The Lapeer County Intermediate School District Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is a group of educators and parents representing our local school districts. Our primary focus is to stay informed regarding Special Education plans, changes, and current trends in Special Education at the county, state, and federal level. We also assist and promote partnerships among parents and educators that benefit students with disabilities.
PAC brochure PAC Meeting Dates Bylaws
Your Local Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Representative
Secondary Transition and Employment - An Overview Link to presentations from local districts and ISD.
Notes & Recording From:“Post-Secondary Transition Planning – Including a Parent Perspective”January 10, 2022
Notes and Recording from "Guardianship - Supported Decision Making" February 7, 2022
Recording from Family Center for Children & Youth w/ Special Health Care Needs March 7, 2022 and Notes, Pamphlets and scholarship apps
START Passport Training Video and resources from START website
Almont Community Schools
My name is Dawn Wedemeyer, I am a lifelong resident and Almont graduate. My husband Pete and I are raising three wonderful children, twin boys Jarod and Jacob, 23, and a daughter Anna, 19. Jarod was diagnosed with non verbal autism at the age of 15 months old. Jarod attended both public and private school throughout the years. He is currently in the new Asteroid program at Ed Tech where he is successful with following schedules and working jobs on and off site. Besides personal experience, I am a resource room teacher at Almont High School for the past 13 years and previously 3 ½ years at Imlay City Middle School. I am a strong advocate of all people with different abilities and would love the opportunity to speak with anyone who needs assistance.
Dawn Wedemeyer
(586) 615-7858
My name is Melissa Bordogna and this will be our third year in Almont!. I have 4 children, 2 that are in the Almont School District and both receive special services for different reasons. Each one of my kids has had a mix of private, public and home education. I have been at stay at home mom for 16 years. In the beginning of my special needs story, I thought someone was going to come and give me all the answers, but I quickly learned that special needs/special education is a journey, individual to each of my children. There are many people that help along the way and I have found that some of the best information has come from a parent that has had some experience with special education. I think this opportunity will give me the chance to pass on some of my knowledge and help someone on their journey. I also look forward to learning some things that I can use to help my own children to become productive people in our community.
Melissa Bordogna
(586) 531-1591
Dryden Community Schools:
My name is Jennifer Kucharski and I have been a resident of Almont for 22 years. I grew up in Romeo where I graduated from Romeo High School and attended Davenport University for Business Management. I currently manage a dental office, and have worked for the same dentist for over 26 years. I am happily married and I have 3 biological sons who are 32, 30, & 19. My husband and I also adopted our wonderful daughter out of the foster care system 7 years ago after fostering her for almost 2 years. My oldest son is a graduate of Imlay City Schools, my middle son graduated from Almont Schools, and my youngest son is currently a college student/baseball player at Alma College after graduating from Romeo High School. My daughter is 15 and currently attends Dryden High School. Although we have lived in Almont for 22 years, our children were all given the option of utilizing our school of choice program to help them be successful in an environment that best fit their educational and social needs. My two older sons also attended and completed certifications in Ed-tech programs during their high school career.
Over the past 32 years I have learned to parent and advocate in many different ways, as we have 4 children who are all very different. My daughter was born with FASD, and also struggles with ADHD, anxiety, and PTSD. I have found many teachers have never had any education or training regarding FASD, and have tried my best to help bring awareness and understanding to a disability that effects up to 5% of children in America, yet is seldom even discussed. Parenting a child with special needs has been a roller coaster of triumphs and struggles. My daughter is my only child that has needed an IEP and Special Education services, and it has definitely been a learning process. Over the past 9 years I have worked with her teachers and researched extensively on strategies to help her succeed. I am a supporter of the LGTBQ+ community, and I am always willing to help parents navigate the complexities of raising a child that identifies as part of this community. I am also an advocate for rights of all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity.
Some of my hobbies include spending time in our pool, reading, and watching my children play sports.
Imlay City Community Schools:
My name is Heather Brown. My husband and I both grew up in Imlay City and are thrilled to be raising our family there as well. We have 3 boys. Our youngest is on the spectrum and started Early‐On when he was 2. We have made great strides and he is now a thriving 1st grader. I will always continue to grow with him and educate myself with any resource I can find. It's a journey that I wouldn't have any other way.
Heather Brown
(810) 614-4746
Hi- my name is Cura Kelly im a single mother of 2 beautiful children. My youngest child,
Carmella, was diagnosed this year with Autism. I have been advocating for both my children
their entire lives and finally after fighting with healthcare providers for years, I finally have found
the best place for them to get the help they both need. I love how special education has grown
so much since I attended school. Both of my children attend Imlay City Schools and it has been
wonderful since moving here. I spend a lot of time studying and learning as much as I can about
anything my children have problems with. I know a lot of people I have met in life find autism to
be an issue etc.. but I believe with my whole heart that my little one is amazing no matter what
and her normal is perfect for her and for me. I look forward to learning more and helping others
on their journey.
Cura Kelly 828-313-7320
Lapeer Community Schools:
Hi, I am Kim Hall and I have seven children in Lapeer Community schools. In Elementary School, Middle Schools and the High school. Some of my children have special needs. I would like to encourage you to call me if you have any questions. I know how overwhelming and confusing it can be sometimes to be the parent or caregiver of a special needs individual. You are NOT alone. Please feel free to call me, I would like to help if I can. Kindest Regards!!
Kim Hall
(810) 664-4743
North Branch Area Schools:
Hello, My name is Rebecca Baksa. I am married to my husband, Brent Baksa, and we have three boys. Our middle son, Jackson is going into the third grade this year and he has cerebral palsy. He has always been in the general education classroom, and we are extremely proud of all that he has accomplished in his young life. My husband and I both teach in North Branch as well. I am the art teacher for grades 5-8, and my husband in a science teacher in the high school. I look forward to helping anyone that I can. I am passionate about helping the kids in our community with "different abilities" and would love assist in any way that I can.
Becky Baksa
(989) 245-7308
Hi I am Dave Bennett I am from Mayville but my kids attend North Branch Elementary School. I have a 7 year old and a 4 year old daughters. My seven-year-old has some learning disabilities. I am a graduate of Michigan State University and dairy farm in Mayville. I am also very involved in the parent group at the school. I hope with being involved with PAC I can help others with their needs for their children.
Dave Bennett
(989) 286-7244
Lapeer County Intermediate School District
“Although I live in Dryden my son attends the Lapeer ISD center program We began in the Early On Program and have been navigating the educational system for 8 years now. I am available to answer any questions you may have or help you explore opportunities for the benefit of your special needs child. The PAC is here as a resource for you…don’t hesitate to call on us!”
Melanie Starr
(810) 895-6449
My name is Anne Wilson. I am a mom to two great boys Adam and Vinny ages 10 and 7. Vinny attends Almont Schools. My oldest son Adam is currently attending Lapeer ISD Center Program. He has special needs, and has had complex health issues since birth. Even with all of his challenges he is a very sweet and happy kid. My youngest Vinny has a big personality and is very social, and loves his big bro. He is already a great little advocate for his brother. They have a very special relationship with each other. I’m married to my high school sweetheart Mark, and as a family we love staying active.
I’m a graduate of Almont, and Western Michigan University where I received my degree in Social Psychology and Social Work, but I think I’ve always been a “helper”. As a child in school I was always the kid that liked to help the other kids who needed a little extra help, so I guess I was destined to go into the field I chose, and am well suited to be the mother to a child with special needs.
Due to Adam’s complex health needs I have been a stay at home mom for the last six years. Prior to that I worked with adults with special needs, and their families in a variety of community placements. I always felt like I was empathetic to my clients and their families struggles and needs, but it wasn’t until I became a mother to a child with special needs that I really had a true understanding of their struggles. I learned so much from the families and clients I had the privilege of working with. Hopefully some of my experience will be useful to PAC, and I can be a help to others.
During my work as a Social Worker I really started to see the value and importance of integration. When integration is possible whether it be in school, a community placement or employment I think it should always be pursued. My clients that were the happiest with the strongest supports were the ones who received an integrated education and remained active in their community after graduation. I am also passionate in seeing that students with special needs receive a fair, and equal education to what their neurotypical peers receive. Through PAC I hope to learn more about special educational services and supports, and use my knowledge to help in anyway I can. I look forward to meeting and working with everyone soon.
Anne Wilson
(586) 531-4330
