Principal - Andrea Awada

Ms. Awada was awarded the title of Educator of the Year in February, 2005.

The prize was awarded at the Founder's Day dinner.

Welcome to our Geer Park Elementary School website. I am pleased that you want to learn more about our school. I am Andrea Awada, Principal of Geer Park School. After serving the Dearborn Public School community for twenty eight years as teacher, counselor, compensatory education consultant, in-school suspension facilitator, teacher consultant, resource teacher and administrator it is a pleasure to be the Principal at Geer Park. At Geer Park Elementary we believe that Students Come First and the way to unlock their minds is by touching their hearts. My staff and I invite you to join us in actively pursuing our philosophy.

When I am not at school, I am busy with my two children, Amanda 14 and Michael 12, and our cat, Moochie. Amanda, Michael and I love to spend time traveling, swimming, fishing, boating, and spending time with family and friends. I love to read and enjoy learning about different cultures. I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Wayne State University. I have been involved in various community organizations. I currently serve on the executive board of ACCESS as Vice-President, one of the largest social service agencies in the United States, and one of our community partners.

Please feel free to visit us at any time. We maintain an open door policy and encourage your input, observation and participation.

Kindergarten – Mrs. Chisek

Hi! My name is Elizabeth Chisek. I have been teaching in Dearborn now for six years. I have taught kindergarten
for five years and second grade for one year. I received my bachelors degree from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I also have a masters degree in reading from Oakland University.

I have been married to my husband Jon for 3 years. We have two beautiful children, Connor 2 and Aidan 1, who
keep us very busy! In our spare time we love to spend time with our boys and traveling.

Jon and I, who are both teachers, come from a family of educators; Jon's father being a principal on the west side
of the state and my Mom being a first grade teacher at Whitmore Bolles!

1st Grade – Mrs. Mardini

     Hello, my name is Suzanne Mardini. I’m so excited to be a part of the Geer Park staff. I have been teaching for thirteen years. The first two years I taught at Crescent Academy International and the other eleven years I’ve been with Dearborn Public schools. All eleven years I have worked with pre-school, kindergarten, and first grade.

      In 1990 I received my Bachelor Degree in Early childhood education from Cleveland State University. I also have a Master degree in Bilingual Bicultural Education from Wayne State University. Now I’m pursuing the ESL Endorsement. I was named in the Who’s Who in America’s teachers in the school year 06-07.

      I have been married for 18 years to Imam Mohamad Mardini and we have four children.  Maya is 17, Jenan is 16, and Monir is 14.  They all attend Crestwood High School.  Rami is 7 and he is at Crescent Academy International. Our youngest, Lana is 1 1/2.

I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family.

1st Grade – Mrs. Hider

My name is Janan Hider, I am the resource teacher at Geer Park. I taught in Lebanon for 20 years .I started working in Dearborn schools in 1992 as a bilingual paraprofessional for a period of 9 years. While working full time, I went back to finish my teaching certificate. I graduated in May, 2000 from Wayne State University with a Bachelor degree major in Science and a minor in bilingual education. I also have a Masters of Education Leadership. Currently, I’m working on my ESL endorsement at University of Michigan Dearborn. Prior to Geer Park school I taught 2nd grade at Lowery school and then transferred to International Studies Academy and worked as a bilingual resource teacher. I’m proud to be part of Geer Park staff and believe that all children can learn.

I’m a proud mother of 5 professional children. A Pharmacist, an engineer, a dentist, a teacher and a high school student. I’m also a proud grandmother of 3 babies so far. I like to spend the weekends with my husband going from house to house visiting my 4 married kids.

1st Grade - Ms. Earle

Hello! My name is Peggy Earle. I love being a teacher!  I was in another career before becoming a teacher and knew I wasn’t making a difference.  I went back to school while working and became a teacher.  I wanted to work with children and I wanted them to love school and feel successful at an early age.  After ten years, I still feel that way.  My daily goal is to help children be successful and be happy about it!

This is my tenth year teaching. I was hired into the Dearborn Public school system in September of 1999.  I have been teaching first grade for all of my ten years in the district.  I completed my student teaching at William Ford Elementary School and was then hired in at Haigh Elementary School.  I taught at Haigh for four years, Whitmore Bolles Elementary School for three years and DuVall Elementary School for two years.  I hope I will be at Geer Park the longest!

I graduated with an Associates degree from Henry Ford Community College, a Bachelors degree from the University of Michigan – Dearborn, a teaching certificate and Masters degree from Wayne State University.  I also have 6 credits hours toward a ZA endorsement from Eastern Michigan University.

When not at work I enjoy traveling, spending time with my family, reading, doing genealogical research, gardening and embroidering.

2nd Grade – Ms. Donoghue

Hello! My name is Kimberly Donoghue. This is my seventh year teaching. I have taught all seven years in Dearborn. This is my fourth year teaching second grade. Prior to teaching at Geer Park I taught at McDonald, Henry Ford and Oakman. I graduated in 1999 from Oakland University with a bachelors in elementary education with minors in languate arts and math. I also have my masters from Eastern Michigan University.

2nd Grade – Ms. Beydoun

Hello, my name is Ahlam Beydoun. I am so excited to be part of The Geer Park Staff. This is my sixth year teaching at Dearborn Public Schools. I taught Pre-school, first grade, third grade, and fourth grade. I received my Bachelors degree in education from Wayne State University. I also have my masters in Early Childhood Education from University of Michigan in Dearborn.

I have been married for 18 years to Mohammed Ali Beydoun and we have three beautiful children. Ahmed is 17 and Soumaya is 14 and they both at Crestwood High School. Adam is 13 and he is at Riversde Middle School. They all make me proud in their own unique way. I am so lucky to have such wonderful family!

3rd Grade - Ms. Essa

Hello, My name is Huda Essa and I am so very happy to be a part of the Geer Park family. I absolutely love teaching and find it to be ever rewarding. I have a true passion for it and a strong dedication towards the goal of students achieving their highest potential. I was born in Dearborn and have been a student of Dearborn Public Schools since Kindergarten. I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan in 2004. My major course of study was Language Arts while my minor was Science. Among many other things, I love reading, hiking, running and above all being surrounded by loved ones such as my family and friends. I also absolutely love to travel as much as possible. I enjoy being in other places, meeting new people and having new experiences to add to my many fond memories.  

3rd Grade – Mrs. Daly

Hi! My name is Kathy Daly and I am very happy and proud to be a teacher at Geer Park. I graduated from Western Michigan University with my teaching degree, received my early childhood endorsement from Madonna University, and completed my masters degree at Oakland University. I have taught Head Start, preschool, first, and third grades. I love teaching and learning and I hope to pass this love on to all of my students.

I have a wonderful husband, Joe, and three great children, Joe, Tricia, and Matthew. With the exception of Matt, we are all educators (he's presently attending law school). We also have a beautiful grandson, Joey, and two more grandbabies on the way. We are a very close family and spend much of our free time together.

4th Grade – Mrs. Brancheau

Paula Brancheau is a graduate of the University of Michigan/Dearborn. She has a major in Language Arts and a minor in Social Studies. She has a very busy life with her family of 6 children and 6 grandchildren. Her hobbies are quilting, tap dancing and writing. On weekends she can often be found heading to the family cottage in Harbor Beach, Michigan to enjoy the oudoors with family and friends.

4th Grade – Mrs. Hourani

Hi, My name is Jennifer Hourani and I am currently teaching 4th grade at Geer Park Elementary. Prior to Geer Park, I also taught 5th grade at the former International Studies Academy, and I started my career in 2001 at Macdonald Elementary teaching 4th grade. I received my bachelors in education from Eastern Michigan University and recently completed my masters in the Art of Teaching from Marygrove College.
I have been married for 8 years to my wonderful husband, Shadi. We also have two sons, Zachary 3, and Noah 7 months. I live in Canton Michigan where I enjoy playing with my children, cooking, and outdoor activiites. Traveling is also a huge part of my life because I am originally from the great state of Georgia and all of my family still resides there. Therefore, at every opportunity I travel south to see family and friends.

5th Grade - Mrs. Simmons

Hello! My name is Kidada Simmons and I love teaching. I knew that I wanted to be a teacher since I was six years old. I love coming to school every morning and making a difference in the lives of children. I began to pursue a career in education as an undergraduate student at Henry Ford Community College (HFCC) in 1993. I graduated from HFCC with an Associate Degree in Arts in 1997. I continued my education at Eastern Michigan University (EMU). While attended classes at EMU, I majored in Math and had a minor in Science. I graduated from Eastern in 2000 with a Bachelor degree in Science. After graduating from EMU, I was hired as a fourth grade teacher at William Ford Elementary School in Dearborn. I taught at William Ford for four years. In 2005, I received my Master of Arts degree in Reading from Eastern Michigan University.

On a personal note, I have a wonderful husband named Thomas. We have been married since 2000. Thomas and I met while attending classes at Henry Ford Community College here in Dearborn. In addition, I have a loving and supportive family.

5th Grade – Mrs. Klein

Hi!  My name is Melanie Klein.  I began my teaching career in 2003 as a substitute teacher for Dearborn and Plymouth-Canton Public Schools.  I was hired the following year by Dearborn Public Schools to teach 1st grade at River Oaks Elementary.  The next year, I taught 2nd grade at Nowlin Elementary for one year.  Finally, in 2006, I became a part of the Geer Park family!  This is my 3rd year here teaching 5th grade.  I am proud to belong to such a committed staff and hope to call Geer Park my home for years to come!

I graduated from Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn with two associate degrees.  I went on to complete my undergraduate degree at Eastern Michigan University with a major in math and a minor in science.  I graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor in Science.  I will begin pursuing a master degree in 2009.

I have been married to my husband, Brian, for 6 years.  Brian owns a hardwood floor company.  We have two children.  Our son, Brody, is 2 years old and our daughter, Laurel, turns 1 in January.  Our dog, Zach, is also an important part of the family.  When I’m not spending time with my wonderful family, I enjoy golfing, skiing, reading, and gardening.  In addition, I am a big fan of the Detroit Red Wings and the Pistons!

Technology – Mrs. Gwizdz

My name is Amy Gwizdz. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a major in Language Arts and a minor in Math from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. I have a Master’s in the Art of Teaching from Marygrove College and a Reading Specialist certificate from Western Michigan. I am currently working on my Educational Technology certificate from Michigan State.

I have been teaching in the Dearborn District for 10 years. I student-taught at William Ford, then I was hired at Snow, where I taught for 7 years. After my second maternity leave, I came back and taught Reading Recovery at Nowlin for the rest of the school year. I have taught First, Second and Third grades, and have been in Reading Recovery for 6 years. I currently teach at Geer Park.

I have two daughters. Sara is 4 years old, and Alison is 2 years old. My husband, Brian, is a District Sales Leader for Frito-Lay.

PCL Literacy Coach – Mrs. Timpf

Hello, my name is Mary Timpf and I am excited to be a teacher at Geer Park.  I am extremely happy to be teaching and still love coming to school 23 years after I began my career.  I have taught in grades 1st thru 8th and have also been a literacy teacher and now take on the role of Literacy Coach.  I began my career at St. Christopher School in Detroit and from there taught at Herman Elementary School in Detroit.  Twelve years ago I was fortunate enough to come to the Dearborn Schools system where I taught at Salina Elementary before coming to Geer Park.

In 1986 I received my Bachelor of Science Degree from Eastern Michigan University and continued my education there until I earned a Master of Arts Degree in 1993.  My empasis in college was Elementary Reading, Science, and Social Science.  I continue my professional development through numerous inservices, training and workshops.

I have earned 3 different grants, most recently a DTE grant that will benefit Geer Park.  I was named in the Who's Who in America's Teachers ('05, '06, & '07) and have been nominated for Dearborn Teacher of the Year ('04 & '05) as well as Disney Teacher of the Year ('06).

I have been married for 19 years to Don Timpf and we have two children.  Megan is 16 and a junior at Edsel Ford High School, Benjamin is 12 and attends 7th grade at Stout Middle School.  We also have tw odogs, a beagle named Bailey and a black lab named Baxter.

I enjoy reading, camping, scrapbooking, bowling, and golf.  As my students know I am an avid Red Wings and Univeristy of Michigan fan.

Literacy Coach / Resource Teacher – Mrs. Srour

My name is Lamis Srour. This is my fifth year teaching for Dearborn Public Schools and I am
proud to be at Geer Park Elementary - the best school in Dearborn! I was born and raised in Dearborn and I am
proud to call it my home. The history and resources available to our youth here are not readily available to any other children
in the world. I graduated from Fordson High School in 1994 and from there I attended the University of Michigan - Dearborn, where I recieved my Bachelor's Degree and my Teaching Certificate. Since then, I have recieved my Master's degree from Marygrove College, and an Education Specialist degree from Wayne State University. I also have an ESL endorsement. I am also very proud to say that I was one of two Dearborn Teachers to be accepted into the Aspiring Administrators Program through Wayne County RESA, from which I graduated in 2005. I am also a member of the District Curriculum Council Committee and the District Language Arts Committee. Finally, I am a part of an effort to help form Dearborn's vision of the future. Through being a part of the Model School District for Dearborn, I have the opportunity to work with many great and ambitious colleagues towards a plan to formulate what's in Dearborn's future.
On a personal note, I am a proud mother of two - Lea, 3, and Muhammad Ali, 10 months. I also have a wonderful husband, Wissam, who is my greatest supporter. I have a great family to come home to everyday. I am blessed to have a great family to come to work with and for, as well!

Media Center – Mrs. McCarty

Art – Ms. Bandyke

This is the start of my tenth year teaching art for Dearborn Schools.  It is my first year at Geer Park and I am pleased to be a part of the staff here.  I emphasize exploring new ideas to promote creative thinking and problem solving.  The learning process is just as important as the product. Practice and experimentation lead to improved skills and greater enjoyment when making art.

Vocal Music – Ms. Lewy

Instrumental Music – Mr. Kalasz            

Physical Education – Ms. Masiarczyk

Social Worker - Ms. Swis

Psycologist - Dr.Henein

Teacher Consultant - Ms. Clare

Secretary-Ms. Mackie

 Receptionist-Mrs. Laura

Nurse -

Building Engineer-Mr. Jones

Cafeteria Staff - Mrs. Baker and Mrs. Abdullah