Meet Our Literature Team

Email = First Initial + Last Name @ wihi.org

Kyrsten Persells

American Literature,
IB Literature 1 and 2

I studied at the University of Michigan, where I got my BA in secondary education with a major in English and a minor in Earth/space science.  I have worn many hats at WIHI, including Head Graduate Assistant, Admissions and Enrollment Coordinator, and Enrichment Coordinator.  In every course I teach, I try to inspire my students to be open-minded and caring.  I feel blessed to be working in such a collaborative and student-centered environment!

Alison Rieth

IB Literature and Psychology

I earned my Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and my Master's degree from the University of Colorado.  I have over 6 years of teaching experience from Southfield and Tecumseh, Michigan and Aurora, Colorado, where I served as an English teacher and literacy teacher.  I already know many of our students from my work with Wolverine Pathways. I am skilled in formative feedback strategies.

Allison George

World Literature and IB Literature 1

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Scout Bostley

Communications and World Lit

I received both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Eastern Michigan University. My B.S. focused on English, Communication, and Theatre Arts education while my M.A. focused primarily on English Education, Equity centered approaches to teaching, and anti-racist assessment/grading. Before teaching at WIMAHI, I taught First-Year Writing at EMU, and English Language Arts grades 9-11 at Taylor High School. Although I am new to WIMAHI as a fulltime teacher, I am not entirely new to the school and community. I student taught at WIHI in 2019 in the Literature Department teaching 9th and 10th grade MYP Literature and 10th grade Communications. I believe education should be a collaborative experience not just among students but between teachers and students. I am passionate about inquiry-based, student centered approaches to learning. I am the oldest of 3 sisters. Both of my younger sisters live in Ypsilanti and attend EMU. My partner and I have a dog (Teddy) and Cat (Steven). I love running into students and families when I am walking our dog around town or attending events in the Ypsilanti area. When I am not teaching I am baking, spending time with family, or playing Stardew Valley.

Bethany Vonck

MYP Literature, Grades 6-8

I received my Bachelor's in Education degree from Michigan State and my Master's in Educational Leadership from the University of Illinois. Over the past 39 years I have taught every grade except kindergarten, from pre-school to adult/alternative education. I taught in East Lansing, Belleville, Lincoln, Willow Run, and Ypsilanti, Michigan. I also taught in Bakersfield, California. I have travelled extensively and I love to visit museums and interesting places while meeting new people. I learned the most from the new friends I met while exploring. Making new friends is a great way to see places that outsiders might miss or are not invited to see. I have many interesting stories to share with my students. Working at WIMA/WIHI is truly the dessert of my career. I love the IB student centered, inquiry based philosophy that enables me to learn and grow with my students. It brings me joy to help students recognize and celebrate their successes as they grow. I have been married for a very long time. I raised 4 children and I have 4 strong granddaughters. My children and grandchildren inspire me to be a better teacher. I try to be the kind of teacher that I would want each of them to have. 
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