Welcome to the Bison family!

On behalf of all of us at New Buffalo Area Schools we are pleased to welcome our new staff members to the Bison family!

New faces of NBAS

Ren'ee Wolski - Paraprofessional Special Ed HS

My name is Renee Wolski. My family and I have been part time Michigan residents for 13 years and now moved here full time from a suburb of Chicago. We are excited to be able to enjoy Harbor Country all year long. My husband, John and I have a son, Jack. He is a recent graduate of Western Michigan University with a major in Aviation Operations and Management. Jack now lives in Asheville NC and works at the airport. I come to New Buffalo High School with a number of years experience as a Special Education Paraprofessional. I enjoy connecting with team members and students. I find it a privilege and pleasure to be part of a student's development throughout their high school years. I am looking forward to an exciting new school year, GO Bison!

Amber Hampel Skibo - Elementary Teacher

Hi, My name is Mrs. Skibo and I am so excited to be teaching 5th grade at New Buffalo Elementary School. When I am not in the classroom, you can find me with my husband and two kids. We enjoy spending time outdoors or watching the newest movie. I have taught 5th grade for the past six years in Michigan City Area Schools. I have a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and am certified to teach K-6. I have completed professional development courses focused in elementary math, which has allowed me to encourage courageous mathematical thinkers. As a teacher I am committed to creating a fun and safe environment for all students. I believe every student should feel inspired and I hope to help empower them to be lifelong learners.

Christina Schultz - Elementary Teacher

Hello! My name is Christina Schultz and I am so excited to be teaching third grade here in New Buffalo Area Schools. I graduated from Chesterton High School and then attended college at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education. This year I will be starting my 21st year of teaching. I taught for 17 years in Michigan City Area Schools and for the last 3 years I taught third grade at Notre Dame Catholic School. I have taught multiple grades with the majority of my years of teaching in 2nd and 3rd grade. I have been married to my amazing husband, Derek for 19 years. We have a 15 year old daughter, named Ava. I enjoy traveling, reading and spending time with my family and friends.

Keri Haskins - Elementary Counselor

Keri Haskins is a Licensed School Counselor with experience at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Most recently, she has served as the Executive Director of Neighbor by Neighbor, a local nonprofit helping neighbors in need. She is excited to return to school counseling and work for New Buffalo Area Schools, as the Elementary Counselor. Keri also is an Adjunct Professor at Andrews University, in the Graduate Department of Psychology and Counseling. Keri is an NB graduate and has a bachelor’s degree from Miami University and a master’s degree from Andrew’s University. She lives in Berrien Springs with her husband Erik, and children, Lily, Reid, and Wade.

Sophia Giannetti - Elementary Teacher

Sophia Giannetti is a graduate from Western Michigan University. She has been with New Buffalo for the last 2 years as a full time District Substitute. Sophia is an Alumni of New Buffalo Area Schools. She shared “ I am excited to begin my teaching journey at New Buffalo Elementary. I am eager to continue learning from my colleagues. I am excited to start my journey in education teaching 3rd graders.” Sophia has also helped run our summer camp in New Buffalo the last 2 years and enjoys every moment of it. When s Sophia Giannetti is not working; she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. During the summer you can catch her spending time on the lake and reading a good book on the beach.

Kyra Hampton - Daycare Aide

Hi all! My name is Kyra Hampton. I am a sister, mother, and wife. I was born and raised in Michigan City, however, most of my family resides in New Buffalo. I have two German Shepherds named Arlo and Kimber, and a cat named Fire Mario. Can you tell my 5 year old son named him??

My favorite activities are spending time with my little family, enjoying sunny beach days, and having coffee from a local cafe.

My journey into childcare began with my own adventures as a mom, where I discovered my passion for guiding children's growth and development. I am thrilled to be a part of the Bison family, and experience the daily adventures and playful moments that fill the lives of our little ones.

Thomas Krieger - High School Teacher

I’m Mr. Krieger! I’m a 2024 graduate from WMU who’s returning to this area to work for New Buffalo. I’m very excited for this opportunity and am looking forward to the upcoming school year. Expect a tall, nerdy guy who is enthusiastic about math.

Tricia Butcher - Paraprofessional Special Ed Elementary

I am Tricia Butcher, a paraprofessional at New Buffalo Elementary School. My family moved to Long Beach, Indiana in June from the Chicago suburbs. Before joining NBAS, I was an intervention assistant and classroom aide in a K-2 building. I hold a secondary teaching license in Illinois but thoroughly enjoy a support staff role! Outside of school, I am a wife, mom to three college kids and a group fitness instructor at my local YMCA.

Kerry Frum - Admin Assistant Athletic Department and Daycare

Kerry Frum, the vibrant Administrative Assistant for the New Buffalo Area Schools Athletic Department and Daycare. A true New Buffalo native, Kerry was born and raised here, graduating from NBHS in 1999. She went to LMC and Central Michigan University to further her studies and then worked as a pharmacy technician for over 10 years before becoming a proud mom and staying home with her children.

Kerry and her husband are proudly raising their three boys in the same community that holds so many cherished memories for her. Kerry's love for her hometown is evident in her active involvement with the New Buffalo Elementary PTO and her enthusiasm for working in the school system, where she has previously subbed in various departments. She enjoys the beach, traveling to new places, and bringing a splash of her favorite color, purple, into everything she does. With a fondness for hibiscus flowers, Kerry's warm and friendly personality blooms wherever she goes.

Amanda Simpson - Paraprofessional High School

I want to start by saying I am extremely excited to be joining all of the amazing staff at NBAS! I grew up in this beautiful town, and graduated from NBHS in 2008. I’m currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education through Ivy Tech.

My daughter, Quinn, is the one that inspired my interest in education, watching her learn and grow. I take joy in her successes and love helping her through any challenges she has. I look forward to helping the students at NBAS succeed and support them in the classroom.

Samantha Niemeyer - Paraprofessional Elementary

Hello Bison! I am Samantha, the new Restorative/PBIS Paraprofessional at New Buffalo Elementary school. I am extremely excited to join you all for the upcoming school year and look forward to the positive impact this new role will have on the students and staff, as well as the community.

My previous work includes the B.A.S.E. program, where I got to know quite a few of the amazing students at the school, and a Behavior Technician & Regional Red Cross Instructor with Centria Healthcare in their local Autism division, where I worked with autistic and special needs children providing emotional and behavior therapies, as well as training staff on life-saving modalities. In addition to RC/ABA credentials, I am a current psychology student and hold a wellness counseling certificate from the College of Human Ecology at Cornell University, as well as a micro-bachelors in marketing from Doane University.

I spend most of my free time with my daughters and fur-friends, and studying the field of human consciousness, with a particular focus on neuroscience and the afterlife. My future goal is to participate in academic research within the University of Virginia’s Division of Perceptual Studies.

Grace Spence - Paraprofessional PreK

I am excited to be working for NBAS as one of the new Pre-K assistants. I am currently a Sophomore in College and attend WGU online. I am going for my bachelors in elementary education. I live with my parents and also have a sister. I have multiple pets and enjoy shopping, spending time with family/friends, and going to church. I’m looking forward to a fun year!

Megan Smith - Social Worker 6-12

I live in Michigan City, Indiana with my husband and two children. I grew up in Houston, Texas before moving to Indiana in 1996. I graduated from Michigan City high School in 2002 and decided to go back to college in 2010 to obtain my BA in Public Affairs. After finishing my BS, I wanted to continue my education and moved forward with my Master in Social Work in Schools. Changing careers into the social service field has been very rewarding for me and working with children has always been my passion. I am extremely happy to join the Bison team and can’t wait to start this new journey!

Nate Tripp II - Paraprofessional Special Ed Elementary

My name is Nate Tripp II. I graduated from New Buffalo in 2021. Throughout school I was very involved in basketball. After I graduated I became an assistant high school basketball coach and now I am the New Buffalo JV boys basketball coach. I also worked at the BASE program at New Buffalo as well as coached flag football and 5th grade boys basketball. My dad Nathaniel Tripp is a teacher at New Buffalo Middle School and the Varsity basketball coach. I am the oldest of 6 kids. I recently got engaged to my fiancé, Nicki. I am excited to further my involvement in the New Buffalo community by working at the Elementary school. I look forward to meeting you all very soon!!

Kylie Lijewski - Kitchen Worker

Hi, My name is Kylie Lijewski. I’m a New Buffalo graduate and my kids currently go to New Buffalo as well. I have a freshman, a 3rd grader and a one year old. I have been managing a restaurant for the last 14 years, but when I’m not working I enjoy watching my kids play sports. I also love hanging out at the pool or the beach, reading, and shopping because I’m obsessed with shoes! I’m so excited for this school year and ready to try something new!

Angie Smith - Science Teacher

As a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher with 25 years of experience, I am thrilled to embark on the 2024-25 school year as a Science Teacher at New Buffalo Area Schools. My connection to the community runs deep, as I have been a resident of New Buffalo for over 20 years, raising my family here. My husband, Nathan, and three children, Allie, Sam, and Jack, are all part of the New Buffalo school system. I am proud to have contributed to the learning journey of many New Buffalo students during my nine-year tenure at Saint Mary's Middle School, where I taught Math and Science.

I was previously a highly effective teacher of Honors, Advanced Placement, Indiana University Dual Credit Biology, and Integrated Chemistry and Physics at New Prairie High School for the last 11 years. During this time, I have been able to mentor new teachers to the system and new to the profession as a host teacher. I have led teachers in AP Biology teaching forums through my close involvement with the Advanced Placement Teacher Investment Program (AP-TIP) at Notre Dame University. My students' achievements are my best accomplishments over the years. It is their success, and through my involvement, I am recognized as a TOP AP Science Teacher from the University of Notre Dame, AP-TIP. I am committed to providing high levels of learning for all students. In my dedication to the education process, I am a graduate student at Indiana University, completing a Master of Teaching in Science degree.

I am excited to bring my experience and expertise as a professional educator to my community of New Buffalo. I look forward to being a significant asset to New Buffalo regarding all students' academic and personal success.

New Roles

Melissa Lijewski - Principal New Buffalo Elementary

My name is Melissa Lijewski and I am excited to be the principal at New Buffalo Elementary. Being a homegrown Bison myself, I am deeply committed to serving our school community. I attended New Buffalo Area Schools my whole educational career and walked the hallways of the very building I now have the honor of leading. It has been a privilege working at New Buffalo Elementary School for the past 17 years. During that time I have taught 1st, 2nd, and 4th grades. Most recently I was the Title I Coordinator for the past 7 years.

I am passionate about creating a positive learning environment where students can thrive. Through partnerships with families, staff, and the community we can make NBES the best place for students to learn.

Sara Mead - Title I Coordinator

My name is Sara Mead, and I am thrilled to be your new Title I Coordinator at New Buffalo Elementary. My ties to this community run deep, as I am also a proud graduate of New Buffalo High School. After earning my degrees from Western Michigan University and Indiana University South Bend, I began my teaching career right here at the elementary school. With over 15 years of classroom teaching experience, I am excited to embark on this new journey as the Title 1 Coordinator. Outside of school, you might have seen me volunteering for New Buffalo Youth Sports or working as an election worker for New Buffalo Township. I currently live in New Buffalo with my husband, Beau, and our son, Steven.

Angela Robertson - Secondary School Counselor

Angela Robertson is starting her 8th year in the district as the new secondary school counselor. She is excited to work with all the past elementary students in a different setting. Angela has been in education for eighteen years. She lives in St. Joseph with her husband Cameron, children Ella & Connor, and dog Leo.