Name pronunciation...strangely...is as if it is KROY or CROIX.  Either Dr. or Mrs. Kroa is fine as a title.  (Both titles represent a lot of work and joy!)

 

I'm a northwest Ohio native (O-H!) from a large, loud, and wonderful family where I attended Bowling Green State University for my Bachelor's and the University of Toledo for my PhD.  I've lived in large cities and rural areas and taught in four states (OH, PA, IN, MI).

 

I live in the Niles area on a 30 acre beef and hog farm with my husband David, my ride or die since 1986.  We were parents for 18 years to a son we lost his senior year of high school.  We integrate a lot of bonus family into our lives, have two dogs, and get a lot of joy from our farm animals.  You'll find us on the bluff in Saint Joseph at the farmers market on Saturdays, May-October, selling our beef, pork, and honey, and get to meet our fur babies.

 

Professionally, EHS is my 5th employer in chemistry education.  I taught at 3 high schools (13 years and counting) and two universities (18 years, most recently Bethel University).  I also spent several years earning my PhD in chemistry (biochemistry and organic chemistry specialist) and working as a postdoctoral associate at the University of Michigan as a federally-funded bench researcher and fellow.  I started at Edwardsburg in May of 2023.

 

I have a soft spot for the underdog and struggling student.  If they are willing to seek help and put in some time and effort, I will be their biggest cheerleader!  As a former foster mom, former cheer coach, and wife of a traumatic brain injury spouse, I've learned a lot about how physical and emotional trauma needs extra support and workarounds with special awareness of concussion symptoms and protocols and mental health first aid.  Over the years I gathered a wealth of special education experience.

 

I also know a lot about course requirements for various career pathways for our college bound students.  I was a highly sought after college academic advisor.  I have former students at all sorts of interesting places in careers ranging from nuclear physicist, neuroscientist, health care (nurses, physicians, physical therapists, vets, optometrists, dentists), and engineers, as well as educators, those in ministry, and psychology/social work/therapy.

 

Hobbies - well not much time for those - but I like DIY home projects, music (flute, some piano, some guitar, vocals in groups), canning/preserving, and both cooking and baking.