Faculty
Kyle Cox
6th Grade Academic Advisor
6th Grade Core Academics
Kyle Cox has been teaching for 13 years and serves as the lead elementary teacher. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Grand Valley State University in 2011 and his Master of Arts degree in Digital Design and Learning from Central Michigan University in 2021. Kyle enjoys sports, including all things Detroit and the University of Michigan, spending time with his friends and family, and competing for the best lawn in the neighborhood.
Angela Cullin
7th Grade Academic Advisor
7th Grade Core Academics
Angela Cullin has been teaching middle school aged students for 19 years. She holds both Bachelor’s & Master’s degrees from Grand Valley State University, with concentrations in education. Outside of school, Angela enjoys spending time with her husband, Craig, watching television & movies, attending University of Michigan football games, bike riding, practicing yoga, and traveling. Over her career, Angela has participated in teaching trips to Zambia and China.
Karl Redmer
8th Grade Academic Advisor
History & Art
Karl Redmer has been teaching social studies, art, and technology classes for 21 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan Flint, with a concentration in Secondary Education. Karl loves family nights and anything outdoors, including hiking, hunting, and fishing. He is a dog lover and a Detroit sports fanatic.
Andrea Allen
9th Grade Academic Advisor
English
Andrea Allen has been teaching for 12 years, including four years of online teaching experience focused on ESL (English as a Second Language). She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in English Education with a Spanish minor and a Master’s degree in Education from Grand Valley State University. Andrea’s interests and hobbies include spending time outdoors, going to the beach, reading, traveling, and watching documentaries.
Marissa Ortiz
10th Grade Academic Advisor / Honors Academy Advisor
Science
Marissa Ortiz has been teaching secondary science courses for 6 years and holds certification in Gold-Standard Project-Based Learning (PBL) from the Buck Institute of Education. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from Grand Valley State University. Outside of education, Marissa enjoys reading, cooking, gardening, listening to podcasts, and participating in local conservation efforts.
Rob Hamly
11th Grade Academic Advisor
History, Civics, & Economics
Rob Hamly has been teaching for 12 years, holding a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University in Secondary Education. Outside of school, Rob enjoys spending time with his family, working out, being outdoors, hunting, and fishing.
Ashley Crossman
12th Grade Academic Advisor
Mathematics
Ashley Crossman has been teaching for 14 years, serving as a secondary math instructor and the Senior class advisor. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hillsdale College. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys spending time with family, including her new golden retriever puppy, as well as hiking, traveling, and reading.
Dr. Melissa Blake
Instructor
English
Dr. Melissa Blake has been teaching for 21 years, including a term in South Africa. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University, with a concentration in English & Anthropology, a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and Doctorate in Education Technology from Central Michigan University. Melissa enjoys hockey, reading, playing games, and spending time with family.
Tara Garcia
Instructor
Spanish
Tara Garcia has been teaching secondary Spanish courses for 13 years. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education Group Social Studies & Spanish from Grand Valley State University. In her spare time, Tara enjoys baking, reading, and spending time with her family.
Dr. Grace Young
Instructor
Technology, Web Design, & Computer Applications
Dr. Grace Young has been teaching technology courses for 2 years and mentoring FIRST robotics teams for over ten years. In addition to teaching, Grace works as a data scientist at Garmin International. Graduating from Jenison Innovation Academy, Grace earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics & Statistics from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Arts degree in Mathematics & PhD in Computer Science from the University of Kansas. Grace’s hobbies include reading, board games, crafting, and robotics.