West Highland Christian Academy

My name is Carey Abraham and I have been teaching for over 13 years. I taught at a public school for ten years where I taught Kindergarten, first, and second grade. I absolutely loved teaching at that school but I found myself struggling at times because I was not able to pray with the kids in my class. I feel very blessed to be teaching first grade at West Highland Christian Academy for many reasons, but one main reason is because I get to talk to my students about the love that God has for each and every one of them! I graduated with a double major in Language Arts and Child Development from Michigan State University-Go Spartans!! I have a Masters Degree from MSU in Teaching and Curriculum. I have two children, Vella and Ava. They both attend WHCA. I am married to a fun-loving man, Jim. I enjoy all sports, especially volleyball, wakeboarding, and snowboarding. I love being with my family and playing outside. I feel West Highland is more than a school, it feels like family!

Mrs. Ambrose has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematical Sciences with an emphasis in Computer Science from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.  She worked as a computer programmer and developed programs for NOAA, NAVOCEANO, and NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research at the John C. Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, before moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Her passion is to help students learn and attain their full potential despite any learning differences. She has four children. She enjoys gardening, going for walks, hiking in the mountains, and spending time with family and friends.

Mrs. Austin is an Alumnus of WHCA class of 2004. Her passion is music and worship. Lisa has been teaching private piano lessons for over 15 years and voice for more than 10 years. She leads worship at West Highland Baptist church and has a heart for WHCA and a desire to see the students grow in a Christ-centered environment.

Mrs. Barber has a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University and an Associates degree in Elementary Education from Washtenaw Community College. Barb worked as a substitute teacher at an International school when serving for eight years in Malaysia and speaks fluent Malay. While there, she discovered her passion for teaching. She is a certified Dyslexia Consultant through Bright Solutions, Inc. and has been tutoring with the Barton Dyslexia System since 2012. Barb is married and has five children. Three of her children have graduated from West Highland. 

Mrs. Betts works in the office as the Administrative Assistant. She has the privilege of serving the principal, staff, students and parents of WHCA. She has been involved with Christian education for over 20 years. She has an Associates Degree in music from Moody Bible Institute. She is currently working on a Bachelor's of Science from Liberty University. Heidi is married and has 3 children, 2 grandchildren, 1 dog and 2 cats.

Mrs. Daniels graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Elementary Education and an endorsement in Cognitive Impairments. She is thrilled to be teaching again at WHCA. Previously, she was a long-term substitute for 5th/6th grades, a special education teacher and dyslexia tutor. Prior to teaching at WHCA, she subbed at several local schools. She has waited a long time to teach 3rd/4th grades and loves the freedom to talk to students about Jesus and to pray for them. She is grateful to be back and glad to have the opportunity to co-teach with Mrs. Nunneley.

Mrs. DiGiovanni has a Bachelor degree in Human Biology from the University of Michigan-Flint. She is a devoted educator who strives to cultivate a passion for reading, writing, and critical thinking in her students. She is committed to helping them realize their capabilities fully. Mrs. DiGiovanni also teaches her students how to choose literature and entertainment that has both artistic and moral significance. Prior to joining WHCA, she tutored English, biology, and chemistry at the high school and college levels. Mrs. DiGiovanni has been with WHCA since 2019 and teaches English to students in grades 7-12, Senior Seminar, and provides one-on-one Barton tutoring. Mrs. DiGiovanni is married and has one child, Leia.

Mrs. Diller attended Taylor University for Elementary Education. She previously taught homeschool co-op classes for over 10 years and has been at WHCA for five years. She enjoys teaching science, history, geography and many other subjects. She has been tutoring with the Barton System for four years. Mrs. Diller has worked with special needs students in a variety of settings during her teaching time. She has six children, two of whom attend West Highland. She is a huge supporter of our robotics programs and is currently the head coach for junior high and an assistant coach for the high school and upper elementary teams.

Dr. Dorais received his Bachelor of Arts degree and Masters degree from the University of Michigan and his Doctorate from Liberty University.  He has taught in public and private schools for over 20 years.  Dr. Dorais is married and has two children, Ethan and Ava, and both are graduates of WHCA.

Mrs. Evans has a Bachelor degree from Columbia International University in Elementary Education and Bible. She was raised overseas in Saudi Arabia. Prior to coming to West Highland, she taught in the Detroit Public School System, raised her children, homeschooled, taught in co-op homeschools, and taught Sunday School. Some of her hobbies are skiing, reading, drawing, and learning more about everything (think more books, more museums, and more documentaries). She loves Jeremiah 29:11-13 that says: “…You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

I am the proud mama of Carden and McCoy and will celebrate 10 years of marriage with my husband, Kyle. Our family lives on Cass Lake in Waterford, MI and we have 3 dogs. I started teaching fitness classes in 1999 as a student at Michigan State University. I have been passionate about fitness and health my whole life. Sometimes people roll their eyes at me when I tell them I workout for fun, but I really do! I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Michigan State University in Marketing and applied my degree in non-profit work for the American Heart Association for 13 years. During my time at the American Heart Association, I was involved in the Jump Rope for Heart program, NFL Play 60 and focused on childhood obesity initiatives for about 2 years.

Mrs. Matthews joined WHCA after having spent 24 years in IT as a software quality tester. She provides support to the school in a variety of areas including finance, payroll, enrollment, and IT support. She has a passion to serve and is eager to help others. Mrs. Matthews has been married for 21 years to Steve and they have two boys. One is at Junior at West Highland and one is a Graduate. In her free time she enjoys pursuing her hobbies, including crochet, camping, kayaking, fishing, trail riding and spending time at their cabin up north.

Mrs. Nunneley has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Biology, with a minor in Math and graduate courses in Analytical Chemistry. Throughout college, she taught general science labs and tutored. Her work experience includes six years as an Analytical Chemist in Research and Development, Supervisor of a manufacturing/product development lab for two years, and was a substitute teacher for 3 years. In addition, she served for three years on the board of a charitable organization, Yokohama International Women's Club, while living in Japan. She has also served as a group leader and children's leader for many years for Bible Study Fellowship International in both the USA and Japan. She has taught 3rd/4th grade at WHCA for 3 years. It is her endeavor to not only provide an excellent education, but also to pour into her students the love that Jesus Christ has poured into her life.

Mrs. Packer co-teaches 1st and 2nd grade and is a Dyslexia tutor. She received her Associates Degree in Business, studied to be a Court Reporter business school and also earned her CDA in Preschool Education. She has taught preschool aged children for over 17 years. This is her 3rd year teaching and her 8th year tutoring dyslexia students at West Highland. She has also been a parent volunteer here for over 20 years. Mrs. Packer is married to Brian and they have four grown children. All four have attended West Highland, two are graduates and one is currently a senior. Mrs. Packer's passion is sharing the love of Jesus with her students and helping them find success and reach their God-given potential both academically and spiritually.

Mrs. Purdy is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University. She is certified to teach secondary Math and K-12 Physical Education. She has over twenty years teaching experience with the last two being here at WHCA. She believes anyone can be successful in math when enough effort is applied.

Gabe and his wife Sarah are former missionaries to Ukraine where they worked with orphans. He is currently the Lead Pastor at a local church but values Christian education and is thankful to be a part of the West Highland family. Gabe is a graduate of Simpson University and received his Masters of Christian Ministry with an emphasis on missions from Liberty University. His life verse is John 3:30 - "Jesus must increase and I must decrease." His hope for students is that they learn to rest securely in the timeless truth of God's Word so they can be His instruments in a changing world.

Mrs. Torres is our Spanish teacher with over two decades of experience teaching Spanish. As a native of Puerto Rico, she grew up speaking Spanish as her first language. Mrs. Torres brings cultural knowledge to the classroom, providing students with the opportunity to experience the language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world through music, food, and field trips. She uses creativity to make the textbook come alive and entices students to try traditional Spanish treats. Mrs. Torres has a heart for her students and is dedicated to teaching them Spanish in the right way. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Torres is a proud wife and mother of two WHCA graduates and two grandchildren.

Mrs. Whitted earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education with minors in science and social studies from Eastern Michigan University. She and her family were missionaries in Mexico for five years. Her desire is for her students to realize that God has an amazing plan for their lives and for them to understand that a life lived for God is incredibly fulfilling.

Mr. Whitted received his Master's degree in teaching from Marygrove College and his Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan. He taught social studies, English, drama, science, and technology integration in the public school system for over 20 years. He has also coached soccer and cross-country for many years. Mr. Whitted's passion is to see each of his students realize their potential in Christ. He enjoys traveling, spending time with his family (all three of his adult children graduated from WHCA) and helping people. He desires to create a Christ centered, supportive, and bully-free environment.

Mr. Williams has a bachelor's degree in Education from Oakland University with a major in mathematics and minors in science and language arts. He is certified K-8th grade. He and his wife, Kaye, have been leaders in the children's ministry at their church for over 25 years.

Mrs. Wilson graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy with a Bachelors degree in Chemistry. She worked as a Chemist for several years before choosing to stay home to homeschool her children. She has over 20 years of teaching experience and has taught at homeschooled co-ops, public, private and charter schools. She is very passionate about students applying critical thinking skills to their daily lives and being problem solvers. She believes that every child has the ability to be great at something and seeks God’s hand to help unfold it. She previously taught several high school science classes at West Highland and is currently our Robotics Program Administrator and High School Student Advisor. She has a passion to help students find and apply for scholarships and grants for college.