Meet the Team
Alpine's Dedicated Teachers & Staff
Mrs. Cathy
Founder & Director
Over the years, I have taught preschool, elementary, middle school, high school, GED classes, computer classes, French, English, and English as a Second Language. In 1995, I founded Cathy's Corner, which became Alpine Academy, an active preschool in Lake Orion, MI. As the preschool grew, we needed another building for the children in kindergarten and up, and Eagle Creek Academy was born. Now, Eagle Creek Academy, also in Lake Orion, offer programs for toddlers, preschool, young fives, K-5, homeschoolers, summer camp, tutoring, and more. I believe teaching and learning are the most important jobs in the world, and I am loving every minute of my time in education.
Mrs. Mary
Program Manager
For four years before coming to Alpine, I was a parent educator at Oakland Family Services where I organized play groups, did home visits, and offered educational programs for families. Prior to that, I worked for many years as a preschool teacher, an assistant director, a curriculum specialist, a program manager, and the director of an after-school program at several local childcare centers. I have a bachelor's degree from Baker College and a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. Teaching has always been a passion for me, and I enjoy seeing the world through children's eyes. I like spending time with my family, vacationing in northern Michigan, and traveling to warm places.
Mrs. Melissa
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.
Mrs. Zoe
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.
Mrs. Zina
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.
Ms. Savanna
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 in 2021, 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!
Ms. Diana
Teacher
Hi! I've been teaching since 2011. One of my goals is to get to know you and your family. This guides me as I help your children develop. I grew up right around the corner in Oxford. I have lived in and traveled to many places, including Colorado, California, and England. I got my BA from Eastern Michigan University in Social Work, and now I'm working on a BA in Elementary Education from Baker College. I have two boys, Cameron and Lucas, who keep me moving and exploring. I also love Thai food, hiking, camping, and biking. I'm eager to meet you and get started!
Señora Krishna
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!
Ms. Lori
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!
Ms. Kirsten
Teacher
My biggest passion in life is working with children. I grew up in an in-home daycare and have been caring for children since middle school. I am at Rochester University to become an elementary teacher. My mom is an amazing teacher, and I learned from her for years as I was her assistant. My strongest attribute I can bring to students is teaching them concepts, being fun and silly with them, and making each child feel important.
Mrs. Maria
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. 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.
Mrs. Kayce
Teacher
My entire life has been dedicated to the care of children. My first job was babysitting while in 7th grade, and every summer during high school, I took nanny positions which led to my love of childcare and teaching. Later, I opened a state-licensed, in-home daycare. I have also been an art teacher and art coordinator at a Montessori school. I recently moved back to MI from southern California with my husband and son to be closer to our extended family. I look forward to sharing my passion for teaching and art with your family!
Ms. Abby
Teacher
I have always liked working with babies and young children. From buttoning their coats to learning their ABC’s, I enjoy watching children's eyes light up when they have mastered new tasks. 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.
Ms. Hailey
Teacher
One of my elementary school teachers, who was always there to support me, inspired me to become a teacher. I have been working as a substitute teacher for the past 2 years, and I have really enjoyed every minute of it. I have been working at Eagle Creek Academy and Alpine Academy with such a talented group of educators and administrators. There isn't one age group I don't adore. It's so exciting to get to know the children and their see their personalities develop and grow. At the University of Michigin Flint, I'm pursuing a bachelor's degree in elementary education.
Ms. Holly
Teacher
Hello! I was raised in Cheboygan, and in 2022 I moved to Rochester to continue my education. I am currently attending Oakland University to earn my bachelor's degree in elementary education. For the last 3 years, I have been working in centers with children ages 1 through 5 years old. Before that, I volunteered at an elementary school in my hometown. I love working with children and supporting their learning and development. I am very excited to get to know you and your family.
Mr. Craig
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.
Mr. Ron
Custodian
I have been working for Alpine 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 spend my free time working on cars, collecting precious metals, and hanging out with my grandson. If you see me around, please say hello!