Shelby is excited to return to Michigan and join the Roots & Wings Learning Academy team as the Special Education Teacher. Originally from Troy, Michigan, she spent the past five years in Bloomington, Indiana, teaching middle school and post-high school students with diverse learning needs. Shelby holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a degree in Special Education (CI, K–26).

She is passionate about helping every student discover their strengths, build confidence, and realize what they are capable of achieving. Shelby believes in creating a supportive, individualized learning environment where students can grow both academically and personally.

Outside of the classroom, Shelby enjoys spending time with her family, including her young daughter and Goldendoodle. She also loves cooking, baking, and exploring nature through outdoor walks. Shelby looks forward to partnering with families and helping each student thrive throughout the school year.

Lead the Way Therapies uses a family-centered, child-led approach to support communication, play, autonomy, and everyday success. We aim to help each child feel safe, confident, understood, and empowered. 

Alyssa Newman brings over 15 years of experience working with children with disabilites to her role as lead teacher assistant at Roots & Wings Learning Academy. She holds a bachlor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and her background includes ABA, social skills groups, therapy, Montessori, co-op, Catholic, and tradtional educational settings. Alyssa is passionate about meeting each child where they are, celebrating their strengths, and fostering a supportive, encouraging learning environment. As a mother of two, she also brings patience, compassion, and genuine commitment to helping every student thrive.

Katie Hipple is a dedicated yoga teacher and wellness practitioner passionate about helping people of all ages cultivate balance, mindfulness, and inner peace. Through yoga, meditation, breathwork, sound healing, and Reiki, she creates welcoming, heart-centered experiences that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Katie believes wellness is a journey unique to each individual and strives to provide a safe, inclusive space where students can reconnect with themselves, reduce stress, and embrace healing. 

Rita Douglas, MT-BC, is a board-certified music therapist who completed a Second Bachelor's Degree at Eastern Michigan University. A lifelong musician playing guitar, piano, and hammered dulcimer, she found her calling in music therapy through parenting a child with autism. Rita completed clinical training at DMC's Children's Hospital of Michigan and interned at Building Bridges Pediatric Therapy Center. She advocates for people with autism through grassroots efforts to promote inclusion and access to therapies through legislation. At Roots & Wings, Rita uses music to foster communication, connection, and self-regulation. Rita provides group music therapy services through our partnership with PARClife, an ABA compassionate provider located in the PARC building.

​Victoria Fritz has had a passion for art since childhood, turning a lifelong love of paining into a rewarding career. She has showcased her work in galleries, participated in art competitions and local art fairs, and founded her own business, All Around Art. Victoria has continued to develop her artistic skills through fine art classes and hands-on experience. After assisting with art camps and teaching since 2023, she is excited to inspire creativity, build confidence, and share her love of art with students at Roots & Wings Learning Academy. 

​At Roots & Wings Learning Academy, students have the opportunity to interact with certified therapy dogs as part of their school experience. Therapy dog visits can help reduce anxiety, support emotional regulation, encourage social interaction ,and creating a calming, welcoming environment. For many students, spending time with a therapy dog also builds confidence, promotes communication, and provides comfort  helping them feel safe and connected.