Media and Technology Team
2015 Special Recognition Award Recipients
The 2015 Special Recognition Award was presented to the entire Media and Technology team for their professional and efficient onboarding of the 1:1 devices to the entire student body and faculty.
Errin Chapman (Department Chair)
has been working in technology in the Okemos School District for over 20 years. Errin began his career as a Network Administrator before moving into the role of Director of Media and Technology seven years ago. Errin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources and a Masters in Information Security and Assurance. He and his wife Lilly have four children. Two of their four children are graduates of Okemos Public Schools and two are still attending.
Matthew Ethington (Network Technician)
is in his 4th year providing technical assistance and support to the Okemos School District. He began his career with Okemos in August of 2011 as a PC Desktop Technician. Since that time, Matt has become the Network Support Specialist where his responsibilities include configuring and maintaining the district’s networking capabilities, sustaining the district’s data backups as well as servicing Kinawa Middle School with technical issues and other schools as needed. He has an Associate’s degree in Information Technology Foundations and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology through Lawrence Technological University. Matt and his wife Nikki have 3 children in the district also. Two of them attend Bennett Woods and one attends Kinawa Middle School.
Ryan Lewis (Network Security Technician)
has been providing technical support to the Okemos School District for over two years. Ryan started his career at Okemos as a classroom and desktop technician supporting Cornell, Hiawatha, Kinawa, and Chippewa. Prior to his arrival to Okemos Schools, Ryan worked in the Law Enforcement industry for over 12 years and holds two degrees – Criminal Justice and Information Security and Intelligence. With the passing of the Technology, Security, and Transportation Bond, a need for a security specialist developed. Ryan easily transitioned into the role of Network Security Technician at the beginning of the year. While still providing technology support to the whole district, Ryan manages the many security systems in place throughout the district in an effort to keep the district’s children and faculty safe.
Kathy Nicholas (Data Processing Specialist)
has been with the Okemos School District for over 20 years. She began her career in Information Systems at Farm Bureau Insurance before coming to Okemos Public Schools. Along with providing technical support, Kathy oversees the District’s Student Management System and works closely with the district administrative assistants and registrars. Kathy and her husband have a daughter who is a graduate of Okemos High School as well as two grand children attending Okemos Public Schools.
Matt Ottinger (Telecommunications Coordinator)
mostly handles the “media” in the department, while colleagues smarter than he is handle the “technology”. Matt and his students record events throughout the year for The Okemos Channel. Matt also maintains the district’s telephone network. Whenever you call a school building, it’s probably his voice you hear. Matt and his wife Claudia live in Haslett with too many cats. In his spare time, he is a game show host.
Drew Sartorius (Network Technician)
has been working with Okemos Schools for the past 8 years. He started as a Desktop Technician for the elementary schools, and has since moved into the role of Network/Software Engineer. Drew holds a Bachelor of Science in Religion with a minor in Management Information Systems, as well as a Master of Arts in Religion and a Master of Divinity. Apart from work, he spends time helping churches with technology and music. Drew has 2 children, and a fiancee whom he will be marrying in the spring.
Kathy Shore (Network Technician)
has been with Okemos Public Schools for over 15 years. After obtaining an Associate’s Degree, working in the corporate world and then taking time to be a stay-at-home mom, she began her career with OPS as a Special Ed Parapro and Secretarial Sub. In September 2000, Kathy joined the Department of Media & Technology while taking classes at LCC. She has lived in Okemos for 28 years and her four children are all OHS graduates. Four years ago, Kathy relocated from the Tech Office to Okemos High School. She currently services technology needs for the entire high school staff as well as performing multiple district responsibilities. In her spare time, Kathy is usually traveling to California, Colorado and Indiana to visit her grandchildren. She also enjoys bicycling and motorcycling with Gary.