning alongside applying the topics they are learning in class to the real world. In my free time I enjoy reading, walking, watching movies, and learning more about science! Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. Go Hornets! |
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Jennifer Knisely
Social Studies
jknisely@laschools.us
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Hello, my name is Jen Knisely. I grew up in Baraga and graduated from Baraga High School in 2004. I then attended the University of Michigan where I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education in 2008. In 2017 I graduated with my Master's Degree in Learning Disabilities from Northern Michigan University. I was hired by the district in the fall of 2008. This school year I am teaching Civics & Economics, Psychology, and U.S. History.
I currently reside in Baraga with my husband and three children. I enjoy watching and playing sports, enjoying the outdoors, and spending time with my family and friends.
Parents and students, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns throughout the school year. |
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Lauren Lachen
English
llachen@laschools.us
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My name is Lauren Lachen, and I've been teaching and living in the Keweenaw since 2012. I grew up in Romeo, Michigan, and got my Bachelors of Arts in English from Oakland University, before going to Saginaw Valley State University where I got my teaching certificate for both English and Spanish. I started off as an AmeriCorps volunteer when I moved here, spent a year teaching at Lake Linden, and 5 years with Baraga High School.
I have 3 little boys, and when my twins were born, I switched to teaching online for a few years so I could be home with them. All 3 now attend L'Anse along with me.
At home, we have a hobby farm called Giggling Goose Farm where we raise birds, and bake bread and treats for local farmer's markets, which has been a lot of fun. I have also been the Regional Administrator with International Cultural Exchange Services for the past 4 years, working to bring high school foreign exchange students to the Upper Peninsula, matching them with families, and guiding them through their year here.
I am excited to be able to teach at L'Anse and reach a new group of kids, while still continuing to work with the exchange program which has become a part of me.
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Jan LaFave
Math
jlafave@laschools.us
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Hello! My name is Jan La Fave and I teach middle school and high school math. I graduated from L'Anse High School in 1998 and then went on to earn my Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Michigan Tech in 2002. I have my Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Central Michigan University.
My husband Bob and I live in L'Anse with our five children, three of which are graduates of LHS. In my spare time, I enjoy watching sports, cooking, reading and spending time with my family.
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Renee Leiter
Special Education
rleiter@laschools.us
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My name is Renee Leiter. I was born and raised in the western suburbs of Chicago and later moved to Leland, Michigan. I have been happily married to my husband, Matt, for 25 years. We have three wonderful children.
I previously worked for Traverse City Area Public Schools for 11 years as a high school special education teacher, and before that, I spent 9 years in various high schools in the western suburbs of Chicago, also in special education. I hold a Masters degree in Special Education from National-Louis University and a Bachelors degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Elmhurst University.
I enjoy the outdoors, cooking, and collecting antiques. |
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Tyler Markle
English
tmarkle@laschools.us
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Hello, I am Tyler Markle. I am new to L'Anse, teaching 8th grade English, English IV, and Publications. I was born and raised in Gwinn, graduating from GHS in 2012. After high school I attended Northern Michigan University, receiving a B.S. in English: Creative Writing. For five years I worked at WLUC TV6 and FOX UP as an anchor, multimedia journalist, and technical media producer. During that time I got to travel across the Upper Peninsula and tell stories.
In 2021, I made the decision to return to NMU for my Secondary English Teaching Certification, and after student teaching in Hancock, I found a job here in L'Anse. I love education and am actively furthering mine as well as I work towards my Master of Arts in Education Instruction with a concentration in Pedagogy online through NMU.
I'm so excited to get into my first classroom and share my love of reading and writing with my students. When I'm not teaching, I like to spend time with my wife Alexzandra, who is earning her Ph.D. from Michigan Tech. I also love reading, writing, baking, hiking, and watching sports. |
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Ben Maycunich
Industrial Education
bmaycunich@laschools.us
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My name is Benjamin Maycunich and I am the instructor for Woodshop, Welding and Manufacturing, and CTE welding. I am a graduate of Kingsford Highschool and Northern Michigan University. I am glad to be able to work and play in the Upper Peninsula, and reside on Lake Michigamme. In my spare time I enjoy building/restoring antique cars, traveling, and exploring our beautiful area. |
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Paul Moore
Special Education
pmoore@laschools.us
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I have been teaching in L'Anse for 20 years in the Special Education Resource Room working primarily with grades 7-12. I am also the school's Youth in Government Advisor.
I can be found in room 316 or can be reached at extension 379. My e-mail at school is listed above. Please drop me a line through e-mail, if I can be of assistance to you or you have a question for me.
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Jacob Ogea
Social Studies
jogea@laschools.us
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Hello, my name is Jacob Ogea. I currently teach 6th-grade Social Studies, 9th-grade World History and Computers. I’m a lifelong Yooper born and raised in Marquette and a graduate of Marquette Senior High School. I graduated from Northern Michigan University in December 2020 with a B.S. in Secondary Education with a major in Social Studies and a minor in Political Science. I am also the Varsity coach for Track and Field. I also DJ all of the school dances.
In my spare time, I DJ weddings for my dad's company, Pierre Ogea Entertainment. I am the radio broadcaster for L'Anse football and Baraga basketball. For L'Anse basketball, I do the PA in the gym as well as provide a live play-by-play broadcast on the NFHS Network.
I'm thrilled to stay in the Upper Peninsula and make a difference in the local community.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
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Brooke Osterman
School Nurse & CTE Health Careers
bosterman@laschools.us
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My name is Brooke Osterman and I am the K-12 school nurse, CTE Health Careers instructor, and HOSA advisor. I graduated from L'Anse High School in 2011. I went on to attend Northern Michigan University where I graduated in 2015 with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After 5 1/2 years of working as a RN at UPHS-Marquette and BCMH, I decided to make the leap to the school setting. This position has given me the opportunity to practice both nursing and teaching, two things I really enjoy. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, watching football, baking, and spending time with my family. I live in Aura with my husband and our three girls. |
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Aaron Poniatowski
K-12 Music & Yearbook
aponiatowski@laschools.us
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Aaron Poniatowski started teaching at L'Anse in the fall of 2005. She graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Music Education (2005) and a Masters in Music Education (2012). Aaron's primary instrument is the trumpet, but does play all woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. She will be teaching K-5 General Music, Sixth grade beginning band, Junior High Band (grades 7 and 8), Senior High Band, and Yearbook. She is also the director of the Marching and Pep Band for the football and basketball games and the Senior Class Advisor. Aaron lives in L'Anse with her son James.
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David Ruhman
Math
druhman@laschools.us
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Graduated from Eastern Nazarene College with a BA in Psychology with minors in Math and Science, Webster University with a Master's in Counseling Services, NMU with a Specialist's degree in Education Administration and from the University of Missouri - Columbia with a Education Doctorate in Education Leadership and Policy Analysis. I have taught or been an administrator in Missouri, Michigan, and Wisconsin. I have been a Math teacher, Middle School Counselor, Assistant Middle School Principal, Alternative School Director, Career and Technical Education School Director, Dean of Students and Superintendent. Before working in education I served in Residential Treatment Centers and worked with College and University Housing. I am living in the Upper Peninsula to help my wife care for her parents. We love the area, the people and are proud of the schools we serve. |
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Richard Sarau
Jr-Sr High Study Skills
rsarau@laschools.us
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Hello, my name is Richard Sarau. I am excited to be part of the L'Anse school family. I have been in education going on 26 years. I started my teaching career down state and then moved to the U.P. to be with family. I have been a teacher, Principal and Superintendent. I received my undergrad degree in biology and teaching certificate from MTU. I received my master in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University. I currently reside in Chassell with my wonderful wife and our four wonderful children. In my spare time I enjoy the outdoors, hunting, fishing, photography, gardening, and scuba diving. |
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