Detroit Merit Charter Academy

A PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL MANAGED BYNATIONAL HERITAGE ACADEMIES

A-Z

Our Leadership

Sandra Terry-Martin, Principal

Education:

University of Michigan - Bachelor of Arts, Education
Grand Valley State University - working toward Master's Degree, Educational Leadership

Previous education experience:

I taught 3 ½ years in a catholic school (St. Ambrose – which is now Merit). I taught 3rd graders, 4th and 5th grade science and a split 7th and 8th grade class. At Merit I taught 5th grade for 4 years. I had the opportunity to be a teacher leader and a lead mentor before becoming an assistant principal. I have been the principal of Detroit Merit for almost 4 years.

What do you like most about working here?

I love what I do. The students are fantastic and they work extremely hard. Our focus on high school and beyond is sincere and we make extra efforts to ensure our students choose where they attend high school. We have a dedicated staff of professionals that give an enormous amount of themselves to guarantee our students are challenged daily. DMA is like a family that cares deeply for each of its members. I am proud to be a Merit Mustang!

Personal Information:

I have been married for 15 years and have two intelligent, talented, and beautiful daughters. For every decision that we make at Merit, I use my daughters as a reference point. As a family we enjoy swimming, baking, going up north, picking berries, doing crafts, logging wood, and hanging out.

Juan D. Ferreiro, Assistant Principal

Education:

Wayne State University - Bachelor of Arts, Education
Wayne State University - Master's Degree, Education in Foreign Language and ELL

Previous education experience and number of years in the field:

US Army Primary Leadership Academy

US Army Basic Leadership Academy

US Army Advance Leadership Academy

US Army Senior Leadership Academy

What do you like most about working here?

I like our students and school staff.

Other work experience:

US Army (20 years)

Personal Information:

I like to read (I read 2 or 3 books per week).

Brian Socia, Dean 3-5

Education:

Central Michigan University - Bachelor of Arts Degree, Elementary Education (Fire Up Chips!)
Walden University - Master's Degree, Educational Leadership

Previous education experience:

I started my teaching career in the Bay City Public Schools as a kindergarten teacher. A year later I found myself at Detroit Merit Academy teaching 7th-8th Grade science. Four years later, I have been blessed with an Administration position at DMA.

What do you like most about working here?

I come to work every day with the children in mind. The idea of changing one student’s life for the better is a powerful thing. My peers, co-workers, and team all working together to better educate more children is what I like most about working here.

Other work experience:

I once worked at a Funeral Home and thought of becoming a mortician. I also worked at Comerica Park as a crowd manager to watch the Tigers games.

Personal Information:

I love spending time with my three daughters, Eilee, Tatum and Avery (Tatum and Avery are twins)...so, I have lots of hobbies because I live with all women! I enjoy watching TV, golfing, fishing and hanging with my buddies.

Sally Kennedy, Dean K-2

Education:

Western Michigan University -Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education; English, Science and Early Childhood endorsed
Wayne State University- Master of Education, Administration

Previous Education Experience:

Prior to becoming a first and third grade teacher at Detroit Merit Academy I worked in a Kalamazoo pre-school. I then was afforded the opportunity to be a first grade and kindergarten teacher for Kalamazoo Public Schools. During my tenure as a classroom teacher I have also had the opportunity to be a mentor teacher to student teachers from local colleges and universities.

What do you like most about working here?

I absolutely adore the students and staff, the comfortable feeling of working among people who feel like family and the devotion from all who are involved. Detroit Merit is sincerely second to none.

Other work experience:

I have had a plethora of jobs, from working in a florist, to being a server, to even being a nanny for triplets!

Personal Information:

I have many hobbies that I squeeze in after work. I enjoy researching genealogy, playing Zelda, reading and playing with my dog!

Ann VanDyke, Dean

Education:

Wayne State University – Bachelors of Science – Education

Eastern Michigan University – (ongoing) Masters in Educational Leadership

Previous education experience and number of years in the field:

I taught second and third grade at DMA from 2006-2008. After spending a year at home with my daughter, I returned to NHA and taught for two years at Quest Academy before becoming a dean in 2011-2012. I’m back at DMA as the Dean of Intervention Services.

What do you like most about working here?

I love what I do each day, and my ability to make an impact across the grade levels and within the community. The staff is truly dedicated, and the families at DMA are supportive of all that we do here.

Personal:

I’ve been married for five years, and have two children – Ruth is four and Matt is nine months. I’m lucky enough to have a great work/home balance since I am able to work part-time. Any chance we get, we load the kids and the dog in the car and travel to our little slice of heaven in northern Michigan – Clear Lake.