TEACHER FEATURE

Ms. VanKerckhove

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What brought you to WYWLA?

Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy is such a special place in Wake County! I have always heard wonderful things about the school, and was excited to learn of an opening teaching my favorite subject. Once I learned that part of the mission at WYWLA is to lead, learn and serve I knew it was the place for me. It is my goal to encourage, inspire, and advocate for all of the women at this school. 

What is your impression of WYWLA thus far?  

I teach science to all 162 of the girls in the middle school, and I am so thankful for that! My students are polite, kind, brilliant, funny, and strive to be their best. I love that they write me notes, email me questions about assignments, and always try to improve their grades. All of the teachers and support staff are team players, and they make the school feel welcoming.

What is one piece of advice you try to inculcate in students? 

I want the girls to know that they all have unique talents to share with the world, and any dream can become a reality with hard work, focus and determination. 

What was your middle school/ high school experience like? What is one way a teacher has influenced you?

My family moved across the state when I started middle school, and it was a huge change. I remember the challenges of trying to find my voice during those years. My favorite teacher was my 8th grade science teacher who also happened to be my volleyball coach. She was fun, loved her students and genuinely wanted the best for everyone. My next favorite teacher of all time was my high school band teacher. He pushed his students to be their best self and he expected excellence. I knew he always believed in me even though I was the only girl among all of the boys playing trumpet. After earning First Chair in our ensemble, I knew I could accomplish anything I put my mind to.

What is one fun fact about you?  

An interesting fact about me is that I was a yoga instructor, and I ran my own outdoor yoga business for several years. It was amazing! I love how mindful movement and meditation can help people through challenges and provide inner peace and strength. A more humorous fact about me is that I am really good at alliteration. Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Pickles. ;)

Where did you graduate from college?  Major?

I graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Education, and minors in science, math and creative arts.

What music do you listen to on the way to work?  On the ride home?  What type of music do you listen to/prefer?  Favorite artists/ bands?  Favorite songs?

My music varies depending on my mood, but I often listen to Rising Appalachia on the way to work, such as “Harmonize” and “Resilient.” I love to listen to bluegrass or jazz when I cook dinner, as it takes me back to good memories with my Dad. I am open to most music genres and love seeing anything live.

What was your first teen idol crush?

My first teen idol crush was Jordan Knight from New Kids on the Block. I held a NKOTB party when I was in 5th grade, and we played “Pin the Tail on Jordan” and had a dance party.

Favorite author? Book? Genre?

My favorite genre is historical fiction, but it is hard to pick just one book or author.  I like Sue Monk Kidd, and especially enjoyed The Secret Life of Bees. The Color Purple by Alice Walker was such a memorable read as well. I am currently enjoying The Women by Kristen Hannah, which highlights the contributions of female nurses in Vietnam. 

Ms. Zelenakas

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What brought you to WYWLA?

I was interested in working in a leadership school. I loved the idea of a smaller and girls only school to help empower them to be successful later in life.    

What is your impression of WYWLA thus far?  

I think that it is a great school with a very positive, supportive and community centered environment. I love that it encourages students to be part of  leaders and focuses on activities that prepare them for college and future endeavors.  

What is one piece of advice you try to inculcate in students? 

Lean on and allow your peers to lean on you to find success.  Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, using each other will help you to be more successful.  

What was your middle school/ high school experience like? What is one way a teacher has influenced you?

I may not have been the best student in all my classes but I really enjoyed my science, art, and sewing classes.  I figured out who I was and found great friends, some of whom I still hang out with.  My driving instructor taught our class that you should always know what is around you so that you can avoid obstacles and dangers.  He used this both as a driving tip and a life tip.  

What is one fun fact about you?  

I have climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, and I have a puppy named Lexi

Where did you graduate from college?  Major?

I graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech).  My major was Forestry with a concentration in Environmental Resource Management. My Master's in Education is from Gratz College.

What music do you listen to on the way to work?  On the ride home?  What type of music do you listen to/prefer?  Favorite artists/ bands?  Favorite songs?

I listen to most types of music.  I listen to mix stations.  Some of my favorite bands are Coldplay, Maroon 5, 1990s alternative rock, and 2000s country.  I don’t have a favorite song

What was your first teen idol crush?

New Kids on the Block!

Favorite author? Book? Genre?

I really likeTim Dorsey's crime/detective books -  the more absurd the better!