Consultants

DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM
Beth Melampy has worked in the early childhood community in Ann Arbor since 1984 and has been with Gretchen’s House since 2007. Beth has a Bachelor’s degree in Education with a minor in Psychology from the University of Michigan. Beth became a High/Scope certified trainer in the Spring of 2009. She has also been a Validator for the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s accreditation program. Beth is currently responsible for teacher training at Gretchen’s House. This includes an eight-week training that all new teachers go through called Starting Points, as well as a seven-week series that new head teachers go through. Beth often works in tandem with Loisann Arnold to plan and conduct trainings for classrooms which Loisann is supporting. Beth also has the opportunity to work with parents at Gretchen’s House when she conducts our annual series of parent education workshops. Beth is passionate about learning and feels lucky that she has a job that allows her to teach and learn something new everyday.

TEACHER SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Loisann Arnold has Bachelor’s, Master’s and Specialist degrees in Psychology, Clinical Psychology and School Psychology, respectively, from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI. She also completed the Infant Mental Health Post Master’s Certificate program through the School of Social Work at the University of Michigan. Loisann worked for nearly 20 years in non-profit community mental health organizations in the metro Detroit area, primarily with individuals with developmental disabilities as a psychologist and as an administrator.

Loisann has been with Gretchen’s House for six years as the head teacher in our WISD infant/toddler program. In 2005, Loisann assisted Gretchen’s House in establishing a non-profit corporation, Champions for Children. This organization has a goal of developing quality, inclusive preschool programs. Loisann and other Gretchen’s House staff are in the process of developing grant proposals to fund this effort. As Teacher Support Coordinator, LoisAnn is available to all centers to assist teachers with the children with challenging behaviors or developmental concerns. Loisann regularly observes in classrooms and assists teachers in creating individual action plans to meet children’s needs. She also meets with parents when needed.

MOVEMENT
Tammy Holley is our movement consultant. She visits the centers every other week to work on large-muscle strength and coordination with toddlers, preschoolers and kindergartners. Tammy’s knowledge of young children and physical development are a great complement to our program. She brings an assortment of props and equipment to each visit and plans activities to meet the needs of the specific groups at each center.

MUSIC
Wendy Gelsanliter is a children’s singer/songwriter, guitarist, and performer. With 20 years of experience in early education, she welcomes the opportunity to sing and play with the children at Gretchen’s House. Each class can be a mixture of finger plays, circle games, rhythm activities, movement, and the singing of original and traditional songs. Wendy moved here from New York City to be close to her family, and loves hanging out with her twelve-year-old daughter, Molly.

“Uncle Willie” Bill Cowan is uncle to two children at the Dhu Varren center. He was ‘discovered’ playing the guitar at his nephew’s birthday party. The children and parents enjoyed his music so much that they suggested he come to Gretchen’s House and play on a regular basis. He has written many songs and also plays old favorites. His music encourages the children to sing along and dance, and they participate in his musical storytelling while they help to keep the beat. In his spare time, Bill plays in a Rock-a-Billy band, Billy Mac and the Juke Joint Johnnies.

HEALTH
Dr. Steven Popper from Integrated Health Associates is our consulting pediatrician. He advises us on our policies and procedures relating to children’s health, including our general illness policy, the use of sunscreen and insect repellent and other topics as they arise.

Dr. Andrew Singer is a pediatric allergist consults with us on our food allergy policies.

SPANISH LANGUAGE
Luz Figueroa, a GH teacher since 2001, provides our Preschool, Kindergarten, and School age classrooms with activities and experiences that incorporate Spanish language and culture. Luz is a gifted storyteller who brings a wonderful sense of animation, drama and enthusiasm to the classroom. As a native Spanish speaker, Luz’s curriculum includes books, songs, stories, games, movement activities, art, and cooking. We understand the benefit of introducing young children to different languages, and are so pleased to have the opportunity to regularly share the Spanish language in a meaningful way with the children in our programs.