Meet The Staff

James Pack

Program Director

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My name is James Pack, and I am happy to introduce myself as the Director of Programs at WAY Michigan. I have been in education for nearly 10 years, working in a variety of roles in special education, elementary and secondary schools, as well as positions in central administration. In these roles, I have developed a strong commitment to student success and a passion for creating a positive school culture. I am particularly interested in working with students from diverse backgrounds and helping them reach their full potential. I believe that every child deserves a quality education, regardless of their circumstances.

I hold a bachelor's degree in Human Services and a Masters in Educational Leadership and I am confident that I have the skills and experience necessary to be a successful principal here at WAY Michigan. I am eager to get to know the students, staff, and families of this school community and work together to create a bright future for all.

I am blessed to be married to my high school sweetheart, Jessica. Together, we have the joy of raising our four beautiful daughters - Juliana, Jacenia, Jocelyn, and Jiselle. And, of course, there's our Bernese mountain dog, Ezra, who adds a touch of furry warmth to our lives. When not at school, you can often find me walking or hiking with my family, kayaking in the serene Michigan waters, or grilling on my Blackstone.

Estefania Avina

Paraprofessional

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I'm Estefania Avina, and I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Baker College. Since joining the WAY team in February 2021, I've been deeply involved as a paraprofessional, guiding all our new researchers through their inductions. I work closely with researchers, either in small groups or on a one-on-one basis. My dedication lies in ensuring every researcher's success, supported by daily communication and regular check-ins.

Outside of work, I'm a proud mother to two daughters, Sofia, who is 2.5 years old, and Isabela, who is just 3 months old. Sofia has a great love for camping and the beach, a passion we share. So, I seize every opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors with them, making as many trips to the beach and campsite as possible. Our adventures together are some of my most cherished moments.

Kimberly Iorillo

ELA / Social Studies Teacher /
Parent Liaison

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Kimberly graduated from the University of Michigan Dearborn with a BA in History (minor in English) and a Secondary Teaching Certificate in Social Studies and English. She arrived on the education scene very traditionalist and idealist, but once she started teaching with WAY in 2010, 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 helping them figure out the best way to complete their school work and earn their diploma. She believes that with the proper support and encouragement, every student can earn an education that will help them succeed on their path in life. As a mother of 3, she is also very aware of the role of the parents and guardians in her students' education and works as the parent liaison to help and encourage parents find their way through their student's educational journey.

Jairia Williams

Math Teacher

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Hi! My name is Jairia Williams and I am happy to be a Math teacher at WAY. I’m a wife, mom, and stepmom. Together my husband and I have 5 children - Sophia, Paisley, Jack, Terren, and Lucy. We also have 4 cats - Sasha, Phoenix, Sabrina, and Marshmallow. In my free time, I enjoy going to Boot Camp classes at the gym, playing board games, and spending time outside with my family.

I graduated from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh with my bachelors in elementary education and a minor in math. I recently earned my masters from ACE in integrated curriculum with a concentration in math and science. I have been teaching for over 10 years in a variety of schools from Pittsburgh, PA to west Michigan, most recently in an online/blended setting. I’m passionate about getting to know my students and teaching them as individuals. I enjoy working with students one-on-one to help them figure out math concepts and reach goals that they previously thought were unattainable. I’m excited to bring my knowledge and experience to the students at WAY.

Danielle Himebauch

Special Education Teacher

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I am Danielle Himebauch and it is my pleasure to be working with you. My passion for education began before I knew what being a teacher truly meant. Pursuing my degree and obtaining my teaching certification has exceeded my expectations by leaps and bounds. Through being an educator I am blessed to continue my own education, meet so many wonderful people, and share life's many journeys with them. My hobbies are laughing, singing, writing, and hiking through Michigan's many beautiful trails. My favorite physical trails lead to waterfalls. My favorite figurative trails lead me to anywhere I set my mind. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of your journey!

Jocelyn Jurado

Engagement Coach /
School Technician

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Joy has been with WAY since November 2014, she was the District Site Technician for our academy schools. She has moved to WAY Michigan to be one of our Team Leaders in August 2019. When it comes to WAY, Joy is very passionate about watching all of the researchers succeeding. She loves talking to them on a daily basis, empowering them, and motivating them to do better. She loves to make an impact in their lives in any way possible. She reminds the researchers that they all have the potential to do great and positive things throughout their lives.

On Joy’s free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her teenage daughter, family, and friends.

Ronda Carter

Special Education Director

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Ronda joined WAY Academy Flint in 2018. She serves as the Special Education Teacher, Transition Coordinator, and is the Special Education Administration representative at the GISD. This is her 10th year of teaching. Ronda enjoys gardening, spending time with her family and camping.

Sabrina Shinavier

School Social Worker

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Sabrina has been with WAY as the School Social Worker since 2021. Prior to joining us here at WAY Sabrina worked as a Clinical Therapist in a private practice therapy office and a Mental Health Assistant through Head Start. Sabrina holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan -Flint and a Master's in Social Worker form Spring Arbor University. She also attended Michigan State University to become certified to work in the school setting. While at the lab Sabrina spends time working with students on Social Emotional learning and creating healthy habits for better mental health.

When not in the lba, Sabrina enjoys spending time at the campground with her family, attending sporting events with her husband, and making all types of crafts. She has 2 cats, Lola and Lucy, and a puppy named Mocha that she adores.

Alexandra Guzman

District Pupil Accounting Specialist

Email Alexandra Guzman

‭(313) 627-7971‬

My name is Alexandra Guzman and I am the District Compliance Coordinator/ Pupil Accountant for WAY Program. I grew up in Southwest Detroit and attended Wayne State University. I have worked in schools for around 13 years. Throughout these years I have worked in many positions; as a Special Education aide, Bilingual Paraprofessional, Office Assistant, Parent/Community Liaison, Office Manager, School Accounting, Payroll and Pupil Accountant. I started working at WAY Academy in Southwest Detroit as an Administrative Assistant in 2018. Within all of the different positions I have held I have really enjoyed working with both students and parents but most importantly the community of Southwest Detroit. It was difficult for me to move positions because I had a special place in my heart when it came to working with both the parents and students from the community. I now work at a district level because it was a better fit for my family but I do try to stay involved with the community.

Tina Donze

Email Tina Donze

I've been a teacher for over 20 years in northern Michigan. I earned my BA and MA in music education at Central Michigan University. I love to learn new things and learn new skills, including making music videos. I also love to read a variety of books and listen to audiobooks while I drive, listen to music, ride my four-wheeler, play flute and piano, and work with technology in a variety of ways! I like to play games, enjoy nature, and love animals, especially cats. I have been with WAY/Centric for 10+ years, enjoy meeting new people, and look forward to meeting you and helping in any way I can.