Kim Anderson
I am a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, where I received my certificate in Elementary Education, with a major in Mathematics and minor in Integrated Science. I have been married for 18 years, and I have three wonderful children. Teaching is my third career in life. Previously, I served in the Navy for 5 ½ years, and then worked in the information technology industry for 7 years. In 2002, I decided to go back to school to obtain my teaching degree. I graduated in December 2006, and began my teaching career at Keystone I September 2007. I absolutely love coming to work every day and teaching the amazing students that we have at Keystone Academy.
Mrs. Chelly Eifert
I currently teach 6th/7th grade ELA, as well as drama to the 7th/8th grade. I spent the majority of my career teaching the 5th grade. It was to my good fortune that I was brought here to Keystone in 2006. As for my education, I attended Wayne State University. I received my Bachelor of Science in English and Education and Master of Art in Creative Writing. In 2008, I co-authored a collection of teacher narratives which was published locally. Obviously, I am passionate about writing, but my favorite pastime when I’m not reading or writing, is shopping for shoes!
Miss Cacey Grimes
Hello! My name is Miss Cacey Grimes and this is my fourth year at Keystone Academy teaching middle school math. For the 2009-2010 school year, I will be teaching 6th grade math, creative writing and math matters.
I have a Bachelor’s degree from Madonna University and am currently finishing up a Master’s in Learning Disabilities, also from Madonna University. Before coming to Keystone, I worked for Livonia Public Schools. I love music and can play five instruments; piano, flute, clarinet, bass clarinet and guitar. My other favorites include reading, walking, bike riding and baking.
Mr. Dustin Harnish
I have been an educator for the last three years. I joined the Keystone team in the fall of 2009. I took over 6th and 7th grade Social Studies, Civics, Twentieth Century History and the Junior Achievement finance course. I have my Bachelor of Arts in History and my Master’s in Education from DePaul University. I relocated to the area from Chicago. My students will tell you that I am a die hard Chicago sports fan (except for the Cubs). I have a passion for teaching Social Studies and look forward to working with you and your child.
Mrs. Heidi Izard
It is hard to believe how fast time flies by. This will be my seventh year teaching at Keystone Academy. In 2008, I completed my Master’s Degree in Special Education with a focus on Learning Disabilities at Madonna University. I completed my Undergraduate degree at Eastern Michigan University with a major in Language Arts and minor in Science. Prior to teaching middle school science and language arts the past three years, I taught 3rd grade for three years. I am excited to be a part of the Science Curriculum Committee and Head of the Keystone Science Fair.
(Mr. Williams and Mrs. Jones)
Mrs. Michele Jones
I knew at a very young age that I wanted to be a teacher, and my personal experiences as a student helped to solidify my goal. I graduated with honors from Eastern Michigan University in 1993, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. I am certified to teach grades K-8 and hold endorsements in both science and English, grades 6-8. I have completed the required coursework for a Master’s Degree in English at Eastern Michigan University and will receive a Master’s Degree upon completion of the Master’s Exam in English/Literature.
Upon receiving my teaching certification in 1993, I accepted a teaching position with the Aldine School District in Houston, Texas, where I taught 4th, as well as 7th and 8th grade. In 2001, I made the decision to stop teaching full-time to stay at home with my two young children. During that time, I worked part-time tutoring students and conducting study skills seminars for middle school and high school students. In 2005, my family moved back to Michigan, and I returned to full-time teaching, accepting a middle school position at Keystone Academy. This will be my fourth year teaching at Keystone Academy.
Mr. Corey Williams
I graduated from Western Michigan University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. I am highly qualified as a teacher for the K-8 classroom, as well as Science 6-8, and social studies K-12. For the past year and a half I have attended Eastern Michigan University working toward a degree in Educational Leadership and Administration.
I have been with National Heritage Academies since the 2006-07 school year. In my first year with NHA I taught 6th grade science and social studies at Research Triangle Charter Academy in Durham, North Carolina. After moving back to Michigan I was offered the position at Keystone, and have greatly enjoyed the past two years teaching 8th grade science and social studies. While at Keystone I’ve coached basketball and also offered my services with National Junior Society and various committees.
Miss Athena Sonke
I teach 7th grade English Language Arts here at Keystone. I graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Teaching Certificate in all subjects in kindergarten through 5th grade, and English Language Arts in 6th through 8th grade. I have experience teaching 3rd grade in the Grand Rapids Public Schools district, and 6th grade in the Northview Public School District. As a former charter school student myself, I am thrilled to join such an outstanding faculty dedicated to challenging the students to reach their highest potential. I am passionate about learning and always seek out opportunities to challenge myself with new and exciting things. I say the word project funny, but that is only because I am Canadian.
Ms. Amanda Wickenheiser
I graduated with honors from Adrian College in 2001 with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education. I am certified to teach grades K-8 with a specialty in Math and English. This will be my sixth year at Keystone Academy and ninth year of teaching. During these six years I have taught 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. At Keystone, I am also a member Math Curriculum Committee. In my previous experience, I taught for three years at a private school.
This is my fourth year at Keystone Academy teaching middle school math. For the 2009-2010 school year, I will be teaching 6th grade Math, Creative Writing and Math Matters. I have a Bachelor’s Degree from Madonna University and am currently finishing up a Master’s in Learning Disabilities, also from Madonna University. Before coming to Keystone, I worked for Livonia Public Schools. I love music and can play five instruments; piano, flute, clarinet, bass clarinet and guitar. My other favorites include reading, walking, bike riding and baking.
