Kathy Branch is enjoying retirement after thirty-seven and a half years in education. She was a principal and teacher in the Utica Community Schools, and principal at Wardcliff Elementary School for 11 years. Kathy was the driving force in beginning the Okemos Public Montessori Program. Kathy was an active member of the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association. She served twice as a regional president and chaired several committees and workshops. She served on the association’s board of directors, and founded the New Principal’s Workshop and Kett Together. Kathy served on committees for the State Board of Education for Special Education and Social Studies as well. Today Kathy is a member of the Mid-Michigan Art Guild and the Traverse City Art Center. She enjoys having time for art, travel, and her new grandbaby.

Matt Ottinger is the telecommunications coordinator for the Okemos School District. Matt started videotaping Board of Education meetings in 1991; his coverage has expanded to include a wide variety of plays, concerts, sports, and special events. Matt has been instrumental in shaping the district’s public access station, The Okemos Channel. Matt also works closely with dedicated high school students interested in video production, maintains the district telephone network, and assists teachers with telecommunication needs. Matt was raised near Knoxville, Tennessee and came to Michigan in 1978 to attend M.S.U. In addition to his work for Okemos Public Schools, he is the host and associate producer of WKAR-TV’s QuizBusters. Matt has four Emmy nominations for his work on QuizBusters, now in its 16th season. He and his wife, Claudia, live in Haslett.