Reflections, Memories, and Thanks to our BHS Retirees!

As the 2023-24 school year comes to close, we want to thank all of our staff who retired over the course of this year. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and hard work in making our school district truly exceptional. Your years of service have left an indelible mark on our community; your contributions will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Below are the soon-to-be-retired Bloomfield Hills Schools staff members who we want to thank and recognize for their many years of service to our students and schools. 

To all of our retirees: may your next adventure in life bring fulfillment and joy!

Barb Brownson, Art Teacher, Bloomfield Hills High School

“Barb has always set high expectations and shown fierce intelligence in everything she does. Yet, it’s her kindness to both her students and to me that truly stands out. Conversations with Barb are treasured because she listens intently and genuinely cares. I will deeply miss her presence and the warmth she brings to our team.” - Peg Pasternak, BHHS art teacher

"Barb Brownson and I have worked together for 30 years, since we began teaching art together at Andover High School. We immediately became best friends and were even referred to as “Peas and Carrots” by one of our colleagues. Barb and I had many adventures together— visits to the DIA downtown, field trips to Chicago with the Art Club, and volunteering to build houses in Florida with Habitat for Humanity. I’m going to miss her holiday sweaters, her bags of candy, her smiling face, and our close friendship. You have always been a great partner and friend, Barb, and I wish you health and happiness as you embark on this next chapter of your life."  - Matt Beauchamp, BHHS art teacher

“Barb Brownson and I have been teammates, officemates, lunchmates and friends for the past 22 years starting at Andover High School. Congratulations on your retirement, and your next adventure!” - Tessa Basirico, BHHS art teacher

Personal Reflections from Barb:

“As I think about the 30 years that I have taught in Bloomfield and the memory of the thousands of teenagers that have passed through the art classrooms, their expressions fill my mind. The joy on their faces when they are engaged with creating art will always be with me. There is something magical that happens when humans create. The Flint Institute of Art has a new saying … “Art Brings Us Together.” This is a philosophy that transcends in the art classrooms at Bloomfield Hills High School. I am grateful for the 48 years that I have been part of such an innovative district; from my years as an art student at Lahser until this moment as an educator. The people that have touched my life through Bloomfield Hills Schools have provided me with the love, knowledge, and a career that has enriched my spirit. As I move on to the next phase of my life journey, I plan to continue creating, volunteering, and seeing more family. Take care and come visit me as I continue on my path of a creative journey.”

Chantal DePorre, Social Worker, Wing Lake Developmental Center

“Thank you for being a leader and facilitator of all things Wing Lake. From my first month on the job to six years later, you have been a constant support. I appreciate the multiple committees you have led at Wing Lake, your ongoing efforts to bring together our parent community, and your ethical approach and calm nature to serving our students. You will be greatly missed! Enjoy every moment of retirement!” - Rebecca Anders, Wing Lake Developmental Center Supervisor

“Chantal has been a listening ear, voice of reason, and advocate for staff and students at Wing Lake for many years. I was lucky enough to be on the receiving end of her kindness and passion for others. Thank you Chantal and I wish you all the best for your retirement!”                 - Jessica Shuler, Wing Lake Teacher

Personal Reflections from Chantal:

“It has been an honor to serve and work as a school social worker for 20+ years with students, their families, staff, and the entire Bloomfield Hills community. I have been with Bloomfield Hills School district, primarily at Wing Lake Developmental Center working with students and their families who have Severe Cognitive and Severe Multiple Impairments. I also worked briefly with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Early Intervention program, and a brief time at Lone Pine Elementary School. I have been one of the district's Non Violent Intervention (CPI) Trainers for over 10 years. I have also been an IEP Coach. As a coach I attended student's IEPs and educated individuals on Transition Services. I participated in Global Champions for many years and eventually worked with Wing Lake’s GET Team to earn Wing Lake’s  "No Place For Hate" distinction. I have served as a School Improvement (MICIP) representative at my school and at the district level. I have presented multiple times for staff’s professional development. I have served on the school wide Positive Behavior Support Committee, and recently headed the Social and Emotional Learning Committee, and hosted school wide SEL events. I have participated on the Crisis team. My goal as a social worker has been to empower the  individuals I serve. I am looking forward to retirement and am blessed to have 8 (soon to be 9) grandchildren. My husband and I have a Mini Winnie travel trailer that we will keep in Florida in the winters, and keep in South Haven in the summer. This fall, my husband and I will take a Grand European Tour. I am blessed to have worked in Bloomfield Hills Schools for over 20 years with a team of dedicated professionals.”

Chris Drogosch, Math Teacher, North Hills Middle School 

“I have such wonderful memories of working with you at BHHS. We were the pioneers of LC 9A!  The students loved having you as a math teacher and enjoyed being welcomed into your classroom with a hand-drawn message on the rolling white board each day - “Enjoy your Marvelous Monday,” or “It’s a Fantastical Friday!” You were dedicated to teaching students every step of the way, even eating lunch with the 9th graders so they could pull up a chair next to you to get some math help. Your warm, friendly personality shined in the classroom and added to our workroom too. Enjoy your retirement and I hope it involves many hours of relaxing on a balcony overlooking the water. Congratulations, Chris!” - Jennifer Novak, BHHS teacher

“Chris joined the West Hills Middle School team in the fall of 2020 and immediately made an impact on our students, staff, and community. Chris has an unassuming presence about him.  His innate ability to connect with students laid the foundation for success. Pulling into West Hills early each morning, Chris could always be found doing laps around the parking lot, getting his 10,000 steps in before the morning school bell. I always enjoyed the game of "Where's Chris" as I'd start my day. In our final year at WHMS, Chris enthusiastically led our No Place For Hate work. His commitment to all students to being seen, heard, and valued was always a pillar of his classroom.” - Andy Gignac, Eastover Principal

Tom Kalanquin, Counselor, North Hills Middle School

“Tom is a kind, generous and caring professional who has always put the well-being of students first. He approaches each situation in a calm and informed manner. Students and colleagues have had the good fortune to have interacted and worked alongside Tom. His experience, perspective and positivity will be missed. It has been a pleasure to witness the positive influence that he has made in many students' lives while they have journeyed through academic and personal challenges. Kind words make a big difference! Wishing Tom a wonderful retirement.”    - Stephanie Potier, North Hills French Teacher  

Angie Konzen, Associate Principal, North Hills Middle School

“Angie is a thoughtful leader who possesses GRIT & determination. I admire and appreciate that about her! She understands what it means to support and encourage others, collaborate and problem-solve. She has taken on Vector, Mi-Star and Scheduling, student behavioral issues, communications and so much more. At the same time, despite a busy schedule she is always willing to take time to listen, understand, offer feedback and help others navigate situations to the best of her ability and experience. She is True North! I wish Angie all the best in her future endeavors and many wonderful family adventures, too!” - Stephanie Potier, North Hills French Teacher

“Angie is a cornerstone of our school community. We will miss her innovative and proactive leadership style and her ever-thoughtful eye toward creating an equitable and accessible experience in our schools. Her leadership, advocacy, and forward-thinking mindset have made her a trusted advisor, sought after by students, families, staff, and administration alike for guidance and support. I am so grateful for having the opportunity to work closely with her, and to have been inspired on how to be a better educator because of her.” - Jason Rubel, North Hills Principal

Dr. Christina Murriel, Learning Specialist, Eastover Elementary School

“Having worked in the district for 24 years, I would often cross paths with Dr. Murriel in district meetings and data digs. It wasn't until this year, when I joined the Eastover team in the fall of 2023, that I had the pleasure of getting to know Christina on a deeper level. In my nine months of working alongside her, it is clear that she is a passionate educator who is dedicated to seeing all students succeed. Dr. Murriel is a key member of our child study team, advocating for students. Her incredible organizational skills supported many different systems of support this school year. I wish her the best as she launches into life's next adventures!” - Andy Gignac, Eastover Principal

“Dr. Murriel had a keen sense of awareness that allowed her to identify when students needed nurturing beyond academics. With a heart of compassion, she took them under her wing and made sure that their needs were met.” - Dr. Jennifer Flowers, Eastover Math Support Teacher

Personal Reflections from Christina:

“It has been my pleasure and honor to serve the Bloomfield Hills community for the past 25 years. I met Adrienne Crockett, Eastover Elementary Principal, at a job fair in June 1999, and I was hired later that year. I have been grateful ever since. My colleagues work so diligently, and we presented many professional developments to the staff and community. We collaborate with various communities to foster dialogue and grow respect for all learners in this diverse world. Thank you for the opportunity to work with phenomenal teachers and staff, and especially the students who placed a smile in my heart!”

Marci Schumacher, School Psychologist, Special Education Department

“Thank you for your years of service to Bloomfield Hills Schools and most of all for supporting teams at East Hills and in the non-public setting during our time working together. You can always be trusted to handle situations with grace, ethically, and professionally. I appreciate your leadership at BIT meetings and supporting tough conversations about students. Thanks for being an amazing team member!” - Rebecca Anders, Supervisor, Wing Lake Developmental Center

Personal Reflections from Marci:

“I have been blessed to work with wonderful students and amazing colleagues during my career in BHS. As a school psychologist, I’ve worked, at least a little, in every building in the district, through six special education directors and two district reorganizations. For those of us who were together at Hickory Grove - what an amazing family that was and I will forever cherish those memories. It wasn’t easy, but it was special. I was privileged to continue to work with amazing general education and special education staff in my years at Eastover and East Hills. Having good friends and team members by my side made all the difference. Thank you! I will be thinking of all of you in September!”

Debbie Steaban, Payroll Specialist, former West Hills Principal’s Secretary

“I had the good fortune to work with Debbie during my tenure as principal at West Hills Middle School. She was there long before me, and I learned early on that she had established herself as a go-to person for the whole staff and West Hills community. Her demeanor was both warm and professional, and I felt so lucky to have a person in our main office who set such a welcoming tone for all. 

Debbie is an outstanding listener, and despite the frenetic environment that sometimes accompanies the setting of a school servicing children in grades four through eight, you always felt heard. She prioritizes people over deadlines, and that is not always easy to do. She met all the challenges of her job in a timely manner, but it required extra effort on her part. She would sometimes come in early or stay late to ensure that she could meet the needs of the children, teachers, and families. All the while, it was her standard practice when asking something of others to begin with a “please and thank you.” Her civility did not go unnoticed!

Debbie’s example spoke louder than words. Her love of her family was on display for all, and she readily shared their many adventures as well as the latest on her beloved grandchildren. And, when Debbie was diagnosed with breast cancer, her strength and courage were evident once again showing us all what grace looks like in practice. I am so grateful she has been able to ward off this horrible disease, and I am so hopeful that she will be able to enjoy many wonderful days with family and friends as she enters into retirement. She surely deserves it as she has been an important member of the Bloomfield Hills school community! Congratulations to you, Debbie. You are awesome!” - Rob Dureka, Retired Principal, West Hills Middle School

“It’s hard to put into words what Debbie means to me. I have had the pleasure of knowing her for 15 years, first as a parent, then as a colleague, lastly and most importantly as a friend. Debbie is one of the hardest working people I have ever met.  She is always busy, but always willing to help others, no matter what she is doing. She is incredibly smart. Debbie is generous and warm. Even during hard times, she has a smile and a kind word for everyone. Debbie is an incredibly special person and I am so lucky to know her.” - Megan Johnston, Lone Pine Teacher

“When I came to West Hills as a 6th grader in 1998, Deb Steaban was the attendance secretary alongside Ms. Loviska in the main office. The two of them were the most welcoming secretaries and we always felt loved by them. Throughout my middle school years, I was often in the office desperately wanting to help out and chat with Mrs. Steaban. I eventually became an office assistant, which was a highlight of my experience as a student at West Hills. 

Fast forward 10 years and I found myself back at West Hills interviewing for a para position. I remember walking in to see Mrs. Steaban at her desk and it was like no time had passed. She welcomed me with a warm hug and definitely helped ease my nerves of the interview process. 

Upon being hired as a para and eventually becoming the building sub, Deb and I were a team again! Whenever I wasn't assigned, I would go back into "office assistant mode" helping Deb in any way I could. Working closely with Deb, I saw all the people she helped every day. Whether it was a sick student or a teacher in need, Deb always dropped what she was doing to help - this extended to me in many ways once I was hired as a teacher as well. I was so sad when she left West Hills to work at Booth, but every time I'm over there, you better believe I was popping into her office to say hello! I know that Deb is someone I will always think of when I think back through my childhood and adult professional life. Deb is simply the best!” - Abby Gordon, Lone Pine Teacher

“I have had the honor of working with Debbie in some capacity since 2018, when I started working in HR. Our early interactions were morning conversations on the phone while we worked through subbing situations. She was fun to talk to, as we always seemed to have the same perspective and thought processes when dealing with issues. Needless to say, I was thrilled when Debbie agreed to join our HR/Payroll team 2 years ago! Debbie has been so amazing to work with. She picked up on the job very quickly and is very conscientious of her work. I enjoyed our morning chats, as we were always the first two in the office every morning. I will treasure the friendship that Debbie and I built while working so closely with each other over the past couple of years. I am so happy for Debbie as she starts this next chapter and wish her all the best! She will truly be missed!!!” - Linda Swider, Human Resources Generalist

“Debbie Steaban is truly a gem. Her contributions to Bloomfield Hills Schools are immeasurable.  In her three decades of working at West Hills Middle School, she became the rock for students, staff, and family. She was the organizer, planner, nurse, greeter, "school mom," and guidance counselor. I know that personally, in my 17 years working with Deb, she had an immense impact on the educator I've become. I have many vivid memories from my formative years as an administrator where Deb was not afraid to push back on my thinking. I appreciated her perspective and she would help me slow down in making decisions. Deb is all heart and relationship. Her commitment to supporting those around her defines who she is. I am so happy for Debbie as she now gets all the time she wants to be grandma to her five beautiful grandchildren.” -  Andy Gignac, Eastover Principal

Personal Reflections from Deb:

“They say time flies when you are having fun, and 26 years have flown by quickly for sure! There was no way to know when I began my career here that it would be more than a job. I am grateful for the many people who have touched my life and the relationships that were formed over those years with staff, students, and families alike. This has been the journey of a lifetime for me and I will miss so many of you and yet look forward to what retirement has in store for my family and me. So long for now - enjoy whatever lies ahead for you.”

Lisa Gryglak, Supervisor, Bloomin’ Fox Hills

“Thank you for the 25+ years of dedication, unwavering commitment, and expertise you have given to Bloomfield Hills Schools. You leave behind a legacy of developing Bloomin’ Preschools into one of the best, most sought after programs in the state. From licensing, staffing, budget details, event planning, and keeping classrooms staffed, your knowledge and devotion did not go unnoticed. Your leadership and attention to detail helped make everything run smoothly. You ensured our Bloomin’ and Kidz Zone students were provided with a safe, fun, and nurturing environment. We have come a long way from mouse traps, mini fans, and lunch carts. You will be greatly missed! Enjoy your future adventures!” - Wendy Rocha, Kidz Zone/Preschool Coordinator

“Enjoy the next adventure, Lisa! The footprints you leave behind will always remain a part of the fabric of Bloomin’ Preschool, and the impact of your child-centered leadership will be felt for years to come. Your unwavering dedication to early childhood education and our families has left an indelible mark on Bloomfield Hills Schools. Thank you, Lisa, for your tireless efforts, sense of humor, and commitment to building the best possible learning environments for our children. Your legacy of excellence will be cherished and remembered! Best wishes and congratulations!” - Kimberly Hempton, Director of Elementary Education