Meet The Staff
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Steve is the proud product of twenty plus years of Detroit education. He went through Detroit Public Schools through eighth grade; graduated from University of Detroit High School; and earned his Bachelor’s of Arts in English and speech, Master’s Degree in Communication, and Ed Specialist degree from Wayne State University. While in college, Steve earned all-American honors as captain of the Wayne State University speech and debate team, as well as numerous leadership awards. He culminated his college career by being a finalist for Wayne State University’s top graduate award. After college, Steve spent twenty years teaching in the public schools in numerous capacities, including serving as an AP teacher, athletic director, and MEA representative. Additionally, Steve did much outside the classroom, coaching debate, basketball and golf, teaching courses at Wayne State University, and serving on Families with Children from China board. For two years, Steve served as testing coordinator for a twelve-school district, coaching principals on a number of issues, and most recently serving as director for WAY Michigan.
In his spare time, Steve enjoys spending time with his wife of 22 years, their two beautiful daughters, two cats, and two dogs. He also is a certified MHSAA/NCAA/NAIA four-sport official.Coming soon!
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Bruce is our second team leader her at WAY Michigan. Bruce comes from two generations of educators and is a graduate of Morehouse College where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. While at Morehouse he was involved in many programs where he mentored students in business skills, worked with students through Junior Achievement, and coached basketball. He realized that he had a ‘knack’ for guiding children in the acquisition of knowledge and skills. He decided he wanted to positively impact the lives of children much like the teachers who made a difference in his life. Bruce decided to pursue advanced coursework in education from University of Detroit. He fell in love with teaching. Bruce takes pride in helping others to be successful. He wants to make an impact in the lives of young people academically and socially. As a Team Leader, Bruce wants every student at WAY Michigan to fulfill their potential.
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James is one of two WAY Michigan team leaders. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University in Secondary Education Social Studies and a Master's degree from Eastern Michigan University in History. He began as a social studies teacher at WAY West in Fall of 2016. While working at WAY he has had the pleasure of working one on one with students to make Graduation Plans to help them create a path for graduation. James says he tries to challenge the students he works with to get better and learn about something new everyday. James was brought on board with WAY Michigan in September 2017, and has enjoyed the challenges that stem from the online community.
In his free time James enjoys spending time with his three-year-old son and planning for his family’s new addition!
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Katey is our main tutor who is responsible for the education of several of our researchers. She states that she loves to teach since she was a young child. Growing up she often “tortured” her brother with extra school time at home, and when he wasn’t available, she claims she taught her stuffed animals. She earned her degree in Special Education and Elementary Education with an emphasis in English from Western Michigan University. After marrying and having three beautiful children, she chose to homeschool them. Now she teaches Public Speaking, K’nex education, and Lego robotics for a homeschool partnership as well as working with students enrolled in WAY Michigan. She loves seeing kids succeed and understand concepts!
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Erica Breshgold graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2009, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Special Education. She earned her teaching certificate in teaching students with Emotional Impairments. She has taught in various special education settings throughout Oakland County, Detroit and Ann Arbor. In 2011, Erica helped create a Day Treatment Center in Oak Park for severely Emotionally Impaired students living throughout Oakland County. This program was very successful, and she worked there until coming to WAY in 2016. In 2016, Erica began working at the WAY program in Washtenaw. She was instantly drawn to the WAY program because of the creativity of lessons involved, the individualization it offered, and the peaceful atmosphere it provided for all of its students. Erica's main teaching objective is to motivate and inspire students, as well as help them gain confidence and self-esteem so they can lead successful and productive lives.
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Kimberly graduated in 2009 from the University of Michigan Dearborn with a Master of Arts in History (minor in English) and a Secondary Teaching Certificate in Social Studies and English. She is currently attending Central Michigan University Online and working on her Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction, with a focus on literacy. She arrived on the education scene very traditionalist and idealist, but once she started teaching with WAY in 2010 and with WAY Michigan in particular in 2015, she quickly learned to value and appreciate the uniqueness of each and every student and their individual path to a high school diploma and beyond. She loves working with each student within their unique circumstances and working with them to figure out the best way to complete their school work and earn their diploma. She believes with the proper support and encouragement, every student can earn an education that will help them succeed on their path in life.
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Mark's nineteen year career in Information Technology experience includes, but not limited to, Network LAN WAN implementation, Management of technical department personnel. Technical Lead for the installation of a multi campus Windows and Apple server farm. The development Lead of new data center operations and security procedures.
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Charlene is a retired special education teacher who goes by the name of
Charlie. She graduated from MSU with a degree in Industrial Design/Graphic Design and took a job as a Program Assistant at Beacon Day Treatment in order to have insurance. There, she discovered she loved working with troubled youth and went back to school at EMU to earn her Teaching Certificate and her Master’s Degree in
Education. Charlie has been with WAY since fall 2017. Besides teaching Charlie likes to read, garden, draw, and travel.