Our Staff
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Courtney Alexander
Speech/Language Pathologistemail: alexanderc@a2schools.orgTracy Anderson
Journalism, English Language Arts, Yearbook, Forumemail: andersont@a2schools.orgTracy has been teaching high school since 1997. She is the adviser for The Communicator online and print editions, which are student-run publications that have won numerous state and national awards. She also teaches Intro to Literature, Poetry, Modern Readings, Journalism I, Advanced Journalism, and Forum. Tracy loves to spend time with her family, bake cookies, and travel. She co-authored two books that are published by Heinemann: They Still Can't Spell? and Purposeful Writing. Neither of them have been made into movies. Her right arm is significantly stronger than her left, thanks to all of the papers she grades. Katia Angelova
Teaching Assistantemail: angelovae@a2schools.orgI am a firm believer in the unique inner beauty of every human being, and I am passionate about helping those who most need it to appreciate who they are and find their strength and confidence. Adventure, rock climbing, reading, learning, dancing, and connecting and sharing precious time with friends and family are amongst my passions. I am grateful to be part of the amazing, loving, and dedicated Community High School team! LaMar Ashford
Teaching Assistantemail: ashfordl@a2schools.orgBo Bagherpour
Teaching Assistantemail: bagherpourb@a2schools.orgPatricia Ball
CHS Testing Coordinatoremail: ballp@a2schools.orgI grew up in Chelsea, Michigan, and came from that small high school--one of the many reasons why I love Community. I graduated from EMU and have been an entrepreneur most of my adult life. I am a morning person. I love adventures, running, hiking in nature, and reading. Most of all, though, I love family, whether it be my biological family or family of friends. Wherever I am, I love creating a sense of belonging. I have one son, Bergen. He teaches at WccNet and he is awesome! Traci Blancke
School Social Worker
email: blancket@a2schools.org
I am the social worker at CHS. It’s exciting to be a Zebra! I am originally from Iowa, and have since lived, studied, and worked in different parts of the country and world. Most recently, I landed in Michigan where I live with my husband, Mike, and two 15 year old cats, Micio and Joni. I found the social work profession while teaching high school English and English as a Second Language, and have been a social worker ever since (about 10 years). I am a vegetarian who enjoys swimming, hiking, and visiting local coffee shops with friends. Erica Brenner
School Nurse
email: brennere@a2schools.org
Becky Brent
Health & Wellness, Forum, Community Resource
email: brentr@a2schools.org
I began teaching students about Health in 2000, with a B.S. in School Health Studies from Western Michigan University, and an M.A. in Quality Schools from Graceland University. I marvel at the interconnectivity of the mind, the body, and the spirit, and look forward to sharing this space with students at Community this year. I am learning and growing every day, personally and professionally, and respect my students' capacity to do the same. When I'm taking a break from teaching, you can usually find me outside with family and friends.Shana Cacioppo
School Psychologist
email: cacioppos@a2schools.org
Joann Constantinides
Attendance, Book Depository, and Library Office ProfessionalMary Margaret Cornish
English Language Consultantemail: cornish@a2schools.orgHannah Crabtree
she/they
Art, Forumemail: crabtreeh@a2schools.orgI have been teaching since 2013 and started at Community in 2022. I also teach studio classes at the Toledo Museum of Art. I’m very passionate about mental health, justice, and how we connect to the world through self-expression. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy playing roller derby, mountain biking, paddle boarding, and being outside. Philip Daher
CHS Building Substitute Teacheremail: daherp@a2schools.orgKevin Davis
Community Assistantemail: davisk@a2schools.orgDianne Down
Finance, Math Supportemail: down@a2schools.orgI have finally found my dream school… Community! I have been in the classroom since 1981 and have seen many changes in education. I love working with our wonderful, respectful young people. Teaching mathematics to these students has been a dream come true! I know that our future will be in competent hands. Dianne Dudley
Personal Fitness, A2 Virtual, Forumemail: dudleyd@a2schools.orgI love teaching Fitness and Forum at Community High School. I appreciate using the community as an extended classroom. My students enjoy some of our class activities at the Arboretum, Argo Pond Loop, Wheeler Park, and the cascades. Lisa Durham
Records Clerk, Scheduling, and CR Secretaryemail: durhaml@a2schools.orgSean Eldon
English Language Arts, Forumemail: eldon@a2schools.orgJohn Field
Teaching Assistant
email: fieldj@a2schools.org
Camille Figarra
Occupational Therapistemail: figarrac@a2schools.orgEmma Hamstra
English Language Arts, Forum
email: hamstrae@a2schools.org
Emma is a lifelong townie, with brief stops in Washington, D.C., and Dallas, TX. She is a proud product of the Ann Arbor Public Schools, by way of Burns Park, Tappan, and Pioneer. She graduated from Georgetown University with a B.A. in English and Women’s and Gender Studies, and from Eastern Michigan University with an M.A. in Teaching. Her academic interests include feminist literary criticism, comic books, confessional poetry, pop culture, spoken word, rap music, and the avant-garde. In her free time, she is the assistant coach for the multi-state champions Huron women’s field hockey team, practices yoga, bakes, and hangs out with her dog, T.S. Eliot. Remi Harrington
Counseling Office Secretaryemail: harringtonr@2schools.orgMarci Harris
she/her/elleFrenchemail: harrism@a2schools.orgI teach French I, French II, and French IV at Community, and I am the K-12 District Curriculum Coordinator for World Languages in AAPS. I graduated from the University of Michigan over 30 years ago, moved to Chicago, and started teaching French in West Aurora Schools. I moved back to Michigan a few years later, after immersing myself in the French language at Université Laval. I spent the next 22 years teaching French at Slauson Middle School, earning my Master's Degree in French at EMU, and traveling to Quebec and France when I could. Sarah Hechler
History, Forumemail: hechlers@a2schools.orgI grew up in Mount Rainier, MD, just outside of Washington, D.C. After graduating in 2008, I went to Kenyon College, where I majored in American Studies, with a concentration in Environmental Studies, and minored in Italian. After college I worked as a travel agent for six years, specializing in arranging trips for clients to the South Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, and Hawaii. I moved with my now-husband to Ann Arbor in the fall of 2014. I attended U of M 2016-2017 for my Master of Arts in Educational Studies, during which time I did my student teaching at Community. I taught U.S. History, World History, and Economics for two years at Skyline, and also taught a CR course at CHS on the History of the Pacific Islands. I live in Ypsi with my husband, Jeff, and our cat, Fermata. In my spare time, I pursue a number of hobbies: gardening, going for long walks and hikes, sewing (especially vintage patterns), playing board games, and going to the movies. I love the arts, and at the moment am enjoying watercolor painting and learning the accordion. I love theatre, especially musicals. I'm so excited for this year! Joslyn Hunscher-Young
History, Spanish, Forum, Community Resource, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coordinatoremail: hunscheryoungj@a2schools.orgAs a graduate of CHS who was given the mock award of "Most Likely to Teach at CHS" from the Communicator staff her senior year, Joslyn was excited to rejoin the Rainbow Zebra family amidst the tumultuous start of the 2020-2021 academic year. Passionate about critical thinking, active inquiry, and thoughtful communication, she is excited to teach, learn, and engage with students, staff, families, and community members to make the world more just and better for us all. And if she can do that while gardening, trying new recipes, exploring nature, and/or doing mind puzzles, then all the better. Janelle Johnson
Community Resource, Forumemail: johnsonja@a2schools.orgI was born and raised in Ann Arbor and I am a former Pioneer. I have been teaching in AAPS for 11 years and I absolutely love it! My first degree is in advertising and, after a short nine months, I decided to go back to college to become a teacher. It was one of the best decisions I made!Angela Keene
CHS Building Substitute Teacher
email: keenea@a2schools.orgI graduated first from Washtenaw Community College with a degree in Photographic Technology, then continued at Eastern Michigan University, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, with a concentration in Photography. I have worked mainly in the field of photography: operating my own small business, managing a local school photography business, and working as a wedding photographer (which I still do). I began substitute teaching mainly in art classes within the Ann Arbor Public Schools; as a building sub at Community for the past few years, I have been able to work in many different departments and classrooms. My favorite thing about working at CHS is the true sense of a caring community. My hobbies include almost anything outdoors in nature: kayaking, hiking, biking, yoga, and of course photographing nature. Courtney Kiley
Ecology, Foundations of Science (FOS), Forumemail: kileyc@a2schools.orgBorn and raised in Ann Arbor, I always wanted to go to Community. That didn't quite pan out in high school, so I feel fortunate to have been hired to teach science and be a Forum leader at CHS. I love working with such inspiring colleagues and students! Outside school, I love biking, hiking, and spending time with my family.Brett Kilgore
Economics, Math, Forumemail: kilgorer@a2schools.orgI serve in two departments here at Community: Social Studies and Math. I love teaching economics and geometry, and have an absolute blast as a Forum leader. Prior to teaching at Community, I lived in quite a few places, including Utah, Ohio, Washington, and even Australia for a summer. Now, though, I am thankful to call Ann Arbor home. As U of M grads, my wife and I love this town and are grateful to raise our son and daughter here.George Lancaster
Engineering, Computer Science, Cyber Security, ProgrammingThis is my sixth year teaching at Community and 19th year as a teacher. After graduating from the University of Michigan with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, I spent the next ten years as a design and project engineer of automotive safety products, primarily steering wheels and airbags. I then returned to school to earn a teaching certificate. I love sharing my experience in engineering, math, physics, and computer science with everyone at Community High. Laurel Landrum
Spanish, Forumemail: landruml@a2schools.orgI have been teaching Spanish in AAPS since 2006 and have been lucky to be at Community since then. I have a BA from the University of Michigan in Psychology, a BS in Spanish and Education from Eastern Michigan University, and an MA in Language Learning from Wayne State University. I was born and raised in Ann Arbor, attending Newport (remember?), Wines, Forsythe, and Pioneer. It is a privilege to raise my two daughters, Sabine and Laida, in the same great community where I grew up. I enjoy geeking out with teacher friends about language acquisition and curriculum design, but I'll only bore you with that if you ask. I love to travel, garden, and spend time with family and friends.Krystie Linton
Special Education Teacher Consultant
email: lintonk@a2schools.org
Can't Live Without: music, sunshine, Lake Michigan, family & friends, chocolate, road trips, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, witty magnets, reruns of General Hospital from the 1990s
Unpopular Opinions: Coffee should never be iced; You never grow too old for sledding or playgrounds; Social media platforms are fairly boring
Obscure Skills: Wicked awkward mom dance moves; Ability to quickly change song lyrics to match the situation or mood; Capacity to misplace cell phone in seconds
Most Likely To: Adopt another senior dog from the Huron Valley Humane Society; Get lost in Ann Arbor; Shelve and organize items in store while shopping; Laugh like a cartoon villain; Love teaching for another 20 years!Maneesha Mankad
Math, Forumemail: mankadm@a2schools.orgI have been teaching at Community High School since 2014. I am excited about being part of a professional community that values personal relationships and invests in the academic, emotional, and social growth of our students. I am passionate about making mathematics education relevant and equitable for all students. I love theater, music, dance, and reading, and I love spending time with my family. Kelly Maveal
School Counseloremail: mavealk@a2schools.orgMarcy McCormick
Foundations of Science (FOS)email: mccormick@a2schools.orgMarcy has been teaching science for 17 years; this is her 8th year teaching at Community. She couldn't be happier being a Rainbow Zebra! She has taught FOS 1, FOS 2, and FOS 3, and loves the Foundations of Science curriculum. She feels very lucky that she gets to work every day with such an incredible group of students and colleagues. When Marcy isn't teaching, she enjoys being outdoors, staying active playing Ultimate Frisbee on a club team, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.Sue McDonald
she/her
Special Education Teacher Consultantemail: mcdonalds@a2schools.orgAs far back as I can remember, I wanted to be a teacher. The privilege of teaching at CHS is the icing on the cake! I spent my post-college years in Chicago, earned a masters degree in education, then moved back home to Michigan to raise my family. And though I added another degree at the University of Michigan, I am a loyal Spartan undergrad living in Ann Arbor. In my leisure time, I enjoy participating in outdoor sports, traveling far and wide, and laughing with my friends and family. Danelle Mosher
French,Community Resource, Forumemail: mosher@a2schools.orgI've been teaching French and Forum and monitoring CRs at CHS since 1994, and I am very happy to be here. In addition to teaching French, I run the Community Resource department, lead Forum, and advise Service Club. I have three children and a husband who is a teacher in the district as well. Outside of teaching, I love to travel, knit, read, garden, and spend time with my family.Carol Neylon
Teaching Assistanemail: neylon@a2schools.orgJen Niner
American Sign Language (ASL)email: postj@a2schools.orgI love teaching American Sign Language (ASL) and am very excited to be teaching at Community. ASL is my first language—both my parents are deaf. I love being able to share my knowledge of ASL with my students. I have been in Ann Arbor Public Schools for 10 years and have been teaching ASL online for the past 5 years. I got married in the summer of 2016 and had a name change (it used to be Post). I enjoy vacations, especially going camping with our new camper.
Lynn Perry
Special Education Teacher Consultantemail: perryl@a2schools.orgBeth Portincasa
Visual Artsemail: portincasa@a2schools.orgI was born and raised in Ann Arbor and graduated from EMU with a Bachelor of Art Education, and then received a Master's degree in Sculpture. My first professional teaching job was at West Village Academy in Dearborn, then I taught at Belleville High School, Ecorse Community High School, and Onsted High School before coming back home to Ann Arbor Public Schools in 2012. This year I will be splitting between Community and Pathways, allowing me to provide a positive impact on a variety of young students in this community. I love to spend my extra time with my husband, Joel, and my two girls, Gwenlyn and Cora. Things I like to watch grow: my students, my garden, and Monarch butterflies.Jenny Pritchett
she/they
Secretary to the Dean
email: pritchettj@a2schools.org
Jenny graduated Community in 2011 and is happy to return as Secretary to the Dean in 2022! Jenny studied at WCC and completed undergrad at Michigan State University with a degree in Global Studies in Arts and Humanities. They lived in Spain for three years teaching English and soaking up Spanish language and culture. They have worked in education in various capacities for the past seven years, with a focus on language immersion education. In their free time, they enjoy hiking, traveling, and trying new foods!Luciana Qu
Mathemail: qul@a2schools.orgKatie Richardson
Special Education Teacher Consultantemail: richardk@a2schools.orgI have been working in Ann Arbor Public Schools for many years. I feel so grateful to work with such an amazing staff and wonderful students! I encourage a home and school connection. I pride myself in my ability to form meaningful connections with students and their families, to foster student growth. I am committed to supporting students' needs and helping them gain access to the core curriculum.Jesse Richmond
Math
email: richmondj@a2schools.org
Chloë Root
they/she
Government, Gender Studies, Model UN, U.S. History, Mock Trial,Forumemail: rootc@a2schools.orgI have been teaching in AAPS since 2010 and I am so lucky to be here. I have been at Community full time since 2012, but we go way back. Our previous adventures together include my being a high school student (Class of '02!), a student teacher (2008-09), and a part-time teacher (2011-12). I teach US History, Government, Model UN, Gender Studies, Mock Trial (8-time State Champs!), and my beloved and hilarious Forum. I am also lucky enough to be the staff advisor for the Queer Straight Alliance (QSA). I believe Community is one of the best high schools in the world, and even the toughest days here are marked by the kindness, creativity, and hilarity of the students and staff. After graduating from Community, I attended Brown University, where I received my Bachelor's degree in US History and Gender Studies, and Eastern Michigan University and the University of Michigan, where I got my Master's degree in Secondary Social Studies Education. I live with my sweet dog, Riolu, and am grateful to have my family in town. Jeri Schneider
she/herSchool Librarian, School Website Manageremail: schneidj@a2schools.orgJeri's love affair with libraries began in 1986 when, while studying history, she became a clerk/driver of the bookmobile for the Ann Arbor Public Library. Since then, she has earned a bachelor's degree in history, a Master of Science of Information, and teaching certification from U of M. She manages the library, promotes reading, helps troubleshoot technology issues, teaches information and research skills, and manages the school website. Away from work, Jeri enjoys hanging out with friends and family, reading, running, biking, canoeing, and cooking and baking delicious vegan food. Her current favorite quote is: "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." (Maya Angelou)Kristi Shaffer
Spanishemail: shafferk@a2schools.orgRyan Silvester
History, Forumemail: silvesterr@a2schools.orgBorn and raised in Ann Arbor, Ryan has been teaching at Community since 2018. He teaches US and World History and an elective on the History of the 1960s. After graduating from Huron High School, he received his Bachelor's and Master's from the University of Michigan. Outside of school, Ryan loves reading, running, cheering on UofM sports teams, and exploring the hidden gems of Ann Arbor. He is excited to be back for a new year of learning and teaching at CHS! Kevin Starkey
he/him/his
Physical Educationemail: starkeyk@a2schools.org
My name is Kevin Starkey. I am from Petoskey, MI, and I am a University of Michigan alum. I spent my first eight years teaching in northern Michigan and finally got the opportunity to come back to Ann Arbor. I am a sports nut and love watching the Wolverines and all Detroit sports teams. I love to golf anytime I possibly can, and have the goal of playing in all 50 states eventually. I am loving my time in Ann Arbor as a fitness teacher at Community High and physical education teacher at Haisley Elementary. Meghan Stelzer
School Nurseemail: stelzerm@a2schools.orgElizabeth Stern
Foundations of Science (FOS),Forensicsemail: sternLiz has worked at Community her entire career. She loves teaching science, with fabulous colleagues, to engaging students.Michael Strugala
Teaching Assistantemail: strugalam@a2schools.orgMichael's background experience entails working for several parks and recreation departments, nonprofits, and school districts (Redford, Ypsilanti, and Ann Arbor) in the metro-Detroit area. He graduated from Western Michigan University, where he double-majored in Political Science and Communications, with a minor in Criminal Justice. He earned a graduate degree from Eastern Michigan University in Geography, with emphasis on Environmental and Transportation Planning issues. He thoroughly enjoyed his college experience and was involved in extracurricular activities. One piece of advice he would like to give seniors: Get out and participate in a student group/campus organization in college! Make it fun! In his free time, you can catch him outdoors camping, hiking, kayaking, exploring, volunteering, reading a wide range of literature, and playing board games with friends. He is excited to be here at Community working with a versatile staff and engaged students! Carl Taylor
Daytime Custodian
Kim Tehranipour
Teaching Assistantemail: tehranik@a2schools.orgJonathan Thomas-Palmer
he/him/hisFoundations of Science (FOS)email: thomaspalmerj@a2schools.orgNon-matching-sock wearing proud father of two daughters. Part-time high school physics teacher and owner of Flipping Physics®, a one-employee business dedicated to providing the world with free, entertaining, educational physics videos which anyone can use to learn physics, and teachers can use to flip their students’ learning. Devoted husband of substance abuse prevention social worker and incredible wife. Maker and wearer of tie-dyes.Zach Tribino
he/him/his
Special Education Teacher Consultantemail: tribinoz@a2schools.org
I grew up in rural Southern Maryland and have previously lived and taught in upstate New York and Florida. I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland, College Park and my graduate studies at Syracuse University. My passions involve skateboarding, snowboarding, observing wild animals, traveling, getting lost in a Wikipedia rabbit hole, and generally being outdoors. To me, the greatest aspect of teaching is building meaningful and lasting relationships when helping students plan and prepare for life after high school. I hope to drive my 2010 Honda Civic coupe for 20 more years. On the weekends, I find reprieve in visiting animal shelters and playing with dogs. One day I hope to have my very own Dachshund named Nathaniel.Mike Vial
he/him
English Language Arts, Drama, Forumemail: vialm@a2schools.orgMike Vial has been teaching Language Arts for 20 years, all over Michigan, after graduating from Western Michigan University in 2003. He has performed as a professional songwriter and published as a poet. Mike currently teaches World Literature, Intro to Literature, drama classes, and Forum.
Jack Wagner
Jazzemail: wagnerj@a2schools.org
Jack feels so fortunate to be the Jazz Program Director at Community which, to him, is a dream job! Jack has been at CHS since 2008. Jazz performance and pedagogy are his passions, so teaching jazz combos all day to dedicated students is a real delight. The CHS Jazz students are getting hands on experience, playing frequent gigs and concerts; they also get to work with Grammy winners and world-class musicians during CHS Jazz Guest Artist Series master classes, a program Jack began in 2008. Jack loves jazz history and sharing what he knows in this field, and he loves playing his saxophone. Jack recently wrote the jazz and improvisation textbook The Straight Ahead Toolshed: 55 Tools for the Beginning Jazz Musician. Jack lives happily with his wife, Jaimie, and their two children, Natalie and Zachary. They are extremely fun. Jack also likes to run, SCUBA dive, tinker around the house, hike, and camp in the mountains.Christia West
Foundations of Science (FOS)email: westch@a2schools.orgTeaching is my passion, and I've been fortunate to be a part of the CHS community since 2014. What I enjoy most is getting to know my students through Forum, coaching Team 5708 (Go Zebrotics!), and FOS classes. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time on (and in) the water. I love living in Michigan, and there are still places here I would like to explore in my kayak, or on my bike. My more sedate hobbies include reading, knitting, and playing board gamesJessika Whiteside
English Language Arts, Forumemail: whitesidej@a2schools.orgJessika spent over a decade teaching English and Spanish in Romulus, Michigan, before she joined the CHS staff in 2020. (Yes, in the middle of the pandemic!) As a first generation American, she grew up on Long Island and in Waterford, Michigan, but fell in love with Ann Arbor as an undergrad. She loves to travel and go on adventures with her three sons who are 11, 7, and 3. She adores coffee, the color cerulean, and driving. You can always find her reading or thinking about books (check out her StoryGraph). Jessika lives in Canton with her kids, husband, three parakeets, and puppy, Ginny. Brian Williams
School Counseloremail: willia18@a2schools.orgThis is my 12th year with AAPS and 6th year at Community High School. When I am not busy counseling our Rainbow Zebras, my home team is renovating a 140 year old farmhouse out in Chelsea. On my off nights, I will pick up my sticks and play some drums with a couple of bands in the Ann Arbor area.Emily Wilson-Tobin
she/her
Community Ensemble Theatre (CET) Program Directoremail: wilsontobine@a2schools.orgEmily was born and raised in Ann Arbor. She spent her undergrad years studying theatre and French at Wesleyan University in Connecticut before working for several years in the Metro DC area. Pursuing an MFA in Applied Drama/Theatre for the Young at Eastern Michigan University brought her home and, after graduating and a brief stint working for the CRLT Theatre Program at U of M, she spent over a decade as theatre director at Greenhills School (also her alma mater). Emily directed for CET just after finishing grad school and is delighted to be back working in a program and a school that she has admired for many years. She lives in Ann Arbor with her husband, two children, and too many pets. In addition to her love for theatre, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, watching scary movies, and visiting the Leelanau Peninsula. Olivia Wylie
Spanish
email: wylieo@a2schools.org
Michelle Yager
Math, Community Resource, Forum
email: yagerm@a2schools.org