Meet The Teachers
Cathy Rondeau - Principal
I have been teaching since I was six years old, when I sat in the back seat on the way up north and drilled my little sister with spelling words. When I was an undergrad at Northwestern in Chicago, I taught GED classes. When I was a graduate student at Wayne State, I taught computer classes. Eventually, I found my way to the public schools in Bloomfield Hills and Rochester, where I spent nine years teaching French, English and English as a Second Language. In 1995, I founded a private pre-school called Cathy’s Corner in Rochester Hills. In 2003, we renamed it Alpine Academy and moved it to Oakland Township. In 2005, I founded and opened Eagle Creek. I have loved all my jobs in education. I believe teaching and learning are the most important jobs in the world.
BA 1988 English & French Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
MA 1992 Education, Wayne State University
Mrs. Sandy Rosonke - Director of Business Operations
I joined Eagle Creek in 2008, after many years in marketing and management at various IT and retail companies. I am thrilled to be in the academic environment. Our growing school presents new and exciting challenges for me. Over the years, I have been actively involved in the Rochester community, as a PTA officer, a school library volunteer and a recreational soccer and basketball coach. I am also a strong supporter of children’s literacy and sit on the Executive Board of Authors in April, a non-profit organization which brings children’s authors to the public schools. I love working with Eagle Creek's wonderful students and families and I look forward to meeting you, too.
BBA 1986 Business Administration & Marketing, Adrian College
Mrs. Christine Kulp- Director of Student Services
A graduate of Keene State College, a branch of the University of New Hampshire, with a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education, I moved to Michigan where I worked in a variety of teaching positions for both public and private schools. Most of what I know about effective teaching came from my subsequent Montessori training where a whole new way of looking at curriculum opened up for me. For over twenty years, I have worked in the field of education as an elementary school teacher, a school principal, a curriculum director, and a regional manager for a small chain of Montessori schools called Brookfield Academy. My goal is to continue to support the kind of quality education that embraces each child as a unique individual. I am pleased to do so here at Eagle Creek Academy.
1972 BA Elementary Education, Keene State College, New Hampshire
1990 Michigan K-8 Teaching Certificate, Oakland University, Rochester, MI
1993 Elementary Credential Grades 1-6, American Montessori Society
Mrs. Deonne Quisenberry - Program Director
I have spent my entire life wrapped in the arms of education and learning. My father, who is my greatest inspiration, spent his life as a teacher and an administrator. Growing up, I watched him as he helped students rise to their potential and move beyond the ordinary. I knew at a very young age that I wanted to teach and encourage my students to do the same. I have been blessed, over the past fifteen years, to do just that. My career began as a teacher in rural Oklahoma where I taught elementary students. After seven years, my husband and I moved our family to Texas where I continued teaching. It was there that I was introduced to the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. I taught for eight years at a wonderful IB elementary school. Encouraging inquiry, collaboration, and global awareness refined my teaching skills and helped me to develop a true love of learning in my students. My family and I have now started a new journey here in Michigan, and I look forward to serving this community and seeing the beautiful sights Michigan has to offer.
BS 1994 Elementary Education, Cameron University
Mrs. Beth Widgren -
Teacher
Over the past 25 years, I have been a Kindergarten teacher, a pre-school teacher and a director of children’s ministries. I love encouraging young children as they make new discoveries through play and work. I want to encourage their sense of confidence and independence. I also enjoy showing them how to work with others to accomplish a goal.
BA 1985 Elementary Education, University of Alabama in Huntsville
MA 2001 Education, University of North Alabama, Florence
Mrs. Linda Garagiola- Teacher
I have fond memories of playing school as a child and always wanting to be the teacher. I have spent a good portion of my life in the classroom. I volunteered in my children's classrooms and went on to be a Reading Recovery and Everyday Math tutor. Over the years, I have been a substitute teacher in both public and private schools. I also taught pre-school and developmental kindergarten. I feel that I have a real connection with pre-school students. Their enthusiasm is inspiring!
BS 2006 Elementary Education, Madonna University
Mrs. Lori Ferrari - Teacher
After I graduated from U of M, I taught pre-school and Young Five’s at Alpine Academy for many years before coming to Eagle Creek. As a teacher, I love to see things through a young child’s eyes. Everything is new and exciting to a child who is exploring his world. I love being part of this experience! I see every child as a unique individual with great strengths, learning and growing in his own ways. It is therefore very important to consider personal interests, offer experiences that meet a variety of learning styles, and build each child’s self-confidence. My goal is to create a safe and nurturing environment where a child is not afraid to take risks.
2006 – BS in Elementary Education, University of Michigan
1997 – Associates in Early Childhood Education, OCC
Mrs. Stephanie Pinson -
Teacher
Before teaching at Eagle Creek, I taught at Alpine Academy and at Walton Charter Academy. I also ran a summer camp in Rochester for several years. I have worked with children from pre-school to fourth grade. I think the most important thing to teach children is how to get along with their peers. They need to learn early-on the importance of working with a variety of people. I love teaching because I enjoy getting to know my students on a personal level. I still correspond with students I taught more ten years ago!
BS 2002 Elementary Education, Oakland University
MA 2005 Early Childhood, Oakland University
Mrs. Jean Ciotti -
Teacher
I got hooked on teaching when I taught swimming lessons as a teenager. Since then, I have worked with children in many ways. Most recently, I taught at Romeo Montessori School for fourteen years. One day, when it was pouring rain outside, a dad came in the room to drop off his child. He said, "The sun is always shining in this room." I was so pleased; one of my goals is to create a vibrant, happy environment where children are excited about learning.
Montessori Certified 1999 American Montessori School
Early Childhood 1996 MMTEC Rochester
BS 1985 Miami University of Ohio
Mrs. Amie Gamache -
Teacher
Before coming to Eagle Creek, I taught Kindergarten at Alpine Academy. Before that, I taught first through third grades in Flint for nine years. I also served as the Technology Instructor for Genesee Intermediate Schools. In my experience, the two most important things to teach children are the joy of learning and a firm grasp of language. When a child enjoys learning, he seeks to unravel the mysteries of the world. When a child has a firm grasp of language, he has the tools to gather information and share it with others. I enjoy being a part of that excitement.
BA 1993 Elementary Education, Michigan State University
MA 2004 Early Childhood, Oakland University
MA 2006 Special Education, Oakland University
Mrs. Sheri Hinz -
Teacher
For 35 years, I taught in the Fraser public schools. For 18 of those years, I was also the Assistant Principal. Some of my favorite experiences were coaching for the Social Studies Olympiad, working on the Accreditation Steering Committee and being a Science Coordinator. I continue to find teaching a rewarding career. Each August, I look forward with renewed excitement to a new class and its challenges. To me, the most important thing to teach children is a love of learning. It is one thing they can keep all their lives.
BS 1970 Early Childhood Education, Kent State University
MA 1977 Elementary Education, Oakland University
Mrs. Melissa Cavanaugh- Teacher
I was born and raised in Long Island, New York, where I attended Hofstra University and received my BA in Early Childhood Education, Childhood Education and Psychology. There I taught full-day Kindergarten in the Comsewogue Public School District. I relocated to Michigan in 2007, where I taught first grade at Ben Ross Public School Academy and full-day Kindergarten at Prevail Academy in Mt. Clemens. I am excited about being a part of the Eagle Creek Staff! I am passionate about teaching and I strive to keep that magic alive in my classroom.
2001 BA Early Childhood, Childhood Education & Psychology Hofstra University, NY
2008 MAT for Reading and Language Arts, Oakland University
Mrs. Renae DePlaunty -
Teacher
Before joining Eagle Creek, I worked at Alpine Academy and for Lake Orion Schools for fourteen years as a teacher, camp counselor and camp director. I think we need to teach children how to read and write well. Having strong reading skills and smooth writing can open many doors. Most importantly, I want to give children a sense of self-confidence they can take with them all their lives.
BS 2004 Elementary Education, Wayne State University
MA 2006 Early Childhood, Oakland University
Mrs. Angela Bell -
Teacher
After graduating from the University of Central England, I taught first through fifth grades for eleven years at an elementary school in England. In addition to teaching my classes, I co-ordinated the art curriculum and directed and produced many dance and drama productions. I strive to provide a creative and stimulating environment. I really enjoy watching my students reach their potential.
BEd 1992 Elementary Education, University of Central England
Ms. Angela Nall - Teacher
In my 13 years in education, I have served in various roles, including elementary teacher, middle school teacher, Instructional Specialist, Professional Development Trainer, Curriculum Coach, and Technology Trainer. I began my teaching career in Walled Lake, Michigan before moving to North Carolina, and most recently I taught at the Shanghai American School in China. I am very excited to be a part of Eagle Creek Academy.
BA 1998 English, Madonna Univeristy
Ms. Michelle Trenta-
Teacher
I started my teaching career spending my summers working at SCAMP in West Bloomfield, a program for children with special needs. I attended the University of Dayton in Ohio and studied elementary education, with an emphasis on handicapped education. I have taught in Cleveland as a second and third grade multi-age teacher and in Chicago as a fourth, a fifth and a sixth grade teacher. I have been with Eagle Creek since it opened, and I am so happy to be here. My goal as a teacher is to inspire my students to become critical thinkers, to gain a lifelong passion for learning, and to reach for goals they deemed impossible.
BS 1997 Elementary Education, University of Dayton in Ohio
Mrs. Joan Cross -
Teacher
My first career was in chemistry where I spent nine years as an environmental chemist testing for organic pollutants. I then ran a tutoring service for thirteen years, serving children from schools all over northern Oakland County. I also volunteered at Scripps Middle School, helping children with math. I don't hide the fact that math takes work. I simply encourage my students to want to do the work. The best part of my job is watching my students find success and the confidence that comes with it.
BS 1983 Chemistry, Oakland University
2004 Teaching Certification, Oakland University
MA 2006 Teaching, Oakland University
Mrs. Linda Cubba-
Teacher
I have almost 20 years in the field of education, both as a teacher and as a school counselor. I have worked with students from kindergarten through eighth grade, but particularly enjoy the middle school level. I enjoy working with children, teaching them and watching them learn. I think that I get as excited as my students when the lesson they are working on suddenly clicks. I am excited to be at Eagle Creek Academy where the entire staff shares a passion for learning and teaching!
BS1985 Education, Central Michigan University
MA 1995 Education in Student Counseling, Florida Atlantic University
Mrs. Vicki Morton - Technology Instructor
My ‘first’ career was working for a large computer company, doing technical writing, systems support, and project management. When my oldest daughter started kindergarten, I remembered how much I loved school. I decided to earn a Master’s Degree in education and my teaching certificate. Before coming to Eagle Creek, I taught English at Detroit College of Business, writing and GRE preparation at Wayne State University, and English, Forensics, and computers at The Roeper School. I was also Assistant Theatre Director at Troy High for several years and taught computers for the Avondale Schools. I always tell my students that teaching computers is the perfect job for me because I love kids, and I love computers!
BS 1977 English, Speech, and Theatre Wayne State University
MA 1999 Curriculum and Instruction University of Detroit-Mercy
Señora Susana Cerneka -
Spanish Teacher
I am from Buenos Aires, Argentina. While there, I earned degrees in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, and I taught for five years. I moved to Michigan over 20 years ago, and I taught for 17 years in various Montessori schools. I have also taught Spanish for 4 years for the Rochester Schools. I love to teach Spanish to children because learning a foreign language will expand their horizons. They will learn that all people are equal, regardless of their differences.
BA 1969 Elementary Ed, Martin y Omar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
MA 1976 Teaching Degree, Bartolomee Mitre, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Associates 1992 Montessori Degree, Brookfield Academy, Michigan
Señora Lilia Igram-
Spanish Teacher
I am a native-Spanish speaker originally from Mexico City, Mexico. I have been in the United States for over fifteen years. I am married and have three daughters who are bilingual in Spanish and English. I began teaching in 2000 with after-school enrichment programs in Oxford and Lake Orion. I fell in love with watching the children as they enjoyed what they were learning. That led to me to a career in providing individual instruction for children and adults as well as teaching home-schooled children. I have also taught Spanish at Upland Hills and Kingsbury. I am currently working towards a degree in education at Baker College.
Associates Degree – Liberal Arts. Oakland Community College
Degree in Fashion Design – Fashion Institute of Technology, Mexico City, Mexico.
Mrs. Vivian Ellsworth -
Music Teacher
As a professional flutist, I have performed with Meadowbrook Theater, the Macomb Symphony Orchestra and the Rochester Symphony Orchestra. I have been a private music teacher for over 20 years, teaching flute, piano, and voice. I have also taught show choir, group voice, and pre-school music at the Rochester Conservatory of Music. In addition, I have been a church musician for the past 20 years, singing and teaching youth and children’s choir. I enjoy working with the many talented students here at Eagle Creek. I especially enjoy integrating music with Social Studies. The two really bring each other alive.
BM 1988 Music Performance, Brigham Young University
NM 1992 Music Pedagogy, Brigham Young University
1993 Performer’s Certificate, College of Music, Manchester, England
1999 Teaching Certification, MusiKgarten, Greensboro, NC
Mr. Jeremy Jenuwine -
Physical Education Teacher
I have worked with the Special Olympics for several years coaching both basketball and track and field. I have also been active in the classroom where I have been fortunate to work with Kindergarteners to seniors in high school. Physical Education class is not only a great place for kids to be active but also a place to learn the everyday values of respect, responsibility and cooperation. They also learn communication skills that they will use for the rest of their lives.
BS 2010 Physical Education, Western Michigan University
Mrs. Lu Pickett - Art Teacher
My interest in education began when I was taking care of my fifteen nieces and nephews. Their enthusiasm to learn was contagious. I graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in 2-D art. I went on to obtain my teaching certificate from Madonna Univeristy and my masters degree from Eastern Michigan University. I have taught Kindergarten through eighth grade, as well as Art History classes at Baker College. My goal is to give children the opportunity to create from within themselves.
BA 1989 Art, Central Michigan University
TC 1994 K-12 Art & K-5 Elementary, Madonna University
MA 1998 Art Education, Eastern Michigan University