Pre-K
Katherine Dudzik is in her fourth year at Central Academy; before this, she worked as a Kindergarten Enrichment Teacher, Preschool Teacher/Program Director, and as a Director of a Multi-age Latchkey Program. She received her teaching certification and Bachelor of Arts Degree from Ohio Wesleyan University with specializations in Psychology, Elementary, and Early Childhood Education. She received her Master’s Degree in Program Administration and Educational Leadership from Concordia University where she studied the effects of Preschool on Kindergarten Literacy and Social Readiness. Her personal interests are reading, going to museums, and playing tennis. She is very happy to be returning to the Central Academy community with Mrs. Bayan Zebary and the Central Academy families for another fantastic preschool year!
Kindergarten
Mitchell Doig was born and raised in River Rouge, Michigan. This is Mr. Doigs third year at Central Academy. Mr. Doig has taught for 32 years. He graduated from MSU with is Bachelor’s and Mater’s in Curriculum and Instruction. He has taught in Kuwait, Indonesia, and Arizona before returning to Michigan in 1999. Mr. Doig likes to play the harmonica, guitar and walk his dog Princess.
Kelli Nowaczck is excited to be at Central Academy this year. Although this is her first year at Central Academy, it will be her fourth year teaching all day Kindergarten. She graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2001 earning her teaching certificate with a triple minor in social studies, science, and art. Currently, she is back in school taking graduate courses in Early Childhood Education. These classes will earn Kelli the early childhood endorsement that will attach onto her current teaching degree. When she is not in the classroom teaching, She enjoys spending time with her husband and training their two Chocolate Labrador Retrievers. Any other times that she is not occupied with these hobbies, She enjoys relaxing with a good novel.
First Grade
Meghan Bryan is a highly qualified teacher. She graduated from Madonna University in 2004 with a major in Family Consumer Science and a minor in elementary education. She has been at Central Academy since 2005 and has really enjoyed teaching first grade over the past few years. Her goal every year is to have a fun, exciting, and successful school year. In addition, she expects all students to be responsible and respectful citizens. She definitely looks forward to another great year in first grade!
Amanda Suder is on her third year teaching first grade at Central Academy. I went to Madonna University where I received my Bachelors degree I also played college volleyball there as well. When I am not in the classroom I am coaching Varsity Volleyball at Salem High School.
Second Grade
Mrs. Thomas is in her third year at Central Academy. She graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2003 with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She is considered a Highly Qualified Teacher under the No Child Left Behind law. In her time away from school, she likes reading, listening to music and spending time with family and friends. Amy works to ensure her students are successful both academically and socially and enjoys watching them progress over the course of the school year.
Kathy Blacburn completed her Bachelor's degree at Eastern Michigan University and then continued with Eastern to obtain her Master's Degree in Reading. This is her 11th year with Central Academy. Kathy was a 6th grade teacher for six years, and this is her fourth year with second graders. She enjoys working with your children and seeing familiar families over the years.
Third Grade
Erin McKillen is in her third year at Central Academy teaching third grade. She graduated from Central Michigan University with a Science Major and Language Arts Minor. She is considered highly qualified under the No Child Left Behind Act. Mrs. McKillen’s academic interests include Reading Comprehension, Differentiated Instruction, and Learning Disabilities. When she is not here at school, she enjoys boating, scrap booking, and traveling with her family. She looks forward to another exciting and inspiring year in third grade!
Molly Deming is starting her first year at Central Academy. She is teaching third grade and she absolutely loves it. She graduated from Michigan State University in May 2006 and then student taught in Walled Lake for a year. She was also a long term sub there. When she has free time she enjoys running, , taking pictures and watching TV.
Fourth Grade
Shawn Robson starting his fourth year at Central Academy. He graduated from Oakland University in 2004 with a major in Elementary Education. Mr. Robson has been a soccer coach for the past ten years now. He is really excited to implement new things in the classroom this year. Currently, Mr. Robson is taking Masters Classes in Educational Leadership at Eastern Michigan University. Mr. Robson and his wife are also expecting their first child, which will be due in February. He is extremely excited to be apart of the Central Academy community.
Katie Wiseman starting her third year here at Central Academy. She went to Albion College in Albion, Michigan. She studied English and Elementary Education. Katie graduated in December 2004 and was a substitute teacher for two years. She was a long term substitute teacher and was a frequent substitute in the Mason School District before coming to Central Academy. She also coached 5th grade girls basketball in Mason. Last year, she was the middle school girls basketball coach at Central Academy and will continue to coach this year. Katie is very excited to be working in the fourth grade at Central Academy. She is looking forward to this school year!
Fifth grade
Katie Cooper is starting her first year at Central Academy. She graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Language Arts Major and an Integrated Science Minor. Katie did her student teaching in the Plymouth-Canton area in April 2007. Last year, she was a long term substitute for the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools. In her free time, Katie likes to read, write and enjoys watching sporting events. Katie is really excited to be teaching 5th grade this year and looks forward to a great year.
Amy Straus has been with Central Academy since 2001. She earned her Honors Bachelor of Arts from McGill University, majoring in Sociology and International Development Studies. She then earned her Honors Bachelor of Education from Queen's University, majoring in Elementary Education. This year, Amy is also finishing her Masters of Education, majoring in Curriculum and Instruction Studies. Amy is a highly qualified teacher under the No Child Left Behind Act. Amy seeks to develop life-long global learners by pursuing engaging activities for her students inside and outside the classroom. This year, Amy also joins the Administrative team as Central Academy's Academic Services Curriculum and Instruction Leader. She thoroughly enjoys her time with Central Academy families and looks forward to working with all students, staff , and parents on curriculum.
Middle School
Dan Schunck’s third year at Central Academy teaching middle school math. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University in April 2006 and married his wonderful wife that June. He is excited about coaching Cross Country and starting his masters in ESL at Eastern Michigan University.
Rasheda Nemer is an alumni from Central Academy who has joined us professionally as the Middle School Language Art and Social Studies Teacher. She has obtained a Bachelor's of Arts in Secondary Education with a focus in Language, Literature and Writing and a minor in History. She is looking forward to explore the wonderful adventures ahead of us.
Heather Durkee completed her degree in Education at Eastern Michigan University where she majored in Language, Literature and Writing and minored in History. She is going on her Third year at Central Academy. She teaches Middle School Language Arts and Social Studies and supervises the Middle School Student Council.
Michelle Smith starting her second year at Central Academy teaching Middle School Science, Language Arts, and Guided Academics. She received her Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education from Central Michigan University with majors in Science and Language Arts. Ms. Smith is considered a Highly Qualified Teacher under the NO Child Left Behind Law. This year Ms. Smith will be working with the Middle School student council. She is excited to have a successful and fun year with her Middle School students!
High School
Shannon Smith teaches High School Social Studies and has been with us for five years now. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and is finishing her masters program in School Counseling. She runs our Peer Mediation program and will be running several other groups after school throughout the year.
Kristen Nagle has been at Central Academy for two years. She graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a secondary education degree majoring in mathematics and minor in geography.
Kelly Morse is starting her first year at Central Academy. She graduated from EMU in 2006 and is very excited to start her teaching career here Central Academy.
Kristie Freyre teaches Language Arts. She has been teaching for the past 15 years and has worked at Central Academy for ten of those years. In addition to teaching, she also advises the Student Council and Senior Class. She has a Bachelor’s degree in English Education from MSU and a Master’s degree in the Teaching of Writing from EMU. She is considered a Highly Qualified Teacher under the NO Child Left Behind Law. She loves what she does and she is happy to have the opportunity to work with students’ everyday.
Specials
Aprylle Sloggett received her education in Fine Art and Education from Eastern Michigan University in 2007. This is her second year teaching and first year at central. Aprylle has taught summer programs at Midland Center for the Arts for four years. She has taught both children and adults. In her free time, Ms. Sloggett works as a portrait painter with Arbor Joy Studios.
Allison Watkins has been with Central Academy for four years. She is our Physical Education teacher for grades K-12. Ms. Watkins is also Central’s Athletic Director.
Jaana Terhune is excited to begin her fourth year teaching ESL here at Central Academy. She loves working with the students and teaching them English. She is really happy when she sees students making progress and becoming more proficient in English. She would be very happy to answer any questions regarding ESL. If you want to find out how parents can improve their English or how to help your students at home, don't hesitate to contact her here at school.
Valerie Ifill has taught for the last nine years at Central Academy. Ms. Ifill’s undergraduate degree and teaching certification were from Eastern Michigan University and Concordia University, Ann Arbor. She later completed her Masters Degree in Reading at Eastern Michigan University. She enjoys working with children and watching them blossom into proficient readers. Feel free to contact her if there is any way she can assist you and your child as you read together.
Mrs. Suhad Hozic is our School-Librarian had joined Central Academy in March 2004. She completed her education from "Bethlehem University" and "Washtenaw College". Her goal is to provide students with material that will enrich and support the school curriculum. Her mission is to make reluctant readers more interested in Books and Reading. Mrs. Hozic' believes that the Books that the students are reading today will definitely shape their world tomorrow.
David Rose is the Special Education Director at Central Academy. The 2008-2009 school year is his sixth year teaching. He was raised in Waterford, MI and attended the University of Utah in Salt Lake City where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies. He then attended Utah State University and earned his Education Degree in Special Education. Mr. Rose enjoys many team sports as well as outdoor activities such as snowboarding, hiking and rock-climbing.
Parents have the right to inspect any instructional materials used as part of the educational curriculum for their student. Instructional materials means instructional content, regardless of format, that is provided to the student, including printed or representational materials, audio-visual materials and materials available in electronic or digital formats. Instructional material does not include academic tests or academic assessments.
