Tappan Middle School

Ann Arbor Public Schools

  • Our Staff

    School Office Hours: 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM M-F 
    Staff Resources (staff only)

    Casandra Acord

    Math Teacher
     
     

     

    		 Casandra Acord

    I grew up in the Ann Arbor area, earning my degree from EMU in 2010. Since then, I have taught in Colorado, Michigan, and North Carolina. In 2017 our family was able to permanently move back home to MI and I began working as a math teacher at Tappan in 2018. I am passionate about having a growth mindset and ensuring that all students find their strengths in the classroom. I am blessed to have a very inclusive family consisting of my husband, two daughters in high school, a son in middle school, our dog, cat, and fish, a multitude of nearby extended family members, as well as all the friends and neighbors who become family. I am still working on my gardening skills, and my creative attempts (in terms of crafting and cooking) may not always turn out as intended, but I am always open to trying new ideas!

    Joseph Alcocer

    Orchestra Director
    Orchestra 6-8, Class Guitar, Mariachi
     
     
     
    		 Joseph Alcocer Alcocer has taught at Tappan Middle School since 2019. Born and raised in a Mexican-American household in Texas, Alcocer found a love of music through his public school orchestra program in Midland, Texas. In addition to degrees in violin performance and orchestral conducting, Joseph is highly trained in the Suzuki Method and uses Suzuki in the Schools methodology throughout his teaching. Alcocer is driven to engage diverse student musicians and to make quality opportunities accessible to them. To that end, Joseph also directs the Ypsilanti Youth Orchestra and works with El Ballet Folklórico Estudiantil a Mexican arts organization in Flint, Michigan as a Mariachi and Teaching Artist.

    Audrey Arnold

    English Language Arts and Academic Literacy
     
    		 Audrey Arnold I have been at Tappan for over 20 years and always look forward to new students each year. I have taught in Maryland, North Carolina, and Kentucky prior to moving to Ann Arbor with my family. Both of my children graduated from Ann Arbor public schools and now enjoy successful careers in higher education. I also have three beautiful granddaughters who I get to see regularly. During the summer I enjoy camping up north and swimming in Lake Michigan when the water is warm enough!  

    Michael Arquilla

    Performing Arts Teacher
     
    		    

    Sasha Azanov

    Social Studies Teacher
     
    		    

    Maureen Becker

    Resource Teacher Consultant

    email: beckerm@a2schools.org

    		    

    Craig Beery

    Band Teacher

    email: beeryc@a2schools.org

    Tappan Band Website

    		  
     

    Joseph Bondroff

    Social Studies Teacher

    email: bondroff@a2schools.org

    		  
    Honored to have been in the district since 1994. Have been at Tappan since the 2019-2020 school year.

    Gwen Bonnee

    7th Grade Counselor

    email: bonnee@a2schools.org

    		 It's hard to believe that I've been a counselor at Tappan for more than twenty years! Growing up in a military family and moving around a lot has helped me to be sensitive to the needs of our students. I love working closely with families and staying with the students as they advance through 6th-8th grades. My Bachelor's degree is in Elementary Education (K-8) and my Master's degree is in Guidance and Counseling (K-12). I have three grown children - I'm a super proud mama - and two sweet pups (one of them is almost as big as me!). I can't wait to meet you!

    Erin Borges

    Math Teacher
     
     
    		    

    Lukis Brod

    Main Office Secretary
     
     
    		 Lukis Brod

    I was born and raised in Ann Arbor and was an AAPS student (Eberwhite, Slauson, Community). I was a hairstylist/salon manager for 7 years before deciding that I wanted a change- to work with kids (middle schoolers are my favorite!). I live in Ann Arbor with my partner, 2 dogs named Willow and Bug, a cat named Orange Juice, and a blue-tongued skink named Langston. I also have a horse named Tiffany!

    I spend most of my free time with my dogs, at the horse barn, or painting. I am currently working on obtaining a degree in Child/Adolescent Psychology in order to become a school social worker. 

    Tre Brown

    Paraprofessional
     
    		    

    Megan Bryant

    Speech-Language Pathologist
     
    		 I love to read, be on our boat, travel, use my Peloton, and spend time with my husband and pets. We have a dog named Oliver and a cat named Luna. I love being a speech-language pathologist to help encourage students to use their voices and teach them that what they say matters. 

    Danielle Capitan

    German Teacher
     
     
    		 Danielle Capitan Danielle Capitan graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor's degree in Education and Germanic Studies. In addition to German, she studied Spanish and Mandarin Chinese as well. She enjoys traveling, playing games, and cooking up a storm! Her favorite quote is one by Nelson Mandela, "If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart." She strives to share that spirit of language learning with her students.

    David Champion

    Geometry, Math 8, Math Support
     

     

    Class Website

    		 David Champion I have been teaching since 2011 and have been at Tappan Middle School Since 2017. I earned both my BA and my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Eastern Michigan University. My wife and I have 4 children: Margo, Mabel, Elliot, and Flora. I love finding ways to make learning math fun, engaging, and rigorous. Tappan is a great place to teach and to learn because we are supported in using a curriculum that makes that happen!

    Amy Creten

    Resource Teacher Consultant
     
    		    

    Ellen Daniel

    English Language Arts Teacher
     
     
    		    

    Heidi Daugherty

    Science Teacher

    email: daughertyh@a2schools.org

    		    

    Zack DeBiasi

    ELA and Academic Literacy
     

     

    		   My name is Zack DeBiasi and I teach 8th grade Language Arts and Academic Literacy at Tappan. I graduated from Eastern Michigan University and have been at Tappan for my entire teaching career. I have a passion for working with young people and love helping students transition from middle school to high school.  

     

    		    

    Jack Devine

    Science Teacher
     
    		   Ann Arbor public schools product (Wines, Forsythe, Pioneer). Graduated from EMU in 2009 with my elementary education degree with endorsements in science and social studies. I completed my Master’s program in instructional technology. My wife (who is also a teacher in A2) and I have two children.

    Christa Dolan

    6th Grade Counselor
     
    		   Hi, my name is Ms. Dolan. I am working at Tappan as a school counselor. I love getting to talk to students and help them think through problems that might seem too big to fix. I also love talking about students' future plans and what kind of lives they want to build for themselves. I enjoy art and books and love my family. I have a husband, a young son, and an old man dog. I love camping with my family and spending time with our friends. I enjoy working at Tappan and hope I can make being at Tappan a little more enjoyable for those around me!

    Shannon Epps

    English Language Arts Teacher
     
     
     
    		    

    Leah Followell

    School Psychologist
     
    		   I work here at Tappan and an elementary school. I have been a school psychologist for 18 years. During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my daughter and three dogs!  

     

    Sarah Frantom

    Science Teacher
     
    		 Sarah Frantom
    After graduating from the University of Michigan, I spent a few wonderful years in southern California before returning to Ann Arbor and finding my place among the enthusiastic staff & students of Tappan. When I’m not encouraging young minds to be curious about the world around them, I stay active outdoors by biking, camping, hiking, kayaking, running, and exploring Ann Arbor’s 162 parks. As a lifelong learner (big fan of our amazing local libraries!), I love sharing my many travel adventures - and the ways they connect to my passion for science - with everyone I teach! 
     

    Lydia Frisinger

    Secretary to the Principal
     
    		   "Be kind. Make good choices!"

    Jennifer Gleason

    Science, PLTW
     
     
    		  
     

    Matthew Golusin

    Social Studies Teacher
     
    		  
     
     

    Diana Gordon

    Building Substitute Teacher
     
     
     
    		    

     Paul Hanna

    Science Teacher
     
     
    		  
     
     

    Jackson Hawkins

    Paraprofessional

    email: hawkinsj@a2schools.org

    		    

    Shelby Hepner

    Resource Teacher
     
    		    

    Robin Hood

    Resource Teacher
    7th Grade Math and Advisory
     
    		   This will be my 5th year at Tappan Middle School and my 13th year teaching. I love dogs, cooking, and gardening. After 25 years of doing yoga, I am finally taking it to the next level. By the end of the summer, I should have my yoga teacher certification. I live in Ypsilanti with my partner, one teenager, and one dog. I am proud to say that my two adult children are both First Responders. One is a paramedic and one is a firefighter.  

    Meagan Hudson

    8th Grade Counselor
     
    		  
     
     

    Brittany Jenkins

    Occupational Therapist
     
    		  

     

    Lonnie Jones

    Paraprofessional
     
     
    		  

     

     

    Barb Kalisewicz

    English Language Arts/English Language Learning (ELL)
     
     
    		 Barb Kalisewicz Barb K. has been at Tappan for 16 years. She teaches English Language Arts and English Language Learning. All her classwork is posted in Schoology and all grades are posted in Power School. She also coaches Tappan's cross country team in the fall and 7th/8th grade girls' track in the spring. A former competitive runner, she is now a "certified jogger" who loves to be outdoors with a dog at her side.

    Michelle Karr

    Social Worker
     
    		 Hi, my name is Michelle. I live here in Ann Arbor with my husband Mike and two kids, Matthew and Mallory. We have a dog named Max and two cats named Marble and Mango. All ‘M’ names :-). I received my undergrad degree from MSU (GO GREEN!!), and my graduate degree at Washington University-St Louis. I have a passion for working with students with special needs. I believe all students can learn and grow in the right environment and with the proper support in place. I like to spend my free time reading, walking/hiking outdoors, or at the beach or pool. 

     

    		    

    Kaylee Keena

    Social Worker
     
    		 Kaylee Keena While studying Social Work and Philosophy at Ferris State University and the University of Michigan, Kaylee Keena became a passionate advocate to help children within the school setting both academically and emotionally. Her goal is to be a safe haven for any and all students. Kaylee enjoys sports, painting, reading, writing, anything outer space, sunshine, and helping others. One of my third grade students wanted me to mention, "Ms. Keena is a great social worker who gives us toys and has fun with us and helps us deal with our big feelings". Don't forget, scholars get the dollars! 

    Kyle Kipp

    Librarian
     
     
    		  
     
     
     

     

    		  
     

    Myung Hee Lee

    Paraprofessional
     

     

    		    

    Rebecca Lee

    ELA Grade 6, Academic Literacy
     
     
    		 Rebecca Lee My name is Rebecca Lee, and it is an honor and a pleasure to introduce myself to you as an English/language arts (ELA) teacher at Tappan Middle School. I grew up in Michigan and have settled in Livonia with my husband, our amazing ten-year-old son, and our gorgeous pug named Daisy. I am a proud graduate of Alma College (Go Scots!), where I graduated with my bachelor's degree in elementary education, with a focus on English and language arts. My master's degree is in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University, with an emphasis in Teacher Leadership. I love libraries, reading, paddle boarding, and musical theater. I recently started running and have about 10 5ks, 5 10ks, and 1 half marathon under my belt. Finally, what would life be without an adventure or two? My family and I love to travel. From Paris to Marquette, we look forward to our many adventures each year.
     

     

    		    

    Gina Lorenzetti

    Library/Media Center Clerk
     
     
    		 GIna Lorenzetti Ms. Lorenzetti is an avid reader and lover of all things books. She loves watching tv, putting together jigsaw puzzles, and taking long walks. 

     

    		    

    Myles Martin

    Science Teacher
     
     
    		    

    Pam Metz

    Math Teacher
     
     
    		  
     
     

    Renee Nassar

    Latin Teacher
     
    		  
    I have been teaching at Tappan for over a decade. Although I always enjoyed learning Latin, my true love affair with Latin started when I got the opportunity to teach it. One of my core beliefs is that enthusiasm is contagious and I try to pass my passion for my subject onto my students. Outside of school, I love spending my time with my husband and daughter. I also enjoy a good opportunity to exercise my creativity. 
     
    		    
     
    		    

    Scott Opfermann

    World Geography, World History, U.S. History
     
    		 I was born and raised in Michigan to a family of educators: my mother was a distinguished in-home daycare owner and operator and my dad served as a dedicated educator for over twenty years. While my interest in education was fostered at a young age, it was my eighth-grade social studies teacher that opened my eyes to the world of teaching. Her unique approach to learning, coupled with the support of my parents, inspired me to pursue a career in education. From that point on, I have given primacy to innovation over standardization and committed myself to transforming subject matter into subjects that matter! My wife is also a passionate educator within Ann Arbor Public Schools. Together, we have two amazing sons who motivate us every day to be the very best versions of ourselves. 

    Jonathan Paddock

    Science Teacher
     
     
     
    		  
     
     

    Sarah Paquet

    Choir Director

    email: paquets@a2schools.org

     

    Tappan Choir Website

    		 Sarah Paquet
    Sarah Paquet leads the choral program at Tappan, which serves over 150 students in 6th through 8th grade. Ms. Paquet began teaching at Tappan in 2021 and has taught choir for nine years. Prior to joining the Ann Arbor Public Schools, she was the assistant director of choral activities at Smith College. She has also held director roles with the Pioneer Valley Symphony Chorus and Chamber Choir, Avon Old Farms School, and the University of Detroit Jesuit High School. Ms. Paquet encourages students to approach singing with a growth mindset and to support their peers as they strive to become better singers and musicians. She facilitates a welcoming, inclusive musical community in which students can take risks, build friendships, and develop skills to support lifelong music-making.

    Michael Porter

    Community Assistant
     
    		  

     

    Sabrina Prevost

    French Teacher
     
     

     
    		 Sabrina Prevost
    Sabrina Prevost has been teaching French in the United States since 2014. Originally from France, she moved to Michigan in 2003, with her husband for, what was supposed to be, 5 years of expatriation. Madame Prevost studied the area of Sports at the France University of Paris XI. She has a master’s degree in International Sports Management, with a specialization in Events organization. When she came to the US she first worked as a figure skating coach and Ice Skating director. She made the move to teaching languages when she started to have a family to have more time with her children. She first taught French and Spanish at the Roeper School, then she joined Grosse Pointe Public Schools, where she was teaching Middle and High school. With Ann Arbor Public School, Madame Prevost splits her time between Huron High School, Tappan Middle School, and A2+ Virtual. She is loving the variety those programs offer. Madame Prevost is passionate about Sports and Music. When she is not driving her children to a soccer game, a Volleyball tournament, or a track meet, you will see her attending a Musical with her daughter or watching sports on TV. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her husband, two children, and their dog, Kira. Her favorite time of the year is summertime when she can go back to France to visit her family, play soccer or volleyball with her friends, and ride horses in the beautiful landscape of her country.
     

     Wendy Ransom

    Paraprofessional
     
     
    		  
     

    Daniel Schmidt

    Social Studies Teacher
     
    		  
     
     
     
    		    

    Jennifer Shaw

    Spanish Teacher

    email: shawj@a2schools.org

    Class Website

    		 Jennifer Shaw I have been teaching middle school Spanish since 2005 and have been at Tappan since 2011. Raised in Wixom, Michigan, I hold a Bachelor's in English and Spanish with Honors from Albion College and a Master's from the University of South Carolina. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends. I'm also passionate about presenting at professional conferences, developing future educators, teaching students to communicate in Spanish, and advocating for World Language instruction in Michigan and beyond. 

    Lauren Stout

    Band Director

    Band, Music Technology

    email: stoutl@a2schools.org

    Tappan Band Website

    		   Ms. Stout is the director of bands at Tappan Middle School. She attended Albion College for Music Education and graduated in 2011 with a major in K-12 Education and a minor in Trumpet performance. Ms. Stout is currently a master's student at the University of Michigan. Ms. Stout has performed with, conducted, and taught concert and jazz bands, along with choirs and orchestras. She currently teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th grade band and jazz band as well as Music Technology at Tappan.

    Susan Sullivan

    Math Teacher

    email: sullivan@a2schools.org

    		    

    Darrell T. Taylor

    SISS Teacher

    email: taylorda@a2schools.org

    		 Darrell T. Taylor My name is Darrell T Taylor, and I was born and raised in Michigan. I have over 30 years of teaching experience and this will be my 7th year teaching at Tappan Middle School. I’ve earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology/Finance from Jackson State University and my Master’s Degree in Secondary Education: Special Education/Children's Literature at Wayne State University. And I am a former NFL player. Currently, I am working on my National Board Certification in Literacy: Reading-Language Arts.

    Scott Thobe

    8th Grade Social Studies Teacher

    email: thobes@a2schools.org

    		 Scott Thobe I have been teaching Social Studies at Tappan for 24 years! I truly enjoy teaching US History & Geography to middle schoolers and consider myself a Trojan for life! I live in Ypsilanti with my wife and two sons and enjoy spending time outdoors and rooting on my Bengals and Reds.

    Katie Valle

    School Nurse

    email: vallek@a2schools.org

    		 Katie Valle I grew up in Ann Arbor and attended AAPS schools ( Abbot, Forsythe, and Pioneer). I have worked at Mott Children’s Hospital and lived in Colorado for 8 years where I fell in love with school nursing. In my free time, I coach field hockey through various clubs and at Pioneer! I played field hockey at the University of Michigan and continue to help grow the game in the area. When I’m not coaching or working my time is spent with my son, husband, and dog. We love being outside and going on adventures big and small! 

    Courtney Vanderbilt

    Intervention Specialist

    email: vanderbiltc@a2schools.org

    		    

    Dan VanWasshenova

    Physical Education, Health Teacher

    email: vanwasshenovaw@a2schools.org

    		    

    V. Jill Wesley

    Math Teacher

    email: wesleyv@a2schools.org

    		   I have been in district for about 20 years. I've taught grades 3 through 5, and now am a middle school math teacher. I prefer math 6, 7, or 8. I have been married to Donald for 34 years. We have one son, Holland, who is 24...a fine product of AAPS.

    Matthew Winkelseth

    Community Assistant

    email: winkelsethm@a2schools.org

    		    

    Yvette Wright

    Physical Education, Health Teacher

    email: wrighty@a2schools.org

    Class Website

    		    

     

     
     
     
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