On behalf of all of us at New Buffalo Area Schools, we are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to the newest members of our team!

Each year, our district grows stronger through the unique talents, experiences, and dedication that new staff members bring to our schools. Whether they are stepping into a classroom, supporting our administrative offices, or helping guide students' growth and well-being, their role is vital to fostering an inclusive, engaging, and supportive environment for every student.

We are so grateful to have our new staff join our community and look forward to learning, growing, and celebrating successes together throughout the school year.

Tasha Burns - Elementary Teacher

Hello! My name is Mrs. Burns and I will be teaching first grade at New Buffalo Elementary School. I’m returning to the area after living in Kalamazoo where I pursued my education degree at Western Michigan University.

I am passionate about early childhood education because these foundational years are crucial to student success later on in their educational journeys. In my classroom, we will focus on a community-centered approach, cheering each other on and growing together.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Jake, and our rescue cat, Mr. Freckles. I also love to read and care for my houseplants. I’m excited for a great school year!

Daniel Svoboda – Special Education Teacher

Hello Bison Family!

I am thrilled to be joining New Buffalo Area Schools. I come to New Buffalo after 33 wonderful years of teaching History and Special Education in Chicago. My family has spent summers in the area for the last 14 years, so making the move full-time marks an exciting new chapter for us. It also places us right in the sweet spot between our daughter’s family in Ann Arbor—where she recently welcomed our first grandchild!—and our sons, who are attending college back in Chicago.

Throughout my career, I’ve been dedicated to building inclusive, engaging classrooms where every student feels empowered to succeed and discover a genuine love for learning. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, and restoring our 126-year-old house in Three Oaks. I look forward to getting to know the students, staff, and families this school year. Go Bison!

Amber Lowry - Middle School Admin Assistant

Hello my name is Amber, I am 35 with three kids one is a graduate of New Buffalo and the other two are current students. I worked for New Buffalo area schools from 2017 until last year when I accepted a position in Bridgman. Towards the end of the school year I realized that there was no place like New Buffalo and I’m excited to be the Middle School Admin Assistant. I am excited to be returning as a bison for the 2026-2027 school year.

Lakeicha Hayes - Middle School Science Teacher

Hello! My name is Lakeicha Hayes. My husband, Corey Hayes, and I have two amazing children, Jad and Lillith Hayes. We moved to Michigan from Alabama two years ago. I graduated from Jacksonville State University in 2014 with a degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in General Science.

I have been an educator for the past eleven years. I’ve taught 7th - 12th grade Science, Computer Science, and Cultural Studies. Last year, I served as a paraprofessional at New Buffalo Elementary School. I loved my time there, but I am excited to be back in the Science classroom this year.

Christopher Grant - Middle School Social Studies Teacher

Hello New Buffalo! My name is Christopher Grant and I'm extremely excited to teach middle school Social Studies in New Buffalo. I come from a family of middle school teachers and I've been waiting for a long time to start my journey in the classroom. I am originally from Ann Arbor and am new to the New Buffalo area, but everything that I have seen has shown me that this is a community that I really want to immerse myself in. Outside of school, I am an outdoors person who loves the beach, the woods, and everything in between. I'm ready to meet all of my students and families and do everything I can to support everyone in and outside of the classroom.

Abbey Anderson - Elementary Social Worker

Hi! My name is Abbey Anderson and I am so excited to be your School Social Worker at New Buffalo Elementary! I am originally from Pennsylvania and moved to South Bend in August 2024 after graduating grad school. I live with my boyfriend who stayed in the area after college. Some hobbies of mine are going for walks outside, watching rugby games (my boyfriend plays), and reading! I also like to travel and try new coffee shops and places to eat! My favorite place to travel is Topsail Island in North Carolina where my family and I vacation every year. My first year in the field I worked at Woodland Elementary in Elkhart, Indiana. I am excited to show my skills and make new connections here! I want to create an environment that provides a safe space for all :).