Cedar Springs — There are some new faces on the Cedar Springs administrative team, and they’re filling new positions to boot.
The district has reconfigured its student services and early childhood director roles, dividing the two positions into three new titles, which were filled during the summer.
As the 2025-26 school year got underway, SNN chatted with Devon Raap, director of student well-being and support systems; Kimberly Morden, director of extended learning and engagement; and Daniel Brant, director of early childhood and special education.
Devon Raap
Director of student well-being and support systems
As the director of student well-being and support systems, Raap will integrate supports to promote the social-emotional, mental and behavioral health of students. She’ll also work to ensure that students are challenged academically.
“The role really focuses on engaging in that whole-child approach,” Raap told SNN, adding that she’ll evaluate the school climate as a whole to make sure those needs are being met.
Other positions in education?
- Social worker and behavior consultant, White Lake Area Community Education
- Positive behavior and family engagement coordinator, Oakridge Public Schools’ K-3 building
- Social worker and behavior consultant, Ottawa Area ISD
- Mental health and multi-tiered systems of support coordinator, Orchard View Schools.
Education/degrees:
- Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work, Grand Valley State University,
- School social worker certification, and master’s level clinical and macro social worker license.
What drew you to Cedar Springs? The fact that the district created a position specifically focusing on student well-being and support, Raap said, told her all she needed to know.
“My professional and personal values aligned with the district’s pursuit in engaging a person in this role,” she said.
Why did you want to become an administrator? “As I moved through my career I found myself in leadership positions. There comes a point where you’re no longer the new person and you’re really finding yourself coaching and supporting new staff members, and I found that that was something I really enjoyed — growing other professionals.”
Family? “I have three very busy teenagers,” Raap said, one of whom was recently drafted by the Muskegon Lumberjacks hockey team.
Name some great things about going into K-12 education: “Seeing staff grow in their profession; seeing students grow academically, social-emotionally and in general well-being; and being able to engage with families.”
What book, movie, TV show or podcast have you loved lately, and why? Steve Reiman’s “Teach the Whole Child” podcast, which focuses on developing lifelong skills for students.
‘My professional and personal values aligned with the district’s pursuit in engaging a person in this role.’
— Devon Raap, director of student well-being and support systems
Kimberly Morden
Director of extended learning and engagement
Morden oversees before- and after-school programming, summer programs and enrichment opportunities to help students “thrive outside of the traditional school day.” She will also develop online curriculum, and act as a liaison between the district and homeschool families to explore opportunities for unenrolled students.
Other positions in education?
- Principal and Title IX coordinator, Barryton Elementary, Chippewa Hills School District,
- Elementary principal positions , Mayville Community Schools and Holton Public Schools
- District administrator, ASPIRE Program, Shelby Public Schools
- Third-grade teacher, Muskegon Public Schools and Paramount Charter Academy
- K-8 music teacher
- Owner/operator, before- and after-school daycare.
Education/degrees:
- Bachelor’s degree in education, Cornerstone University
- Master’s in educational leadership, Western Michigan University.
- Superintendent’s academy, Michigan Leadership Institute,
- Curriculum Leadership Institute, Michigan Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
What drew you to Cedar Springs? “Cedar Springs has a strong sense of community and a reputation for doing what’s best for kids. I was drawn to the district’s commitment to innovation, collaboration and student-centered learning. It’s exciting to be part of a community that values building meaningful opportunities for students both inside and outside the classroom.”
Why did you want to become an administrator? “I wanted to have a positive impact on more than just one classroom. I love supporting teachers, building strong systems and creating opportunities that allow every child to feel valued and successful. Administration gives me the chance to lead, but also to serve, ensuring that students and staff have the resources and support they need to thrive.”
Family? “I’m grateful for a supportive family who encourages me in this work. I’m married and have eight children. We enjoy spending time baking, gardening, raising chickens and volunteering in the community.”
Name some great things about going into K-12 education: “You get to make a lasting impact on students’ lives. Every day brings new challenges and new joys. You become part of a community of passionate educators dedicated to helping children grow.”
What book, movie, TV show or podcast have you loved lately, and why? “I’ve recently enjoyed the “An Irish Country Doctor” (book) series. I love the way it blends humor, heart and community through storytelling. It’s a lighthearted but thoughtful reminder of the importance of relationships, compassion and the small moments that make a difference in people’s lives.”
‘Cedar Springs has a strong sense of community and a reputation for doing what’s best for kids.’
— Kimberly Morden, director of extended learning and engagement
Daniel Brant
Director of early childhood and special education
Brant will oversee all of the district’s early childhood programs and special education processes.
Other positions in education?
- Early childhood special education teacher, supervisor of early childhood, and associate superintendent of special education, Montcalm Area ISD
- Director of special education, Tri-County Area Schools
- Director of early childhood and special education, Kenowa Hills Public schools
- Director of student services, Forest Hills Public Schools.
Education/degrees:
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology and special education, master’s in early childhood special education and educational leadership, Grand Valley State University.
- Certified teacher and K-12 administrator.
What drew you to Cedar Springs? “Cedar Springs is an amazing town, with caring people. My grandmother and my aunt lived in Cedar Springs for a very long time. Growing up, I spent many summer days, holidays and some weekends hanging out with my cousins and siblings here in town.
“Additionally, the Cedar Springs Public Schools team has an amazing reputation for being student focused, passionate and extremely hard working for students and families. How could that not pull me in?”
Why did you want to become an administrator? “I have a strong passion for supporting and advocating for students with disabilities. I also know that my best advocacy and work is spent developing, implementing and maintaining an education system that supports the needs of all students. Even though the work moved me out of directly serving students and families directly, it allows me to some extent a greater impact on the bigger system, with the hope of always moving closer to a more inclusive world for our students.”
Family? “My family and I live on a small lake just east of Lakeview, Michigan, with the two best dogs ever.”
Name some great things about going into K-12 education: “Building and being a part of a strong, heart-led community of students, staff, parents and leaders; having the ability to positively impact the current and future world; and the journey in remaining a vigilant, life-long learner.”
‘I have a strong passion for supporting and advocating for students with disabilities.’
— Daniel Brant, director of early childhood and special education
Read more from Cedar Springs:
• ‘The difference is astronomical’: Construction projects near completion
• Getting to the bottom of the so-called ‘summer slide’
