Meet The Team
Dayna Rodriguez
Dayna is the Administrator and Leader behind Raising Warriors, A program inspired by the vision of two moms who recognized the challenges and limitations of traditional education. Frustrated by the one-size-fits-all approach that often neglected students' individual needs and lacked a Christian perspective and essential life skills, they set out to create something different. Drawing on her business expertise, Dayna teamed up with Jillian to establish Raising Warriors, offering a distinctive educational alternative.
Jillian Mercure
Jillian serves as the Educational Director at Raising Warriors. With 10 years of experience in education and childcare she has a deep passion for integrating faith into learning and is dedicated to creating an environment where students can grow academically and spiritually. Recognizing the need for each child to feel capable and confident, she designed a curriculum that best suits the individual child. Jillian earned her Early Childhood Education Degree and is the Owner and Director of Baby Acres and Country Christian Early Learning Center. She is also a Certified Social/Emotional Specialist and leads a Girls Ministry Program at Oakland Church. She is a blessing and integral part of the Raising Warriors team.
Claire Kapral
Claire earned her degree in Secondary Education from Albion College, majoring in English with a minor in Physical Education and Health. During her time at Albion, she played both basketball and softball. Claire previously taught at Chippewa Valley High School and went on to earn her Master’s in Education Administration from Michigan State University in 2016. 2025 will mark her 12th year in education.
In 2016, Claire married a firefighter from Clinton Township, and together they have three children. Outside of teaching, Claire enjoys gardening, raising chickens, and capturing special moments through photography.
Brigette Rodriguez
Brigette is a veteran educator with 14 years of experience in a multi-age, faith-based environment. She is deeply passionate about supporting student growth and weaving faith into her instruction. Her greatest joy as a teacher lies in fostering reading skills in every child—an essential gift that opens doors to endless possibilities. Her unwavering dedication to both the academic and spiritual development of her students makes her an invaluable part of our team, and we are truly grateful for the positive impact she has on our community.
Catey North
Catey is a passionate teaching assistant and aspiring child psychologist with a commitment to supporting children's growth and development. Currently studying child psychology, she is deeply focused on understanding the emotional and cognitive needs of young learners. Catey’s love for working with children shines through in her daily interactions, as she strives to create a positive and encouraging environment where every child can thrive. Her ultimate goal is to blend her experience in education with her psychological studies to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children. When she’s not at work or studying, Catey enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Chelsea Lusk
Chelsea earned her Bachelor's degree in Spanish Education from Central Michigan University and later obtained a Master's degree from Saginaw Valley State University. She achieved an Advanced-Low rating on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Oral Proficiency Interview. Much of her knowledge of the Spanish language and Latin culture comes from time spent in Ecuador. After seven years of teaching at Chippewa Valley High School, Chelsea chose to stay home to care for her two daughters. Now, she is eager to return to teaching part-time. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and running.