Meet Our Science Team

Email = First Initial + Last Name@wihi.org

Alyson Thompson

Department Chair, IB Biology, & Biology

Mrs. Thompson came to WIHI after teaching 3yrs in the Northville School District.  She also lived and taught in China for one year.   Her contribution to our school includes her three subject areas, Biology, Environmental Science, & Chemistry, as well as sponsoring numerous co-curricular activities.  Students will enjoy getting to know her in and out of the classroom setting.  Her sense of humor and passion for science is infectious!

Cameron Cochran

Restorative Justice and Community Development Coordinator & ESS

I graduated in 2012 from Michigan State University with a major in International Relations and minors in Environmental Economics and Political Economy. This will be my fifth year as a science teacher. I have taught courses in Physics, Biology, Earth Science, and Environmental Science. I am eager to teach problem-based, student-centered courses in Physics and Biology at WIHI this year! In my spare time I love to travel, exercise, read, and cook. 

Laura Wagner

IB Chemistry & Chemistry 

I studied at the University of Michigan, where I earned my B.S. in Secondary Education with a major in Biology as well as a minor in Chemistry.  After student teaching and working in Plymouth-Canton schools, I found my way to WIHI as a long-term substitute teaching Bio and Chem.   I’m excited to be an official part of the WIHI crew as my fourth year and can’t wait to lead experiments in our brand new lab! In addition to teaching Chemistry and IB Chemistry,  When I’m not in the lab or talking science, I love watching Michigan football (GO BLUE!!), traveling to new places, skiing, and relaxing Up North.

Amber Holcomb

Biology and IB Biology

I graduated from Michigan State University with a major in human biology and a minor in chemistry.  As a Woodrow Wilson teaching fellow, I am currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum at Michigan State.  I am originally from Auburn, Michigan and have lived in Michigan my entire life.  In my spare time I enjoy reading, watching movies, shopping, and spending time with friends and family.

Physics and IB Physics

I studied at Albion College, where I majored in Physics with minors in Applied Math and Computer Science, then went on to Eastern Michigan to earn my Teaching Certification, also in Physics and Math.  I taught for a year at a private school before coming to WIHI as an in-building sub and graduate assistant in the fall of 2014, and in 2016 I took over as the Diploma Program Physics teacher.  In my spare time I love to read and learn new things, write, draw, and play video games, and I co-coach WIHI’s Science Olympiad team with Mr. Cochran.  I love all academic subject areas, but especially the sciences, working with our phenomenal staff and students here at WIHI.

Christa Graham

Science 6-7 and Chemistry

I received my B.S. degree in Chemistry as well as my teaching certification from Eastern Michigan University, my M.S. in Chemistry from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and my M.Ed. in Mathematics Education from Western Governors University. I have taught in many schools in the area including Adrian High School, Morenci Middle and High School, Toledo Islamic Academy, Washtenaw Christian Academy, Eastern Michigan University, the University of Michigan, Jackson College, and Knightdale High School (in North Carolina). My favorite quote about education is from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” - Martin Luther King Jr. I was born in Ann Arbor while both of my parents were students at UofM. I’ve not stopped going to school yet. I just LOVE to learn! I’ve taught for over 20 years and I am SO excited to continue learning and teaching at WIHI/WIMA! Science and Math are my passion and I strive to create a positive and supportive learning community where we can tackle challenging topics together. I have 3 dogs and 6 children, 3 boys and 3 girls. My dog is a chihuahua mix and is a very cranky old man dog. My passions, outside of teaching, include reading, painting, cake decorating, and just hanging out with my kids.

Rachel Hervey

PE and Health, Wellness, Sports Exercise and Health Science

​I was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan where I continue to live today. I had the privilege of traveling all over the world as a member of Team USA and the Hockettes Synchronized Skating team. I continued my competitive skating while attending Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana where I graduated with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Kinesiology with a major in Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) and a minor in Health Education. I have a passion for living a healthy lifestyle through health and fitness and hope to spread that passion to my students at WIHI. I was raised to be the huge University of Michigan (GO BLUE!) fan that I am today and enjoy having season tickets to their football, basketball and hockey games. In my free time I enjoy coaching figure skating, working out, shopping and attending U of M and Detroit sporting events.

Audrey Nowakowski

PE and Health, Wellness, Sports Exercise and Health Science

I received my Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Language, Literature, and Writing and a minor in Biology from Eastern Michigan University. My past teaching experience includes many years spent as a substitute teacher in the surrounding area school districts. Last year (2019-2020) I was employed by WIMA/WIHI as a graduate assistant, math support teacher for WIMA, and eventually as a long term substitute for MYP Biology and DP Biology 1 at WIHI. My educational philosophy is closely aligned to the mission statement and values of WIHI/WIMA. I believe that a school should be a safe space for all students to explore who they are and their place in the world, while also learning about the unique experiences of others to gain an appreciation for the inter-connectivity of all life. My approaches to teaching are student-centered and driven by a desire to produce strong and active engagement in academic, social, and emotional learning in the classroom and beyond.
I am married to my high school sweetheart with whom I have two amazing children. I enjoy every second that I get to spend with them doing things that we love, such as spending time in nature, playing board games, creating our own silly games, and reading together. I strive to attain mental, emotional, and physical balance in my life through the practice of yoga and mindful meditation.

Erika Gallay-MacGregor

Math 7-8, Science 8

I received my bachelors in mathematics at the University of Michigan and my masters at Eastern Michigan University. My past teaching experience includes mostly middle school math and science, 7th and 8th grade. I have also taught high school chemistry and statistics. I love working at WIMA because it is a small school where everyone is supportive of each other and works to grow together. I have two children, a son and a daughter and am married to a high school math teacher. My daughter is a sophomore in high school and my son just began his freshman year at the University of Michigan.​​

Eric Phelps

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.