STAFF

CROSSROADS

Tami Hjelm is Vocal Music Director at Crossroads Middle School. She has worked in the Northview District teaching elementary and middle school music for 32 years along with being a vocal coach for over 40 years. Mrs. Hjelm is a professional singer as well for over 50 years.  She loves teaching singers to be the very best they can be and hopes to continue for many years to come! Mrs. Hjelm has been married to her bestie for 34 years, she has two wonderful adult children, and one amazing bernese mountain dog! You can find Mrs. Hjelm singing her heart out every weekend at Our Lady of Consolation church!

HIGH SCHOOL

Jack Phillipson became a valued member of the Northview Choir family in 2018 when he joined as a student teacher under the guidance of the long-time director, Judy Pellerito, who had an impressive tenure of 28 years at Northview. Mr. P’s formal training began at Grand Valley State University, where he earned his Undergraduate Degree in Music Education. In July of 2026, he received his Masters degree in Choral Music Conducting from Michigan State University. He continues to sing professionally in VoxGR, Gaudete Grand Rapids, and other freelance choir opportunities. In his remaining time, Mr. P spends time with his soon-to-be wife, Lottie, and competes in water skiing, hockey, mountain biking, golf, and other activities!

HIGHLANDS

Tara Cleveland is a 17 year veteran middle school choir teacher and Northview Alumnae (2005) who found her way back to NVPS to teach the next generation of vocal music makers. She received both her Undergraduate Degree and Master’s Degree in Choral Music Education from Western Michigan University. When not teaching vocal music or directing the Highlands theater productions, Tara can be found singing with Chamber Choir of Grand Rapids, or in her garden.

Eric Boylan is a professional tenor and voice teacher residing in the West Michigan area. He began teaching 1-on-1 voice lessons at Northview in 2023. He received a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance at Florida State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Musical Arts at DePauw University. As a soloist, Eric has worked with The Tallahassee Symphony Chorus, The Choral Society of Grand Rapids, Opera Grand Rapids, and the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra. As a teacher, Mr. Boylan loves watching his students achieve things they didn't know were possible!

Hello Northview students and families! My name is Shayna Gibson (she/her), and I will be your student teacher for the high school choir program this semester! 

I’m thrilled to share that I have been placed in your choir classroom for my student teaching requirement, running from the beginning of the school year through December 18. I’m so eager to support and learn from these students this semester, and to work alongside Mr. Phillipson in the welcoming environment he’s created.

I’m currently finishing up the last bit of my degree at Michigan State University studying Music Education. Choir was always my favorite part of any day, and I enjoyed it so much that I had to make it my life! 

While at MSU, I found a lot of valuable teaching experience in a student-run a cappella group, Capital Green, where I served as music director for three years and helped lead the group to international competition finals in New York City. This gave me experience in arranging music, leading warmups, and teaching music to those who may not have much experience. I can’t wait to implement my knowledge in this area with the a cappella group here at Northview, From the Top. 

Thank you so much for welcoming me to your school district, and if you want to contact me at any point, my email address will be below. Go Wildcats!

sgibson@nvps.net