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Alpine Academy's Teachers & Support Staff
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Mrs. Catherine Hammond, Founder & Director
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. After getting my BA in English from Northwestern in Evanston and my MA in Teaching from Wayne State, I found my way to education. In the beginning, I taught GED and computer classes, and later I taught French, English and English as a Second Language in the Bloomfield Hills and Rochester school districts. In 1995, I founded Alpine Academy, and in 2005, I founded Eagle Creek Academy, a private school for children in preschool to 5th grade. I have loved every minute of my time in education. I believe teaching and learning are the most important jobs in the world. One of my favorite pastimes is eating lunch with the teachers, talking about what we are doing right and what we can do next. I am very impressed with our talented and energetic staff, and I know you will be, too. |
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Ms. Caroline Ford, Program Manager
I have been around teachers my whole life. My dad was an English professor at Central Michigan University, and my mom taught 2nd grade at an elementary school in Mt. Pleasant. Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher. I have always felt well suited to younger children because I like the way they perceive and react to the world. I received my bachelor’s degree in Child Development from CMU, and I have been working with young children ever since. I have been a preschool teacher, an Education Coordinator and an Assistant Director at several local childcare centers. I enjoy reading books and spending time with my husband and adult daughter. I look forward to getting to know you and your children. Please stop in and say hello! |
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Mrs. Melissa Brown, Business Director
Before coming to Alpine in 2016, I spent seventeen years working for and managing small businesses. I started out developing a small custom printing business while I was in college. After graduating from MSU, I ventured to Chicago to work in merchandising and project management. A few years later, I moved back to Michigan to be closer to my family and happened to meet the love of my life, Scott, whom I married at our favorite spot up north. At Alpine, my focus is on accounting and business management. I truly believe that when you continue to learn and push yourself, endless opportunities will present themselves. |
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Mrs. Stacey Rose, Teacher
I am very happy to be at Alpine Academy. I have been working with children of varying ages and developmental levels since 2004. Before coming to Alpine in 2014, I was a teacher at a preschool in Lake Orion for several years. I have a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Purdue University and an Early Childhood endorsement from Baker College. I believe that every child is unique, and the individual needs of each child come first. My husband and I love raising our two active children in Lake Orion, and in my free time, I enjoy yoga and reading. |
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Mrs. Krishna Sanchez, Spanish Teacher
I grew up in Venezuela which is a Spanish-speaking country on the northern coast of South America. While there, I graduated from law school and practiced family law, protecting children and their rights. During that time, I traveled to the United States for vacations and fell in love with this amazing country. I have had the pleasure of studying and working in Florida, California, and now Michigan. It's hard to believe I've been at Alpine since 2015! When I was growing up, my mother was a teacher. At a very young age, I knew I had inherited her love of teaching, and I am so pleased to be in this profession. I love sharing myself with my little friends at Alpine, and I learn a lot from them, too! |
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Mrs. Zoe Wagner, Teacher
I was born in England and raised in many countries including India, Germany, and the USA. As a little girl, I always had a library in my bedroom. Every day, I had tea parties and read stories to my stuffed animals. Now, I get to live my dream of being a preschool teacher! Before coming to Alpine in 2018, I spent several years with two- and three-year-old children at KidderKlub. I also subbed and volunteered for over ten years. I appreciate how children can learn, play, be creative, and have fun all at the same time. I graduated from Oakland University with an degree in English literature, which as a reading enthusiast was perfect for me! I also love to garden and spend time with my husband and adult children. |
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Miss Savanna Stuer, Teacher
While growing up and volunteering in classrooms after school, I decided to become an early childhood teacher. There is nothing better than nurturing children as they grow and learn. My favorite is when I find ways to make kids excited to come to school. Before starting at Alpine, I got my associates degree in early childhood, and I worked with toddlers for two years at a childcare center in Lake Orion. Toddlers hold a special place in my heart. I can’t wait to make memories with your children! |
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Mrs. Lori KuyKendall, Teacher
I"ve always known I would work with children. Even as a child, I was the neighborhood child psychologist. Long ago, I earned an associate's degree in Early Childhood and spent 8 years with Macomb County Headstart program. Then I earned my bachelor's in Early Childhood at Wayne State and went into K-5 education. Later, I earned another Early Childhood certificate at Fayetteville State University, NC, and spent 5 years teaching pre-k there. Now, I'm back in Michigan and loving my class at Alpine. There is something so authentic about young children. Helping them develop their little selves has become my passion, and I'm eager to meet your child and get started! |
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Mrs. Maria Pop, Teacher
I was born and raised in Romania, a beautiful European country bordering the Black Sea. While there, I earned my bachelor’s degree in English and Romanian Language and Literature. Since then, the U.S. has become my adoptive country where my husband and I are raising our three children. I love America for its multiculturalism and for the opportunities it offers. My experience in early childhood ranges from birth to school-age. Before coming to Alpine, my favorite teaching experience was working with toddlers for three years. In my spare time, I like taking seminars that help me better understand and educate children. I am a firm believer in play, exploration, nature, and art activities and a dedicated teacher who strives to grow as an individual and establish meaningful relationships with children and their families. Please stop by and say hello. |
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Miss Jennifer Carr, Teacher
I have been working with children since 2011. I have experience working with all age groups, but have spent the past 5 years working with toddlers and preschoolers. I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Miami University and a Master’s degree in Counseling from Ohio University. I spent 2 years working as a mental health counselor for children before transitioning into teaching. I have had the honor of working at Alpine from 2016-2018 before I moved to Texas for 3 years. I have moved back to Michigan from Texas and I am happy to be back at Alpine! I like to spend my free time with friends and family and my 2 dogs! |
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Miss Abigail Kemp, Teacher
I have always liked working with babies and young children. From buttoning their coat to learning their ABC’s, I enjoy watching a child’s eyes light up when they have mastered a new task. I received my Bachelor’s degree in December 2020 from Rochester University in Behavioral Science. Currently, I am working on my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Oakland University. Before Alpine, I was a Registered Behavioral Technician with children that suffer from autism, anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems. I look forward to helping your children grow and develop self-confidence as they form their own unique character. |
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Miss MaKayla Hayes, Teacher
Teaching is a passion of mine. I have been working with children of all ages for 3 years. Before coming to Alpine, I worked at two different childcare centers and as a summer camp counselor. I also have two associate degrees, one of which is in child development with a specialty in infant and toddler care. I really enjoy creating lessons that help children learn the sounds and letters. I believe mastering the pre-reading skills is important to a great start. I also love working on emotional and social skills and helping children grow into themselves. Outside school, I love spending time with family and friends, traveling up north, and binging on Netflix. I am so happy to be a part of the Alpine Academy family. |
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Mrs. Zina Fenwick, Teacher
After completing my MBA in Finance at Osmania University and working in the corporate world for ten years, I joined my sister in opening a playschool. Managing and teaching there was the best decision I had made. In 2019, I found my way to Eagle Creek and Alpine. Now I am at Alpine every day and enjoying every minute. I believe each child is talented and unique in his or her own way, and it is upon us as teachers to bring out the best in them. Please stop by to visit. I'd love to get to know you and your little one. |
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Ms. Catherine Ford, Teacher
I have always loved working with children and seeing them grow. I want to be a teacher to make a difference in the next generation. Teaching has always been in my family; my grandfather was an English professor, my grandmother was a second-grade teacher, and my mother worked with kids. I am studying child education and special education at Central Michigan University. I want to create an environment where children can express themselves and have many experiences. Some of my hobbies and interests include reading, painting, watching TV, spending time with my family, and playing with my three cats. |
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Mrs. Dayana Chirinos, Teacher
I've been working for the Rochester Community Schools district as a paraprofessional for six years. Over the years, I've discovered my passion for helping students learn and grow. My native language is Spanish. I was born in Venezuela and lived there until 2014, when my family and I moved to Michigan. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, paddling on the lake, and camping with my husband and three daughters. |
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Ms. Madeline Martin, Teacher
Growing up teaching has always been my passion. From teaching stuffed animals in my basement to tutoring many students, to working at daycares and schools. I am currently in the Education program at Central Michigan University with a band of PK-6. I strive to create a nurturing and welcoming environment for my students. I teach to inspire and lead. I couldn’t be more happy to be part of the Alpine team! I look forward to helping your children grow and learn about each and every one of them! |
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Ms. Connor Ruth, Teacher Assistant
While working as a teacher's assistant, I realized how much I love children. Being in the classroom became my passion and my purpose. I now have my associate degree in Child Development from Waldorf University, and I'm working toward a bachelor's in Elementary Education from University of Phoenix. I have cared for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. My goal is to be a person parents can depend on and trust. I want to make a difference in each child's life and in your life. I look forward to meeting you. |
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Mr. Craig Knox, Facility Manager
I have been managing Alpine's campus since 2007. I like keeping the building and grounds in tiptop shape, from the garbage disposals to the air conditioning units. I also own and manage Knox Lawn & Landscape, which is how I originally came to Alpine. Originally from North Branch, I now live in Dryden with my wife and three children. I enjoy snowmobiling, boating, and spending time with family. |
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Mr. Ron Smith, Custodian
I have been Alpine's handyman since 2016. It's a great job because I get to tinker with things and help people. I enjoy big projects such as refurbishing old cupboards. I also own and manage Ronkote, which is a full-service painting and staining company and how I became a part of the Alpine family. I spend my free time working on cars, collecting precious metals, and hanging out with my grandson. If you see me in the hallway, please say hello! |
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We understand health & safety.
- We do local and federal background and fingerprint checks.
- Our teachers are required to complete 10 hours of health and safety training when hired.
- Each year, our teachers are required to complete 16 more hours of in-depth training.
- Our teachers are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid.
- We have an extensive teacher handbook with policies for all sorts of eventualities.
- We hold regular staff meetings during which we review our policies.
- We have special plans for children who have allergies and other medical conditions.