Tricia Yonker, B.A., is an Early College math instructor at Montcalm Community College.

She found out about the Early College Algebra 2 position while attending a professional development course at the Ionia County Intermediate School District with Dean Gage, who teaches economics, government and political science in the Early College program. When she started at MCC in August 2014, she taught both sections of Algebra 2 and both sections of science. She now teaches both sections of Algebra 2 and fulfills some administrative duties.

The skills she brings to her job are attention to detail and organization, anticipation of student needs and gaps in learning.

Yonker continued her higher education at Cornerstone University, Rochester College, Madonna University and Calvin College. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Cornerstone University in May 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education with a major in Mathematics and minor in General Science.

Her teaching career started at Barry County Christian School in Hastings, in August, 2004, where she taught all of the secondary sciences and Algebra 1 through pre-calculus until May 2011. Yonker continued to serve as a substitute teacher from August 2011 through May 2014.

She has been married for 23 years and has three children, Zach, Tori and Titus. Zach attended MCC’s Early College program and now attends GVSU. Tori and Titus attend Saranac Community Schools.

Yonker enjoys spending time with her family and attending her children’s sporting events. She also loves to garden and spend time outside.

The person she admires most is her mom.

“Even with all the physical difficulties that came with being a paraplegic, she was often full of joy,” Yonker said.

One day she would love to visit the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park.

Here are some of fun facts about Tricia:

• She was seven when her mom became a paraplegic.
• She graduated fourth in her class and valedictorian from Saranac High School.
• She attended five schools in the process of earning her bachelor’s degree.
• She chose some unusual classes for her General Science minor: ornithology, geology, environmental science, and astronomy.
• Her favorite place to visit in the state of Michigan is Mackinac Island.