My name is Jillian Kissel, and I’m excited to continue being part of the Kazoo School community! After completing my internship with the Kazoo administration this summer, I’m now working in the Extended Day program.

I’m an undergraduate student at Western Michigan University studying Political Science with a minor in Spanish. I’m entering my final year at Western and will graduate in May 2027.

I’m so happy to have the opportunity to keep working with Kazoo students. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the kids and being part of their afternoons, and I’m looking forward to another year at Kazoo! If you see me around, don’t hesitate to say hello.

Member of the Faculty since 2025

I’m happy to be back at Kazoo School! I’m a Kazoo School alumnus, as is one of my siblings, and my youngest sibling is currently a Kazoo kid. So, Kazoo has been a part of my life for a long time.

This year, I’m excited to work in the Extended Day program and help out as a substitute in Preschool. I really enjoy spending time with kids and have a natural ability to connect with them. I’m looking forward to playing, exploring, and being part of the Kazoo community in a new way!

Member of the Kazoo Faculty since 2024

Email Karissa

Guiding and supporting young people has always come naturally to her. Growing up, she often found herself helping teachers and group leaders with younger children, and caring for children remained a central part of her work until the pandemic. She brings that experience, patience, and genuine care for kids to Kazoo, where she is supporting our Extended Day program and serving as a floater this year. Whether she’s helping in the classroom, jumping into a new activity, or lending a hand wherever she’s needed, she is always ready to support our Kazoo Kids and the adults who work with them.

Member of the Faculty since 2026

I’m so happy to be part of the Kazoo School community and to work with students in Extended Day! I’ve gotten to know Kazoo through my sibling, who is a Kazoo kid, and I’ve always loved the community and the way Kazoo works with children.

I’ve always wanted to become a teacher, so working with kids at Kazoo is a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow while doing something I really enjoy. I’m excited to spend time with students after the school day—playing, helping, exploring, and getting to know our Kazoo kids!

Member of the Kazoo School Faculty since 2024

Maya is a Kazoo alumna who has found her way back to the school, now in her third year as an Extended Day Facilitator. Maya attended Oberlin College and went on to teach Kindergarten in the Chicago area. She now works full-time in a remote role, but has intentionally made space in her schedule to continue doing what she loves- being around kids!

Maya brings her experience as a classroom teacher and her perspective as a former Kazoo Kid to Extended Day. She knows firsthand the joy, independence, and occasional chaos that come with being a Kazoo Kid, and she loves spending her afternoons playing, exploring, and connecting with students. We’re so happy to have one of our own back at Kazoo!

Member of the Faculty since 2026

’m a Kazoo School alumna, so coming back to Kazoo feels a little like coming home! This year, I’m back to help Melissa in the afternoons with our Preschool students, and I’ll also be helping out with Extended Day.

I’ve always loved being around kids, and working with children comes pretty naturally to me. I love their curiosity, energy, and sense of adventure. I’m excited to spend my afternoons playing, exploring, helping, and being part of the Kazoo community again!