Wondering what it's like to be a student at the Marsal Family School of Education?
Our student ambassadors would love to connect with you to share their experiences and answer your questions. Sign up below to meet with a student in your area of interest, or send an email to [email protected] and include an ambassador's name if there's someone in particular you'd like to connect with. We look forward to hearing from you!
Tyler Layman
Hello! My name is Tyler Layman, and I am from Grand Haven, Michigan. I am currently a sophomore in the Teacher Preferred Admission program studying secondary education with the hopes of gaining endorsements in English, social studies, and psychology. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy playing basketball, volleyball, and golf, listening to music, going for runs, and hanging out with my buddies. Becoming an educator has been a lifelong dream of mine, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help others achieve their passions as well. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Morgan Humphreys
Hi, my name is Morgan Humphreys, and I am a sophomore in the Teacher Education Preferred Admission program, where I plan to pursue the elementary education program with a minor in English! I am from Jackson, Michigan where my love for teaching and children developed. In my free time, I enjoy going on walks, trying out a new cafe or ice cream shop, scrapbooking, reading, or playing board games with friends and family. I cannot wait to become a teacher to help future generations have a passion for learning while simultaneously showing them they are loved and valued. I am also excited to talk to and help anyone who is interested in pursuing a career as an educator!
Erika Bennett
Hello! My name is Erika Bennett, and I am currently a senior pursuing a degree in elementary education, with additional certifications in ELD (English Language Development) and TIP (Trauma-Informed Practice). I am a transfer student and joined the university in my junior year. I am and will continue to be a student intern at The School at Margrove in Detroit from this fall until I graduate in the spring. In my free time I enjoy playing roller derby, practicing guitar, puzzling, and playing with my cat! I have chosen to become a student ambassador because I feel passionately about the Marsal School, and I am endlessly grateful for the opportunities it has provided me and the education it continues to give. I look forward to speaking with you further to discuss if the Marsal School is the school for you. Go Blue!
Lena Kerns
Hello! My name is Lena Kerns, and I am a senior in the Undergraduate Elementary Teacher Education program seeking additional certification in music. I am currently placed in a first grade classroom at Burns Park Elementary in Ann Arbor. I was born and raised in Gibraltar, Michigan (Downriver), and fell in love with teaching when helping my local choir learn to read sheet music across a variety of experience and age levels. I have been committed to equity in teaching since. I am especially drawn to teaching literacy and social studies, as well. In my free time, I perform around campus, teach guitar, do colored pencil portraiture, and run. I’m looking forward to supporting you in your decision-making process!
Holly Hoskey
Hello! I am Holly Hoskey, a current undergraduate student pursuing a secondary teacher certification with an endorsement in Social Studies education from the Marsal School at the University of Michigan. I am currently teaching at Slauson Middle School in Ann Arbor and switching to Huron High School in October. My passion for teaching comes from an amazing teacher in high school who taught me how to love to learn. This passion has only grown with my time at the Marsal Family School of Education, which is something that I hope to ignite for others! Outside of school, I enjoy reading and crocheting. I have so many handmade sweaters and cardigans that it is a problem! I look forward to meeting you to discuss your future at the Marsal School! Go Blue!
Megan Novak
Hello! My name is Megan Novak, and I am a senior working to attain my bachelor’s degree in secondary education through the Marsal School and my bachelor’s degree in English through the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. I am currently student teaching part-time at Washtenaw International High School in the 11th and 12th-grade IB Literature classrooms, and I will soon be moving to Scarlet Middle School to work in an eighth grade ELA classroom. When I’m not at school, I love spending time outdoors with my family and friends. I enjoy hiking, swimming in Lake Michigan, and riding my bike. I can’t wait to meet you! Go Lions and Go Blue!
Saanvi Chigurupat
Hi, I’m Saanvi Chigurupati, and I’m a sophomore in the first-ever Learning, Equity, and Problem Solving for the Public Good (LEAPS) cohort, with intended concentrations in education policy and design! I decided to pursue education because I believe every child should get the chance to play an active role in designing their own education—something I got to experience myself as a student at a very progressive, student-directed high school. On campus, I’m involved in Kappa Delta, Michigan Men’s Rugby, the Provost’s Undergraduate Advisory Council, and WOLV-TV. I love concerts, reading, and trying every restaurant in Ann Arbor. I’m so excited to get to know all of you and be a part of your college decision process!
Ian Chow
Hi! My name is Ian. I’m from Hong Kong originally, but have been studying in the U.S. since I was in middle school. I’m a sophomore in the Learning, Equity, and Problem Solving for the Public Good (LEAPS) program, and I decided to pursue education because there are many teachers who have inspired me throughout my middle and high school career. Outside of the classroom, I’m part of the Triathlon Club (I'm absolutely horrible at swimming, though!), and I enjoy reading and playing video games with friends in my free time.
Denise Akabey
Hi! My name is Denise, and I am a graduate student pursuing the Master of Arts with Elementary Teacher Certification program (ELMAC). I recently graduated from the University of Oregon with a bachelor of educational foundations and a minor in psychology. I am currently placed in a fifth grade classroom at King Elementary and loving every second of it! During my free time, I enjoy hiking, cooking, and reading. I am new to Michigan and have been spending a lot of time exploring Ann Arbor and the surrounding areas. I look forward to connecting with you to share about my experience in the program and help in any way I can!
Addie Davis
Hi, I’m Addie Davis, a student in the Master of Arts with Elementary Teacher Certification (ELMAC) program! I’m currently student teaching in a kindergarten classroom at King Elementary, and I love it! I’m also passionate about literacy research and spend a lot of my time working on AI, writing, and elementary reading projects. For fun, I enjoy dancing, running, reading, and doing any sort of outdoor adventure! Prior to the University of Michigan, I attended college at the University of Tennessee, where I studied early childhood education and policy. I would love to meet with you, share my experiences, and provide any help I can!
David Kang
Hi. My name is David Kang. I am a graduate student pursuing my Master of Arts with Secondary Teacher Certification (SecMAC) with English and English Language Development (ELD) endorsements as well as the International Baccalaureate Certificate in Teaching & Learning. I received my BA in creative writing and English literature here at Michigan. I came back to Ann Arbor after a career leading the development and management of digital marketing, ecommerce, and martech strategies and operations for beauty and consumer electronics companies. I’ve lived and worked abroad for over 11 years. I look forward to sharing my experiences and hearing about yours. Go Blue!
Corrigan Knittle
Hey all! My name is Cory Knittle, and I am pursuing the Master of Arts with Secondary Teacher Certification (SecMAC) degree with a social studies endorsement. I attended the University of Michigan for undergraduate studies, where I earned my BA in public policy. I am currently placed in a sixth grade social studies classroom at Scarlett Middle School and will be going to The School at Marygrove in January. When you don’t see me with students, I am most likely out gardening or playing basketball around Ann Arbor. I can’t wait to meet with you to share my experiences and to learn more about you—and, as always, Go Blue!
Robyn Raimey
Hello! My name is Robyn Raimey, and I am currently pursuing my Master of Arts in Educational Studies at Marsal with a concentration in Designing for Innovation: Learning, Instruction, and Technology. I am a proud Ferndale, Michigan native and I love learning new things, storytelling, all things creative, and coffee dates! My journey has included hands-on experiences in elementary classrooms across Michigan and abroad, as well as leadership roles in community education, the arts, and curriculum design. Many of these opportunities were afforded to me through Marsal, where I obtained my BA in elementary education. I am passionate about building inclusive, empowering, and innovative learning environments where every student can shine. Returning as a Marsal student ambassador in my graduate studies, I am excited and looking forward to supporting current and prospective students in finding their path and purpose at Marsal Education. Let’s connect and talk about your goals!
Lorena Rivera
Hi, I’m Lorena! I’m a master’s student in Educational Studies, focusing on Designing for Innovation. I’m proudly originally from Colombia, where I had the opportunity to work across a variety of educational settings, from preschool to university, lead projects in rural areas, and contribute to the design of educational tools and activities. I’m especially interested in how people learn in non-formal spaces such as museums, extracurricular programs, online platforms, and community settings. That’s why I’m also pursuing the Learning Experience Design certificate. Outside of school, I like biking around Ann Arbor, doing crafts, and dancing when nobody’s watching. I’d love to connect, share experiences, and support you in finding your own path here!
Ashlyn Turner
Hello everyone! My name is Ashlyn Turner, and I am pursuing my master’s degree in higher education at the Marsal Family School of Education. My concentration is individually designed, with a particular focus on how our identities and holistic wellbeing influence our experiences in higher education, personally and professionally. I completed my undergraduate studies at Siena Heights University, where I double-majored in art and communications. During my time there, I had the privilege of working as a student ambassador, which guided my passion for helping students navigate their academic journeys. I’m looking forward to connecting with others as a graduate student ambassador and exploring ways to assist students’ interests. Go Blue!
Jacob Wu
Hi there! My name is Jacob Wu (he/him). I am a master’s student in higher education with a concentration in institutional research. I was born and raised in Suzhou, a both historical and modern city in China. I completed my undergraduate degree at UC Irvine with a dual degree in education sciences (cum laude) and criminology (magna cum laude), plus a minor in Spanish. As a first-generation international college student, I understand how challenging it is to access education, and I value education a lot. I believe education can help people better understand themselves and fully explore their potential. Because of my interest in doing educational research, I aim for a PhD after finishing my MA in higher education. Besides academics, I enjoy working out, hanging out with friends, and playing the Chinese flute. Feel free to bring any questions, and I am here to support you.