Meet Our Team

Mrs. Johnson joined Kalamazoo Prep (formerly Covenant) Academy in November 2020 as the Supervisor of Academic Progress. She has been Principal/School Leader since the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year.

Mrs. Johnson has her master's degree in Education Leadership and teaching certificate from Western Michigan University, and completed her bachelor's degree in History at Michigan State University. Prior to KPA, she was the Assistant Principal at Lakeside Academy in Kalamazoo and the Principal at Barclay Hills Education Center in Parchment School District. She spent 6 years as a classroom teacher at Barclay Hills and Centreville Schools. She has been in education for over 25 years.

Outside of school, Mrs. Johnson enjoys being a mother and stepmother to her five children and attending their activities, reading, and taking long walks while playing Pokémon Go.

Eric Adams joined KPA in October of 2025. He has worked in education for 30 years as a Student Assistance Coordinator, Dean of Students, and a high school administrator. Eric holds a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University. Also before coming to KPA he served as the Assistant Principal and Principal at Benton Harbor and Bangor High Schools. He has worked on district-wide initiatives that have included curriculum design, as well as behavior modification. When not in a school setting Eric enjoys physical fitness, high school officiating, and spending time with his 30 year old triplets, 36 year old daughter and 5 year old granddaughter.

Sherrie Schanzenbaker joined Kalamazoo Prep Academy in 2021. Currently she serves as the Director of Student Engagement and as a Psychotherapist. Sherrie brings over 25 years of experience in educational leadership, school administration, and student support.

Sherrie holds a Master's degree in Counseling from Spring Arbor University and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University, along with a Bachelor's degree in Family Life Education from Spring Arbor University.

Prior to joining KPA, she served as an Assistant Principal with Battle Creek Public Schools, Farwell Area Schools and District Summer School Principal. Sherrie has also worked as an Adjunct Instructor at Kellogg Community College and continues her work as a trauma-informed psychotherapist in private practice.

At KPA, Sherrie leads student engagement initiatives, oversees specialized programs, and provides direct therapeutic support to ensure a safe, inclusive, and achievement-focused learning environment.

When not at work, Sherrie enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, and reading.

Dawn Wright came to Kalamazoo Prep Academy in 2021 and serves as our Social Studies Teacher, Instructional Lead and Testing Coordinator. She brings nearly 30 years of experience as a classroom teacher and administrator and is a passionate, unwavering advocate for all students.

Dawn earned her Bachelor's degree in History and Religious Studies from Michigan State University, where she also minored in Education and Spanish. She later completed a Master of Arts in Educational Counseling and Psychology at MSU. She continued her professional preparation at Western Michigan University, earning a Master's Plus in School Administration with both Principalship and Curriculum endorsements.

Before coming to KPA, Dawn worked in diverse settings, including urban, suburban and rural school districts. She has experience with students ranging from Kindergarten though Post-Secondary Education. Throughout her career, Dawn has prioritized a "Whole Child" approach to education. She continues this work at KPA, where her strong relationships with students and families reflect her deep commitment to their academic and personal growth.

Outside of school, Dawn is a strong advocate for children with disabilities and has served on multiple boards through Kalamazoo Public Schools, where her own children attend. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, and spending time with her family and gardening.

Rubbie Hodge is a lifelong educator, performer, author, and community advocate whose roots trace back to Chicago's south and west sides. A proud graduate of Chicago Public Schools, she went on to earn her bachelor's degree in Speech and Drama from Northeastern Illinois University and her master's degree in Educational Supervision and Administration from Roosevelt University.

From an early age, Rubbie found her home in the performing arts. She auditioned, trained, and performed throughout high school and college, discovering a passion that would shape her career for decades. Those early experiences on stage blossomed into a dynamic teaching career across Illinois, Michigan, and California, where she became known for her creativity, her leadership, and her ability to inspire students to find their own voices. Her work earned her numerous recognitions, including two nominations for Teacher of the Year in the Keppel Union School District in Littlerock, California—an honor that remains a cherished milestone.

Rubbie is also a published author of two books. Her first, Don't Look Back! My Story Told with a Little of This and a Little of That, blends poetry, personal stories, and reflections gathered over a lifetime. Her second book, 22Graaand, offers a heartfelt look into her world as a grandmother and great grandmother, capturing the love, wisdom, and legacy she pours into her family.

Throughout her life, Rubbie has worn many hats: wife, educator, school board member, political activist, political action chair, mentor, and matriarch. She has guided thousands of students on both coasts and continues to uplift her community with the same passion that fueled her earliest performances.

For Rubbie, life's greatest joy comes from service, creativity, and family—and she embraces each new chapter with gratitude, purpose, and an unwavering belief in the power of education and storytelling. She and her husband, James T. Thigpen have settled into their golden nest, a new home where they greet the sunrise, linger with the sunset, and savor the quiet blessing woven into each new day.

Andy Beall joined Kalamazoo Prep Academy in 2024 as a science teacher. Andy brings more than 26 years of experience in the science classroom having taught human anatomy, chemistry, biology, tier 2 biology, physical science, environmental science and AP environmental science.

Andy holds a degree from Western Michigan University in biology education and a Master's degree in education from Marygrove College. Before coming to KPA, he taught for 23 years at Mattawan High School, and 3 years at Lawton High School before that.

At KPS, Andy is known for his positive relationships with students and meeting students where they're at. He finds ways to connect with students and use his life experience to help students succeed in the classroom and life.

When not in the classroom, Andy enjoys working out, traveling with his wife, and spending time with his dogs, George and Giggs.

Matthew Fujiura joined Kalamazoo Prep Academy in 2021 as a Special Education Substitute teacher, bringing with him over 10 years of experience working with special needs students ranging in age from 3 to 25 years of age. He primarily worked with autistic individuals but also has experience with emotional impairment, cognitive impairment, and other health impairment individuals.

In July of 2023, Matthew transitioned from Special Education Teacher to Math Teacher. His mother was a high school math teacher in Long Beach, California and inspired him to pursue a career in education as well.

Matthew holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from University of California, Irvine and a Master's degree in Education with a Specialty in Behavior Analysis from Arcadia University. At KPA, Matthew is known as Mr. Matt and uses his humor and sensitivity to build strong relationships with students. Matthew always says that math is not meant to be learned from reading about and enjoys helping students with individualized lessons on the workbook or assignment they are struggling with.

Matthew is Japanese-American and was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, spent a couple years in Philadelphia area, and moved to Kalamazoo in 2019. In his free time, Matthew enjoys spending time with his three-year old daughter Kaylee and newborn son Myles, and wife Kristy. He is an avid sports fan, particularly baseball and basketball, rooting for his hometown Dodgers and Lakers.

Martha understands that physical and mental health are inseparable from academic success. Through PE and health education, she helps students develop lifelong wellness habits, stress management tools, and teamwork skills that serve them well beyond the classroom.

Gabriela brings energy and cultural richness to language learning at KPA. She helps students develop conversational Spanish skills while deepening their appreciation for Latin American cultures and the diverse world around them.

Gabrielle Udayan is a 2026 Special Education addition to the KPA team, bringing with her 4 years of experience as a behaviorist in Pennsylvania and 2 years in Michigan.

Gabrielle holds a Bachelor's degree in Theater Arts, English, and Education from the University of St. Thomas located in her hometown of Houston, Texas. She also possesses a Master of Science degree from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the areas of Special Education PreK-12 and Applied Behavior Analysis coursework.

Gabrielle is known for her creation and implementation of meaningful IEP goals and whole-school interventions, centering her approach around Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of need. She plans to obtain her Juris Doctorate degree focusing on constitutional and educational law in the pursuit of effective policy reform.

In her free time, Gabrielle enjoys offering family photography services, playing with her pomillon and havanese pups, Eevee and Teddy, and rock climbing with her sweetheart, Quentin.

Kristin Smith joined Kalamazoo Prep Academy in 2021 as a Special Education Teacher. She has taught every age, Kindergarten through college.

Kristin holds a Bachelor's Degree in Learning Disabilities from Hope College and a Master's Degree in Emotional Impairments from Grand Valley State University. She is certified in Orton-Gillingham, a program assisting students with Dyslexia.

Kristin enjoys working at KPA because she loves meeting students where they are at and helping them create a future for themselves. She also loves the staff because they are dedicated and have become life-long friends.

When not working as a teacher, Kristin spends time with her family.

Sara provides essential classroom and student support, working alongside teachers to ensure each student gets the individual attention they need. Her patience and care make a meaningful difference in the daily experience of KPA students.

Emma Carpenter joined Kalamazoo Prep Academy in 2024, bringing with her a diverse background in education, archival research, and student support. She currently serves as a Special Education paraprofessional while providing support to English Language Learners.

Emma holds a Bachelor's degree in the History of Art and Architecture and Museum Studies from the University of Pittsburgh. During her undergraduate career, she completed a semester in editorial work, served as an archival scholar researcher, and worked as a nanny for two families.

In her free time, Emma enjoys cooking, cross-stitching, and spending time with her partner, Elijah, and their cat, Biscuit.

Val Glasscock joined Kalamazoo Prep Academy in late 2023 as the Enrollment Data Specialist. Before coming to KPA, Val was a school bus driver for Portage Public Schools and Comstock Public Schools for 10 years. You may best hear Val as the voice on the other side of your phone calls.

Val has another important job in her life. Val is the Farmers Market Manager for the Charter of Texas Township, and is going into her third season.

Outside of the school day, Val is heavily involved in her church, Westminster Presbyterian Church as a Session Elder leading in Congregational Life, and works on the committee for the annual Art Festival. Val is also a heavily involved volunteer at the Kalamazoo Civic Theater, working on shows backstage since 2017.

Jackie Garcia joined Kalamazoo Prep Academy in 2022 as an Assistant Family support Specialist, bringing with her over 4 years of experience in adaptive learning and working with students and their child(ren), so they succeed in accomplishing their graduation goals while being assured their children are in good hands.

Jackie Graduated from Comstock High school receiving a high school diploma. From there she went to Kalamazoo Valley Community College to pursue a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Eventually, her desire changed and she took a leap of faith and become Certified Nurse Assistance for almost 4 years. Then covid struck being a single parent she had to adapt from home and become a child caregiver.

At KPS, Jackie has earned the name of being the "Baby whisper." She engages with Students and their child(ren) daily and goes out of her to mentor students when life challenges them. She makes sure their babies are being fed, changed, and making sure that babies feel safe.

When not in the Family Care Room, Jackie enjoys being a sports mom. Jackie has been met with love and grace, and it is her heart to do the same for others in giving of her time and mentorship. She likes to dabble in drawing from time to time. Most importantly she loves being surrounded by loved ones and family.

Mohammed joined Kalamazoo Prep Academy in 2024 as a member of the Mission Team, bringing 4 years of experience working with young people substituting as a district sub in all three grade levels. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Mount Mercy University. Before joining Kalamazoo Prep Academy he was an Assistant Men's Basketball Coach for Kellogg Community College. At KPA, he is recognized as someone who is passionate about helping our students graduate. He works hand in hand with our staff and students to ensure they get the support they need. When not working with students he enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching basketball or working out.

Paul Bostic joined Kalamazoo Prep Academy in 2019 as Staff Support for teachers and has been on the Mission Team member for 7 years. Paul holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration. Prior to working at KPA, Paul was the Director of Health Safety for American Red Cross. Paul was also in the United States Army Reserve as a medic for 8 years. At KPA, Paul is recognized for his commitment to students. Paul enjoys working with students to help them reach their academic goals. When not working, Paul enjoys long walks, going to the gym, reading and serving at his church and community.

Calvin Winfield joined the Kalamazoo Prep Academy in 2025 as a Mentor/Coach. In the past few years Calvin has done a lot of community work, most recently working with the initiative The Blocks Club (Building Leadership Organizing Communities With Keys To Succeed) that was created by recording artist Ed Genesis.

Calvin has a Bachelor's of Applied Arts degree in Industrial Supervision and Management from Central Michigan University. Before coming to KPA, he did a lot of mentoring and running his own recording studio in 4 different cities. He also currently has a recording studio in the Kalamazoo area as well.

In this community, Calvin is recognized for his hard work with the youth and young adults. Calvin was also a pretty good basketball player in high school and college, playing D-1 basketball. He collaborates daily with mentors and content teachers to ensure the students get the support they need with diverse learning profiles here at KPA alongside the Mission Team.

When not in the classroom, Calvin enjoys being in the studio creating art and spending time with family and friends.