My name is Victoria Waite. I am a self-proclaimed history nerd, who is thrilled to be sharing my love of all things social studies with your student. I am a graduate of Michigan State University’s Secondary Education and Social Studies and Masters in Teaching and Curriculum programs. I have had the pleasure to teach in the Social Studies departments of both East Kentwood High School and Crestwood Middle School since 2008. I have also taught as an ESL instructor for Belding Public Schools. I love Social Studies because it is the study of us; it is who we are and where we are going.
My name is Ben DeMaagd (that is a "D" and "mag" as in magazine) and I am excited to have your student in science class. I am an alumni of Kentwood Public Schools beginning as a Southwood Superstar, Pinewood Panther, and an East Kentwood Falcon. My wife works as an interventionist in the E2020 program at East Kentwood and we are both deeply invested in our community. We have a son Brayden and a daughter Nicole. I also work as the Head Wrestling Coach at East Kentwood and direct/coach our K-8 Club Program. I graduated from Ferris State University with certifications for both science and language arts and believe that a balanced literacy program extends into all subject areas. I enjoy the hands-on learning opportunities science provides and WOW factor of blowing stuff up! Please see the link to the science website for more information on current happenings in science this year.
I am at the start of my 19th year of teaching all at Crestwood! My husband and I have three kids, Caleb (15), Madison (12) and Alivia (9). We are a very busy family with football, dance, basketball and soccer schedules. We also have three dogs, Max, Duke and Rylee and a cat named Bear. In addition to spending time with my family and friends, I enjoy exercising, being outdoors and reading. I am excited for this school year and having students back in school.
Ms. Baker Hello middle schoolers and families! I am Ms. Baker, and this is my seventh year of teaching. This is my second year at Crestwood, where I teach Language Arts on team ALPS. I am so excited to work with your student this year!
I am a graduate of Michigan State University, and recently finished my Master's at Walden University. But, you would never have guessed if you had met me in 6th or 7th grade! I openly tell my students I struggled in middle school (I had to repeat Algebra!). I understand their challenges because I also experienced them. It is my goal to help students gain confidence, skills, and knowledge this year so they can achieve their personal best.
When I'm not at school, I spend time with friends and family and enjoy the many activities Grand Rapids has to offer. I enjoy reading and cross stitching, listening to podcasts, and spending time outdoors. My family jokes that I am a grandma-in-training!
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. I am so happy to partner with you to support your student!
Mr. Martinez My name is Brandon Martinez, I am excited to be joining the Crestwood team this year. I am extremely passionate about learning how to learn, and helping people reach their goals. I graduated from Michigan Technological University with a background in Scientific and Technical Communication, Business, and Global Leadership.
As a Peace Corps Volunteer I taught middle school English, and Computer Science, during my two years in Cameroon, West Africa. I have also worked in all levels of k-12, and university classrooms in a variety of capacities.
I speak Spanish and French and love learning about other languages and all forms of communication. Outside of the classroom I love finding out how things work and fixing things that are broken. You might also see me playing tennis behind the school with my wife Sarah.