Get to know our talented team

Our team has over 25 years of experience within children’s education and focuses on utilizing a variety of curriculum that integrates the latest insights into how children most effectively learn. This approach enables children to face the ever-changing world with the tools and skills that they need to thrive.

Ms. Ortiz, Founder & Educator

My name is Amy Ortiz and I have been teaching for over 25 years.  I graduated from Wayne State University in Elementary Education, graduate work in Reading and Language Arts from Oakland University, along with courses and endorsements in Early Childhood. I have taught many grade levels but have found a love for the littles and preschool.  I love to teach and care for children in a motivational way that is understanding of all students’ needs. 

I have two amazing grown children, both raised through Birmingham schools since Preschool.  Benjamin, is 23 and a graduate of Loyola University Chicago working and living his best life in Chicago. My daughter Lily, is 21 and a junior at Michigan State University.  I am extremely vested in our community.  

I love to continue to learn and add new things to my toolbox even still. I just finished an Orton-Gillingham training for the preschool age along with continuously collaborating with my colleagues. I also absolutely love rich and diverse children's literature as many of my lessons are extensions of great books that are incorporate into our daily lessons and beautiful art. At the preschool age my goal is to raise good people; make eye contact, do the coat flip, peal a cutie along with shapes, colors etc. / all things to prepare them for a wonderful kindergarten year. Mostly, to love to go to school as they come running up the sidewalk!

Mrs. Christina Wascha, Lead Teacher

Hi! My name is Christina Wascha and I am thrilled to be part of Ortiz EduCare! I feel so lucky to learn, play, and grow with the students and families!

I have been teaching for over 17 years, 11 in Early Education which is my passion. I graduated from Aquinas College with a BA in Sociology and a Minor in Education. I then went on to Madonna University where I earned my Teaching Certificate. I started my career in Elementary education but quickly fell in love with preschool when I was asked to take over as a long-term sub for my daughter's preschool class. I have grown to love teaching this age more and more over the years!

This year my wonderful husband, Chris and I will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary! We have 3 beautiful children, CJ, Callie & Cole Tucker. CJ is a freshman at Michigan State University (I am still trying to process how fast the time has gone :), Callie is a junior at Seaholm High School and Cole is a 7th grader at Derby Middle School.

We love family movie nights, playing putt-putt, pizza Fridays, game nights and traveling to the beach! We also have a mini Goldendoodle named Skittles who is a huge part of our lives!

My passion for early education really comes from my love and commitment to laying the early foundations of learning. I am a nurturer and want to help each child grow, love to learn and want to come to school and to reach their full potential. We all learn and process in different ways but the key is, we all can learn! At this age, my goal is to help children become part of their classroom community, to learn to share, play cooperatively, work together to problem solve, learn manners, learn how to self advocate and most of all embrace who they are and have fun! Looking forward to an amazing school year at Ortiz EduCare!

Mrs. Gappy, Assistant Teacher

Hello, Hello, my name is Sheila Gappy and I am thrilled and honored to be joining the Ortiz EduCare family! I am a recently retired educator of 30+ years.  I am a certified elementary K-8 teacher who taught preschool - 8th grade.  I graduated from Eastern Michigan University with my BS in elementary education, English, and science, and received my Masters in Teaching and Curriculum degree from Michigan State University.  I spent 30 years teaching English, Literature, and Science to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders in the Farmington Public School system.  Reading and science are my passions and I have led many reading and science initiatives throughout my career, including the outdoor environmental education program for Farmington Public Schools.

I am married to my awesome husband Hans, and have three equally awesome adult children!  We live in Royal Oak, where our children attended Shrine Catholic Schools from elementary school through high school graduation. Ian is 25 and a graduate of MSU. He lives and works in the area of finance, and will marry the love of his life this November! Noah is 22 and starting his senior year at Western Michigan University, studying Digital Marketing. Ava is 20 and beginning her Junior year at Loyola University Chicago, in their nursing program. And we are all mad, crazy in love with our sweet girl, a Bulldoggle pup, named Harley!

I can’t tell you what a gift it is for me to be able to spend time with these precious and curious little learners.  Watching them grow, problem-solve, and experience the world is a privilege I am grateful for each day.

Mrs. Lang, Assistant Teacher

HI! I am DeeDee Lang and I am thrilled to be part of Ortiz EduCare’s wonderful community of educators, families and preschoolers! My love for children and my journey in education began at MSU where I received a BS in child development and a K-8 teaching certificate, with an endorsement in early childhood education. Following my time at MSU I taught first grade in Clarkston and earned my master’s degree in reading and language arts from Oakland University. I have taught in preschool, first and second grades.

In addition to my classroom experience with children, I also have personal experience as a mom to three fabulous daughters, Madelyn (24), Olivia (22) and Julia (19). My husband Alan and I were college sweethearts at MSU and have been married now for 29 years. It seems like just yesterday our girls were in preschool, but amazingly and proudly we now have two recent college graduates and a sophomore at MSU! We are local to the community and the girls attended Birmingham schools, Harlan, Derby and Seaholm. While they were young, I chose to stay home and took some time off from teaching. I kept busy supporting them and volunteering in their schools and activities, but as they began to grow and pave their own paths, I missed the classroom and the little ones. I am grateful to be back to teaching and for the past 9 years I have found the perfect fit working with preschoolers.

I call preschool, “My happy place”. No matter the day, when I walk into school, I always find myself smiling just a little bigger. How can I not, when the days are filled with smiles and hugs mixed in with a little painting, dancing and of course a lot of learning. I look forward to being part of your child’s early educational journey and helping them to discover their happy place in school.

Mrs. Mercado, Spanish Teacher

¡Hola! I'm Vanessa Mercado, born and raised in Colombia. I'm thrilled to be part of the Ortiz EduCare family! I have a Business Administration degree and over 10 years of experience as a nanny. Currently, I'm caring for adventurous twins who've been attending Ortiz EduCare since they were little. I'm also a proud wife to my amazing husband Dave, and a mom to two wonderful children: Maya, who loves Ortiz EduCare, and baby Noah.

My family inspires me to share my love for Spanish. I want to create a fun and enriching environment where children can learn a new language and appreciate cultural diversity. I believe in fostering an inclusive space where every child feels valued and empowered.

Mrs. Chalem, Assistant Teacher

Hi!  My name is Mary Chalem. My husband Jeremy and I have three children, Nellie 25),  Mac(21), and Nicholas (16), and live in Beverly Hills.  All three have attended Birmingham Schools and we are an MSU family! I am originally from Minneapolis Minnesota and a graduate of the College of St. Catherine in St.Paul Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication.  I was in public relations and marketing before discovering my favorite role as a stay-at-home Mom. 

In my free time, I love to play golf,  swim, cook spend time with my family and friends, and walk my Wheaten Terrier,  Seamus!  

I am looking forward to being a part of the Ortiz  EduCare  team and helping your children learn to love learning!