Email Brian

I have 43 years of experience working in independent schools in Texas, Michigan, and New York, and I’m thrilled to be part of the Kazoo School community. In addition to my many years in independent education, I serve as Kazoo’s Engagement & Development Coordinator. I lead the Annual Fund, help build connections with our families, alumni, and broader community, and supervise our interns.

I also teach a Middle School finance elective, where I get to help students explore the real-world skills and ideas behind money, budgeting, and financial decision-making.

At Kazoo, I’m also happy to take on just about whatever project needs doing. In my spare time, I recently cleaned out the basement—and I’m always ready to jump in when someone asks, “Hey, Brian, could you…?” There’s usually a yes somewhere in there.

When I’m not at Kazoo, I’m a devoted husband, grandfather, and cat dad. And whenever I finally decide it’s time to leave Kazoo for the day, I suspect there will still be one more project for me to take on!

Member of the Kazoo School Faculty since 2024

Christopher is one of those people who can jump in wherever he’s needed at Kazoo. He supports our Preschool, works as a floater across the school, and leads a Middle School elective. He especially enjoys spending time with our youngest Kazoo Kids, where his patience, playfulness, and ability to meet kids where they are really shine. As a Kazoo parent himself, Christopher knows our community from both sides and brings a genuine love of Kazoo to everything he does. Whether he’s helping a preschooler navigate the day, supporting an Upper Elementary project, or leading a Middle School elective, Christopher is always ready for the next adventure.

Kazoo School Faculty since 2021

Email Ruth

Ruth is the backbone of the Kazoo School office! Her paperwork game is unmatched, and she keeps the Front Desk, Extended Day, recess, and countless behind-the-scenes details running smoothly. She also happens to be something of an encyclopedia of childhood illnesses.

In addition to coordinating Extended Day, running the Front Desk and recess, Ruth teaches an elective and works with our Middle School students on the yearbook. She has a particular love for blending traditional and new media art techniques and enjoys helping young people connect with meaningful, relevant artistic experiences through graphic design, illustration, photography, animation, and video production.

Outside of Kazoo, Ruth loves cats, reading, and spending time outdoors. No matter how busy the Front Desk gets, she always makes time to connect with students and help them find their creative spark.

Education

Associates in Animation/Time Based Media KVCC, 2014

Kazoo School faculty since 2021

Email Steve

I previously taught natural science at Kazoo as part of a five-year collaboration between Kazoo School and Western Michigan University, working with students in 4th–8th grades each week. I’m especially excited to be back as Kazoo continues to embrace outdoor education and the incredible learning opportunities right outside our doors.

I’m a naturalist at heart, and I believe there is something to learn everywhere we look. I love helping students notice the science happening all around them—from the smallest insect to the trees, plants, animals, weather, and ecosystems that make up our natural world. I’m a big believer in the teachable moment, and I’ll happily stop whatever we’re doing when there is something interesting to observe, investigate, or wonder about. My goal is to make science interesting, real, and connected to the places where students live and learn.

And, of course, there’s Fire Friday! Each Friday comes complete with my famous “It’s Friday!” dance. It’s one of my favorite Kazoo traditions.

I’m a New York native from the upper Hudson River Valley and a die-hard, naturalized Michigander after many years of exploring these beautiful peninsulas. I’ve lived in Kalamazoo for 33 years and have been happily married to my wife, Carol, for 37 years. We have two grown sons, one a hydrogeologist in New York and the other a statistician living and working in Michigan.

I’ve been involved in the sciences my entire life. I attended Michigan State University, where I earned Bachelor of Science degrees in wildlife management and animal science and a master’s degree in poultry science. My career has included poultry production and research, as well as 25 years of horticultural experience in wholesale and retail greenhouse production, specializing in Michigan native plants.

I retired from Western Michigan University’s Landscape Management department, where I served as the natural areas manager and oversaw the Kleinstuck and Asylum Lake preserves for 11 years. During my time at WMU, I had the opportunity to work with school groups throughout the Kalamazoo area. From preschoolers to college students, campers to professionals, I’ve always found great joy in sharing what I’ve learned with others.

I’m particularly happy to be at Kazoo, where students have so many opportunities to learn outdoors. The natural world is an incredible classroom, and I look forward to helping students explore it, ask questions, make discoveries, and carry that curiosity with them throughout their education.