Private, therapeutic treatment programs for young people

Patricia (Patti) Hiatt, MA, Special Education

Dean of Students

Mrs. Hiatt is the Dean of Students for Montcalm Schools where she has more than 36 years tenure.  She began her career as a Special Education Teacher in 1972 and continued on as a Teacher Consultant until 2000 when she began to create and implement the educational program of Montcalm Schools.  Her main focus is to develop a quality educational program that services students with individual needs including those students whose curriculum necessitates college bound courses.  Patti earned her Bachelor's degree through Central Michigan University and Master's degree from Western Michigan University.  Her main goal in life is to ensure that "all students" learn and grow into productive adults.  Patti may be reached directly at 517.630.2544, 800.837.5591, ext. 2544 or by e-mail at hiattpe@starr.org.

Wm. Aaron Warren, MA

Associate Dean of Students

Mr. Warren is the Associate Dean of Students for Montcalm Schools where he has more than 6 years tenure.  His career began as a Teacher/Counselor in 2004 with Newton Cottage and continued with that position for the Structured Transitional Living program.  With the growth of Montcalm, there developed a need for an Associate Dean of Students, a role he assumed in 2008.  His ambition at Montcalm is to increase the excellence of the educational program as well as help students attain their goals both academically and personally. Mr. Warren earned his Bachelor's degree through the University of Michigan and Master's degree from Spring Arbor University.  His main goal is to ensure that all students are provided an opportunity to learn.  Mr. Warren may be reached directly at 517.630.2338, 800.837.5591, ext. 2338 or by e-mail at warrenw@starr.org.

Matthew P. Berkemeier, MA

Teacher/Counselor, Mendelssohn Cottage

Mr. Berkemeier is the Teacher/Counselor for Mendelssohn Cottage.  He completed his undergraduate studies at Adrian College earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education.  Recently Mr. Berkemeier attained his Master of Arts in Education degree from Spring Arbor University.  Mr. Berkemeier's positive outlook and desire to create opportunities for students to succeed brings an uplifting element to the classroom.  He challenges his students to be the best that they can in all situations while meeting their individual needs educationally.  His main goal is to prepare students to successfully transition back to a more traditional educational setting at the completion of the program.  Mr. Berkemeier may be reached directly 800.837.5591, ext. 2486 or at berkemeierm@starr.org.

Robin Seybold, BA

Teacher/Counselor, Structured Transitional Living (STL)

Mrs. Seybold began her career with Montcalm Schools in 2006 as Teacher/Counselor for the Norton students, and transitioned to teaching the STL students in 2008.  With each phase of teaching and each new year at Montcalm, Mrs. Seybold adapts to unique learning styles within the student population and approaches all interactions with openness, positivity and a new level of diplomacy.  The STL program provides her an opportunity to develop new skills as a number of the students attend community college nearby, while some are still earning their high school diplomas and some are gaining work experiences for transitioning out of the program.  She currently holds a Bachelor's degree from Spring Arbor University in Liberal Arts and is Secondary Certified to teach high school English and History.  Ms. Seybold plans to complete her Master's in Education in 2010, and will complete a Learning Disabilities Endorsement in 2011.  Mrs. Seybold may be reached directly at 800.837.5591, ext. 2488 or at seyboldr@starr.org.

Payton Saunders, BA

Teacher/Counselor, Reynolds Cottage

Mr. Saunders is the Teacher/Counselor with Reynolds Cottage at Montcalm Schools, where he has served since January 2010.  He received his Bachelor of Arts from Spring Arbor University with a Mathematics major and History minor.  During his time at Spring Arbor, Mr. Saunders was a member of the Track & Field team and the Cross-Country team.  His focus at Montcalm is sharing the value of learning and hard work with his students in order to prepare them for the transition back to their home high school or to the working world.  Mr. Saunders may be reached directly at 800.837.5591, ext. 2451 or by e-mail at saundersp@starr.org.

Myles Watson, BA

Teacher/Counselor, Norton Cottage

Mr. Watson is the Teacher/Counselor for Norton Cottage and began his career with Montcalm in June of 2010.  He is a graduate of Spring Arbor University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and is highly qualified to teach English and History at the secondary level.  In his spare time, Mr. Watson enjoys reading, playing soccer and spending time with his wife.  He is also looking forward to working with the students at Montcalm Schools to continue on their educational journey.  Mr. Watson may be reached at 800.837.5591, ext. 2404 or at watsonm@starr.org.