Faculty
Jess Ackerman
English Instructor
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Office: TI 214 A
Phone: 734-973-3323
Schedule an appointment with Ms. Ackerman
Ms. Ackerman is a graduate of Indiana University, where she studied English education
and reading. She also holds a graduate degree in educational leadership from the University
of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
In her WTMC classes, Ms. Ackerman challenges students to read carefully for deeper
meanings and to become stronger writers. Outside of school, she loves hiking, backpacking
and teaching yoga.
Lisa Babe
Science Instructor
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Schedule an appointment with Ms. Lisa Babe
Ms. Babe earned her bachelor’s degree in Agriscience education from Michigan State
University and earned her master’s degree in Science Instruction and Curriculum from
the University of Colorado, Boulder. She comes to WTMC with over 20 years of formal
and informal science teaching experience and most recently was the Farm to School
Coordinator for Dexter Community Schools. She also volunteers for a global humanitarian
aid organization where she delivers aid to refugees and organizes volunteer trips
abroad.
In addition to her love of gardening and cooking, Ms. Babe loves to spend time with
her family and dogs boating on Lake Huron.
Bergen Bauer
Critical Thinking Instructor
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Office: TI 214 N
Phone: 734-677-5367
Schedule an appointment with Mr. Bauer
After obtaining two associate's degrees from WCC, Mr. Bauer graduated with a B.S.
in movement science and an M.A. in secondary education from the University of Michigan.
Prior to joining the staff at WTMC, Mr. Bauer coached football at Ann Arbor Pioneer
High School. In his free time, Mr. Bauer enjoys lifting weights, kayaking, and cuddling
with his cat.
Cassandra Becker
Mathematics Instructor
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Office: TI 214 U
Phone:734-973-3505
Schedule an appointment with Ms. Becker
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.
Sam Bekemeyer
English Instructor
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Phone: 734-249-5955
Schedule an appointment with Ms. Bekemeyer
Julee Boland
Critical Thinking Instructor, Reading Specialist
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Office: TI 214 F
Phone: 734-677-5363
Schedule an appointment with Mrs. Boland
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.
Jim Cockels
Success Coach
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Schedule an appointment with Mr. Cockels
Niarra Coleman
Mathematics Instructor
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Office: TI 214 A
Schedule an appointment with Ms. Coleman
Kris Gedeon
English Instructor
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Office: TI 214 Q
Phone: 734-477-8509
Schedule an appointment with Mrs. Gedeon
Ms. Gedeon is an author and consummate book enthusiast who participates annually in
NaNoWriMo, a challenge to write an entire book in one month! She runs the WTMC student
library and is the advisor for the WTMC Library Club.
A proud graduate of James Madison College at Michigan State University, Ms. Gedeon
studied International relations, Asian Studies, and English. She holds a graduate
degree in English, with a focus on teaching writing, from Eastern Michigan University.
Katie Glupker
Civics and English Instructor
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Office: TI 222 A
Phone: 734-677-5255
Schedule an appointment with Ms. Katie Gluper
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.
Paul Hines
Success Coach
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Office: TI 214
Phone: 734-677-5211
Schedule an appointment with Mr. Paul Hines
Mr. Hines studied anthropology and teaching at the University of Michigan, Dearborn.
One of the things Mr. Hines enjoys most in teaching is the ability to be creative
with lessons. He believes that experimenting is the best way to improve teaching and
learning.
Mr. Hines says, “anthropology was a way for me to explore other cultures. Food is
great way to understand how cultures utilize the resources around them to come up
with a cuisine that suites their needs. When I recently started working for a start-up
company that sold Middle Eastern foods through Amazon, it was a great way for me to
explore foods that I would not normally have bought or made.”
Kyle Linford
Mathematics Instructor
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Office: TI 214 V
Phone: 734-477-8901
Schedule an appointment with Mr. Kyle Linford
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
Schedule an appointment with Ms. Rose Lorenz
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.
Keenan Mullaney
Science Instructor
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Office: TI 214 Y
Phone: 734-477-8796
Schedule an appointment with Mr. Mullaney
Mr. Mullaney is excited to start his teaching career here at WTMC after working for
5 years at the Michigan State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Before that, he received
degrees in both Microbiology and Physiology from Michigan State University (Go Green!).
He recently graduated with a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Michigan
so that he could become a science teacher and bring his experience into the classroom.
Outside of school, Mr. Mullaney is a huge nerd who plays dungeons and dragons with
his friends every week and keeps up with rugby from all over the world.
Ethan O'Brien
English Instructor
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Office: TI 214 W
Phone: 734-477-8506
Schedule an appointment with Mr. Ethan O'Brien
Mr. O'Brien graduated from Central Michigan University with concentrations in English,
history, and creative writing. He then attended Grand Valley State University and
earned his teaching certificate while working on a master's degree. He taught eighth-grade
English at Grayling Middle School for three years, and while he cherishes the connections
he made there, he is thrilled to be a member of the WTMC staff!
Mr. O'Brien grew up in the frigid North where he developed an appreciation for the
great outdoors and the gift of music. He considers himself an amateur/intermediate
birdwatcher, and he enjoys playing guitar both by himself and with his many musician
friends in front of a crowd.
His favorite part about teaching is the sense of community he feels in the workplace
and the classroom. He enjoys helping his students grow as readers and writers of worlds.
Tamika Riley
Guidance Counselor
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Office: TI 222 B
Phone: 734-973-3749
Schedule an appointment with Ms. Tamika Riley
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
Schedule an appointment with Mr. Rosewig
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 from the Middlebury Bread Loaf School of English, and in education from the University
of Michigan.
Taylor Sastre
Social Studies Instructor
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Phone: 734-477-8939
Schedule an appointment with Ms. Sastre
Heather Schulz
Teacher Consultant
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Office: TI 214 C
Phone: 734-477-8520
Schedule an appointment with Mrs. Heather Schulz
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.
Adam Sherfield
English Instructor
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Office: TI 214 Q
Phone: 734-677-5271
Schedule an appointment with Mr. Adam Sherfield
Mr. Sherfield graduated from Brooklyn College with a Master’s Degree in English Education,
and taught high school English in Brooklyn, NY, for 6 years, before returning to his
home state of Michigan and arriving at WTMC. Mr. Sherfield’s 9th Grade English class
explores literature through the lens of sustainability, challenging students to make
connections between historical fiction and the social, political, and economic issues
of the modern world, with the hope that students will be inspired and empowered to
make a difference. When Mr. Sherfield is not teaching, he enjoys reading classic literature,
walking the trails of nature parks, and making music with friends.
Lauren Taube
Math Instructor
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Phone: 734-477-8571
Schedule an appointment with Ms. Taube
Katie Torkelson-Regan
Science Instructor
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Office: TI 214 W
Phone: 734-477-8523
Schedule an appointment with Ms. Torkelson-Regan
Katie Torkelson-Regan is a science teacher at WTMC. She is a Knowles Teaching Fellow
and a strong believer in interdisciplinary and place-based education.
In 2018, she obtained her Masters of Arts in Education and teaching certification
from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She received her undergraduate degree
in Biology and French from Grand Valley State University in 2015.
Prior to coming to WTMC, Ms. TR taught English in France. She’s also done cool research
on insects, rattlesnakes, and invasive species, and has worked on farms in the United
States and Europe. When she's not teaching or learning about the environment, Ms.
T.R. gardens, hikes, and listens to podcasts.
Follow Ms. TR on Twitter to see what's going on in her classes!
Dyane Townley
Math Success Coach
Email Ms. Dyane Townley
Math Tutoring Center: BE 150
Schedule a meeting with Ms. Dyane Townley
Dyane Townley received her Bachelor of Science from Southern Methodist University
in Dallas, Texas. She then taught math and science at a private boarding high school
in Tucson, Arizona. Dyane left the classroom to raise (and later homeschool) her four
kids. All of her children attended WTMC. She enjoyed subbing at WTMC so much that
Dyane joined the staff in 2023. Her focus is on helping students understand and succeed
in high school math so they are ready to successfully tackle college STEM work. When
not happily math-ing, Dyane enjoys traveling with her husband as their schedules allow,
trash-talking through card games with her adult and teen kids, and reading when she
should be sleeping.
James Tuttle
Mathematics Instructor
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Office: TI 214 AA
Phone: 734-477-8513
Schedule an appointment with Mr. James Tuttle
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
Schedule an appointment with Ms. Vanhala
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
Schedule an appointment with Mr. James Watz
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.
Elise Weber
Science Instructor
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Office: TI 222 C
Phone: 734-477-8556
Cell: 734-224-2334
Schedule an appointment with Mrs. Weber
Elise Weber is a graduate of the University of Michigan, and holds a major in biology
and a minor in chemistry for secondary education. Before joining the WTMC staff, Mrs.
Weber taught 6-12 grade science in Grand Marais, Michigan. She 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. Additionally, Mrs. Weber teaches a forensic science elective at WTMC. In her
spare time, Mrs. Weber enjoys playing volleyball, reading, traveling, and attending
educational workshops.
Emily Zdyrko
English Instructor
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Office: TI 214 R
Phone: 734-477-8532
Cell: 734-666-5298
Schedule an appointment with Ms. Zdyrko
Ms. Zdyrko holds a 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. She is a New York City native with a decade of experience
teaching in NYC public schools, most recently LaGuardia Arts High School. Ms. Zdyrko
enjoys writing, running, and traveling.
Drew Zemper
Science Instructor
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Office: TI 226 D
Phone: 734-477-8552
Schedule an appointment with Mr. Drew Zemper
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.
Elizabeth Zimmerman
Director of Curriculum and Instructional Coaching
Email Mrs. Zimmerman
Office: TI 214 J
Phone: 734-677-5362
Schedule a meeting with Ms. Zimmerman
Elizabeth Zimmerman is a graduate of Michigan State University's College of Education
where she earned bachelor's degrees in both math and English. After teaching both
math and English at the secondary level, she came to WTMC in 2009 to focus on teaching
math. Shortly after, she earned a master's degree in mathematics education. Elizabeth's
most enjoyable moments in teaching come from working with students who have previously
struggled with math classes, but are able to re-engage in math at WTMC.
Elizabeth's favorite things are her family, listening to new music, reading fiction,
biographies, and memoirs, running outside with neighbors or WTMC pals, chocolate &
coffee (separately or together), traveling to new places, sketch and stand-up comedy,
and bursting out into song.
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.
Maeve Devlin
Head of Student Accounting and Pupil Reporting
Email Mrs. Devlin
Office: TI 214
Phone: 734-677-5044
Mrs. Devlin earned her Masters of Library and Information Science at Wayne State University.
Before coming to WTMC, she worked as a children's librarian in public libraries.
Mrs. Devlin enjoys spending time outside (hiking, climbing, and playing ultimate frisbee)
or with her family and friends.
Steve Gilpin
School Social Worker
Email Mr. Steve Gilpin
Schedule an appointment with Mr. Gilpin
Emily Goslow
School Social Worker
Email Mrs. Emily Goslow
Office: TI 214 R
Schedule an appointment with Mrs. Goslow
Colleen Hanson
Guidance Counselor
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Office: TI 214 D
Phone: 734-677-5364
Click here to schedule an appointment with Ms. Hanson
Ms. Hanson earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from Oakland University and
her Master of Arts Degree in Counseling from Eastern Michigan University. >
Prior to working at WTMC, Ms. Hanson was a high school counselor in both independent
and public schools, and also worked as a Behavioral Health Specialist in hospital
clinics, private practice, and at Washtenaw Community College. Ms. Hanson is a Licensed
Professional Counselor, and a Licensed K-12 School Counselor. In addition, Ms. Hanson
loves to travel, read, and spend time with her family and two dogs.
Helen Kaplan
School Social Worker
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Office: TI 214 B
Phone: 734-973-3365
Click here to schedule an appointment with Mrs. Helen Kaplan
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.
Carole Pause
Head of Student Records
Email Mrs. Pause
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
Head of Admissions and Communications; School Meteorologist
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Office: TI 222 C
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.
Zoe Taube
Receptionist
Email Ms. Taube
Phone: 734-973-3410
Christine Williams
Administrative Assistant
Email Ms. Williams
Office: TI 214
Phone: 734-973-3310
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.