To: Whom it May Concern From: Kara Witham; Kindergarten Teacher at Nelson Elementary School, Muskegon, MI Re: Ashley

Martinus Date: April 14, 2012 Mrs. Martinus came to me from Grand Valley as a teacher assistant, but in many ways performed more as a student teacher, and an excellent one at that! We worked splendidly together in our team-teaching of kindergarten students in the inner-city of Muskegon, MI. Mrs. Martinus was capable of following a given curriculum, of creating curriculum and of being flexible when we had to change directions in the classroom. She was always prepared, but also always able to part from the plan when a Plan B was needed as either dictated by the students or by my requests. Mrs. Martinus lead whole group instruction, small group instruction (she led the handwriting groups), and worked with individuals. Mrs. Martinus is a peaceful, loving woman. She is enthusiastically dedicated to teaching and to being fully present to the students needs, including physical, emotional and mental (academic). Their needs were great in all areas; Mrs. Martinus interest in and ability to meet these needs was bottomless. She was very patient with the kindergartners, always listening, gently speaking. She had a calming effect on the students as well as on me, her supervising teacher! I mentioned that Mrs. Martinus successfully met the students physical, emotional and mental needs. It was be most appropriate to mention that she is also interested in helping them meet their spiritual needs. Mrs. Martinus not only desires to teach, she feels called by God to teach. Whether in a Christian school where she can openly teach about God, or whether in a public school where she will show Gods love by example, Mrs. Martinus will be a blessing to whatever students she teaches. Where students feel safe and loved, they are better able to learn. Mrs. Martinus is sure to create a safe and loving environment for her students. Mrs. Martinus got a long fabulously with me, the students, the families, and staff. She is always pleasant and easy to get along with. We all love her at Nelson and hope that WE get to have her on our staff some day! Mrs. Martinus is a learner and contributor. She was not only open to learning from me, but she was also gracious in sharing new ideas with me, such as brain gym strategies, behavior management ideas, organization of classroom, seating arrangements, and ways to use power teaching. She was also not shy about sharing, but would speak up at staff meetings when she had a good idea to contribute. In conclusion, I hope that it is apparent that Mrs. Ashley Martinus is going to be a valuable asset to the lives of many students to come. I highly recommend Mrs. Martinus for a teaching position! Please call if you have any further questions (H: 231-766-3602; W: 231-720-2248). I be pleased to be instrumental in helping her gain employment in a school system as I know that she is going to make such a great impact in the lives of students.