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.

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.

Aaron Grenier, BA
Teacher/Counselor Structured Transitional Living
Mr. Grenier is the Teacher/Counselor responsible for the education program for the Structured Transitional Living (STL) students.  He began his career with Montcalm Schools in September 2010.  He is a 2010 graduate of Spring Arbor University with a Bachelor or Arts degree and is highly qualified to teach in the area of Social Studies.  Mr. Grenier has lived in Jackson, MI his entire life and loves this area.  He has always had a passion for reading and learning and feels he will reaffirm this passion with his new teaching experience.  Through teaching, he feels he has been given so many more opportunities to build meaningful relationships, providing guidance and direction.
Mr. Grenier's goal is to provide a safe, stable and supportive environment for students to make positive choices and promote individual responsibility.  He may be contacted at 800.837.5591, ext. 2487 or at greniera@starr.org.

Sara Baum, BA
Teacher/Counselor Mendelssohn Cottage
Ms. Baum is the Teacher/Counselor responsible for the educational program for the Mendelssohn Cottage students.  She began her career with Montcalm Schools in November 2010.  Ms. Baum is a 2009 graduate of Albion College with a Bachelor of Arts degree and is highly qualified to teach K-8 self-contained classroom, with endorsements in K-12 Physical Education and Health.  She joined the Mendelssohn team in August of 2010 as a Night Staff and quickly moved to a Youth Specialist role.  Since joining the team, she has enjoyed building relationships with the students as well as other staff members.  One of her life-long aspirations has been to become a teacher, so she is very anxious to begin her teaching career.  Her goal is to provide a safe, stable and supportive learning environment for her students to make positive choices while promoting individual responsibility.
Ms. Baum may be contacted at 800.837.5591, ext. 2486 or at baums@starr.org.