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Eagle Creek Academy ~ Our Teachers
Our teachers...
√ Average 10+ years teaching in their own classrooms
√ Form close bonds with the children and their families
√ Organize children into small groups so we can teach them at their level
√ Integrate computers and other technology into classroom lessons
√ Plan many hands-on activities
√ Average 10+ years teaching in their own classrooms
√ Form close bonds with the children and their families
√ Organize children into small groups so we can teach them at their level
√ Integrate computers and other technology into classroom lessons
√ Plan many hands-on activities
Teachers: Kindergarten to 6th Grade
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Mrs. Amie gamache
By the time I was in eighth grade and given the chance to help with the little kids in the tiny private school I attended, I knew that teaching was the profession for me. All through high school and college, I taught preschool classes and summer camps at the Parks and Rec. After graduating from Michigan State, my first teaching experience was in that same tiny school, followed by nine years of teaching elementary school in Flint Public Schools. Along the way, I led my school’s technology team and worked as a tech trainer for the Genesee Intermediate School District, showing teachers throughout the county how to integrate technology into their classrooms. I joined Eagle Creek in 2005. Since then, I have taught preschool, Kindergarten, first grade and technology at Eagle Creek. One of my passions is finding ways to integrate engineering principals into regular math and science lessons. I am also dedicated to teaching a firm grasp of language. I want my students to have the tools to gather information, process it, and share their interpretations with others. When my two oldest daughters graduated from Eagle Creek, I was delighted that they had gained the self-confidence to excel at their high school academics and clubs. I enjoy offering that same experience to all of our students.
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ms. Stephani johnson
I have always had a deep passion for learning and working with children. I started in education in 2009, and I couldn't be more excited to be part of the Eagle Creek Academy family. I strive to build personal relationships with my students both inside and outside the classroom. I especially like to supervise after-school clubs focusing on children's passions. I really enjoy teaching through hands-on activities and fostering a lifelong love of learning. Outside the classroom, I love to travel, watch sports and play outside with my dog.
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Mrs. Shelly Karl
For many years, I taught middle school and high school math. Then, I was a school counselor for ten years. In 2011, I started teaching math at Eagle Creek. As a classroom teacher, my focus was on getting to know my students and motivating them to excel. Recently, I became Eagle Creek's counselor. In this role, I provide day-to-day guidance to children and their parents. I also enjoy working with our devoted and compassionate teachers to bring their goals to life. I am delighted with Eagle Creek's close-knit community, and I love my current role. In my spare time, I enjoy fitness and reading. I look forward to getting to know your family.
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Mrs. Crissa king
I grew up in a family that prioritized learning and encouraged me to explore my interests. My parents and my sister are teachers; it is in our blood! I started helping in my mom's first grade class after school when I was twelve, and I was amazed by how well the kids responded to me. Just a few days of playing games, reading books and singing songs, and I was hooked! I have kept that joy for teaching since I started teaching in 2003. During these years, I have taught from Kindergarten to 6th grade, including some time as a teacher of gifted students. My goals are to meet each child at his academic level and give him opportunities to explore his favorite topics, so he can take ownership and become an expert in his area of interest. I am very much looking forward to teaching your child.
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Mrs. Teresa Larson
I have taught and tutored children from infancy to 12th grade since 2006. I truly believe that a child’s social, emotional, and physical development are just as important as his academic learning, and that a healthy, happy and confident child will be a successful child. One of my goals is to encourage children to analyze problems, make decisions and try out various solutions. I also have a passion for creating engaging science lessons. The way I see it, personal discovery is the cornerstone of learning. I look forward to helping your child along his path.
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Mrs. Nicole Minton
Before coming to Eagle Creek in 2012, I was an academic specialist, finding new ways to present challenging material to small groups of students. I have also worked in a clinic with students who are on the autism spectrum. That was very rewarding, because I was able to help them find ways to communicate and grow. After many years of working with children, I am happy to be at Eagle Creek where I can build a classroom and a community. As a mother myself, I believe wholeheartedly in connecting and communicating with parents. I can’t wait to get to know you and your children!
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Mrs. cathie Passon
When I was in fourth grade at St. Anne’s, I decided I was going to be a teacher. My teacher was an inspiration, because she made learning meaningful and enjoyable at the same time. Over the years, I have taught second, fourth and fifth grades and special education. One highlight was implementing the new elementary science curriculum at Akiva Day School. Another was starting at Eagle Creek in 2011. One of my personal goals is to encourage students to take responsibility for their learning and develop pride in their work. Another personal goal is to find unique ways to celebrate each child's family and heritage. Every year, I get excited about working with new students and their families.
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Mr. Nate Pietrzak
I am passionate about maximizing potential and seeing the best in every learner. Most importantly, I love to have fun! I believe students see the world best through strong literacy skills, and I back up that approach. I own several thousand children's books, and I am always reading something myself. Whether it is keeping up on professional skills or enjoying a summer novel, I always have my nose in a book. Outside of the classroom, I have coached girls’ basketball, coached the Battle of the Books, coached STRIDE (a mentoring program), and written and directed school plays. Before coming to Eagle Creek in 2016, I worked at Detroit Leadership Academy, St. Genevieve Catholic School, Dr. Charles Drew Academy, and Highland Park Renaissance Academy. I am grateful to serve the students here at Eagle Creek, and I am eager to meet you.
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Mrs. Stephanie Pinson
When I was a child, I would rush home from school and play teacher. In college, I tried to go the business route, but I couldn't see myself sitting at a desk all day. Changing my major to education was one of the best decisions I have ever made. For many years, I taught at Walton Charter Academy and Alpine Academy. I have been at Eagle Creek since 2005, teaching fourth grade and Kindergarten. I love coming to work every day. I am a big believer in active, hands-on learning, and I like finding new ways to get the children on their feet. My favorite part of teaching is seeing the children's growth from the beginning of the year to the end of the year.
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Teachers: Preschool & Young Fives
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Mrs. erika barnowsky
In 2008, while I was living in Boston, I found my calling when I was offered a position in a preschool classroom. I have been working in three- to five-year old classrooms ever since. In 2010, my husband and I moved home to Michigan to be near family. After working at Premier Academy and Oakland Christian School, in 2013, I found my wonderful way to Eagle Creek. One of the great things about teaching preschool is that I get to join the adventure. I love watching the children discover new words, figure out how math works, and try new science experiments. It's even fun to watch them master the computer mouse. Developing relationships with families is important to me. I believe that educating a young child is a team effort, and I am eager to join you in that. Please stop by and say hello!
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Mrs. Jenn Devine
I have been working with children as a preschool teacher, a Kindergarten teacher, a special education teacher, and a mentor for at-risk students since 1997. I am certified to teach K-12, and I have a special endorsement for teaching children who have learning disabilities. My favorite is three- and four-year-old children, because they make me smile, keep me guessing, and learn so quickly. I enjoy creating challenging learning opportunities in the classroom and in the natural world. For example, one of my favorite activities is studying animal footprints in the snow. When I am not teaching, I can be found somewhere in nature with my husband and three daughters. I love to camp, hike and practice mindfulness, and I take a yoga class on occasion.
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Mrs. mandy geyer
Because I was a child who struggled in school, I have always wanted to create a fun and safe place for children to learn and grow. I began my journey in education in 2007 working at a childcare. After that, I became a first and second grade teacher. Later, I was blessed with the opportunity to help open the preschool at ASU Preparatory STEM Academy in Arizona, where I worked for eight years. During my years there, I learned how important it is to prepare lessons that meet each child at a personal level. I look forward to learning all about your child. Let’s make each year the best year ever! |
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Mrs. christine graber
I have had a love for teaching since I was in elementary school, when I would take home the leftover worksheets and use them to play school with my friends. I always imagined myself teaching fourth or fifth grade, until I was placed in a Kindergarten classroom for student teaching. I loved it, and I have been working with young children ever since. I began my career as a Kindergarten teacher with Utica Community Schools. After working there for seven years, I decided to stay home with my three daughters. Once my girls were older, I worked at St. Paul’s Preschool in Rochester, where I taught three- and four-year-old children for six years and served as the Director for four years. I am looking forward to continuing my passion with your preschooler at Eagle Creek!
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Mrs. lisa leighty
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 my dream. For thirteen years, I taught preschool at Discovery Montessori in Grand Blanc. Then, for ten years, I was a teacher and program director at Creative Learning Academy in Flint. Finally, in 2016, I came to Eagle Creek. I think of learning as an adventure, full of opportunities to discover the world. One of my favorite things is to plan new challenges and help the children investigate, practice and master them. My hope is that each child will develop a true desire to learn as much as he can. Loving school is so important! In my spare time, my husband and I enjoy biking, watching our three children play sports, and having family movie nights.
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Teachers: Elective Classes
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Mr. ryan dawley
After teaching music for four years in Walled Lake and two years in PawPaw, I was excited to come to Eagle Creek. In addition to being a choir director, I have performed with choirs and theater companies across the United States, including Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Texas, Florida, Connecticut, Maine, and New York. I have also directed, choreographed, produced, and acted professionally in fifty productions and been in several commercials and movies. In 2017, I was selected from thousands of nominations as a quarter-finalist for the 2017 Grammy Music Educator Award. Lately, I’ve been working on my master’s degree in Music Education at Oakland University. I also love to travel, especially to New York City. Teaching music is unique, because music all around you, all the time; it is on the radio, television, internet, and at home. This makes it easy to relate what we are doing in the classroom to real life experiences, which helps the children gain a deeper understanding of the world and the material. One of my goals is to excite my students. I especially want those children who don't realize they have a passion for music to find it within themselves. I also enjoy presenting music that is challenging, fun, and diverse. It's important to me that the children feel successful and proud of themselves when they perform.
Mrs. Christine Kulp
My first exposure to STEAM was when I was working my way through college, and I got a job with the U.S. Air Force in the computer room. After graduating and moving to Michigan, I got married, raised my children and worked as a childcare director. During that time, I took a graduate course in technology, since it was clear multi-media was becoming important. I then taught K to 8 in a variety of public and private schools for sixteen years before becoming the principal of a Montessori school. One of my projects at that school was initiating and teaching a new tech program. Shortly after that, I built my own computer and dove into my husband’s computer repair business. As time went on, I became the curriculum director and then the regional manager for a group of five Montessori schools. In 2011, I joined Eagle Creek Academy as the Director of Student Services, and in 2012, became the assistant principal. Currently, I retain the role of assistant principal, and I run Eagle Creek’s STEAM Lab. I enjoy continuously updating our STEAM curriculum, investigating new equipment and programs, and being back in the classroom. Please stop by to visit our lovely new lab and hear about our recent activities.
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señora Yesenia Garcia
Hola! I am from Mexico and have been living in the United States since 2017. I decided to become a teacher because I am passionate about working with children. Being an elementary school teacher in Mexico for seventeen years helped me fall more in love with my profession. I believe teaching is a noble career where people can give their best to others. I spend a lot of time getting to know my students, since understanding their needs helps me find the best ways to support them. In my free time, I enjoy interior design, outdoor activities and watching movies with my family. I am happy to be part of Eagle Creek and look forward to meeting with you. Please say hello!
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Mrs. Kelsey Lawton
When I was in sixth grade, I remember thinking, “I want to do for kids someday what my favorite teachers did for me.” Not only did those teachers help me learn, but they made me feel respected and encouraged. In college, I earned a degree in social work, and since then, I have used my skills in children’s ministry and foster care. These fields are wonderful for learning how best to protect and reach children of all walks of life. I’m excited to be at Eagle Creek where I can grow and help children grow.
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Mr. Joel Malkasian
I began my teaching career in 2009, teaching Physical Education in Brandon. While there, I taught all grade levels from Kindergarten through 12th grade and coached baseball and football. In 2017, I joined Lake Orion school district to become a middle school Physical Education teacher. I also coach 7th grade basketball and JV football in Lake Orion. I am happy to now be at Eagle Creek teaching gym as well. One of my goals is to teach children about how to stay healthy and fit. My wife and I have two young boys, Calvin and Landon. I also own a small business, Oxford Deck, that keeps me busy from spring to fall.
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Señora Natalia Murasky
Prior to joining the Eagle Creek faculty in 2012, I volunteered at local schools as well as the Detroit Zoo. I found it enjoyable to work with children one-on-one and in small groups, so I returned to Oakland University to get an MA in Teaching. In my Spanish classroom, I create a safe environment where students are motivated to participate even when they are not sure if they are correct. My goal is to make learning Spanish fun and hands-on, so I use a lot of games and physical activities. Another goal is to take my students beyond an appreciation for foreign languages and help them actually understand and speak the language. I am a native Spanish-speaker, having been born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I am always excited to see both familiar and new faces at Eagle Creek, and I look forward to speaking Spanish with you!
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Mrs. Laura wass
As a working artist with a deep love of learning, becoming an art teacher was a natural choice for me. Before joining Eagle Creek, I taught at Hamtramck Schools and Roseville Schools. I also teach art at a Montessori school and at Painting with a Twist. I believe studying art teaches children risk-taking, openness, exploration and the joy of discover. In my spare time, I enjoy painting, playing the ukulele and traveling. I look forward to each new school year and the chance to explore the world in new ways with your children.
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