Student Support Services

My name is Cathy Glei and I am thrilled to serve our school as
Eberwhite’s Building Literacy Coach. With 30 years of teaching experience across multiple grades, I’m passionate about supporting teachers, students, and families in all things literacy while strengthening our vibrant school community.

Fun Facts:

• I cycle, hike, explore new places, write, sing, and play outside as much as I can.
• I have three grandchildren.
• Love a good hot chai, honey dew boba tea, and popcorn (of all kinds).
• I enjoy watching the Tour de France, La Vuelta and Giro d-Italia.

I am excited to join the Eberwhite community as a Reading Assistant and to support students as they develop strong, confident reading skills. I hold a master’s degree in Special Education with a focus on learning disabilities and have over 15 years of experience working with elementary students who have diverse learning needs.

Previously, I taught and tutored at The Lab School of Washington, where I provided individualized reading instruction using research-based, multisensory approaches such as Orton-Gillingham. I have worked closely with students to strengthen phonics, fluency, comprehension, and writing, while aligning instruction with individual learning goals.

I believe that every child can learn to read with the right support, encouragement, and instruction. I enjoy creating a positive and supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and building confidence. I look forward to collaborating with teachers, staff, and families to help each child grow as a reader and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Hello! My name is Olivia Jackson. I am the English Learner teacher at Eberwhite this year. I have worked at Eberwhite and another AAPS school, as the EL teacher, for the past 5 years. I also have experience as a classroom teacher.

I graduated from the University of Michigan with a Master of Arts in Educational Studies with Elementary Teacher Certification and EL endorsement.

Being able to speak more than one language is a superpower! I love working with multilingual students who bring linguistic diversity, value, and enrichment to our schools.

In my free time, I enjoy running, reading, and being with family.

I graduated from Eastern Michigan University (EMU) in 1996 with my Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. In 2008, I completed my Master’s Degree in Schools, Society, and Violence, also at EMU. I am Sensory Integration and Praxis Testing (SIPT) certified and certified in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), additionally I am an American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) certified Fieldwork Educator and a certified Handwriting Instructor through Handwriting without Tears.

I started my career at a private pediatric clinic, gaining experience in both the private pediatric practice setting and public school system. This year will be my twenty second year in the Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) and my sixth year as the Lead OT. I was part of the University of Michigan Fetal Alcohol Clinic from 1999 until 2010 and also served as a part-time lecturer in the Occupational Therapy Program at EMU from 2012 - 2017. I have a passion for working with children with sensory processing differences and love working with students in the educational setting and supporting all students to be successful. 

I live with my husband and two sons in Commerce, Michigan and am an avid sailor.

My name is Kim Bonenberger.  I earned my Masters degree in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University in 1995 and have been working in Ann Arbor Public Schools for the last 8 years. Prior to that I worked in hospitals and outpatient clinics.

I live with my husband, 2 children and my dog. I like to hike, garden and play volleyball in my free time. In the schools, I support students in the classroom, on the playground, work with students individually or in small groups, and consult with classroom teachers regarding their students' mobility and school access. I am happy to provide school PT services at Eberwhite and at several other Ann Arbor schools. I am looking forward to a great year ahead!

Bio coming soon!

Hi Eberwhite Students and Families,

I am Kelly Breen and I am thrilled to be returning to Ann Arbor Public Schools for my 16th year of teaching. I have taught in Iowa, Colorado, Myanmar, Cambodia and Michigan. I look forward to meeting the awesome Eberwhite students and families!

I obtained my bachelors degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa. Ten years later, I earned a masters in Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado.

I moved to Michigan in 2018 with my husband. We now have two children, Otto and Elle, and a dog, Morris.

We enjoy exploring all that Michigan has to offer, especially the beautiful parks and going to concerts. I also enjoy playing and coaching volleyball, playing board/card games, especially Euchre, and getting outdoors!

Hello! I’m Jessica Caruso and I’m excited to meet your child this
year (or see how much they’ve grown)! This will by my 8th year as a resource room teacher and I’ve been at Eberwhite for all of those! I’m looking forward to this school year!

A little about me: I live in Ypsilanti with my husband and 3 kids. My son Steele is 6 and a first grader at Eberwhite, my daughter River is 4, and my son Bridge is 2. We also have a golden retriever at home named Dutch.

My name is Barb Gildersleeve and I look forward to joining the Eberwhite family. With 29 years of teaching experience across all grade levels, I firmly believe that positive relationships with colleagues, students, and families create a caring environment that promotes student success. I am committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive.

A little about me:

• I’m a Yooper — I grew up in Escanaba, Michigan.
• I currently live in Whitmore Lake with my husband Cory, who is also an educator.
• We have four children and four beautiful grandchildren who are the light of my life.
• In my free time I enjoy boating, golfing, and spending time with the grandbabies.

 I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this community and look forward to collaborating with you all.

My name is Zeinab Berro, and I graduated in 2021 with my Master’s in Social Work. I am a strong advocate for mental health and firmly believe that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.

I have a deep passion for working with children and supporting their emotional well-being. Being present for students listening to them, encouraging them, and making sure they feel safe and understood is at the heart of the work I do.

As the new school social worker, my goal is to build trusting relationships with students, families, and staff. I am committed to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where every child feels seen, heard, and empowered. I look forward to working together to ensure our students are mentally healthy, resilient, and thriving.

My name is Kris Kilgallon, but students, families, and staff can call me "Mr. K." This is my second year in the elementary school setting, and prior to that I have worked and continue to work in pediatric private practice with children and families with a great variety of complex communication needs. I believe that all people have the right to self-expression regarding their wants, needs, thoughts, feelings, emotions, and ideas in addition to a sense of belonging, friendship, and a role in the community. That, among other things, are some of the biggest reasons for why I love working as a speech-language pathologist.

In my free time, I enjoy cooking, baking, playing violin, listening to music, and visiting new places. My spouse and I live in Ann Arbor, MI, where we have lived for the past seven years. A fun fact about me is that I am an identical twin! Although, for identical twins, I don't think we look very much alike. 

I'm very excited to be joining the Eberwhite team. I try my hardest to always be an open line of communication for all students, families, and staff. I enjoy every opportunity to say hello, and chat! If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask me.

Bio coming soon!

Hello , my name is Jean Oorbeck. They call me “Mrs. O.“  I am in my third year here at Eberwhite Elementary. 

My passion is to ensure that children get all of the support and encouragement they deserve. They are our future, after all. 

My family consists of my amazing wife, four inspiring teenagers, and fantastic farm animals. 

I love shooting hoops, playing volleyball, hot yoga, hiking and gardening. I am also currently writing a book.  

This year will be amazing!