Meet our Design and Technology Team!

Damion Brooks

Design Tech 6, World Studies 7 and 9

I received my Bachelor's Degree in Law and Government from Eastern Michigan. I received my teacher secondary teacher certification in Secondary English and Social Studies Education from Wayne State University. Before joining the staff at WIHA/WIMA I taught Social Studies at the Michigan Islamic Institute for two years. After that I was a Reading Interventionist for New Paradigm for Education. I believe that education can open up opportunities to students. My philosophy on education is that it needs to challenge students to think, solve problems, and prepare students for their journey after school. I spend my time with my wife and young son as well as reading, watching movies, playing video games, and running. ​

Tammy Church

Design Tech 7, World Studies 6, Math 6

I earned a full Merit Scholarship to Wayne State University, where I achieved my Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education, with a major in mathematics. I returned to Wayne State to earn my Masters in Education in curriculum, when I began teaching in Ypsilanti in 1995. My past teaching experiences have been in grades 3-8 in Ypsilanti. I began in Willow Run Community Schools, and continued when it merged with Ypsilanti Community Schools; and stayed with WIMA when Washtenaw Educational Options Consortium took leadership of the school. Some of my Education Points of Pride are: Learning First Technology Second The Educator’s Guide to Designing Authentic Lessons, by Liz Kolb, features my Road Trip Unit Plan (Case Study #8), I contributed to an article published in The Atlantic-Undercover Teachers or Imaginary Friends?, Michigan Design Challenge Award-Facilitator of Top Design Student (2019, 2018, 2017), Verizon Innovative Learning Best in State- Facilitator of Best in State App Challenge, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow- Facilitator of State Finalist, Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium Certification- Phase I and Phase II Authoring for the Smarter Balanced Assessment Items. I educate my students by creating a student-centered, inquiry based learning environment; and by facilitating a class culture that is conducive to learning for all. I thoroughly believe in holistically preparing our students for the global society in which we live. My daughter is the light of my life. We reside in Taylor and enjoy spending our time with family and friends.

Eric Phelps

Design Tech 8, Math II and Physics

Born and raised in Ann Arbor, MI, I graduated from Albion College with a Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Engineering (Math/Physics), University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, and University of Southern California with a Masters in Teaching in Secondary Mathematics.  I spent three years at Albion trying to decide between engineering and teaching.  I went for the engineering degree, and while interesting, it showed me that I wanted to teach. 
I've worked a lot of teaching related job.  I worked as a camp counselor at day cares, tutored neighbors of all ages, peer tutored, worked as a math para pro, and as a graduate assistant here at WIHI.  I look forward to grow as a teacher as I guide your children to grow as students.

Maureen Young

Instructional Technology Coach

I received my Bachelors degree in Education from Eastern Michigan University and my Masters of Education from University of Cincinnati. I have been teaching My past teaching experiences have been in grades 5-8, teaching four years of 8th grade science in California and the last nine years in Michigan. Prior to becoming the instructional technology coach, I served as the 6th and 7th grade science and 7th/8th grade Design Technology teacher. I enjoy working at WIMA and WIHI because of the diverse group of learners, both staff and students. I currently live in Canton with my husband, James, and young daughter, Sarah.

Utkarsh Shah

Building Support Technician

I am currently attending classes at University of Michigan for IT.  My past Tech experiences have been working at Henry Ford Health System. I enjoy working at WIMA/WIHI because everyone is so helpful and kind. In my free time I enjoy playing cricket.