Rose is an elementary mentor-teacher at Michigan International Prep School. Born in Nigeria and raised in Cleveland Ohio, she is a proud Screaming Eagle of the Nigerian Soccer Team and a staunch Ohio State fan. Rose earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in French from the University of Akron. She earned an MBA/Global Management degree from the University of Phoenix. She also holds certifications in English Language Teaching and Teaching English as a Foreign Language. She is currently completing her Michigan Elementary Teaching Licensure. Rose has over 15 years of experience in various classroom settings that encompasses all academic levels, both foreign and domestic.
Rose began her journey in education working as a Teaching Fellow through a non-profit organization, Teachers For Africa. From there, she fell in love with teaching and traveling the world at the same time. She has lived and worked on every continent except for Australia and Antarctica, with hopes of traveling to both places in the near future.
In her spare time Rose enjoys spending time with her family and keeping in contact with her vast array of friends, family members and former students from all over the world. She is an avid sports fan and hosts the best Sunday Game Days! Rose also loves to read, write and plans to develop her own Traveling Teacher Blog.
Why Rose chose MIPS:
"I chose to be a part of MIPS because the team is dedicated to forming partnerships with families and communities to provide learning experiences that will not only help students succeed academically, but globally. My many years teaching and living abroad have taught me that education and a positive outlook can change the world. I also value the personalization of education that MIPS delivers to every student. I strongly believe that everyone is entitled to their own unique journey to learning. Working here at MIPS, I would like to continue to empower youth to strive for the unbelievable, to conquer their fears, embrace challenges, and learn for the thrill of it!"
Jaimie Bell
Elementary Interventionist
Jaimie recently graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Social Work. When she began her journey at CMU, Jaimie had her heart set on becoming an elementary school teacher. However, towards the end of her freshman year, she realized that she wanted to do something a little different. That led her to earning a degree in social work so she’d be able to work with families and children inside and outside of the school setting. Jaimie is currently working to obtain her Master of Social Work.
In her free time, Jaimie enjoys traveling to new places, watching baseball (Go Tigers!), spending time with her fiancé, and taking their cat, Stewart, on adventures in the great outdoors.
Why Jaimie chose MIPS:
"I chose MIPS because I love the flexibility that MIPS provides and the fact that we are able to give students an education that is personalized to fit their specific needs. I love the opportunity to work with students from all across the state to help them achieve their educational goals. The staff at MIPS are dedicated to what they do and deeply value each of their students...I'm so grateful to be a part of such a passionate team!"
Sara Buerman
Elementary Teacher/Curriculum Developer
Sara is an elementary teacher here at Michigan international prep school. She earned her Bachlors in Childhood Education and Masters in Special Education from State University of New York at Potsdam. Sara has eight years of experience in teaching elementary school. She started her career in Lancaster Virginia, working with first grade students to build solid foundations in both reading and mathematics.
She is a proud aunt and moved to Michigan to be closer to her nieces. She has loved getting to experience all the natural beauty of Michigan and spends most weekends exploring. Sara has been working with 4th grade students for the last 3 years. She loves sharing her love of reading with her students each year, and is continually encouraging reading anywhere, anyway, anytime.
Why Sara chose MIPS:
"As said by Nelson Mandela, 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.' I joined MIPS because we are able to give each student a more individualized learning experience. Making sure they have a powerful education in their back pocket to be successful in whatever future they choose.
MIPS gives students and families the flexibility to enrich their learning in so many ways a traditional school is unable to provide. I love how our digital environment allows for so much creativity and choice. Students are able to truly express themselves."
Arron Conley
Mentor
Aaron Conley is a Mentor teacher at MIPS. In 2000, Aaron began teaching English in
Japan to middle school students. Upon returning home, he was a substitute teacher for
several years while completing a B.A.s in Public Policy and Elementary Education. Aaron
taught 4th grade in Orlando, Florida, and 5th grade in Detroit Public Schools Community
District. He has also taught kindergarten at the Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor and
most recently was the lead teacher for the MIPS in-person, full-time learning center in
partnership with Tutor Time Learning Centers.
His interests include camping (especially near dark sky parks), reading, and traveling.
Why Aaron chose MIPS:
“I have always enjoyed education, both as a student and as a teacher. The process of sharing
information, spreading knowledge, and developing understanding are valuable beyond
measure.
The ability to communicate with my students is something that I take pride in. It’s about
listening to your students, getting to know them, and building relationships. This can often
be difficult in a live classroom. To be able to meet one-on-one with dozens of students
during a day is very exciting.
I joined MIPS because it is on the leading edge of how education works in the U.S. today
and moving forward. Online education is here to stay, and it is an exciting time to get on
board with that."
Tracy FrazIer
Mentor
Tracy graduated from the University of Michigan-Flint with a Bachelor's Degree in Social work. She has a background in Child Mental Health, Family Reunification, and Adoptions. She has previously worked in various positions providing Home Health Care, After School Programs, and as a Community Events Organizer.
Ms. Frazier was led to MIPS because she has a strong desire to give students and family, and staff tools, education and support to be successful in their endeavors.
Tracy enjoy’s baking with family and friends, trying new foods, road trips, camping, classic cars and restoration, concerts, skating, painting, and learning new health and beauty techniques.
Why Tracy chose MIPS:
"I chose MIPS because it is my goal to be a support to students in finding what makes them confident to reach their goals. Knowing that each student is unique and requires a safe environment to thrive and be themselves free of judgement will allow them to be prepared to execute these goals and aspirations. Preparing students to move forward in a position direction so that they reach their fullest potential while showing them they are fully supported from beginning to end is the goal for the MIPS team. I am honored and excited to work with Students, Family, Teachers, Mentors, and Administration to assist in our students finding success."
Rebecca Gales
Elementary Mentor
Rebecca is an elementary school mentor at Michigan International Prep School. Originally majoring in Criminal Justice, Rebecca quickly moved her focus to Psychology and Education where she truly fostered her passion for connecting with fellow humans to both learn and share knowledge. She worked in healthcare for several years where she partnered with staff and fellow leadership to analyze processes and procedures in order to streamline processes and create and implement training material. Managing these types of special projects opened Rebecca’s eyes to her love for continuous education. She finds strength and purpose in connecting with people as individuals.
Rebecca would say that the most important part of her journey is being a mother. As life unfolds, her children, Logan, Annabelle and Caleb, continually redefine her purpose and perspective. Rebecca enjoys having family day adventures where she allows the kids to create an itinerary of places to visit, new food to try, music to listen to and activities to do together. On an individual level, Rebecca enjoys spending time with friends and family. She loves art, music, cooking, researching and teaching.
Why Rebecca chose MIPS:
“I have chosen to join the MIPS team because I feel connected to their vision of individualized learning. We could all use a group of people dedicated to our advancement, right? How valuable. MIPS offers that for both staff and students. Children are so important. They’re our future adults; leaders, educators, engineers, tradespeople, presidents. I am excited to be a part of an education community that’s dedicated to forming a foundation and promoting a pattern of success for students. I want to be a part of equipping our future grown-ups with the support and resources they need to be as great as each of them can possibly be.”
Amanda hopkins
Elementary Mentor
Amanda is an Elementary Mentor. She was working towards her Bachelors of Education before shifting focus to her family. Amanda jumped back into the schools as a lunchroom monitor before quickly moving to the role of Paraprofessional. She worked 4 years as a paraprofessional with a focus on reading interventions. Amanda loves seeing children learn and grow. To see students get excited about learning new things and develop their skill is the reason she became a mentor.
Amanda lives in Davison with her Husband and 5 children, 3 boys and 2 girls. You can often find her cheering at her son's football and soccer games or watching her youngest daughter dance at her recitals. She loves spending time with family, walking her 3 dogs, 2 labs and a cockapoo and watching University of Michigan football and basketball games. She enjoys a great cup of coffee and singing on her church's praise team.
Why Amanda chose MIPS:
"I have always enjoyed working with kids; that passion is why I pursued education. I chose MIPS because it gives me the opportunity to work and support students on many different levels. MIPS' focus on the whole student is what makes it a great place to work."
Alisha Jaynes
Special Education Teacher
Alisha is a K-12 Special Education teacher who mainly works with our elementary aged students here at Michigan International Prep School. She has worked with children for many years, serving as a nanny, camp counselor, assistant preschool teacher, substitute teacher, and lead preschool teacher. Alisha holds a Bachelors Degree from Eastern Michigan University in Elementary Education and Special Education.
Alisha resides in the Ann Arbor area with her husband, their two young sons, and their dog and cat. In her free time, Alisha enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, and traveling
Why Alisha chose MIPS:
"As an educator, I truly believe that there is not a “one size fits all” approach to education. I joined MIPS because they strongly believe that individualized learning is one of the keys to providing students with success in their education and beyond. MIPS has allowed me to provide personalized education to my students and develop one-on-one relationships that I don’t feel I would have been able to form in a traditional learning environment. Being a part of the MIPS family has also given me the opportunity to work with other like-minded educators who all have the same priority- our students!"
Janice martin
5th Grade Mentor
Janice Martin is Michigan International prep school’s 5th grade mentor. Janice has an
associates degree in business management from Baker College and has 28 years of
managerial leadership on her resume with a very successful track record of mentoring
associates into next level positions. While exploring other interests in her career, she started in
schools as a substitute parapro and fell in love with educating students and helping them to reach their full
potential using alternative learning methods to meet their objectives. She also worked for a
year in behavioral health and mentored two students outside the classroom teaching life skills and
getting them engaged in the community through volunteerism and the arts. Janice and her
family have participated in many cultural and student exchange programs and have hosted
students from Germany, France and Taiwan that she still keeps in touch with today. She is
married and has a 19 year old daughter that she loves to travel with...together, they have traveled
to over 20 countries. When she has free time, she loves playing high-strategy board games,
going to the theatre, and playing with her golden-doodle, Weasley.
Why Janice chose MIPS:
"I chose to work at MIPS because I am very passionate about helping people reach their
full potential. I believe that education is not a one-size-fits-all concept.
Getting to know each student on an individual level helps us teach the student as a whole.
understanding that we all have unique ways of retaining information and viewing the world. Having someone
present to validate and magnify your gifts, and to direct you to the resources you need in order to maximize your potential is what makes MIPS unique. MIPS makes sure every student is seen
as an individual and celebrates their uniqueness with tailored learning plans. Teamwork is what
makes the dream work, and MIPS is fully committed to working as a team to ensure every
student has access to everything they need to succeed. I believe our students will leave
MIPS with the educational background and life skills necessary to be our future leaders."
Taurean Moore
Elementary Teacher
Taurean Moore is the First rade teacher at MIPS! In the Winter of 2019, she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, with concentrations in English Language Arts and Spanish, from Oakland University. Over the past 9 years, she has worked joyously with children from 6 weeks of age to 8th grade. She has had the pleasure to work with and serve many children in Southeast Michigan by being a lead infant, toddler, and preschool teacher, high school Spanish tutor, elementary substitute, K-3 academic interventionist, and K-1 academic support coach.
Ms. Moore loves teaching just as much as she loves learning! She believes that it is essential to establish a positive and engaging community and culture with her students so that they feel encouraged to explore, problem-solve, and embrace their creativity!
In her spare time, Ms. Moore enjoys spending time with her family. Some of her passions include cooking and baking, volunteering in her community, learning about other cultures, and traveling. Traveling allows her to deepen her understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity!
Why Taurean chose MIPS:
I chose MIPS because of its unique approach to education! MIPS knows that learning isn't "one-size-fits-all," a concept I strongly support. The MIPS team ensures that the students are equipped with what they need to succeed. Our school believes in providing individualized learning experiences that embrace personalization and flexibility in a way that truly helps students grow! I enjoy having the opportunity to build personal connections and relationships with my students and their families as we partner to provide authentic learning experiences that meet the needs of the WHOLE child!
Laura Ness
Elementary Teacher
Laura earned her degree in Elementary Education from Northern Michigan University, majoring in Mathematics and minoring in Speech Communications. She then earned her Professional Teaching Certificate by working toward a Language Arts degree. Laura has a hard time deciding whether she loves math or reading best! She enjoys sharing her passion for both - whether it is forming book clubs (with kids in her neighborhood, or inmates at the Livingston County Jail where she held the position of Jail Educator), or encouraging students to say, “Math Rocks!!” and helping them believe that it is true. Laura has taught preschool, 3rd grade, 6th grade, and Adult Ed. She has owned her own in-home daycare and has cared for children her whole life. She enjoys being creative with her teaching and is always adding something new to keep things interesting! Laura is happy to be a K-5 Mentor Teacher at MIPS!
Laura, originally a “Yooper”, is enjoying living “downstate." She, her husband Marty, and their 3 kids moved to Howell in 2016 and live next door to her brother and his family. Laura enjoys spending time with family, playing cards, going for long drives, and boating.
Why Laura chose MIPS:
"I feel very fortunate to be able to teach at a very unique school that has quickly become a leader in virtual learning. The attention afforded to each student, the thought that goes into creating the best academic path for each student, and the care the MIPS staff shows toward each student’s well-being and happiness are the reasons why being a Mentor Teacher at MIPS provides a meaningful sense of purpose.
Teaching at MIPS is exciting because of the new and unique approach to educating children - where brick and mortar meets virtual learning, meets homeschooling, meets advising, meets focusing on the whole child, meets creating self-driven children. Michigan International Prep School’s mentoring approach to teaching is fascinating, and I believe it is what will change education. MIPS' focus is on the student...and the family. I like that."
Nicole Oliver
Elementary Teacher
Nicole is an elementary mentor-teacher at Michigan International Prep School. Nicole earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Wayne State University. She has many years of experience in a classroom setting, as well as in a virtual learning environment.
Nicole began her journey in education working as a School Age Child Care (SACC) supervisor. From there, she became the primary substitute for a school district in Macomb County where she taught Kindergarten – 12 th grade, and eventually became a permanent preschool teacher. Her passion for virtual learning began when she started working as a coordinator/mentor teacher for a large virtual academy. She also teaches English as a Second Language virtually to children in China!
Outside of MIPS, Nicole has a 9-year-old daughter, Giana. They spend a lot of time at the dance studio where Giana has been dancing and doing Acro since she was 2 years old. When Mom and Giana are not at the dance studio, they enjoy going on bike rides, swimming and taking their annual family trip to Caseville, Michigan. In Nicole’s spare time, she enjoys cooking and gardening.
Why Nicole chose MIPS:
"Ever since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be an educator. Over the years, I’ve worked in virtual settings, as well as a classroom setting. Teaching virtually provides me the opportunity to work one-on-one with students and to really understand what type of learning is best for them. I believe wholeheartedly that it is important to build a close relationship not only with my students, but also with their families.
I chose to be a part of MIPS because they are dedicated to putting the students’ needs first. I believe that every student learns differently, and it is essential to personalize education to fit the needs of each child with the hope that they will LOVE coming back to see what a new day brings! At MIPS, we strive to individualize education for each and every student. In my eyes, personalizing education and building relationships are the two most important aspects of education. I take great pride in being part of the MIPS Team!
Danielle Parker
Elementary Mentor
Danielle is an elementary mentor at Michigan International Prep School. She is a graduate from Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. When she started her college journey, Danielle was unsure of what to pursue. Her passion was always been helping children, and she decided she could have the biggest impact working in education. Directly after college, she worked as a behavioral technician for children with autism before joining the MIPS team.
In her spare time, Danielle enjoys competing in Motor City Percussion’s indoor drumline and spending time with her significant other. She also enjoys being outside, cooking, and spending time with her two nephews.
Why Danielle chose MIPS:
“I am so excited to work for MIPS and be a mentor for young students! I love the MIPS environment where learning is the goal, but relationships and individualized approaches are the pathways to get there. As someone who experienced trauma in grade school, I understand the impact that having supportive relationships with staff can have. If it wasn’t for some of my teachers and counselors stepping up to give me the support I needed, I wouldn’t be in the position that I am in now. It has been my goal to provide that level of support to the next generation of students so that everyone has the support they need to succeed. At MIPS, I know that every student and parent will be given the individualized support they need and I'm thrilled to work towards that goal!”
Tonya Powers
Elementary Reading Intervention/Elementary ELA Curriculum
Tonya has spent 26 years teaching Young Five's through 5th grade, as well as coaching and mentoring teachers,
selecting and aligning curriculum, and training parents on assisting their young readers.
She completed her elementary education undergraduate studies at Central Michigan University, with a focus on child development.
Tonya holds a Language Arts Master's from Oakland University, as well as a reading specialist certification achieved.
Tonya and her husband Jim enjoy visiting their two college age daughters in Illinois, walking their dog Jetta, boating on Michigan's beautiful
lakes, and reading new and old selections for readers of all ages.
Why Tonya chose MIPS:
"After many years in a traditional school setting, I was ready for something new that offered a more flexible schedule. I was excited to join the MIPS team to help lay the foundation for reading instruction and
intervention at the elementary level. Working with students and families from around the state and the interesting possibilities that presented also
piqued my interest."
Leeann Rhotehamel
Elementary Mentor
LeeAnn Rhotehamel has worked in education for six years. In the past, she worked as a Reading Interventionist, where she worked with students in small groups to increase foundational reading skills, fluency, and comprehension. LeeAnn also worked as a Behavioral Interventionist. During this time, she taught Social and Emotional learning skills to students and helped them navigate frustrations and handle problems appropriately.
On the weekends, you will likely find LeeAnn cheering on her son and his hockey team at the rink, going on coffee dates with her daughter, playing cards with her husband and friends, or out golfing with her husband (when the weather permits). Her family enjoys traveling around Michigan and to the West Coast to visit family. LeeAnns family also consists of two peculiar cats, Henry and Dash, and a sweet dog, Ryder.
Why LeeAnn chose MIPS:
"I chose Michigan International Prep School because I appreciate their perspective on giving families a different experience for their educational needs. MIPS is not your conventional learning path. They look at each child's individual needs as a whole child, not just their academics. MIPS is a unique experience for families. MIPS has esteemed themselves in cultivating excitement, positivity, and a passion for learning. They accomplish this through building the foundation for
their families by focusing on relationships. I am a lucky person to be a part of this exciting culture. At MIPS I get the opportunity to work with the students and their families. I look forward to getting to know the families that allow us to put their child first."
Marcy speaks
Elementary Math Interventionist
Marcy Speaks is a Math Intervention teacher at Michigan International Prep School. Marcy was born, raised, and also attended college in Michigan. She earned an Associate of Arts degree at Michigan Christian College (now Rochester University), and it was there that she met her husband of 29 years, Todd. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan-Flint (GO BLUE!), and a Master of Arts in Teaching Reading and Language Arts from Oakland University.
Marcy retired in June 2020 after teaching 25 years for the Flint Community Schools. While there, she taught first through sixth grade and math intervention. Marcy spent five years teaching second graders, and ten years teaching fourth grade. She also served as lead math and technology teacher for many years. As a lead math teacher she attended training that led her to become a math interventionist.
In her spare time Marcy spends time with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys watching them play sports, especially volleyball. Marcy enjoys taking trips around the States, and also enjoys reading and playing Sudoku.
Why Marcy chose MIPS:
"I chose MIPS because it allowed me to continue to have an impact on scholars after I retired. I have always worked to meet kids where they are and help them learn and grow as students. I love that MIPS allows families to be a bigger part of the learning process and work at a pace that fits them. I look forward to encouraging children in their view and understanding of math because math makes sense!"
Christina Stafford
Elementary Teacher
Christina is an elementary school teacher here at Michigan International Prep School. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Ferris State University. She has over 10 years of experience in various classroom settings, and has taught kindergarten, 1st grade, 3rd grade, and 4th grade. She enjoys working with children of all ages and strives to make learning fun!
Christina lives in South Lyon with her husband and three children. She also has a shepadoodle, Toby, and a pet snake. She loves spending time with her family and traveling. Some of her favorite places she has traveled to include: Hawaii, Germany, France, Nigeria, and various places in Michigan. Christina also enjoys reading, swimming, going to concerts, and watching movies.
Why Christina chose MIPS:
“I chose MIPS because it allows me to work with students from all over Michigan. I embrace the uniqueness brought by each student. I strive to show them that they are important and accepted just the way they are. The best part of each day is listening to the students share stories or tell jokes. I also appreciate the flexibility that MIPS offers to the students and their families. MIPS also provides a wonderful family atmosphere for the staff, which allows us to devote more time to our students.”
Wendy Tiggart
Elementary Mentor
Wendy is the Kindergarten Mentor here at MIPS. She graduated from Spring Arbor University with a degree in Sociology. Her career has led her down several different paths, and prior to coming to MIPS she spent 7 years as a Paraprofessional working with small reading intervention groups at a local elementary school. It was there that her passion for seeing students succeed, grow, and gain confidence in their abilities was born.
Wendy and her husband Tony enjoy attending their 3 school aged children's various sports activities and hobbies. She enjoys thrift shopping with their college aged daughter, and spending time on Google Duo calls with their son who is in the Navy.
Why Wendy chose MIPS:
"I chose to be a part of the MIPS team because of their desire to put kids and families first. They also strive to see each child as an individual, and meet each student's unique needs and goals for educational growth and for personal growth. The MIPS team welcomes you into the family whether you are a student or an employee. I am happy to be part of the family!"
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