Meet Our Team

Katrina

Assistant Center Director

Credentials | Katrina graduated from GVSU with a BS in psychology and is currently working toward a Master of Social Work degree. She started with ACCD in 2013; she has been with the Center the longest of any employee.

 

Bio | Katrina has experience in all aspects of ACCD. She started as a cook’s apprentice, then became an Assistant Teacher. Katrina eventually moved to the office as part-time Administrative Assistant while continuing her role as Teacher. Most recently Katrina served as the ACCD Office Manager. Over the years she also filled in, as needed, doing custodial work. Every Program Director Katrina worked with considered her their “Right Hand Lady!” Katrina likes working with young children and at ACCD because “every day feels like a new adventure, there is never a dull moment!”

Gabrielle (Gabby B.)

Lead Teacher

Credentials | Gabby is a newcomer to Michigan, having moved here from Indiana just this summer. In Indiana, she worked for two years as a Lead Teacher. Gabby graduated from Ball State University in 2022.

 

Bio | Seeing children use a new skill gives Gabby joy and is one of the reasons she enjoys working with young children. When not working Gabby loves to spend time with friends, cook, and tend to her plants.

Jazmine

Credentials | Jazmine graduated from Northview High School. She has
worked professionally in the child care field since 2020.

 

Bio | When asked what she liked about working with young children she replied, “I love everything, especially when they reach milestones. I love teaching them new things like songs, words, and moves.”
When not working Jazmine likes to spend time with family. They all get together on Sundays. Jazmine has a young son at home.

Hailey B.

Credentials | Hailey graduated from Northview High School and is now studying Music education at Grand Valley State University. Her minor is Psychology. She has taught local marching bands. Her main instrument is the flute.

 

Bio | Hailey likes to see and be part of young children discovering the world. She notes that young kids are imaginative and energetic. They are all about what is happening right in front of them, very different than the high school students she teaches who are so involved with social media.
In her spare time, Hailey enjoys playing her flute, reading, and photography. She also likes to run and spend time with family and friends.

Tobyn

Credentials | Tobyn graduated from Baker College with a degree in education. She subsequently earned an Early Childhood endorsement for her teaching certificate. She has many years teaching experience including Headstart and, most recently, Grand Rapids Early Discovery Center (associated with Aquinas College).

 

Bio | Tobyn loves how genuine children are. “Everything they do and say shows their curiosity and what they honestly think as they view their world and surroundings. When I work with children, I can find something to smile about every day.” Tobyn’s family is a busy one, with her husband, two young sons, and two dogs. They love baking together. If she has time to herself, she likes to watch TV and color.

Linda

Credentials | Linda is a former Special Education teacher.

 

Bio | Linda likes working with children because they are always doing something interesting! In her spare time, she likes to go tent camping with her cat, last year they were out 55 days (and nights). This year her new rescue dog will join the fun.

Maddy

Credentials | Maddy is a student at Northview High School.

 

Bio | Maddy shares that she loves working with kids because they are so fun and energetic. “They never fail to put a smile on my face.” When she’s not working she enjoys art, baking, and spending time with friends and family.

Madelyn (Maddie B.)

Credentials | Maddie graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy in 2022. She was on staff for the Interlochen Day Camp. Maddie is currently a student at Grand Rapids Community College majoring in Voice Performance.

 

Bio | When asked what she likes about working with young children she replied, “….there is never a dull moment with the little ones…they make each day unique.”
When not working Maddie likes to bake, sew, attend concerts, and go home to the family farm.

Kaitlynn (Katie)

Credentials | Katie graduated from Northview High School in 2006, obtained an Associates Degree at Grand Rapids Community College in 2009, and later completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts: Design and Technical Theatre with a Focus in Light Design from Western Michigan University. She plans to start working toward a Masters in Ealry Childhood Development in January.
Katie’s previous child care work experience includes working at two child care centers, and later as a nanny for nine years before moving out of state. She also was a Girl Scout Leader for 2.5 years.
As a child Katie attended ACCD in the early 90’s, then returned as a volunteer in the early 2000’s. Her first job in child development was at ACCD in 2009.

 

Bio | When asked what she likes about working with young children Katie said, “I adore young children’s genuine curiosity and those little moments when they finally accomplish something new!”
When not working, Katie enjoys being Mom to three elementary-age kids: Caleb and twins Cora and Keegan. She and her husband like to take their children to local farms, museums, and libraries. They also love family time at home watching movies or playing board games. (And caring for a bunny, 3 dogs, and 4 cats!)
An interesting factoid: Katie had an internship in NYC and worked on the set of the last season of Iron Chef America!

Kelly

Chef and Kitchen Coordinator

Credentials | Kelly has certification from ServSafe and has more than ten years’ experience as a cook.

 

Bio | Kelly has always liked working with children and seeing their smiles every day. When not working she likes to spend time with her family and go up north camping.