Faculty
Jess Ackerman
Critical Thinking Instructor
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Office: TI 214 A
Phone: 734-973-3323
Cassandra Becker
Mathematics Instructor
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Office: TI 214 Y
Phone: 734-973-3505
Mrs. Becker earned her undergraduate degree in mathematics from Grand Valley State University. She then earned her Masters of Arts in Teaching from American University in Washington, D.C. through a Math for America fellowship. Prior to teaching at WTMC, Mrs. Becker taught mathematics at a charter school in Washington D.C. and more recently served as an instructional coach for schools around the Midwest. In addition to doing mathematics, Mrs. Becker also loves spending her time reading, running, traveling, hiking, and spending time with her family.
Julee Boland
Critical Thinking Instructor, Reading Specialist
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Office: TI 214 K
Phone: 734-677-5363
Ms. Boland earned her B.A. in English/ Secondary Education and her M.Ed. in Literacy from Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island. She is a National Board Certified Teacher in English Language Arts. At WTMC, she has conducted action research on digital reading, student-led questioning, strategies for teaching decoding skills to secondary students, and most recently, on scaffolding PSAT and SAT Critical Reading skills. Her current professional development focus is on media and digital literacies. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Boland enjoys reading, running, and spending time near the ocean and with her family.
Ann Broderick
Science Instructor
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Office: TI 214 F
Phone: 734-677-5361
Ms. Broderick has a Bachelor’s Degree in biology with a minor in chemistry. She has enjoyed bearing witness to the evolution of WTMC into an amazing school for students. Prior to teaching, Ms. Broderick worked as a chemist for an environmental firm, testing water and soil samples for metal contamination. When not teaching, you are likely to find Ann outside hiking in the woods in autumn, skiing in the winter bird watching in the spring, or sailing on a lake in summer.
Monica Cialek
Mathematics Instructor
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Office: TI 214 E
Phone: 734-477-8557
Monica embraces the non-traditional route of education including parochial, charter, and home schooling. After graduating college with a teaching certificate and teaching high school math for one year, she switched to the automotive engineering field where she worked until starting a family. When the time came for each of her four children to choose a best-fit secondary education, they all chose WTMC despite having very different goals. After becoming the parent of WTMC students, Monica, too, joined the staff of WTMC in 2009 where she continues to customize educational experiences for her math students and BASE students. Every summer she paddles 100 miles on the Au Sable and backpacks and hikes and grows far too many tomatoes with her husband.
Jim Cockels
Counselor
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Office: TI 214 J
Phone: (734) 6775364
Mr. Cockels earned his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and his Master's in school counseling at Wayne State University. His dedication and commitment to the counseling profession will benefit the students he serves. During his free time, Mr. Cockels enjoys working on home improvement projects, mountain biking, skiing, camping/hiking, and fly fishing.
Katie Glupker
English Instructor
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Office: TI 222 A
Phone: 734-677-5255
Ms. Glupker began her teaching career in the International Baccalaureate Program at an international high school in Shanghai, China. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in education, both from the University of Michigan. She joined the WTMC faculty in 2009. Ms. Glupker is a writer, a teacher consultant for the National Writing Project, and a Masters swimmer. Ms. Glupker is also an avid traveler – she spent three years living in Asia and visits new places every chance she gets.
Kristin Gedeon
English Instructor
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Office: TI 214 Q
Phone: 734-477-8509
Debra Grysen
Critical Thinking Instructor, Reading Specialist
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Office: TI 214 H
Phone: 734-973-3304
Debra Grysen earned her teaching certificate in Elementary Education and her masters in Reading K through 12. She is a certified Reading Specialist. Teaching at WTMC since 2010, Debra calls WTMC, “the perfect work setting and an awesome learning environment for students.” Having a business background, Debra earned a bachelor’s in business administration and sold pharmaceuticals for most of her business career. She was then a stay-at-home mom, during which time she went back to school and earned her teaching credentials. Debra shares, “I look forward to going to work every day! I love my colleagues and I love the students!”
Helen Kaplan
School Social Worker
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Office: TI 214 B
Phone: 734-973-3365
Mrs. Kaplan earned her undergraduate degree and master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan. She comes to WTMC with more than twenty years of experience working with children, teens, couples and families in both school and outpatient settings. Mrs. Kaplan is excited to join the WTMC counseling team and is committed to supporting teens, their families and school staff. When not at WTMC, Mrs. Kaplan is an LEO lecturer at the School of Social Work at University of Michigan. For self-care, Mrs. Kaplan enjoys spending time with her family (including her beloved dog), exercising and when possible, being at the beach.
Amanda Kuhn
English Instructor, Mathematics Instructor
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Office: TI 214 U
Phone: 734-477-8506
Amanda Kuhn is a graduate of Central Michigan University, and she holds a double major in English and math for secondary education. Before joining the WTMC staff, Ms. Kuhn taught in Stafford, Virginia for several years and then taught at another middle college in Michigan. She loves being a member of the WTMC community and working with her wonderful colleagues and students.
In her free time, Ms. Kuhn enjoys reading, creative writing, going for walks or runs outside, doing improv, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
Kyle Linford
Mathematics Instructor
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Office: TI 214 V
Phone: 734-477-8901
Mr. Linford started at WCC as a student and tutor before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics education from Eastern Michigan University. He is currently pursuing a graduate degree in mathematics from EMU. Prior to joining the staff at WTMC, Mr. Linford taught math and art integration part time and was able to design curriculum for students to learn algebra, while exploring various modern art movements. In addition to working as a math faculty, Mr. Linford serves as the advisor for the WTMC Math Club. When not teaching, Mr. Linford enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, cooking, gardening, and studying mathematics.
Rose Lorenz
Mathematics Instructor
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Office: TI 226 B
Phone: 734-677-5381
Mrs. Lorenz earned her BA in mathematics and music from Carleton College and finished her MS in the Science of Instruction from Drexel University. Prior to coming to WTMC, Mrs. Lorenz taught math and coached soccer at the Culver Academies and at Greenhills School. Outside the classroom she enjoys running, cooking, quilting, and felting. She also loves exploring the world with her two young boys, particularly in northern Michigan and her hometown of Juneau, Alaska.
Mona Moorman
Teacher Consultant
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Office: TI 214 D
Phone: 734-677-5211
Mrs. Moorman received her master's degree from the University of Michigan, Rackham School of Education. Mrs. Moorman has served as a supervisor of special education student teachers for Eastern Michigan University. Additionally, Mrs. Moorman is a published writer of fiction and poetry. She is an avid reader of new fiction by women writers, enjoys running and spending time with her family and two dogs.
Tamika Riley
Guidance Counselor
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Office: TI 222 B
Phone: 734-973-3749
Ms. Riley graduated from Michigan State University with a B.A. in Psychology, and an M.A. in School and Community Counseling. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in Organizational Psychology. Prior to coming to WTMC, she worked as a Case Manager for Michigan Works in Detroit. Additionally, she previously worked as a counselor in different school and community agency settings in the Metro Detroit area. When she is not busy with work and school, Ms. Riley enjoys spending time with family and friends, decorating, leisure reading, and watching sports. Go Green!
Samuel Rosewig
Assistant Dean of Student Affairs; English Instructor
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Office: TI 214 L
Phone: 734-677-5157
Mr. Rosewig teaches with a commitment to Terence's dictum: "I am human; nothing human can be alien to me." His scholarly interests include etymology, traditional boat-building, the works of J.L. Borges, documentary theater, and the literature of adolescence. He is the founder of the award-winning WTMC ultimate frisbee team.
Mr. Rosewig has graduate degrees in education and English literature.
Heather Schulz
Teacher Consultant
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Office: TI 214 C
Phone: 734-477-8520
Mrs. Schulz earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Xavier University and master degree in Learning Disabilities K-12. She comes from Harrison High School in Farmington with ten years of experience. Mrs. Schulz was a resource room teacher, co-taught in Algebra and Geometry along with teaching a Specially Designed Instruction class to help students in Algebra. One of Mrs. Schulz’s passions is for students to becoming lifelong learners. Mrs. Schulz and her husband love spending time with their three children. Mrs. Schulz enjoys reading, especially by the pool, exercising, cooking, baking, gardening,traveling and taking her golden retriever Maverick for long walks.
Elise Weber
Science Instructor
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Office: TI 222 C
Phone: 734-477-8556
Mrs. Weber joined the WTMC staff in 2015. She has a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Michigan with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry. Mrs. Weber is passionate about teaching science using a modeling framework, in which students work together as scientists to construct conceptual and mathematical models to explain phenomena in the natural world. In her spare time, Mrs. Weber enjoys coaching volleyball, and traveling around the U.S. and other countries.
Katie Torkelson-Regan
Science Instructor
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Office: TI 214 W
Phone: 734-477-8523
Katie Torkelson-Regan teaches 9th grade science. In 2018, she obtained her Masters of Arts in Education and got her teaching certification from the University of Michigan. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology and French from Grand Valley State University in 2015. Prior to coming to WTMC, Ms. T.R. student taught in Wayne, MI and taught English in France. She’s also done cool research on fruit flies, bees, rattlesnakes, and invasive fish with Michigan State University and Grand Valley State University! When she's not teaching or learning about the environment, Ms. T.R. gardens, hikes, knits, listens to podcasts, roller skates, and drinks coffee. Her favorite places in Michigan are the Sleeping Bear Dunes, the western U.P., Lake Michigan, and Riverside Park in Ypsilanti.
James Tuttle
Mathematics Instructor
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Office: TI 214 AA
Phone: 734-477-8513
Mr. Tuttle earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan and a teaching certificate from Eastern Michigan University. He comes to WTMC after teaching math and physics for 8 years at Ypsilanti Public Schools. While at Ypsilanti, Mr. Tuttle worked with colleagues both locally and nationally to develop experientially based math curriculum in subjects ranging from algebra to calculus. When he’s not teaching, Mr. Tuttle enjoys running, reading, playing 9-ball, and constructing crossword puzzles.
Trena Tymes
Teacher Consultant
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Office: TI 214 D
Phone: 734-477-8573
Michele Vanhala
Science Instructor
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Office: TI 214 X
Phone: 734-973-3327
Originally from Big Rapids, Michigan, Ms. Vanhala attended Central Michigan University as a double major in both Integrated Sciences and English for Secondary Education on a full-ride academic Centralis Scholarship. In 2014, she was named a Knowles Teaching Fellow through the Knowles Teacher Initiative, a national foundation focused on providing professional development and funding for the support of young math and science teachers. She then completed a Masters of Science in Science Education through the University of Michigan, Dearborn in 2017 with a focus on project-based learning and inquiry.
Ms. Vanhala joined the WTMC team in 2019, but before that she taught chemistry, physics, and biology for five years at Tecumseh High School. On a personal note, she enjoys working out in Orange Theory Fitness classes on a regular basis, traveling whenever she has the chance, and reading in her free time.
James Watz
Critical Thinking Instructor
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Office: TI 226 A
Phone: 734-477-8538
WTMC is Mr. Watz’ fourth teaching post. He previously taught middle school social studies for two years at Honey Creek Community School in Ann Arbor. Prior to that, he taught for four years at the Kaohsiung American School in southern Taiwan. His responsibilities there included teaching history and geography, as well as psychology and Theory of Knowledge in the IB Diploma Program. Mr. Watz started off his career at a large public middle school in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he taught history and geography for five years. He has also coached volleyball and cross country. He is a two-time graduate of the University of Michigan. In his spare time, Mr. Watz loves spending time with family, running, playing guitar, singing in choir, cooking, and reading.
Noah Weber
Critical Thinking Instructor
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Office: TI 226 C
Phone: 734-677-5367
Noah Weber is an Ann Arbor native and two-time graduate of The University of Michigan. After receiving his undergraduate degree in English, Mr. Weber returned to the U of M School of Education to earn his teaching certificate along with a Master’s in Secondary Education. He taught for one year at a large, urban middle school near Baltimore, Maryland, before returning home to join the faculty at WTMC for the 2012-2013 school year.
Mr. Weber believes that learning lies primarily in the interactions and relationships between students, teachers, and the surrounding community. As a graduate of Ann Arbor’s Community High School, Mr. Weber brings the experience of being a student in a non-traditional school environment to help him work with his students as an instructor at WTMC.
Mr. Weber’s academic interests are in English, History, Civics, and Environmental Studies. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Weber is an avid sports fan and martial arts practitioner. Mr. Weber is the head coach of the WTMC ultimate team.
Emily Zdyrko
English Instructor
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Office: TI 214 R
Phone: 734-477-8532
Ms. Zdyrko is a New York City native who came to WTMC after almost a decade of teaching in New York public schools, most recently the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music, Art, and Performing Arts. She has BA in English from Grinnell College, an MA in the Teaching of English from Teachers College Columbia University, and an MA in English from the Middlebury Bread Loaf School of English. In her spare time, Ms. Zdyrko enjoys writing, running outdoors, and traveling.
Drew Zemper
Science Instructor
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Office: TI 226 D
Phone: 734-477-8552
Mr. Zemper started at WCC as a student and biology lab technician, and feels that he has come full circle being a new WTMC science teacher. He is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in science for biology and chemistry. After EMU, Mr. Zemper attended the University of Michigan for his master’s in education. Mr. Zemper also teaches college biology for WCC and has prior teaching experience in Detroit and at a neighboring middle college in Adrian, MI.
When Mr. Zemper is not teaching he can be found spending time with his family, riding his mountain bike, or checking on his bee hives. Mr. Zemper loves the outdoors and believes that getting students outside is an important component to many of the sciences.
Eli Zemper
English Instructor; CORE Garden Director
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Office: TI 214 S
Phone: 734-677-5271
After Eli Zemper graduated from the University of Michigan with an English and poetry degree she divided her time between facilitating at a ropes course, being a diversity educator for the Anti-Defamation League, earning a master's degree in education, and teaching in the Ann Arbor Public Schools for thirteen years. The transition to WTMC has been a delight, and getting students college ready is some of the happiest teaching moments of her career.
In addition to finding Eli and family gathering eggs from her flock of chickens and cutting greens from her raised garden beds, you are also apt to find her teaching poetry at the University of Michigan, out in the woods with a map and compass trying to perfect her orienteering or find hidden treasure, or pedaling her bike on the soft shoulder of a quiet road with her family.
Elizabeth Zimmerman
Math Instructor
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Office: TI 214 G
Phone: 734-677-5362
Elizabeth Zimmerman graduated from Michigan State University College of Education. She taught in Allen Park and Farmington before coming to WTMC in 2009. Outside of teaching, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family and friends, running, and reading.
Staff
Karl Covert
Dean
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Office: TI 214 M
Phone: 734-973-3410
Dr. Covert holds a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England. He has worked in Education for the past 33 years as a teacher, counselor and administrator. Dr. Covert studied and held positions in Belgium, Germany, Delaware, England and Maine. He has spoken and written on educational change, student voice and instructional initiatives.
In his free time he likes to travel, cook, and read. You may find him around town picking out his vegetables at the farmer’s market, watching a University of Michigan game or playing in a local park with his son.
Madeline Frederick
Director of Educational Services and Information
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Office: TI 218 B
Phone: 734-677-5044
Ms. Frederick came to WTMC in October of 2007, after 12 years as a program administrator for JVS, a large non-profit organization in metro Detroit. Prior to that, Ms. Frederick worked as the Adult Education director for Elyria Schools in Ohio. In addition, she has taught college reading, math and study skills classes at community colleges in both Michigan and Ohio. She is very pleased to have joined the WTMC team and enjoys the opportunities to contribute to the WTMC mission.
As Director of Educational Services and Information, Ms. Frederick is responsible for all state reporting for pupil accounting and school data, and for ensuring that WTMC's data in PowerSchool is accurate and complete. In her leisure time, Ms. Frederick enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading and researching on such topics as organic gardening and herbs, watching independent films and spending time in the mountains of North Carolina.
Sarah Krzywicki
Administrative Aide
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Office: TI 214
Phone: 734-477-8796
Carole Pause
Director of Special Projects
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Office: TI 218 A
Phone: 734-973-3376
Carole Pause is the Director of Special Projects and WTMC's Records Clerk. She is responsible for student records, including transcripts and immunizations. She also coordinates student admission, enrollment, graduation, and standardized testing. She has a degree in business education from Bowling Green State University.
After a couple of years of teaching, Ms. Pause discovered that her true talents lie in the administrative field. She had worked as an administrative assistant in both manufacturing and the retail companies before coming to WTMC. She joined the staff at WTMC in the summer of 2006.
Outside of WTMC, Ms. Pause enjoys being involved with her kids' school activities, reading, movies, visiting extended family, and hiking and canoeing with her husband and kids.
Ms. Pause is happy to be in the educational field again, enjoys the challenges her job presents, and believes in WTMC for the educational choice it gives students who want a challenging alternative to the traditional high school.
Alexander Long
Faculty Support; School Meteorologist
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Office: TI 214
Phone: 734-677-5360
Mr. Long has been at WTMC since 2007. Prior to joining the staff, he had the honor of spending three incredible and influential years as an educator at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum.
Mr. Long is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, where he earned both bachelor and master of science degrees in earth science education. If you watch carefully, you might see Mr. Long paddle by in a canoe, ride past on a motorcycle, make a nearly-perfect cast and land a monster fish, or just sit and read a book with his two sons.
Christine Williams
Administrative Assistant
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Office: TI 214
Phone: 734-973-3410
Christine came to WTMC in August, 2015. She spent 12 years at Domino's Pizza Inc. World Headquarters working with Security, Corporate Operations and Training as an executive administrative assistant, department coordinator and trainer. She most recently spent the last 13 years managing the Great Harvest Bread Company in Ann Arbor.
In her spare time she enjoys volunteering, spending time with family and friends, traveling and attending sporting events. Christine considers herself very fortunate to be a part of the WTMC family, and looks forward to helping students and their families.