Tiffani Ford

Just a little about myself.
I grew up in a rural area downstate in the Newaygo, Hardy Dam area. I lived in split households in a big
mixed family with lots of step and half siblings equaling a total of 9 of us. I was the directly in the middle
child. You could say that it was definitely an eventful upbringing and now holidays are filled chaos and
fun as there is never a dull moment.
I moved “Up North” when I was 19 to attend Northwestern Michigan College and fell in love with the
rolling hills and blue waters of the bays and lakes. I knew I would forever be a “Northern Michigan girl”!
After receiving my associates’ degree from Northwestern, I joined the National Americorps Program and
was stationed in Denver, Colorado. Our group serviced the whole Midwest area and traveled to several
states serving communities, doing wildlife rescue, working for the Redcross and building with Habitat for
Humanity among many other service projects. It was an AMAZING experience and provided me with not
only long lasting friendships, an appreciation of travel, and a desire to continue to make a difference in
my lifetime, but some much needed money to continue my education. I would highly recommend it to
any of our youth!!
Returning to Northern Michigan I continued my education through the off campus branch of CMU for
my Gen. Ed. and Early Childhood Education Degree and Certification. I travelled to CMU my last couple
of years to continue on for my Special Education Degree. It was during this time that I also met my
wonderful husband and got married. Soon after graduating my husband and I had our daughter.
When our child was young I worked in early childhood then as a GSRP and Headstart Teacher for 5 years
before venturing into the Special Education world. When I interviewed for Buckley and met the staff I
knew it would be a great fit for me as the staff here are very welcoming and supportive to their staff and
especially students. I knew I would be working with quality professionals as I ventured into this career. I
am glad to say I have been here for over 6 years now and am still loving what I do!!