Meet Our Graduate Assistant Team

Email = First Initial + Last Name@wihi.org

Melissa Strates

Lead Grad & After Care Supervisor

Hi!  My name is Melissa and I have a Special Education major from Eastern Michigan University.  I am currently working towards a masters in Reading at EMU.  I have lived in and worked in the Ypsilanti community for over 10 years and I love the small town/ big city feeling Ypsi offers. I also enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with my family.

Don Bacon

WIMA Grad

Hello! Here is a little about me. I graduated from the University of Michigan-Flint with a Bachelors in Economics in 2014 and then again in 2016 with a Bachelors in Secondary Education with a concentration of Social Studies.
After completing my student teaching, I spent 4 months as a long-term substitute for 8th Grade Social Studies in Flint.
I've spent 8 seasons as an assistant coach for the University of Michigan-Flint’s Club Football team, coaching both Offensive and Defensive lines as well as Special Teams.
I look forward this new adventure and integrating and building a strong community base here.

Sabryna Groves

WIHI & WIMA Community Service Grad

Hello!  I am the Graduate Assistant coordinator for the MYP Community Service program. I have a passion for community engagement and civic education. I studied psychology and philosophy for my undergraduate degree and I have an MA in Educational Studies from the University of Michigan.

Megan Hughes

WIHI Literature Grad

I graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor’s degree in English Education. I love writing short stories, novels, and poetry. 
 I am a self proclaimed geek and my favorite book is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. I look forward to forming relationships and working with students.
In my free time I enjoy Choi Kwon Do and  started my journey towards a black belt, one year ago.
I look forward to working with
students and helping them grow along with myself.

Maritza Parrott

WIHI Spanish Dept. Grad

I was born and raised in Colombia. I am Certified Expert in Spanish language and Hispanic Culture. I moved to the United States in 1998, and after raising my two children I decided I could better serve my community by teaching my native language and culture. I have over 5 years of experience working in an educational setting.
This is my second year at WIHI teaching the “Hispanic Culture” course and assisting the Spanish language teachers.  My main goal is to reinforce written and auditory comprehension, also to promote the student's verbal fluency through an authentic interaction with the language in a fun way. That’s why everyday I strive to make my classroom a total immersion environment under just one rule, “respect”.  I am very honored to teach at WIHI and to work with such wonderful and motivated students, and with the most incredible cooperative and supportive staff.

Kristen Satchel

WIHI Grad

Earning my Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Women’s and Gender Studies at Eastern Michigan University, I have spent a majority of my occupational path in education working for Detroit Public Schools Community District with students with autism and for the Detroit Medical Center in Community and Schools Programs. Leading to my pursue of a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy at the University of Michigan. My passion lies in community engagement and equity reform in education. I also enjoys spending time with my family, working out and playing basketball, and traveling.

Katie Giese

WIHI Music Grad

I graduated from the University of Toledo with a Bachelor's degree in Music Education. My primary instrument is the clarinet with which I performed two formal recitals and won a competition; the Concerto Aria competition was an enriching experience where she was able to be a soloist for the Orchestra at the University of Toledo. I take Taekwondo under ATA and am a 1st Degree Black Belt.  I also help teach students in martial arts. I have a strong passion for teaching and working with students as much as possible to help them grow as musicians.

Ashley Carl

WIHI Counseling Grad

Hello! I am currently finishing up my degree in general studies at Oakland Community College. I am excited to be joining the WIHI/WIMA family.
I also have a passion for photography, and enjoy leading the photography club at WIMA.