Meet the Staff
Get to know us by clicking on our names.
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Nicole Beurkens, M.Ed.
Director, RDI® Certified Consultant
In 2003 I founded Horizons, along with my incredibly supportive husband, with the intent of offering summer programs for area children on the autism spectrum. Over the past four and a half year… »
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Erin Roon, MA CCC-SLP
RDI® Certified Consultant and Speech Language Pathologist
Autism became a passion of mine approximately 7 years ago and I have been learning ever since. I can’t believe how lucky I was to have Nicole introduce me to RDI®. The improvements and… »
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Michelle VanderHeide, BSW
RDI® Certified Consultant
RDI® has been the most wonderful, rewarding, and challenging job I have ever had. It has sparked a passion in me to see families come out of crisis and begin enjoying a changed relationship with… »
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Courtney Kowalczyk, M.Ed.
Supervisor of Instruction and RDI® Consultant-in-Training
I joined the Horizons family over 3 years ago and I thoroughly enjoy the work I do here! I have teaching experience with children with a variety of disabilities, including cognitive impairments… »
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Bill Beurkens,
Instructional Assistant and Facility Manager Extraordinaire
Being married to Nicole for almost her entire professional career has enabled me to watch her take a dream of helping families of children with autism and make it a reality in this clinic. Now I get… »
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Tracy Enden,
Instructional Assistant
I love children and enjoy the rewards of meeting their individual needs each day. I can honestly say it is a beautiful experience to see the hope, joy, and peace the families and children gain here.… »
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Heather Wiersum, BA
Instructional Assistant
Throughout my college years I had many experiences working with individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities. I worked with Calvin’s special education students assisting them in communication… »
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Mary Foley, D.V.M.
Instructional Assistant
I wear two hats at Horizons. Sometimes I am here as an employee and sometimes as a client and mother of a son with autism. »
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Melanie Velting,
Instructional Assistant
I was employed as a paraprofessional in the public schools. I now enjoy time at home with my daughters during the school year, but like to stay connected with Horizons kids and families throughout… »
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Alicia Johnson, BA
Instructional Assistant
I graduated from Western Michigan University in April with a Special Education degree. This summer, I am looking forward to working with new people and exploring new ways to think outside the box.… »
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Lindsay Vander Kolk,
Instructional Assistant
I have spent my entire life in the water, and taught swim lessons for the last six summers. This is my first summer at Horizons, and I am extremely excited to meet everyone and start learning and… »
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Betsy VanderPlaats, BA
Administrative Manager
Working here is such a blessing because I get to work with the most amazing people and also see the most amazing progress happen for families. It's an adventure every day! »