Our Staff

DIRECTOR

Director Sara Guoan graduated from Central Michigan with a degree in Early Childhood Education in 2003 and started working at Gretchen’s House shortly thereafter. Sara worked as a lead teacher for nine years, giving her experience with children of all ages including infants, toddlers, preschoolers, young fives, and school aged children.  She also worked as Program Director for 2 years prior to taking on the role of Director at GH Stadium.  Sara is married to Mt. Pleasant Director and 2015 GH teacher of the year, Brad Guoan.  She and Brad live in Brighton and just welcomed a baby girl to their family.  In her spare time Sara enjoys doing anything outdoors; boating, camping, kayaking, bird watching, bike riding and spending time with her family and friends.

SUPPORT STAFF

Assistant Director and PM Infant Teacher, Heidi Hochrein earned her Elementary Education Degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.  She is a HighScope Certified teacher who has worked in the field of Early Childhood Education since 2001.  Heidi lives in Dexter with her husband, Kurt and daughter Veronica.  Heidi loves spending time with her family and friends.    Heidi is an avid reader and loves music.  Heidi also enjoys spending time in the yard, either working or playing.  She loves coffee and is always in search of that “perfect cup.”
Infant/Toddler – Lilac Lane, Rose Ridge & Buttercup Boulevard
Lead Teacher Kathryn Chinavare is a graduate of the University of Michigan-Dearborn where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. There, she worked in the lab school for nearly three years.  Kathryn also has 5 years of experience nannying and also coached the Ladywood High School varsity volleyball team to the state final four in 2016.
Teacher Hala Hilmi has a Child Development Associate Credential from Washtenaw Community College. She also has a degree in Accounting from Iraq. Hala had worked with infants and toddlers for 6 years before joining Gretchen’s House in March 2007. In her spare time, Hala enjoys being with her family and traveling.
Teacher Kaytlyn Bean spent 4 years in Florida in a Leadership program where she focused on working with children.  Kaytlyn is in the process of working towards her certification.  She loves to read and do puzzles as well as enjoying traveling and hanging out with her family.
Assistant Director and PM Infant Teacher, Heidi Hochrein earned her Elementary Education Degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.  She is a HighScope Certified teacher who has worked in the field of Early Childhood Education since 2001.  Heidi lives in Dexter with her husband, Kurt and daughter Veronica.  Heidi loves spending time with her family and friends.    Heidi is an avid reader and loves music.  Heidi also enjoys spending time in the yard, either working or playing.  She loves coffee and is always in search of that “perfect cup.”
Lead Teacher Amanda Shukwit graduated from Central Michigan University in August 2015.  She has prior experience caring for children in Montessori school, preschool, and after-school programs.  Amanda also enjoys helping care for the children of her friends and family.  Amanda’s spare time consists of shopping, watching movies and spending time outdoors with friends and family.  Amanda is also a sports fan and roots for Redwings hockey, U of M football, and of course, Detroit Tigers baseball!
Teacher Jordan Scavone received his Master’s Degree in May of 2016 from Eastern Michigan University in Children’s Literature and Theater for the Young.  In his free time he runs an audio drama production company where he writes, directs, produces and does voice-acting.  Jordan also enjoys writing children’s picture books.  His debut picture book “Might-E” released in October 2015!
Teacher Allison Tomecek studied at Washtenaw Community College as a human services major before becoming a nanny to 3 young girls.  In her spare time she enjoys outdoor activities and playing with her dogs.

Afternoon teacher Chona Vincent was a second grade teacher in the Philippines for 23 years. She graduated with the degree of Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. It is my passion to teach children. It is very rewarding for me to be a part of their development.

 
Lead Teacher Tabby Tyler earned her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Washtenaw Community College in 2016 and is planning on transferring her credits to Eastern Michigan University to complete her Bachelor’s Degree. Before Tabby joined Gretchen’s House in February of 2013 she had been teaching Infant/Toddler classes for Pittsfield Township as well as working with and teaching classes for School Aged Children. In her spare time, Tabby enjoys art and spending time with her family and friends.
I/T Teacher Carson Cekola graduated from Washtenaw Technical Middle College when she was 18 with both a GED and an Associate’s Degree in Secondary Education with Primary Ed. classes as well. She has been helping out in child care centers as well as babysitting for friends and family since middle school. She was a Girl Scout from Kindergarten until High School. In her spare time, she read graphic novels and snuggle with her one-eyed kitten, Tater.
 
Afternoon Teacher Joe Enos lives in  Saline, where he was raised.  He is a proud Saline High School Graduate and  is currently a student at Washtenaw Community College.  Joe has worked in Early Childhood for about 3 years and has helped out with the children’s ministry and small groups at his church since he was in the 8th grade.  Joe enjoys listening to music, spending time with his friends and family.  His favorite food is Mexican and his favorite candy is dots.

PRESCHOOL – TULIP TRAIL

Lead Preschool Teacher Kim Tiemann has an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Heartland Community College in Illinois and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University.  Kim comes to Gretchen’s House with 7 years of teaching experience.  She taught in a child care center in college, working with infants through school age.  Kim taught in a preschool classroom for 4 1/2 years before coming to GH.  In her spare time, Kim enjoys spending time with family, crafting, and watching/playing sports.
Teacher Jeremy Tyler attended Washtenaw Community College and is currently working to obtain his Elementary Education degree with an Early Childhood minor at Eastern Michigan University.  Jeremy has been working as a substitutes teacher at GH since July 2015.  In his spare time Jeremy enjoys hanging out with friends, watching movies and television, and analyzing them for the benefits of children.
Teacher Amy Brown graduated in April of 2019 with her bachelor’s degree in Children and Family Studies from Eastern Michigan University. Before coming to Gretchen’s House, Amy worked as a teacher in a toddler room in Ann Arbor, as well as gaining preschool experience through time spent at the EMU Children’s Institute. In her spare time, Amy loves to spend time with her husband and her cat, play trivia with her friends, and visit Cedar Point! Amy is very excited for the opportunity to help the children of Tulip Trail learn and grow!
Afternoon Teacher Nazrin Abdullah was born and raised in India.  She has a Bachelor’s of Engineering in Information Technology degree.  Nazrin has a five year old daughter and very much enjoys working with children   Nazrin says that she is excited to be a part of Gretchen’s House and to get to know your family.
 PRESCHOOL – DAISY DRIVE
Teacher Autumn Jervis graduated from Saline High School in 2012. She gained hands on experience working with children through taking 2 years of Early Child Care Education and participating in 2 years of Cadet Teaching, volunteering in K-3rd grade classrooms and a Special Needs classroom. Autumn worked at another local childcare center before joining Gretchen’s House in March 2014. She is currently pursuing a degree from WCC in Child Care Professional. In her spare time, Autumn enjoys camping, fishing, hiking, canoeing, and gardening, and spending time with her family and friends.
Teacher Rebekah Mayes is attending Eastern Michigan for her degree in Children and Families. She has 10 years experience with young children prior to joining Gretchen’s House in November 2019. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, reading, crafting and traveling.Rebekah is excited for the opportunity to help the children of Daisy Drive grow and learn new things.
Afternoon Teacher Ann Schafenacker