Our People
Meet Our Educators
Summers-Knoll staff know what learners need to succeed. As dedicated educators, our staff reach every student and bring joy to every lesson. We are a community of committed, progressive educators dedicated to building community and preparing students for the next stage of their academic careers.
Preview
Clara Ashwood
Young 5s & Kindergarten Teacher
cashwood@summers-knoll.org
I am an educator of young scholars with a background of 21 years experience in Preschool and Kindergarten. I have an Elementary Education degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison and a certificate of Education Leadership from Capella University. I have been at Summers-Knoll School for five years. When first visiting Summers-Knoll, my initial thought was that I wanted to teach here because I wished I could have been a Summers-Knoll student. I would have loved it.
I have specific experience teaching Kindergarten in project-based schools, having spent 8 years at Tesseract School and Minnesota Excellence in Learning Academy. At Tesseract School I gained exposure in implementing a project-based approach to education within a team of Kindergarten and First grade teachers. At Minnesota Excellence in Learning Academy I led in creating the Math Curriculum and Personalized Learning Plan program for Kindergarten.
I live in Ann Arbor with my fiancé Matt. I love to run long distance races, bake bread, dance, and travel. This October I’ll be running the Detroit half marathon.
I draw inspiration from the young children to continue to be creative and explorers of the world. I am passionate about sharing to others the importance of the young child.
cashwood@summers-knoll.org
I am an educator of young scholars with a background of 21 years experience in Preschool and Kindergarten. I have an Elementary Education degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison and a certificate of Education Leadership from Capella University. I have been at Summers-Knoll School for five years. When first visiting Summers-Knoll, my initial thought was that I wanted to teach here because I wished I could have been a Summers-Knoll student. I would have loved it.
I have specific experience teaching Kindergarten in project-based schools, having spent 8 years at Tesseract School and Minnesota Excellence in Learning Academy. At Tesseract School I gained exposure in implementing a project-based approach to education within a team of Kindergarten and First grade teachers. At Minnesota Excellence in Learning Academy I led in creating the Math Curriculum and Personalized Learning Plan program for Kindergarten.
I live in Ann Arbor with my fiancé Matt. I love to run long distance races, bake bread, dance, and travel. This October I’ll be running the Detroit half marathon.
I draw inspiration from the young children to continue to be creative and explorers of the world. I am passionate about sharing to others the importance of the young child.
Clara Ashwood
Young 5s & Kindergarten Teacher
cashwood@summers-knoll.org
Preview
Karen Bayoneto
Director of Operations
kbayoneto@summers-knoll.org
As the Director of Operations I have overseen the day to day operations of Summers-Knoll since January 2009 and admissions and enrollment since 2017. The position is very rewarding for me because it allows me to work with not only the staff, but our students, parents and prospective parents daily. After graduating with my Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Michigan, I spent many years working in healthcare finance before joining the team at SK. I have two children, a Wolverine and a Spartan that are both alumni of SK.
kbayoneto@summers-knoll.org
As the Director of Operations I have overseen the day to day operations of Summers-Knoll since January 2009 and admissions and enrollment since 2017. The position is very rewarding for me because it allows me to work with not only the staff, but our students, parents and prospective parents daily. After graduating with my Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Michigan, I spent many years working in healthcare finance before joining the team at SK. I have two children, a Wolverine and a Spartan that are both alumni of SK.
Karen Bayoneto
Director of Operations
kbayoneto@summers-knoll.org
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Eddie Carrillo
Upper School Co-Teacher
ecarrillo@summers-knoll.org
Eddie relocated to Ann Arbor shortly after graduating from The University of Texas at El Paso in 2021. He earned a BS in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Ecology and Evolution. As an undergraduate, Eddie conducted research in education improvement in the biological sciences department. He primarily worked with qualitative data to discover correlations between how instructors speak to students and the affects it has on student outcomes. He has collaborated with multiple Universities such as the University of Georgia, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and the University of UC Davis. When Eddie has free time, he enjoys going to the gym, reading books, walking through Ann Arbor’s beautiful parks, trying new foods, and nerding out on some video games/comic books.
Eddie started as a teacher assistant for the middle school at Summers-Knoll and will now be an associate teacher for the 2022-2023 school year for the 7th/8th-grade class. Eddie will lead the Summers-Knoll Chess Club and looks forward to participating in the Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad team once again. From his research and teaching experiences, Eddie has learned how important it is to conceptualize material for students and believes Summers-Knoll grants the freedom for students and teachers to make those connections. Eddie focuses on meeting the specific needs of each student and strives to create a comfortable environment to allow students to take ask questions and take risks. Eddie enjoys the opportunity that students have at SK to express their creativity and build on the real-world skills that they will use throughout their lives.
ecarrillo@summers-knoll.org
Eddie relocated to Ann Arbor shortly after graduating from The University of Texas at El Paso in 2021. He earned a BS in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Ecology and Evolution. As an undergraduate, Eddie conducted research in education improvement in the biological sciences department. He primarily worked with qualitative data to discover correlations between how instructors speak to students and the affects it has on student outcomes. He has collaborated with multiple Universities such as the University of Georgia, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and the University of UC Davis. When Eddie has free time, he enjoys going to the gym, reading books, walking through Ann Arbor’s beautiful parks, trying new foods, and nerding out on some video games/comic books.
Eddie started as a teacher assistant for the middle school at Summers-Knoll and will now be an associate teacher for the 2022-2023 school year for the 7th/8th-grade class. Eddie will lead the Summers-Knoll Chess Club and looks forward to participating in the Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad team once again. From his research and teaching experiences, Eddie has learned how important it is to conceptualize material for students and believes Summers-Knoll grants the freedom for students and teachers to make those connections. Eddie focuses on meeting the specific needs of each student and strives to create a comfortable environment to allow students to take ask questions and take risks. Eddie enjoys the opportunity that students have at SK to express their creativity and build on the real-world skills that they will use throughout their lives.
Eddie Carrillo
Upper School Co-Teacher
ecarrillo@summers-knoll.org
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Matt Cooper
Upper School Co-Teacher
mcooper@summers-knoll.org
I have been in the teaching/education field for about 23 years now. I have taught at all levels, from K-12 to adjuncting at the college level. I am passionate about teaching, and I hope that it will show when you see me interacting with the students.
mcooper@summers-knoll.org
I have been in the teaching/education field for about 23 years now. I have taught at all levels, from K-12 to adjuncting at the college level. I am passionate about teaching, and I hope that it will show when you see me interacting with the students.
Matt Cooper
Upper School Co-Teacher
mcooper@summers-knoll.org
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Colin Coviello
Music Teacher
ccoviello@summers-knoll.org
Colin is very excited for his second year as the music teacher at Summers-Knoll! He recently moved to Michigan with his wife, Ashani, who is in a graduate program at the University of Michigan. Colin is a recent music education graduate with a passion for all things music. Colin began studying and performing music at a young age when he began violin lessons at 3 years old. Having grown up in a musical household, there was never a time when Colin was not involved in some musical activity. Colin inherited a love for music education from his mother, who is a choral director. He has performed in orchestras, choirs, and musical theater productions which has given him an appreciation for the broad and diverse field of music. Colin believes there is a place for music in everyone’s life, whether it be listening, performing, creating, or teaching. As a teacher, Colin wants to foster curiosity and appreciation for music no matter what interest his students have. Colin strives to show his students the beautiful and complex art form that is music, and make sure to have some fun along the way.
ccoviello@summers-knoll.org
Colin is very excited for his second year as the music teacher at Summers-Knoll! He recently moved to Michigan with his wife, Ashani, who is in a graduate program at the University of Michigan. Colin is a recent music education graduate with a passion for all things music. Colin began studying and performing music at a young age when he began violin lessons at 3 years old. Having grown up in a musical household, there was never a time when Colin was not involved in some musical activity. Colin inherited a love for music education from his mother, who is a choral director. He has performed in orchestras, choirs, and musical theater productions which has given him an appreciation for the broad and diverse field of music. Colin believes there is a place for music in everyone’s life, whether it be listening, performing, creating, or teaching. As a teacher, Colin wants to foster curiosity and appreciation for music no matter what interest his students have. Colin strives to show his students the beautiful and complex art form that is music, and make sure to have some fun along the way.
Colin Coviello
Music Teacher
ccoviello@summers-knoll.org
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Aristea Fulcher
Classroom Assistant
afulcher@summers-knoll.org
I am a Preschool Assistant at Summers-Knoll and a SK alumnus. Even when attending Summers-Knoll in middle school I knew it was a special place. I’ve always loved how community-focused the school is, and I am so excited to be able to rejoin this community. It has been amazing to get the opportunity to revisit my old school and see how they’ve continued to improve it. While most schools and school plans haven’t changed for years, Summers-Knoll is constantly changing and evolving to make sure it’s the best version of itself for the student body. I spent several years tutoring and babysitting before working at the school, which ignited my love of teaching and spending time with children. I love getting their perspective of the world, even though they assume I am 55 and have children. No one sees the world quite like a kid. I’m interested in pursuing a career in teaching, but for the time being I’ve been enjoying just spending time with the kids, telling stories, making crafts, and playing games. I enjoy playing guitar, reading, and playing Dungeons and Dragons with my friends in my free time. I love animals and am a pescatarian and cat owner. I have two cats, one which my friend theorizes is stuffed with bean bag filling and the other which is named Rocket Ship. My Favorite color is periwinkle, mostly because I think the name is funny. The color is pretty too though.
afulcher@summers-knoll.org
I am a Preschool Assistant at Summers-Knoll and a SK alumnus. Even when attending Summers-Knoll in middle school I knew it was a special place. I’ve always loved how community-focused the school is, and I am so excited to be able to rejoin this community. It has been amazing to get the opportunity to revisit my old school and see how they’ve continued to improve it. While most schools and school plans haven’t changed for years, Summers-Knoll is constantly changing and evolving to make sure it’s the best version of itself for the student body. I spent several years tutoring and babysitting before working at the school, which ignited my love of teaching and spending time with children. I love getting their perspective of the world, even though they assume I am 55 and have children. No one sees the world quite like a kid. I’m interested in pursuing a career in teaching, but for the time being I’ve been enjoying just spending time with the kids, telling stories, making crafts, and playing games. I enjoy playing guitar, reading, and playing Dungeons and Dragons with my friends in my free time. I love animals and am a pescatarian and cat owner. I have two cats, one which my friend theorizes is stuffed with bean bag filling and the other which is named Rocket Ship. My Favorite color is periwinkle, mostly because I think the name is funny. The color is pretty too though.
Aristea Fulcher
Classroom Assistant
afulcher@summers-knoll.org
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Imogen Giles
French and Latin Teacher
igiles@summers-knoll.org
I am the Languages teacher at Summers-Knoll and have been an SK faculty member for over a decade. I teach Latin to every class from Preschool to 8th grade and French from 1st to 8th grade. This role in our school life means I am known as Magistra and as Madame, and I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to begin a Latin program for the School when I was first appointed to transform what was a small French program to one that embraces all our students.
I gained my Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from the University of London in England. I taught in a number of independent schools before becoming the Head of Classics at Cobham Hall School in Kent and then moving to this country.
I am an ardent reader and love classical music, ballet, drawing, and painting. I also love to travel and look forward to spending each Summer with my family in our home in France.
igiles@summers-knoll.org
I am the Languages teacher at Summers-Knoll and have been an SK faculty member for over a decade. I teach Latin to every class from Preschool to 8th grade and French from 1st to 8th grade. This role in our school life means I am known as Magistra and as Madame, and I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to begin a Latin program for the School when I was first appointed to transform what was a small French program to one that embraces all our students.
I gained my Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from the University of London in England. I taught in a number of independent schools before becoming the Head of Classics at Cobham Hall School in Kent and then moving to this country.
I am an ardent reader and love classical music, ballet, drawing, and painting. I also love to travel and look forward to spending each Summer with my family in our home in France.
Imogen Giles
French and Latin Teacher
igiles@summers-knoll.org
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Thea Givens
Classroom Assistant
tgivens@summers-knoll.org
I began at Summers-Knoll two years ago as a classroom assistant and aftercare attendant for the Young 5s and Kindergarten class. I’ve grown up in the Ann Arbor area and have forayed in my personal and academic learning into foreign language (French, Japanese, Spanish), global cultures, and various slices of biology such as medical science, native plants and trees. Anything that has to do with humans or the natural world will often pique my interest. I’m very excited to be working at a school with a Project-Based Learning curriculum. I hope to somehow transmit my zeal for knowledge to those I work with at Summers-Knoll. I began at Summers-Knoll two years ago with one of our kindergarten classes as an aftercare attendant and classroom assistant. I grew up in the Ann Arbor area and have forayed in my personal and academic learning into foreign languages (French, Japanese, Spanish), global cultures, and various slices of biology such as medical science, native plants, and trees. Anything related to humans or the natural world will often pique my interest. I’m very excited to be working at a school with a Project-Based Learning curriculum. I hope to transmit my zeal for knowledge to those I work with at Summers-Knoll.
tgivens@summers-knoll.org
I began at Summers-Knoll two years ago as a classroom assistant and aftercare attendant for the Young 5s and Kindergarten class. I’ve grown up in the Ann Arbor area and have forayed in my personal and academic learning into foreign language (French, Japanese, Spanish), global cultures, and various slices of biology such as medical science, native plants and trees. Anything that has to do with humans or the natural world will often pique my interest. I’m very excited to be working at a school with a Project-Based Learning curriculum. I hope to somehow transmit my zeal for knowledge to those I work with at Summers-Knoll. I began at Summers-Knoll two years ago with one of our kindergarten classes as an aftercare attendant and classroom assistant. I grew up in the Ann Arbor area and have forayed in my personal and academic learning into foreign languages (French, Japanese, Spanish), global cultures, and various slices of biology such as medical science, native plants, and trees. Anything related to humans or the natural world will often pique my interest. I’m very excited to be working at a school with a Project-Based Learning curriculum. I hope to transmit my zeal for knowledge to those I work with at Summers-Knoll.
Thea Givens
Classroom Assistant
tgivens@summers-knoll.org
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Barbara Hohmann
1st/2nd Grade Teacher
bhohmann@summers-knoll.org
Hello, my name is Barbara Hohmann. I am a First and Second grade teacher at Summers-Knoll. This is my sixth year at Summers-Knoll, first as a parent, then as a substitute, and then lead teacher. I am a passionate, creative person and always work hard to do my best.
I was raised in Okinawa until I was 10 years old and then my family moved to New Smyrna Bleach, Florida. I feel the relationships that I have formed throughout my life are powerful and have shaped who I am. Given this, teaching is some of the most important work I can do. Through human connection, I believe that we have the ability to cause change.
Over the past 20 years I have taught and learned from young people as a camp counselor, public school teacher, children’s shelter counselor and teacher, Waldorf teacher, museum educator, art teacher, and mother. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and a Masters in Education and Arts Administration, both from Florida State University. I also have a degree in Surface Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, and a Waldorf teaching certificate from the Waldorf Institute of SouthEast Michigan.
When I am not teaching I enjoy my wonderful family. My partner and two children keep me busy, rock climbing, surfing, fishing and going on adventures. I love the ocean, plants and creating things.
bhohmann@summers-knoll.org
Hello, my name is Barbara Hohmann. I am a First and Second grade teacher at Summers-Knoll. This is my sixth year at Summers-Knoll, first as a parent, then as a substitute, and then lead teacher. I am a passionate, creative person and always work hard to do my best.
I was raised in Okinawa until I was 10 years old and then my family moved to New Smyrna Bleach, Florida. I feel the relationships that I have formed throughout my life are powerful and have shaped who I am. Given this, teaching is some of the most important work I can do. Through human connection, I believe that we have the ability to cause change.
Over the past 20 years I have taught and learned from young people as a camp counselor, public school teacher, children’s shelter counselor and teacher, Waldorf teacher, museum educator, art teacher, and mother. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and a Masters in Education and Arts Administration, both from Florida State University. I also have a degree in Surface Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, and a Waldorf teaching certificate from the Waldorf Institute of SouthEast Michigan.
When I am not teaching I enjoy my wonderful family. My partner and two children keep me busy, rock climbing, surfing, fishing and going on adventures. I love the ocean, plants and creating things.
Barbara Hohmann
1st/2nd Grade Teacher
bhohmann@summers-knoll.org
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Johnathan Letcher
Head of School
jletcher@summers-knoll.org
Johnathan Letcher is an experienced educator with over 20 years of service in education. He has worked in various capacities and locations throughout the United States, including Seattle, Massachusetts, and Maryland. His diverse roles have included being a teacher, principal, School Improvement Officer, and Deputy Superintendent. In addition to his domestic experience, Mr. Johnathan has worked internationally as a Head for several international American schools.
Mr. Johnathan (as students call him) joined Summers-Knoll because he believes SK’s approach to education is the best form of teaching for the 21st-century student. Summers-Knoll’s innovative and forward-thinking educational philosophy ensures students are well-equipped with rigorous Hard and Soft skills, which are critical for children as they attend high school, college, and career.
jletcher@summers-knoll.org
Johnathan Letcher is an experienced educator with over 20 years of service in education. He has worked in various capacities and locations throughout the United States, including Seattle, Massachusetts, and Maryland. His diverse roles have included being a teacher, principal, School Improvement Officer, and Deputy Superintendent. In addition to his domestic experience, Mr. Johnathan has worked internationally as a Head for several international American schools.
Mr. Johnathan (as students call him) joined Summers-Knoll because he believes SK’s approach to education is the best form of teaching for the 21st-century student. Summers-Knoll’s innovative and forward-thinking educational philosophy ensures students are well-equipped with rigorous Hard and Soft skills, which are critical for children as they attend high school, college, and career.
Johnathan Letcher
Head of School
jletcher@summers-knoll.org
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Myia Love
Myia is originally from Fenton Michigan, and recently graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a bachelors’ degree in anthropology. Myia finds herself passionate about pursuing a career in the education field and accumulating experience working in early childhood education. She plans on attending graduate school in the Fall of 2024 and is currently securing a Child Development Associate credential during her gap year. Myia hopes to combine her love of anthropology and her passion for early childhood education during her graduate studies. In her free time, Myia enjoys small social gatherings, writing, and learning new languages.
Myia Love
Aftercare Attendant
mlove@summers-knoll.org
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Kimberley Michalishyn
Business Director
kdowning@summers-knoll.org
I came to Summers-Knoll with 15 years of experience in retail and wholesale banking. During the last seven years of my career, I supervised the Funding Department, created the Monetary Collections Department, and then moved on to being a Business Analyst for Interfirst. She holds a degree in Occupational Studies from Washtenaw Community College along with several other banking-specific certificates. I have been with Summers-Knoll for over 13 years now and love watching how the students change and grow from year to year. It is truly amazing to watch as they progress through their journey. I have a blended family of five boys who keep me on my toes.
kdowning@summers-knoll.org
I came to Summers-Knoll with 15 years of experience in retail and wholesale banking. During the last seven years of my career, I supervised the Funding Department, created the Monetary Collections Department, and then moved on to being a Business Analyst for Interfirst. She holds a degree in Occupational Studies from Washtenaw Community College along with several other banking-specific certificates. I have been with Summers-Knoll for over 13 years now and love watching how the students change and grow from year to year. It is truly amazing to watch as they progress through their journey. I have a blended family of five boys who keep me on my toes.
Kimberley Michalishyn
Business Director
kdowning@summers-knoll.org
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Erika Noel
3rd/4th Grade Teacher
enoel@summers-knoll.org
Erika was born and raised in Ann Arbor and earned two bachelor’s degrees (Cultural Anthropology and Environmental Studies) at the University of Michigan. She has been teaching in the San Francisco Bay Area for the past 23 years and is thrilled to part of the SK community. Her teaching career began in outdoor/environmental education, where students regularly asked her, “Why can’t school always be like this?” This question drove her to get her teaching credential and devote the next 15 years to bringing thematically integrated, hands-on, project-based learning to grades 1-6 in both public and private schools. In addition, Erika spent two years teaching and writing curriculum for the education department at The Lawrence Hall of Science.
Erika’s passion is science, and thus, it has been the main through line in her career. Her hobbies are hiking, birding, traveling, reading, gardening, and dancing.
enoel@summers-knoll.org
Erika was born and raised in Ann Arbor and earned two bachelor’s degrees (Cultural Anthropology and Environmental Studies) at the University of Michigan. She has been teaching in the San Francisco Bay Area for the past 23 years and is thrilled to part of the SK community. Her teaching career began in outdoor/environmental education, where students regularly asked her, “Why can’t school always be like this?” This question drove her to get her teaching credential and devote the next 15 years to bringing thematically integrated, hands-on, project-based learning to grades 1-6 in both public and private schools. In addition, Erika spent two years teaching and writing curriculum for the education department at The Lawrence Hall of Science.
Erika’s passion is science, and thus, it has been the main through line in her career. Her hobbies are hiking, birding, traveling, reading, gardening, and dancing.
Erika Noel
3rd/4th Grade Teacher
enoel@summers-knoll.org
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Mary Perrin
Art Teacher
mperrin@summers-knoll.org
This is my 8th year at Summers-Knoll. My BFA is from EMU, and my skill base in the arts is wide, varied, and always growing. I currently work with an artist’s collective based in Detroit, building themed vehicles, sets, and activities for creative events.
Though I am working towards becoming a certified teacher, I believe my background in the “real world” of Art, as opposed to arts education, is one of the strengths I bring to the school. Many things can only be learned through doing, and I have a lifetime of experience being an artist, working with other artists, and presenting my art to the public. My goal is to teach your children how to teach themselves art so they can continue to learn and grow as artists and creative thinkers long after they leave my classroom.
mperrin@summers-knoll.org
This is my 8th year at Summers-Knoll. My BFA is from EMU, and my skill base in the arts is wide, varied, and always growing. I currently work with an artist’s collective based in Detroit, building themed vehicles, sets, and activities for creative events.
Though I am working towards becoming a certified teacher, I believe my background in the “real world” of Art, as opposed to arts education, is one of the strengths I bring to the school. Many things can only be learned through doing, and I have a lifetime of experience being an artist, working with other artists, and presenting my art to the public. My goal is to teach your children how to teach themselves art so they can continue to learn and grow as artists and creative thinkers long after they leave my classroom.
Mary Perrin
Art Teacher
mperrin@summers-knoll.org
Preview
Jaylen Shipp
Aftercare Attendant
jshipp@summers-knoll.org
I started at SK in Fall of 2021 as a Classroom Assistant and Aftercare Attendant with the Young 5’s and Kindergartners and worked the summer camp with all ages. I like nachos and video games.
jshipp@summers-knoll.org
I started at SK in Fall of 2021 as a Classroom Assistant and Aftercare Attendant with the Young 5’s and Kindergartners and worked the summer camp with all ages. I like nachos and video games.
Jaylen Shipp
Aftercare Attendant
jshipp@summers-knoll.org
Preview
Kristel Solano
Front Office Support & Aftercare Attendant
solano@summers-knoll.org
I have been working at Summers-Knoll for about three years, wearing many hats. I support the Front Office and I am a member of the Aftercare Team. I’m also part of the SK Building and Grounds crew. I love working at Summers-Knoll because I never get bored talking to SK kids and spending time with them.
In my free time, I enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures and languages. I was born and raised in Costa Rica, Central America, so I have always enjoyed getting to know other cultures and beliefs.
solano@summers-knoll.org
I have been working at Summers-Knoll for about three years, wearing many hats. I support the Front Office and I am a member of the Aftercare Team. I’m also part of the SK Building and Grounds crew. I love working at Summers-Knoll because I never get bored talking to SK kids and spending time with them.
In my free time, I enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures and languages. I was born and raised in Costa Rica, Central America, so I have always enjoyed getting to know other cultures and beliefs.
Kristel Solano
Front Office Support & Aftercare Attendant
ksolano@summers-knoll.org
Preview
Mary Swain
Learning Specialist
mswain@summers-knoll.org
I am the Learning Specialist at Summers-Knoll and have been here for 10 years. My Masters Degree is in Special Education from Eastern Michigan University, and my Bachelors is from the University of Michigan. I attended the Residential College, and graduated with a concentration in Latin American Studies.
I have been an educator for 40 years.I started my teaching career as a Teacher Consultant and after 7 years, I moved into the regular education classroom, where I taught 3-5th grade. I enjoyed teaching in a small school district and community.
I worked privately before coming to Summers-Knoll and many of my referrals were for students struggling in reading. Because of that, I sought out more information on dyslexia and took various reading remediation trainings including Orton-Gillingham and FAST Reading. I am thrilled to be here at Summers-Knoll and appreciate the collaborative spirit here.
I love to travel, read and learn, and spend time with friends and family. Pre-covid much of my time was spent in social justice settings. I hope to return to that sometime soon.
mswain@summers-knoll.org
I am the Learning Specialist at Summers-Knoll and have been here for 10 years. My Masters Degree is in Special Education from Eastern Michigan University, and my Bachelors is from the University of Michigan. I attended the Residential College, and graduated with a concentration in Latin American Studies.
I have been an educator for 40 years.I started my teaching career as a Teacher Consultant and after 7 years, I moved into the regular education classroom, where I taught 3-5th grade. I enjoyed teaching in a small school district and community.
I worked privately before coming to Summers-Knoll and many of my referrals were for students struggling in reading. Because of that, I sought out more information on dyslexia and took various reading remediation trainings including Orton-Gillingham and FAST Reading. I am thrilled to be here at Summers-Knoll and appreciate the collaborative spirit here.
I love to travel, read and learn, and spend time with friends and family. Pre-covid much of my time was spent in social justice settings. I hope to return to that sometime soon.
Mary Swain
Learning Specialist
mswain@summers-knoll.org
Preview
Carrie Symons
Executive Director of Teaching & Learning
csymons@summers-knoll.org
As the Executive Director of Teaching & Learning at Summers-Knoll (SK), I work with SK teachers to design standards-aligned, project-based instruction that fosters students’ creativity, curiosity, and compassion for others. My long-term goal is to co-construct systematic, sustainable structures that support SK teachers’ curriculum development, instruction, and continual professional growth.
Before joining SK, I was an elementary classroom teacher for ten years (six at a public school in Denver, Colorado, and four at a PreK-12 independent school in Watsonville, California). After earning my PhD in Educational Studies at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, I joined the faculty in the Department of Teacher Education at Michigan State University in East Lansing for seven years, where I taught undergraduate and graduate courses in literacy methods, action research, and multilingual learners’ language development across content areas.
Alongside my work in education, I enjoy cycling, practicing yoga, spending time with my spouse and two cats, and traveling.
csymons@summers-knoll.org
As the Executive Director of Teaching & Learning at Summers-Knoll (SK), I work with SK teachers to design standards-aligned, project-based instruction that fosters students’ creativity, curiosity, and compassion for others. My long-term goal is to co-construct systematic, sustainable structures that support SK teachers’ curriculum development, instruction, and continual professional growth.
Before joining SK, I was an elementary classroom teacher for ten years (six at a public school in Denver, Colorado, and four at a PreK-12 independent school in Watsonville, California). After earning my PhD in Educational Studies at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, I joined the faculty in the Department of Teacher Education at Michigan State University in East Lansing for seven years, where I taught undergraduate and graduate courses in literacy methods, action research, and multilingual learners’ language development across content areas.
Alongside my work in education, I enjoy cycling, practicing yoga, spending time with my spouse and two cats, and traveling.
Carrie Symons
Executive Director of Teaching & Learning
csymons@summers-knoll.org
Preview
Valerie Tibbs-Wynne
Preschool Director & Lead Teacher
vtwynne@summers-knoll.org
Valerie Tibbs-Wynne (Val) has been in the field of education, in various capacities and age groups for over 30 years where she combines her passions for both education and art. She previously taught SK Kindergarten (8 years), Preschool (24 years total, two at SK) and piloted the Young 5s program (two years) at Summers-Knoll School. She enjoys the opportunity to create and intermingle the disciplines through project-based/place based learning experiences. She strives to glean her student’s interests and passions in order to drive the learning process and areas of study. For her part, she hopes to consistently provide relevant, participatory, creative, authentic, and hands-on learning experiences with the children she serves through literature, field trips and guest presenters. She also uses her artistic background and passion for artists and literature to enhance the whole curriculum in unique and thoughtful ways. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University.
Valerie has been a presenter at the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children’s Conference (MiAEYC) in Grand Rapids, Michigan on several occasions. She wrote her curriculum, “Andy Warhol Can, Can You?” as a reflection of the actual activities and principles she has applied in her own classrooms throughout her career. She gives tangible examples of how even the most hesitant, “I can’t draw a stick figure” teacher can incorporate art into their Early Education environment (birth-8 years) and across all domains of the learning environment.
Valerie has been married to hubby Jonathan for 39 years and is the proud mom of 4 grown children. All are artistic in their own way and most are educators! She is an even prouder Grandmother to two sets of twins who she spends evenings with just about every single day.
vtwynne@summers-knoll.org
Valerie Tibbs-Wynne (Val) has been in the field of education, in various capacities and age groups for over 30 years where she combines her passions for both education and art. She previously taught SK Kindergarten (8 years), Preschool (24 years total, two at SK) and piloted the Young 5s program (two years) at Summers-Knoll School. She enjoys the opportunity to create and intermingle the disciplines through project-based/place based learning experiences. She strives to glean her student’s interests and passions in order to drive the learning process and areas of study. For her part, she hopes to consistently provide relevant, participatory, creative, authentic, and hands-on learning experiences with the children she serves through literature, field trips and guest presenters. She also uses her artistic background and passion for artists and literature to enhance the whole curriculum in unique and thoughtful ways. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University.
Valerie has been a presenter at the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children’s Conference (MiAEYC) in Grand Rapids, Michigan on several occasions. She wrote her curriculum, “Andy Warhol Can, Can You?” as a reflection of the actual activities and principles she has applied in her own classrooms throughout her career. She gives tangible examples of how even the most hesitant, “I can’t draw a stick figure” teacher can incorporate art into their Early Education environment (birth-8 years) and across all domains of the learning environment.
Valerie has been married to hubby Jonathan for 39 years and is the proud mom of 4 grown children. All are artistic in their own way and most are educators! She is an even prouder Grandmother to two sets of twins who she spends evenings with just about every single day.
Valerie Tibbs-Wynne
Preschool Director & Lead Teacher
vtwynne@summers-knoll.org
Meet Our Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is a diverse group of parents and community members who oversees school policies, maintains financial oversight, and plans for the long-term future of Summers-Knoll. Board members serve three-year terms, with the potential of re-election for a second term.
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Victoria Burton-Harris
Victoria Burton-Harris serves as the Chief Assistant Prosecutor for Washtenaw County. She earned a B.A. in Political Science and African American Studies from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and earned her JD from Wayne State University Law School. Victoria is passionate about the relationship between law, social justice, equality, and making sure that the people around her feel valued and heard. Victoria is dedicated to supporting SK because of its mission to meet each child where they are, despite their different needs. Victoria and her husband Robert are the parents of a kindergarten student.
Victoria Burton-Harris
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HJ Decker, Treasurer
HJ Decker is vice president of Gas Sales & Supply for DTE Gas, DTE Energy’s natural gas utility. HJ is responsible for procuring and delivering natural gas to DTE Energy’s supply customers. He is also leading the sales and marketing efforts in delivering gas and related services to all customers, from residential to large industrial. HJ holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration degree from Carnegie Mellon University. HJ is also the Treasurer of the United Way of Washtenaw County. He has one son attending SK.
HJ Decker, Treasurer
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Ed Feng
Ed Feng is a data scientist, mathematician and writer. After getting his Ph.D. from Stanford in Chemical Engineering, he started The Power Rank, a site devoted to football and March Madness predictions through analytics. Ed also serves as a volunteer math teacher at Summers-Knoll. He uses games to teach probability and is working on a computer programming curriculum.
Ed Feng
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Margarita Hernandez
Margarita is the director of entrepreneurial services at Ann Arbor SPARK. After completing her BS degree in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Texas at San Antonio, she moved to Ann Arbor from her hometown of Austin. It was here that she earned a doctorate in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from the University of Michigan. Following graduate school, she joined Fast Forward Medical Innovation at the University of Michigan supporting healthcare commercialization education courses and mentoring biomedical innovation projects for medical students and clinicians. Later catching the entrepreneur bug, Margarita joined a budding medical device and software startup, Pathware, where she supported both clinical business development and later operations as the chief operations officer.
Margarita Hernandez
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Leon Parker, President
Leon is an attorney practicing federal criminal defense law. He has a J.D. from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelor’s from Vanderbilt University. Leon and his wife, Nancy, recently relocated to Detroit and have two children attending SK. Leon values an inclusive educational environment where children are provided with the tools necessary to become intellectually independent.
Leon Parker, President
Explore our Signature Academic Programs
Preschool – Kindergarten
Through exploration, experimentation, and play, our preschool students find deep understanding in appropriate academic and social learning environments.
Through exploration, experimentation, and play, our preschool students find deep understanding in appropriate academic and social learning environments.
1st – 4th Grade
Our lower school students continue their interdisciplinary core subject discoveries with a focus on collaboration and independence.
5th – 8th Grade
Our Upper School students are prepared for success in high school, college, and life. Our program culminates in eight 21st century proficiencies by creating an instructional program so that students can apply what they have learned.
Young Explorers
Lower School
Upper School
