Soaring Ahead
A private STEAM school in Lake Orion, MI
Eagle Creek's Amazing Teachers
Mr. Wenzell
5th Grade
I think it is safe to say that I was born to teach. In 32 years, I have taught all grades K-5 along with Art and PE. I am most experienced as a fifth grade teacher at 15 years. I have also coached multiple sports and enjoy promoting youth fitness. My big passion is to lift the lives of kids through recognition and education. In school and in sports, acknowledging effort and showcasing talent is key. Most importantly, I bring genuine excitement to my craft and become truly invested in all of my students by getting to know them, their interests and their learning styles and by attending their games and recitals. About fifteen years ago, my two daughters attended Eagle Creek Academy, and it was the best academic years of their lives. Even today, they are still in touch with their ECA friends. I feel honored to be part of the ECA family, and I look forward to teaming up with you. Bachelor in Early Childhood Education from Michigan State University Master in Education from Towson University, Summa Cum Laude
Mrs. Chen
4th Grade
In second grade, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. After learning all day, I would come home and read to my sister. Now, both of us are teachers. After getting my bachelor's degree, I went to Shanghai, China, where I taught children from all over the world for four years. It was a true growing experience for me. When I came home, I taught in Detroit for five years. One thing I have learned is that no matter where you are in the world, you can make a difference. In my free time, I love to travel, read, cook, take pictures, sing karaoke, and ride my bike. I am excited to meet you! Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Oakland University Master of Arts in International Studies from Concordia University
Mrs. Kasal
3rd Grade
Throughout my career in education, I have taught grades 3, 4, 5, and 6 for twenty-six years. In addition, I was also a school administrator for 3 years. I have been at Eagle Creek since 2013. As a classroom teacher, one of my goals is to create a sense of purpose. To me, this means helping the children find their intrinsic motivation. I enjoy guiding the children as they set goals and become engaged in reaching them. I love it when they take ownership of their learning, and of course, I adore finding ways to celebrate their accomplishments. In my spare time, I enjoy motorcycling, playing golf, and traveling around the United States with my husband. I look forward to partnering with you to ensure your child's success. Master of Arts in Teaching and Leadership from Saint Xavier University Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Governors State University
Mrs. Campbell
2nd Grade
I have been working with children since 2016. My aim is to create a learning environment where each child feels safe, valued, and supported. I am committed to helping students reach their full potential by nurturing their curiosity and encouraging them to embrace new challenges. I am honored to be a part of your child's educational journey. In my free time, I love practicing yoga, traveling, and spending quality moments with friends and family. Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from University of Michigan - Flint
Mrs. Leighty
1st Grade
I knew as a teenager that my calling in life was to be a teacher of young children, and I am grateful that I have been able to fulfill that dream. For thirteen years, I taught preschool and kindergarten at Discovery Montessori in Grand Blanc. Then, for ten years, I was a teacher and program director at Creative Learning Academy in Flint. In 2016, I came to Eagle Creek Academy. I think of learning as an adventure, full of opportunities to discover the world. One of my favorite parts of teaching is planning new challenges and helping children investigate, practice, and master new skills. As a first-grade teacher, I look forward to helping students build confidence, independence, and a strong foundation in reading, writing, math, and problem-solving. My hope is that each child develops a true desire to learn and continues to love coming to school. In my spare time, my husband and I enjoy biking, watching our three children play sports, and having family movie nights. Child Development, Central Michigan University Montessori Teaching Certificate, Michigan Teacher Education Program
Mrs. Cattel
Kindergarten
I began my teaching career in a parochial school in Royal Oak, where I taught second grade for six years. I then stayed home to raise my own children. When my youngest started kindergarten, I returned to education as a substitute teacher and later taught preschool for Rochester Community Schools, working with three- and four-year-old children. Most recently, I taught Young Fives at Eagle Creek Academy. Throughout my years of teaching, I have loved watching children experience the excitement that comes with learning something new. Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and joy in making discoveries make me excited to come to school every day. I am thrilled to bring my experience with both early childhood and elementary education to kindergarten, where I can help children build a strong academic foundation while developing confidence, independence, and a love of learning. In my spare time, my husband and I love spending time with our three children, watching their sports, and traveling. I’m looking forward to a wonderful year in kindergarten and can’t wait to meet you! Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Adrian College Master of Arts in Education from Oakland University
Ms. Taylor
Young Fives
I have had the joy of working with preschoolers, toddlers, and first through third graders since 2011. Before coming to Eagle Creek, I taught at The Montessori School Rochester and Brookfield Academy. I love getting to know the children over the course of our time together and incorporating their interests into the curriculum. I am passionate about creating a joyful school experience where the children feel safe, loved, and excited to learn. In my free time, I love reading, arts and crafts, and traveling. The preschool years are such a special time, and I’m honored to be part of your child's journey! Montessori Certificate from Michigan Montessori Teacher Education Center Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Hope College Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Oakland University
Mrs. Simpson
Preschool
I am a passionate educator with experience teaching young children through third grade since 2018. In addition to classroom teaching, I have homeschooled my four children from kindergarten through 12th grade, which has given me a deep appreciation for individualized learning. I earned my Bachelor of Arts and am currently working toward certification in the Orton-Gillingham dyslexia program. I look forward to building meaningful connections with the children and their families. Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science from Cedarville University Brainspring's Orton-Gillingham Dyslexia Specialist Certificate
Miss Crown
Preschool
I began tutoring individuals when I was twelve years old, and since then, I have worked with children from one to sixteen years old as an assistant teacher and teacher. While growing up, I loved to explore, and I hope to help develop your child's passion for learning. Along with educating, I enjoy reading, skiing, walking and spending time with family and friends. My passion for children has been a big part of my life, and I am thrilled to join you and your child in the educational journey. Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from University of Michigan -Flint
Miss Yee
Preschool
I have always known I wanted to work with children. When I began my degree in early childhood education, I discovered that teaching truly is my passion. For the past four years, I have served as a lead teacher with a variety of age groups. To me, it is incredible to watch children develop a love for learning. Guiding them as they explore the world is a joy. I look forward to inspiring your little one in a supportive, peaceful environment where every child feels valued. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of your family’s journey. Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Baker College, Summa Cum Laude MI T.E.A.C.H. Resident Michigan Interim Teaching Certificate (ITC)
Mrs. Krajenke
Preschool
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Mrs. Schapman
Toddlers
I ran an in-home daycare for children of all ages for over twenty years. After that, I spent three years at Sacred Heart Academy teaching at-risk youngsters. One of my strengths is in assessing children's development and planning next steps. I find great purpose and joy in helping children grow. I'm eager to meet you. Let the fun begin!
Mrs. Weigand
STEAM
If you were to ask me what my favorite subject is, I would have to say all of them. Before coming to Eagle Creek, I taught nearly every subject in elementary, middle school and high school in Almont Community Schools. I especially enjoy planning hands-on projects. I just love the aha moments and smiles that come from helping children make connections between reading, writing, math, science, art, and technology! As a STEAM teacher, my goal is to deepen your children's thinking with fun and interesting challenges. I am also passionate about learning in the outdoor classroom. To that end, we spend time outdoors as often as we can. I'm eager to meet you and your child. Exciting learning ahead! Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from University of Michigan and Michigan State University Post-Bachelor in Elementary Education from Saginaw Valley State University
Ms. Gouvea
Early Childhood STEAM
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Mrs. Ribbentrop
Art
As a professional artist and educator, I bring a passion for creativity and a love for teaching to the classroom. Over the years, I have taught art in a variety of settings—including private lessons, homeschool co-ops, and most recently, a small private school where I taught elementary art to students in grades 1 through 6 for three years. Currently, I focus on watercolor painting, creating original artworks and commissions that I sell online and at local art shows. My artistic journey includes working in various mediums, which I explore in different seasons of life. I studied Art Education at Wayne State University and was close to completing my teaching degree when I made the decision to pause my studies to focus on raising my family. I am now married and the proud mother of four children, ages 17, 14, 8, and 6—who inspire much of my work and teaching. I’m excited to share my love for art with students, helping them grow in confidence, creativity, and skill. Associates of Arts from Macomb Community College Bachelor of Arts from Olivet University (in progress)
Mr. Taylor
Music
I have been performing and teaching music since 1995, and I love to see the light that music ignites in kids. I have a BA from Berklee College of Music in Boston and an MA in Music Theory from Wayne State. Before coming to ECA, I taught at Shrine High School and Sacred Heart, and I am still the Band Director at Everest where I was 2023 Teacher of the Year. I also teach private lessons in piano, guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, banjo, cello, violin, saxophone, mandolin, trumpet and drums. I also perform as a solo acoustic artist and with my band, The Steve Taylor Three. In 2023, our band won a Detroit Music Award for our song "Raining on Christmas." Songwriting has always been a passion of mine, and I have hosted songwriter rounds at many local venues. I really enjoy how music connects people. I live nearby, in Lake Orion, with my wife and two sons. I am looking forward to meeting you and making sure your children love music too. Bachelor of Arts in Songwriting from Berklee College of Music Master of Arts in Music Theory from Wayne State University
Mrs. Garcia
Substitute Teacher
I am so excited to continue being part of the Eagle Creek Academy community as a substitute teacher. Originally from Mexico, I moved to Michigan in 2019 and now live in Rochester Hills with my husband and our two kids. For the past few years, I've had the pleasure of working with Rochester Community Schools, both as an ESL teacher and as a Spanish teacher for an after-school program. I also teach Spanish to toddlers and preschoolers at Alpine Academy. I love teaching in a fun and interactive way and enjoy supporting students across different classrooms and grade levels. In my free time, I enjoy baking, photography, traveling, and spending time with my family. I look forward to seeing familiar faces and continuing to get to know our Eagle Creek families! Bachelor of Arts in Songwriting from Berklee College of Music Master of Arts in Music Theory from Wayne State University