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. |  |
| 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.” |  |
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Building Resource Teacher Genesis Candelario. “Hello! I am a recent Public Health graduate that moved to Ann Arbor from New York City this summer. I am currently attending the University of Michigan as a Master’s student in Global Health Epidemiology! Before I graduated this spring, I completed an internship with the University of Rochester assisting with high school students to get a head start in their healthcare careers. We provided resources on healthcare trainings, presented on various important health issues that greatly affected the Rochester area, and helped with science fair preparation! I am looking forward to my next journey with Gretchen’s House and continuing my passion of working with youth! “
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| Volunteer Cherrylyn Mahipos. “Hello! The GH teachers and kids call me “Cherryl”. I graduated from San Francisco Javier College in the Philippines with a degree in Elementary Education and a major in General Education. I have 7 years of teaching experience. I used to teach kindergarten and school age children from 1st-4th grade. I also worked for the American University Alumni Language Center in Thailand teaching ESL. Aside from teaching I love to travel and learn different cultures and languages. I also go running and hiking and enjoy art and books. I love kids and I think teaching and learning with them at the same time, is the best way to spend my day. |  |
Infant/Toddler – Lilac Lane, Rose Ridge & Buttercup Boulevard
| Lead Teacher Misty Wesney began teaching at Gretchen’s House in September, 2003. Misty has an Associate’s degree in Science from Monroe County Community College. She has been working in the early childhood field for twelve years. In her spare time, Misty enjoys hanging out with her daughter Elise, painting and camping. |  |
| 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.” | |
| 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 Julia Lovejoy. “Hi, my name is Julia and I’ve been working in the Child Care field for almost ten years! I first started as a swim instructor at the YMCA for all ages, but I learned that I really enjoyed working with children and helping them gain experience and confidence in the water. I also worked as a nanny for a couple years and as an assistant preschool teacher for three years. I am very excited to be working with Gretchen’s House, as well as finishing my education in the Early Childhood Education field!” |  |
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Afternoon teacher Chona Vincent. “Hi! 🙂 I am Chona Vincent. I came from the Philippines where I worked as a second grade public school teacher for 20 years. I was employed at Gretchen’s House WISD for 2 1/2 years and feel very blessed to be a part of the Stadium team at present. My hobbies include reading, playing guitar and going on hikes with my husband.” |
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| 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. |  |
| Teacher Mingmin Zhu | |
| 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. |  |
| 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 Lindblom 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! |  |
| Teacher Ileana Macias De Ramos. “Hello, My name is Ileana and I started at Gretchen’s House in January 2019, working at the Chelsea location. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Education in Spanish Language and Literature from Escuela Normal Superior de Yucatán, Mexico obtained in 2002 and over 18 years of experience in a variety of contexts and countries, 8 of which being within Early Childhood Education. In my spare time I enjoy reading, sewing, gardening and being with my two kids and husband.” |  |
| 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. |  |
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Teacher Hannah Lozovoj. “Hello families! I would love to introduce myself, my name is Hannah Lozovoj. I started as a sub at Gretchen’s house in November 2020. I’ve previously worked in the future educators program and Sunday school. I enjoy working on crafts, baking and gathering with friends and family. I am 20 years old and I just moved to Ann Arbor from Macomb, MI. Thank you for reading a bit more about me and I look forward to getting to know more about all of your families too.
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