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.
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.
Loren Greenawalt (a.k.a. Mister G)
Mister G has taught preschool music experience classes for 25 years. He has produced six CDs of original music for young children. Local families can hear Mister G play organ music before movies at Ann Arbor’s historic Michigan Theater. Besides writing, performing, and teaching children’s music in the Ann Arbor-Detroit area, Loren serves as music director for regional theater in LaGrange County, Indiana and as music director for the Wesley Foundation at the University of Michigan.
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.
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.
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.
