Student Artwork




Student Artwork

MEET OUR STAFF

2011-2012 School Year

ADMINISTRATOR/ FOUNDER

Sandra McClurg is the founder and administrator of Somerset Academy. Sandy has more than thirty years experience as an early childhood teacher, director, administrator and university teacher. She was the co-founder and first director of Troy Somerset School in 1982 (now Somerset Academy). Sandy has a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a B.S. degree in both Elementary and Special Education. Sandy has three adult daughters and six preschool and early elementary age grandchildren. In 2003, Sandy was invited, as one of 38 early childhood educators from the U.S., to attend the first early childhood education roundtable at Oxford University in England.

SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Carmy VanRobays is beginning her fifth year as school director. She transitioned into the field of education nine years ago, completing her B.A. degree in Early Childhood Education at Rochester College. Her experience with children also includes 37 years in fine arts and dance. Carmy was a former member of Oakland Community College’s advisory board in early childhood education. This is her eleventh year at Somerset. Carmy will be resuming studies this year at Oakland University.

TEACHING STAFF

Katie Baker is returning for her sixth year teaching at Somerset Academy, and is beginning her third year as the preschool director. She graduated with a B.A. degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Madonna University, where she also acquired her ZA endorsed teaching certificate. Katie previously worked with Somerset as a summer camp teacher, substitute, and para-pro. In addition, she has eleven years experience working with young children in the field of dance. Katie will be returning to Madonna University for a Master's Degree in Teaching with a focus on Learning Disabilities.

Kirsten Charnesky is returning for her fifth year in our prekindergarten program. She has a B.A. in Education and a teaching certificate from Michigan State University, and a M.A. in Early Childhood as well as a ZA endorsement from Oakland University. Kirsten has twin newborns, a son and a daughter.

Honilynn Hendricks is returning for her tenth year teaching at Somerset Academy, and is beginning her fourth year as the prekindergarten director. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a B.S. degree in Recreation Programming with Specialization in Child and Family Development. Honilynn has taught preschool at the City of Berkley Recreation Department, was head teacher in the toddler room for Southfield Child Development Center, and taught ice skating to all ages for many years. She is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education at Oakland University.

Rachel Travers recently graduated from Eastern Michigan University and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, with a focus in Reading. She has over eight years of experience working with children in educational settings. This is her second year as part of Somerset Academy’s prekindergarten teaching team.

Ashley Ruth is joining us in the prekindergarten room this year. She graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a B.A. in Elementary Education with a focus in Language Arts and Early Childhood Education. She brings previous experience working with children ages 2-13 years old.

Megan Holley is joining the preschool program this year. Megan has a B.A. in Elementary Education with an endorsement in English as a Second Language from Michigan State University, where she also studied Spanish. She has experience teaching in a kindergarten and a multi-age classroom. Megan also has over five years of experience coaching young children in gymnastics.

Emily Green is joining us this year in the preschool program. She graduated from Michigan State University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Child Development, where she also earned her teaching certificate and ZA endorsement. Emily is currently working toward her Master's in Teaching and Curriculum at Michigan State. She brings over four years of experience working in preschool and early elementary school classrooms.