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
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
Keri Haskins - Elementary Counselor
Sophia Giannetti - Elementary Teacher
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
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
Megan Smith - Social Worker 6-12
Nate Tripp II - Paraprofessional Special Ed Elementary
Kylie Lijewski - Kitchen Worker
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.