Meet Our Staff
Alan Freudigmann, Instructor
I am originally from Australia and have lived in the U.S. since 2002 and have been married to my wonderful wife Megan since 2002. We have 4 kids (Kirra-16, Eliana-13, Quinn-11, Niyah-8) who love to travel, play sports (especially soccer, track, skiing and volleyball), and enjoying the great outdoors.
Professionally, this is my first year at KCTC's Teacher Academy, but prior to being here I was a teacher at East Kentwood (EK) High School for most of the last 15 years teaching students' biology, environmental science, health and physical education. In addition to my time at EK, I have taught at an international private school in Australia for a short stint in 2017-2018 where I worked with students on short-term visas to experience education in Australia. I also have a strong passion for teen leaders and spend a lot of my spare time coaching soccer, and teaching (coaching) at Grand Valley State University for their Education programs where I work with students on academic probation/jeopardy of dismissal to get them back on track with their academics and personal lives.
Melissa Pierczynski, Instructor
Melissa Pierczynski is an educator with experience spanning secondary and higher education, with a strong passion for teacher preparation. As an instructor for the KCTC Teacher Academy, she draws on her background in both K–12 and higher education to give high school students authentic field experiences and a deeper understanding of the teaching profession.
Her career has included teaching at the secondary level and serving as adjunct faculty at Grand Valley State University and the University of Maryland Global Campus. She has also supervised student teachers at GVSU, mentoring them as they develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead classrooms of their own. She is dedicated to creating supportive, engaging learning environments and providing students with meaningful opportunities to explore whether a career in education is right for them.
Outside the classroom, Dr. Pierczynski values time with her family and enjoys being outdoors whenever possible and finding new books to read.
Lisa Rilley, Instructor
Lisa Rilley is a dedicated educator with over 18 years of experience spanning pre-kindergarten through post-secondary education. Her passion for teaching and mentoring over the years has led her to guide numerous pre-service and student teachers in their professional journeys. In addition to her role as an instructor for the KCTC teacher academy, she also teaches Art Education Methods courses at Hope College, where she also contributes to curriculum development.
Her career has included working with students from diverse economic and cultural backgrounds in rural, urban, gifted, and at-risk settings. This versatility informs her inclusive and student-centered teaching philosophy. In addition to her classroom work, she has served as a college recruiter and remains active in programs like FuturePrep’d, which bridges classroom learning with real-world experiences.
A strong believer in reflective practice and continuous improvement, Mrs. Rilley is committed to equipping the next generation of educators with the skills, adaptability, and mindset needed to thrive in today’s classrooms.
Toni Verburg, Career Tech Education Specialist
Toni Verburg brings over 10 years of diverse experience in education to her role as a CTES in Teacher Academy. Her journey has included working as a substitute teacher in Caledonia and Math Support Specialist at Kent Transition Center, giving her a well-rounded perspective on classroom dynamics and student support.
A graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelor's degree in Finance, Toni also applies her financial expertise to help manage her family's business alongside her husband. She enjoys blending her analytical skills with her passion for education to support both professional and personal endeavors.
Toni lives in Caledonia with her husband and is a proud empty nester with three children currently in college. In her free time, she enjoys golfing, reading, crafting, and relaxing at the lake.
