About ASPIRE Academy
ASPIRE (Adventist School Preparing Instilling and Redeeming for Eternity) Academy is a Technology-Mediated Instruction and Learning elementary school. ASPIRE seeks to do something that is not readily seen in technology based education programs. ASPIRE utilizes a Technology Mediated Educational approach that is interactive, based on live instruction, instant feedback, and is as similar to a physical classroom experience as possible.
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ASPIRE is an accredited 1-12 educational program operated by the Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. As such, ASPIRE falls under the Michigan Conference Educational Handbook policies as well as the policies of the Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
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See our note on state regulations for families joining ASPIRE from outside Michigan.
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Benjamin Zork
Principal
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Hello ASPIRE family. My name is Mr. Benjamin Zork. This is my 19th year as an educator. One of the most foundational goals I have for all the students at ASPIRE Academy is that they see themselves as strong, creative, capable human beings, with the ability to rely on God and accomplish anything for which they are willing to work. In a society that increasingly values easy outcomes and instant gratification over a focus on the processes required for success, the desire I have for our students is that they learn to face all of life’s challenges (including academic) with a God-given, creative, “can-do” spirit. I have no greater goal than to daily provide opportunities for our students to meet Jesus and build a relationship with Him.
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I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Andrews University and am currently working on my Masters in Educational Leadership. I have had the privilege of teaching at three different schools in the Michigan conference. My professional career began in Charlotte where I taught for three years. After Charlotte, I transitioned to Grayling, where I taught for 9 years followed by two wonderful years working at the Traverse City school. All my teaching experience has been in single-classroom schools, so I have a unique passion and appreciation for multi-grade education. I am incredibly excited to lead the ASPIRE team. We are passionate about technology mediated instruction and learning and are determined to provide the most cutting edge online-learning experience for our students.
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My wife, Mirka, and I have two beautiful children, Zoey and Leo. They are the light of our lives, sources of constant joy, and the subjects of our unyielding affection and love. When I am not in the office, I love hiking, yard work, wood working, and writing music on the piano and guitar.
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CONTACT:
bzork@aspiresda.com | ‪(517) 258-2435‬ - text or call
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Julia Robinson
3rd & 4th | Vice-Principal
Hello ASPIRE Academy Family. My name is Julia Robinson and this is my 25th year as an educator. My goal is to not only add value to the lives of children and families, but also create an experience that fosters a love of learning and success. One of my greatest joys is working with young people and encouraging growth through their unique abilities and learning styles. Academic success for my students is so important, but more than that I strive to help my students come to know Jesus as their Friend and Savior.
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I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Michigan State University and my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Andrews University. I have 21 years of experience teaching at Greater Lansing Adventist School in a classroom setting. I am thrilled to be working with students through technology mediated instruction and I look forward to continuing the adventure of teaching at ASPIRE Academy. It’s truly a blessing to be part of the teaching ministry.
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My husband, Jerrod, and I are lifelong Michigan residents. Spending time with our 2 beautiful daughters, Jade and Abby is a joy for me. I am the youngest of 4 children and the only girl. When I am not teaching or planning, I’m exercising, reading, knitting, crocheting, or just being outside.
CONTACT:
jrobinson@aspiresda.com | (517) 258-2536 - text or call
Samantha Gusky
1st & 2nd
Hello ASPIRE family. My name is Samantha Gusky, and this is my fifth year as an educator.
My goal as an educator is to create a lifelong love of learning. I believe curiosity and the drive to ask questions are crucial in developing a lifelong love of learning. Most importantly, I enjoy
instilling a lifelong love for our Savior Jesus Christ.
I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Mathematics and a masters degree in Educational Technology from Andrews University. I have taught all across the country and have seen many different learning styles throughout my teaching career. I am excited to be part of the ASPIRE team and reach students all across Michigan. It is truly an honor to be part of this ministry.
My husband, Michael, is also an educator. He works for one of our sister schools here in the
Michigan Conference. When we are not teaching or planning, we love camping, backpacking,
and exploring God's nature. I also enjoy baking, knitting, and spending time with friends and family.
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CONTACT:
sgusky@aspiresda.com | (517) 258-2524 - text or call
Toni Neri
5th & 6th - Lead Teacher
Hello ASPIRE family. My name is Toni Neri, and this is my 13th year as an educator. As I work with my students, my goal is to point them to Jesus as the source of all knowledge. To me, education includes not only robust academic study but also practice in serving others, working hard, and living well.
Both my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and my Master’s in Educational Psychology were earned from Andrews University. I began my teaching career in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I enjoyed three years there before returning to the Midwest to teach in South Bend, Indiana. I joined ASPIRE in 2022, and absolutely love working with the ASPIRE team to serve our students and families.
My husband, Sam, and I have lived in Michigan for the majority of our lives. It keeps pulling us back! In my free time, I love to read, exercise, be outside, and travel. On December 17th, 2024, Sam and I welcomed our baby boy, Theo, into the world. We are so thrilled and grateful for this precious addition to our family!
CONTACT:
tneri@aspiresda.com | (517) 258-2437 - text or call
Justin Groff
7th & 8th—Middle School Lead Teacher
Hello, ASPIRE family,
My name is Justin Groff. This is my 14th year as an educator, and I continue to be driven by the belief that Jesus is at the center of all knowledge, ideas, ethics, and purpose. I believe that education should help students understand both their world and themselves through the lens of Jesus and His great love and mercy.
Our culture often encourages students to live independent, self-motivated lives without God. But I believe the best-lived lives are those grounded in God's truth and His uniquely designed purpose for each person. As educators, we teach content that we hope will shape our students' futures—but more importantly, we model and nurture a relationship with God that can deepen their faith and draw them closer to Him every day.
I earned my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Andrews University, with minors in History and English. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching in three Adventist schools and a public classical charter school, as well as serving in roles as dean, vice principal, and principal. All of my teaching experience has been in middle and high school, and I genuinely love this age group. I’ve always been part of a team and am incredibly excited to continue my journey with the ASPIRE team.
I'm especially passionate about mentorship and discipleship—walking alongside students as they grow academically, spiritually, and personally. I love how ASPIRE creates space for innovative, technology-mediated instruction that meets students where they are while pointing them toward where God is leading them. I can't wait to engage with your student in this cutting-edge, Christ-centered online learning environment.
My wife, Emily, is an operations manager for Adventist Health and also works from home. We have three wonderful children: Ryan (8), Hailey (6), and Caleb (2). It’s a busy and joy-filled house! Their laughter, curiosity, and energy bring light to my life and constantly remind me of God’s goodness. In my free time, I enjoy woodworking, construction, reading, design, outdoor activities, and music.
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CONTACT:
jgroff@aspiresda.com | (517) 258-0208 - text or call
Sara Gardner
7th & 8th
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Lexi Barnum
HS English - High School Lead Teacher
Hello ASPIRE Academy family! My name is Ms. Lexi Barnum and I teach High School English here at ASPIRE Academy. My goal as a teacher is to educate in a way that shows the love and mercy of Christ, our Great Teacher. I am inspired daily by the following quote from Maya Angelou: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” My hope is that each student I come in contact with will feel the love of Jesus through me.
I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Andrews University located in
Berrien Springs, Michigan. I have a passion for Language Arts and Literature, which I chose to
focus on while earning my degree. I spent several years in multigrade school settings before joining ASPIRE Academy and moving into the role of High School English teacher.
I have lived in Michigan most of my life and I absolutely love calling this state my home! When I am not teaching, I enjoy cooking, painting, or spending time outside with my family and dog.
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CONTACT:
abarnum@aspiresda.com | (517) 258-2548 - text or call
Olivia Joyce
HS Integrated Sciences
Hello ASPIRE family! My name is Olivia Joyce, and this is my third year in the classroom, and second with ASPIRE! My goal as a teacher is to empower my students to recognize “the hand that sustains the worlds in space” as we pursue academic excellence together, and for them personally to embrace that same divine hand as the one “that was nailed to the cross for us” (Education, 132). My mission is to inspire my students to discover and use their God-given talents to grow into courageous servant leaders and thinkers.
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I earned my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, with minors in Mathematics and Religion, from Andrews University. I am currently completing a Masters in Education with a concentration in Trauma and Resilience from Spring Arbor University. My prior teaching experiences have included teaching secondary science and religion in the Middle East, serving as a girls’ dean/evangelism instructor in the Michigan Conference’s colporteur programs, and substitute teaching within both public and private school systems. I’m so excited to be working with the ASPIRE team and the opportunity to serve and work alongside every one of my students and their families!
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While I originally hail from Chicagoland, I currently live in the greater Lansing area. In my free time, I enjoy reading good books, playing chemist in the kitchen (commonly known as cooking), discovering new puns, and lively, laughter-filled discussions with friends and family!
CONTACT:
ojoyce@aspiresda.com | (517) 858-9654 - text or call
Lauren Brackbill
HS History & Bible
Hello! My name is Ms. Lauren Brackbill, and this is my 6th year as an educator. I feel called by God to be an educator! Teaching is my passion, and I’m excited to share that passion with the ASPIRE community.
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I began my college education at Southern Adventist University (SAU) in Collegedale, Tennessee, and Newbold College in Bracknell, England. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Secondary Education, with endorsements to teach English and Religion, from Walla Walla University (WWU) in College Place, Washington. I also earned a Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis on literacy from SAU. Before joining ASPIRE, I taught grades 9-12 English, History, and Geography at Hong Kong Adventist Academy in Hong Kong, SAR. Teaching at an Adventist school in a mission-focused environment, where most students were not Christians or were missionary kids from surrounding Southeast Asian countries, was a deeply rewarding experience.
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I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and my family is now located in Collegedale, Tennessee. I am a Southerner through and through, but I also consider myself an expatriate of Hong Kong. I truly love Hong Kong, and I will forever call both HK and the U.S. home.
When I am not teaching, I am probably reading or spending time with my two beloved Maine Coon cats, Captain and Odin. They are beautiful, fluffy, and full of personality! I also enjoy traveling, whether it’s exploring the U.S. or venturing abroad—I love a good adventure! Despite my travels, I somehow had never visited Michigan until I moved here to join the ASPIRE Academy faculty.
CONTACT:
lbrackbill@aspiresda.com | (517) 258-1578 - text or call
Isaí McGrath
HS Math
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My name is Isaí Almeida McGrath, and I’m honored to teach High School Math, Spanish II, and Bible IV here at ASPIRE. My goal as an educator is to lead students to Christ—sharing His love and helping them recognize His presence in everyday life. I also strive to encourage critical thinking and creativity in problem solving, always doing our best for the Lord.
I first joined ASPIRE in 2022 as a part-time teacher, and I’m excited to step into my first full-time year since becoming a mom. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education (Math and Spanish) and a Master’s in Secondary Math Education from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI. Over the years, I’ve taught in Adventist schools in both Detroit and Grand Rapids, as well as in the public school system at Hancock High School in the Keweenaw Peninsula, where I taught Spanish and Geometry.
Though originally from Mexico, I now live in Novi, MI, with my husband Dan and our two energetic kids—Ian (9) and Aila (6). When we're not outside playing soccer or inside battling it out over foosball, you'll find us walking our husky Luna or serving at church however we can. As a family, we love to travel, meet new people, and explore new cultures. In my free time, you’ll often find me cooking, baking, or training for a 10K or half marathon.
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CONTACT:
imcgrath@aspiresda.com | (517) 295-3617 - text or call
Matt Kohls
IT Administrator
Hello ASPIRE family. My name is Mr. Matt Kohls and this is my 23rd year working in Adventist education.
One of my biggest goals as a technology manager is to equip teachers and students to be creators with technology, rather than consumers. God - Our Creator - made us in His image. At a time when most of the world is using technology to consume, we need young people who have dedicated their time and talents to Jesus, and who have the skills to spread the message of His love and soon coming using all of the available tech tools with creativity, excellence, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Andrews University and my Master’s in Quality Schools from Graceland University. I started my teaching career here in Michigan and have also had the chance to teach in Tennessee, Maryland and Maine. I have taught in Jr. High for my whole career and my favorite class to teach is Bible. I was also the the technology manager in the schools I taught at for the 8 years before moving to full-time it manager at ASPIRE.
My wife Leah and I have two children, Caleb and Ella, and we love exploring beautiful places in nature as a family. We enjoy hiking the Lake Michigan dunes, camping in the Smoky Mountains, and always look forward to a couple of weeks in my home state of Maine every summer. When I’m not working, I enjoy nature photography, coaching soccer and disc golf. I also enjoy playing guitar and basketball, but not at the same time.
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CONTACT:
mkohls@aspiresda.com | (517) 258-1427 - text or call
Jenn Cook
Business Administrator | Registrar
Hello ASPIRE family. My name is Jenn Cook and I am excited to have the opportunity to support you with your student’s registration and financial matters here at ASPIRE Academy. I have over 20 years of experience working in the financial services industry, from contract work with the Navy SEALS, working for Freddie Mac on their trading floor, at Whirlpool as a product financial analyst and now here at ASPIRE Academy! I graduated in ‘97 with a BBA in finance from Andrews University and then later enrolled in Notre Dame’s accelerated one year MBA program and graduated in 2001.
I live in the Berrien Springs area with my husband and our two young adults, plus our two dogs and a cat! I took time off from working outside the home to raise and homeschool our children. We were really excited to learn about ASPIRE Academy and our son enrolled for his 11th grade and 12th grade years. He proudly became part of ASPIRE’s inaugural graduating class of 2024! He is currently at Southern University and thriving! Our daughter joined ASPIRE in 9th grade and is finishing up her 11th grade. She’ll be graduating next year from ASPIRE Academy and is excited for what her future holds for her!
In my free time, I enjoy reading and spending time in nature with my family. I also enjoy a good nap! I am thankful and blessed to see how God continues to lead and direct my path as I choose to walk with Him. (Romans 8:28)
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CONTACT:
jcook@aspiresda.com | (517) 258-0143 - text or call
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