Utica Community Schools

Program and Staff Features

Name and Position
Michelle Serra Vinluan

Background:
I am a mother to 2 amazing kids (14 and 16 years old) that I am blessed to watch them grow into reflective and compassionate people. *I am not sure if this is what you were looking for here*​

Years in Education:
26 

Professional Affiliations/Education:
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work from Michigan State University - Go Green!
Master's Degree in Social Work from Wayne State University
Member of Michigan Association of School Social Workers

Why did you become a Special Education teacher?
I have always had a passion for working with/helping children. I appreciate my education in the public schools and was touched by many of my teachers.  

What is the best part of your job?
The kids! I feel I learn from them just as much as they do from me. It is an honor to watch them learn and grow and know I had a small part in that.

Sean Waymaster,
Executive Director of Special Services

Background:
I met my wife, Beth, at Wayne State University in an art class for teaching students with disabilities.  We have been married for 30 years with 3 wonderful kids that all have a keen appreciation for art.
Bachelor of Science K-5, 6-8 Social Studies, K-12 Cognitive Impairment, Wayne State University
Master of Arts Educational Leadership, Wayne State University
Education Specialist, Wayne State University

Years in Education:         
This is my 30^th year in education!

Professional Affiliations/Education:        
Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education
Macomb County Administrators of Special Education

Why did you become a Special Education teacher?          
I became a special education teacher because of my own experience as a student with an IEP in elementary school. 

What is the best part of your job?            
The best part of my job is seeing the joy of students learning a skill, accomplish a task, and to see them grow from when they were tiny tots to adults out in our community.

If there is one thing that you would want people to know about the importance of special education, what would that be?       
We are blessed to be part of the greatest educational system in the world.  In Utica Community Schools we are part of an educational system that works with all students with disabilities to help them achieve and grow.  I am very proud to be part of this school district.

Margaret Ala
Speech-Language Pathologist 
 
Background Info: I previously worked in the medical field within the field of speech/language pathology.  Since working for Utica Community Schools, I have had the pleasure of servicing kindergarten through high school student to help students with their overall communication needs.  
 
Years in Education:
14 years in Utica Community Schools 
 
Professional Affiliations/Education:    
Michigan State University BA/MA
American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) member
MI license and certified speech/language pathologist (CCC)                            
 
Why did you become a Special Education teacher?
I initially went into the field of speech/language pathology to work within the schools because I always wanted to work with children.  My path, however, was delayed after graduate school as I found another avenue within the medical field.  The experience I gained from working in the medical field has helped me meet the challenges students with communication disorders face.  I always wanted to work within the field of education and decided to specialize in the area of speech/language, which has given me the opportunity to work with a diverse population of needs.  Helping students reach their communicative potential has been a great joy.
 
What is the best part of your job?
Working with the kids is the absolute best part of my job! 
 
If there is one thing that you would want people to know about the importance of special education, what would that be?  
Every child has the potential to learn, grow, and know they belong! 

Kim Getaw
Special Services Intervention Consultant
 
Background Info:
I graduated from Central Michigan University, hired in UCS immediately after graduation! Started a special education teaching career at Schuchard Elementary, went to Ebeling Elementary, Magahay Elementary and then back to Schuchard to complete administrative principal internship. From there, transitioned to Intervention Consultant with the Special Services department and have been in this position for the last 12 years. All of my career has been in UCS!  
 
Years in Education:
24 years 
 
Professional Affiliations/Education: Bachelor's in Special Education from Central Michigan University, Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Wayne State University, 
 
Why did you become a Special Education teacher?
I was 8 years old; my father was a teacher, my brother was in college for education, and I determined that when I grew up, I also wanted to follow the lead and be a teacher. It was all I talked about and played as a child. Attending CMU was also where I wanted to attend when I was younger. I had goals that came true! After starting CMU, I attended meetings regarding major options for education. I thought about it and discussed it with my father, who was also a teacher...I decided special education was the path I would pursue. Goal achieved. 
 
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my career are the WINS! Celebrating all the wins that occur on a daily basis are what allows me to keep going. Knowing that I have a positive impact on others in order to make a difference is my purpose in life. To have the ability while working is truly phenomenal.  
 
If there is one thing that you would want people to know about the importance of special education, what would that be?
The importance of all education is to have a positive impact on others. Accepting all for who they are and knowing/understanding that everyone has needs and those needs may look different for everyone. Be kind to everyone and always make sure you smile to others...a smile can change someone's life...you never know who you are impacting. We touch humans' lives...Be Kind!