Our Administrative Team
Devoted to the students, families, schools, and communities we serve, we lead CIS Northwest Michigan with experience, creativity, and heart.
A CIS team member from the very beginning, Amy has nurtured the growth of CIS Northwest Michigan for 22 years and counting. As a passionate advocate for children, Amy believes in the potential of every young person engaged in our program and inspires our team to do the same. Outside of work, Amy loves spending time with her close-knit family, enjoying lake life, and staying healthy and strong.
As the CIS Business Manager, Nicole has a mind for numbers—and a huge heart for kids! Passionate about the CIS mission, Nicole loves doing everything she can to empower kids to dream big and pursue their potential. A nature lover to the core, Nicole loves exploring the UP with her family in her down time.
In her role as CIS Program Director, Wendy helps Site Coordinators, staff, and administrators access everything they need to support students. An ace at connecting the dots, Wendy is a proactive problem-solver who is truly “all in for kids.” Outside of work, she loves relaxing by the water and cozying up with a good book.
Erin’s superpower lies in her ability to anticipate challenges before they arise. Her proactive approach allows the team to stay ahead of the curve and helps her shine as the Program Manager for CIS. Erin helps Site Coordinators with everything they need to succeed in their schools. When she’s not working, Erin loves hanging out with her family and her cat, dogs, chickens, ducks, and horses!
Haley’s creativity, keen eye for detail and story telling prowess make her a great fit for the role of External Communications Specialist. Haley is passionate about creating captivating content and building connections. When she’s not in the office, she’s spending time in the great outdoors with her family!
Our School Site Teams
Our trained CIS Site Coordinators are in schools during the school day. These caring adults support students & families by providing and connecting them to the resources they need most.
Amy is mission-driven to make a positive impact on at least one child every day. As a CIS team member for nearly 20 years, Amy has helped thousands of students believe in themselves and moved them toward bright futures. An adventurer at heart, Amy loves exploring the great outdoors whenever she can.
An eight-year veteran of CIS, Emily works with children at Mancelona Middle School. As a “go-with-the flow” go-to for the students she supports, Emily is adaptable, reliable, and is a champion of every child’s success. When she’s not at school, Emily winds down on fishing and camping adventures in the great outdoors.
Knowing that student behaviors are tied to academic performance, Amanda provides parents and children at Mancelona Elementary School with the behavioral tools to thrive. A high performer outside of work, Amanda loves working out and staying active with her loved ones.
Leading with her instincts and her heart, Autumn’s empathy and empowerment help kids go the distance. Growing up is full of challenges, and Autumn lets children know that she’s there to make their loads a bit lighter. Outside of work, Autumn can be found paddleboarding, boating, and being active on the water.
Every day, Shyenne puts her compassion into action at Kalkaska Middle School, helping students become their best selves, despite the hardships that can stand in the way. Shyenne’s love of listening sparks joy at work and at home (she loves Taylor Swift tunes and podcasts)!
This Mancelona native loves supporting students in the region that’s near and dear to her heart. What she loves most about her work is that every day is full of surprises. While she loves nurturing victories in school and in the community.
Tiffani keeps her energy and her hopes high as the Kid’s Club Supervisor at East Jordan Elementary School. When Tiffani was young, she aspired to make a difference in children’s lives, and now she does it every day. Outside of work, Tiffani loves camping and spending quality time with her family.
Jessica is a Site Coordinator who brings a contagious sense of wonder and enthusiasm to her work at Communities In Schools. She believes that the key to a fulfilling life lies in rediscovering the simple joys that often get overlooked in the hustle and bustle of adulthood. Beyond her work, Jessica is an avid outdoor enthusiast who loves to explore the stunning landscapes of Northern Michigan.
Jessica is a passionate Site Coordinator with a deep commitment to empowering children and families. She finds joy in witnessing the transformative moments when a child’s face lights up with pride over a personal accomplishment. Outside of work, Jessica can be
found curled up with a good book, exploring the
great outdoors with her beloved dog, or having
epic Nerf wars with her son.
Emily has found her true calling in working with children. She derives immense joy from watching them grow, fostering their confidence, and igniting their natural sense of
wonder. To Emily, being a positive influence on
young lives is not just a job – it’s a profound
responsibility she takes to heart. When she’s not
guiding students towards success, Emily can be
found exploring the great outdoors with her
husband and friends.
Britny’s passion for working with children has been a lifelong journey of
discovery and growth. As a Montessori educator
for the past 20 years, she has dedicated her career
to the early childhood development and education field, driven by a deep desire to learn from every child she encounters. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Britny is an avid adventurer
who takes any opportunity to be in the great outdoors.
strives to empower the next generation, helping
them unlock their full potential and discover the
joys of learning and growth. Her work is not just a job, but a true passion that keeps her young at heart and dedicated to creating a brighter future for all. When she’s not at work, you can find Chelsea tending to her garden, whipping up a delicious homemade meal, or exploring the wonders of nature.
Our School Site Teams
Our trained CIS Site Coordinators are in schools during the school day. These caring adults support students & families by providing and connecting them to the resources they need most.
Amy Derrer,
Mancelona High School
Program Manager/Site Coordinator
Emily Packer, Mancelona Middle School
Site Coordinator
Amanda Arsnoe, Mancelona Elementary School
Site Coordinator/Behavior Specialist
Autumn Mosher, Ellsworth Community School
Site Coordinator
Haley Nelson, Kalkaska High School
Site Coordinator
Shyenne Williams, Kalkaska Middle School
Site Coordinator
Kate Essenberg, Central Lake Public Schools
CLEO Coordinator
Monica Rau, East Jordan Middle/high School
Site Coordinator
Erin Cluley, East Jordan Elementary school
Site Coordinator
Tiffani Arquette, East Jordan Elementary School
CIS Kid's Club
