Special Populations
The GLLA Special Education Department meets the unique needs of students with disabilities by providing instruction and training to enable them to have access to, and make progress in, the general education curriculum in a virtual setting.
Meet Our Team!
Melanie Miller
Manager of Special Education Dr. Miller has been an essential part of our faculty since 2022. With 10 years in the field and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, she brings an elite level of expertise to our team. Her academic journey through Lees-McRae, Appalachian State, and Liberty University has focused on Special Education and Leadership, making her a champion for both our students and our teaching standards. P 810-553-6986 Webmail Biography |
Kristin McCarthy
Lead Teacher - Special Education A vital part of our faculty since 2022, Ms. McCarthy brings 14 years of professional experience to our Special Education department. She earned her credentials at Michigan State University, specializing in Learning Disabilities and Emotional Impairment/Behavior Disorders. P 810-553-6986 Webmail |
Jodi Courtland
Manager of Student Accountability Mrs. Courtland manages the essential administrative functions of our Special Education team. She is responsible for compliance tracking, the coordination of 504 meetings, and the processing of records requests. Her expertise in school operations ensures that our team can focus on what matters most: supporting our students' growth. P 810-545-7378 Webmail |
Ms. Becker
Mrs. Becker joined GLLA this year with 12 years of experience in education. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Life Sciences from Chonnam National University, a master’s degree in Literacy Studies with a focus on Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Grand Valley State University, and is currently working on a master’s degree in Learning Disabilities at Central Michigan University. |
Ms. Buchanan
Ms. Buchanan joined our team as a seasoned educator with over eight years of experience in the field. She earned her Master’s degree in Special Education from Tarleton State University. Her advanced training and commitment to student growth make her an essential part of our specialized instruction department. |
Mrs. Klump
Mrs. Klump has 20+ years of experience in education and has been teaching here at GLLA since 2019. She has a undergraduate in Elementary Education from Saginaw Valley State University, a graduate degree in Special Education/Autism from Michigan State University, an Applied Behavioral Analysis Degree from Michigan State University and a graduate degree in Early Childhood Education from Western Michigan University. |
Ms. Martinez
Ms. Martinez GLLA in the fall of 2025, bringing over 18 years of dedicated experience to the field of education. A graduate of Hope College, she holds a Bachelor’s in Education with a specialized endorsement in Special Education: Emotional Impairments. Her deep expertise and long-standing commitment to student success make her an invaluable member of our team. |
Ms. Reising-Fisher
Ms. Reising-Fisher joined us in 2025 with 11+ years of experience in the field. A graduate of Oakland University and Western Governors University with a Master’s in Teaching, she is currently pursuing a Master’s in Special Education at Central Michigan University. We are proud to have such a dedicated and highly-trained educator supporting our students. |
Ms. Marchant
Ms. Marchant recently celebrated a decade of teaching, having joined the GLLA team in early 2024. A 2015 graduate of the University of Minnesota-Duluth with an integrated degree in Elementary and Special Education, she later earned a Master’s in Education with a focus on Counseling from San Diego State University. This advanced training allows her to bridge the gap between mental health and academics, ensuring that students impacted by trauma receive the specialized support they need to thrive. |
Mr. Rodriguez
Mr. Rodriguez has been with us since the 23-24 School year. He received his Bachelor's degree in Special Education Mild to Moderate from Western Governors University, and is currently working on his masters in Curriculum and Instruction. |
Ms. Simons
Ms. Simons has been in education for 7 years and started with GLLA in the spring of 2024. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary/Special Education from WGU and is currently working on a Master’s degree in Curriculum design. |
Ms. Smith
Mrs. Smith joined GLLA in December of 2023 with 30 years of experience in education. She has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Special Education - Learning Disabilities from Lee University. She earned her Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Saginaw Valley University. |
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Mr. Rohadfox
Mr. Rohadfox joined our team in early 2026 after graduating from the University of Minnesota Duluth. He holds degrees in Elementary Education (K–6) and Academic and Behavioral Strategy, bringing a specialized focus on supporting diverse learning needs to our classrooms. |
