Meet the Team
Alpine's Loving 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. As the preschool grew, we needed another building for the children in kindergarten and up, and Eagle Creek Academy was born. I believe teaching and learning are the most important jobs in the world, and I am still loving every minute of my time in education. Please give us a call and tell us about you and your children. We are eager to be a loving part of your lives.
Mrs. Kayce
Program Manager
My whole life has been dedicated to taking care of children. At the age of thirteen, I began my childcare career as a devoted babysitter and nanny and have never looked back. In 2016, after my son was born, I opened a licensed daycare center in Redondo Beach, California. In 2019, I decided to use my business acumen to help a fellow mom open and manage her new company called South Bay Mommy & Me. While working there, I was the head liaison for resources and referrals. One of my favorite duties was helping new mothers navigate their journey by setting up support groups with certified therapists. In 2021, I took a teaching position at Peninsula Montessori School in Ranchos Palos Verdes, California. There, I co-taught in a kindergarten and first-grade class, and I taught Art to other classes. Now that my husband, my son and I are back home in Michigan, I have completed my associate's degree in Child Development and am working toward my bachelor's degree. I am delighted to have discovered the amazing group of teachers and families at Alpine Academy. I am eager to get to know you and your family and find out what we can do for you. Please let me know your hopes and dreams for your child, and I promise we will work hard to make them come true.
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. Claudia
Teacher
I have lived in Rochester for nearly 50 years and raised my children here. Long ago, I was a caseworker at Orchards Children’s Servics. Since 2008, I have taught traditional and Montessori preschool and young fives at various local schools, including Holy Family and Crown of Life Lutheran School. I also run a tutoring program after school. My passions are early literacy and kindergarten readiness, and my big goal is to meet each student at his or her individual level. This helps create confidence and independence in early elementary and beyond. Please visit our classroom often. I enjoy creating a cozy, homey atmosphere, and would love to have you join us.
Ms. Mackenzie
Teacher
Being able to educate young children is a blessing for me. I love watching their minds work and finding ways to reach them emotionally and academically. Before coming to Alpine, I managed a couple local restaurants for seven years. This experience taught me patience and dedication which I am eager to share with your and your family. Please say hi. I’d love to hear how I can team up with you to make Alpine a great experience.
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. I can’t wait to make memories with your children!
Ms. Emily
Teacher
Hello, everyone! I'm so excited to work with your children. Every child I have worked with has left a mark on my heart. They always remind me why I chose childcare as my career. My biggest goal is to get to know each child's strengths and needs, form goals to help them along, and incorporate those goals into a healthy, blooming class setting. Before coming to Alpine, I taught toddlers and preschool at Kiddie Club and Goddard. I've also been working on my degree in Child Development. When I'm not taking care of children, I like to go fishing and play with my cats and dogs.
Ms. Makayla
Teacher
I have always been passionate about engaging with children and helping them develop. For over ten years, I have cared for children as a pediatric medical assistant, a daycare worker, and a program director for a large children's program. Through Wayne State University, I obtained a bachelor’s in Psychology, and I am currently working towards a master’s in Elementary Education at Oakland University. I love being at Alpine where I can cultivate a welcoming environment that encourages kids to feel loved, seen, and known.
Ms. Kristy
Teacher
I am so happy to be teaching at Alpine. I have homeschooled all four of my children, and I’m eager to share my knowledge and skills to help your children learn and prosper. I am truly interested in developing long-term relationships with all of Alpine’s parents, ones in which we share pictures and ideas and find joy in watching your children grow. I stayed at my last job for 24 years, and I hope to be nurturing and loving children here for just as long. See you soon!
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. Anna
Teacher
Hello families! I am passionate about working with children and delighted to get to know you and your family. Before coming to Alpine, I worked with infants and toddlers for several years, most recently at a preschool in Oxford. These youngest children hold a special place in my heart. The joy we bring each other keeps me going, and I hope to share that joy with you.
Ms. Emerson
Teacher
I grew up in a big family where I learned to love and care for those around me. Although I was one of the younger kids in my family, I adored caring for my two younger sisters. Now that I'm older, my nieces and nephews are my world. Having them in my life has convinced me to continue working with children. Outside of childcare, I have also worked as a missionary and a dog trainer. I love my passions, and I'm excited to meet your children and apply myself to getting to know them and their needs.
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!