Our Principals
Middle-Level Schools Administration
Courtney MacDonald
Middle School Principal
Email
616-696-9100 x6900
After teaching 6th grade for six years, Mrs. MacDonald became the assistant principal for our middle schools in 2022. In 2023, she transitioned to principal for our 8th grade students and now serves as our Middle School Principal.
Mrs. MacDonald is passionate about education and teaching. She also directs our summer programming for K-5 students, coordinating summer school and free learning programs.
Outside of education, she enjoys spending time with her husband, three children, and two gigantic dogs. She also loves exploring antique stores, trying new coffee, and gardening.
Shelly Alvarez
Middle School Assistant Principal
Email
616-696-9100 x6901
Shelly and her husband, Aaron, live in Cedar Springs with their four daughters.
At Cedar Springs Public Schools, Shelly has taught Kindergarten, 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. She has also served as the instructional support coach and interim Dean of Students at the middle school. She earned her undergraduate degree from GVSU and holds a master's degree in The Art of Teaching and Educational Leadership.
In her spare time, Shelly enjoys spending time with her family, sports, camping, horses, and hunting. Her favorite part of being an educator is helping students understand their lessons and see how they fit into the world. She loves a good joke, a laugh, and the energy that middle school students bring!
Mrs. A is ready to chase greatness with each of you! Here's to it!
Mrs. O'Brien
Middle School Dean of Students
Email
616-696-9100
Ms. O’Brien brings 16 years of educational experience to our school!
She holds a B.A. in Language and Literature and Elementary Education, along with a Master's in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University.
Family is very important to Ms. O'Brien. She has two children, a boy and a girl, and two dogs named Moose and Eleanor Rigby, making life full of fun and joy!
Ms. O'Brien loves working with students, parents, and teachers to build relationships that help students grow academically and socially, striving to be the best version of themselves.