A Team of Educators Who Believe in Battle Creek
About Ascend Academy
Ascend Academy was built by educators who have spent decades in classrooms and communities just like Post Addition and who refused to walk away when students and families needed more.
Together, our founding team brings over 100 years of experience as teachers, principals, nonprofit leaders, curriculum designers, and community advocates. What unites them is a simple belief: every child in Battle Creek deserves to be seen, supported, and challenged to rise.
Our Heart and Legacy
Our founders and board members share a deep commitment to Battle Creek, bringing decades of proven results in turning around schools and launching successful community initiatives. They have carried this vision for more than eight years because they believe your child deserves a school that will never give up on them.
- Deep experience in teaching, leading schools, and designing curriculum
- Proven results in school turnaround and non-profit success
- Long-term commitment to Battle Creek & Post Addition
- A shared belief that every child can succeed when challenged
At Ascend Academy, your child will be surrounded by educators who see their potential, hold them to high expectations with warmth, and partner with you as the expert on your child. Together, we work every day to make school a place your child feels safe, loved, and proud to belong.
David D. Evens, M.Ed
Founder
David’s vision for Ascend Academy was born out of a deep love and a strong belief that every child deserves to feel safe, valued, encouraged, and challenged to reach their full potential. From the very beginning, David has worked tirelessly to help create a school community centered around opportunity, support, and meaningful relationships with students and families.
His experience and credentials include -
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M.Ed, Special Education, Emotional Impaired and Learning Disabled
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M.Ed, Educational Transformational Leadership
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B.S., K-12 Education
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CADC, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
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CPRC, Certified Life Recovery Coach
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Outreach Minister for Downtown Church aka Potter’s House
Timothy Reese
Founding Principal
A Battle Creek native with 30 years in education and 20 years as a building principal at elementary, middle, and high school levels, Tim brings rare start-up and turnaround expertise. He co-founded a nonprofit for youth involved in the justice system and led a school from worst-ranked to one of Michigan's top five most improved. He is purpose-driven and deeply rooted in this community.
Cheryl Peters
Board Member & Curriculum Leader
Cheryl spent over 25 years as a teacher and co-founded Generation E Institute. She has lived in Battle Creek for more than 50 years.
- Designing engaged curriculum
- Build trusting relationships
- Individualizing education
Meet Our Founders & Board
Experienced educators and community leaders with deep roots in Battle Creek
Amy Cosgrove Evens
Co-Founder
Amy Cosgrove-Evens - Co-Founder
A passionate advocate for children, families, and the Battle Creek community.
Amy has proudly called Battle Creek home for more than 35 years. Throughout her career, she has dedicated her life to serving youth and families, first working within the juvenile justice system and later spending 30 years serving students and families in public education before retiring from the school system.
Today, Amy continues her work in advocacy, community development, and behavioral health as a Master Social Worker, helping individuals and families navigate challenges while encouraging growth, healing, and hope.
Barbara Russell
Board President
A lifelong Battle Creek resident with deep family roots in the community, Barbara brings 30+ years of youth leadership experience, including 20 years as Sunday School director leading 30+ volunteers. A homeschooling advocate with a fierce passion for family partnership, she has personally invested over $15,000 and 8 years of time into making Ascend Academy a reality.
Our Promise to Battle Creek
Ascend Academy exists because a group of educators, parents, and community leaders refused to accept that students in Post Addition and across Battle Creek should have anything less than an excellent, caring school in their own neighborhood.
We believe Battle Creek is worth betting on. When experienced, purpose-driven educators partner with families and the community, a school can can restore pride, strengthen neighborhoods, and change the trajectory of a generation.
We invite you to learn more, visit us, and see what’s possible when every child is truly seen.