Meet Our Team
ACCD is very proud of its experienced and dedicated teachers and staff, led by our Program Director, Megan. Program DirectorAdditional Staff
Megan
Program Director
Credentials | Megan has a B.S. degree from Grand Valley State University in Applied Health Sciences, with concentration in Speech-Language Pathology. She also holds Certification in Applied Behavioral Analysis. She worked for three years with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Megan has worked as a Foster Care Case Manager and Visitation Coach. Most recently she taught first grade at a charter school.
Bio | Megan enjoys working with young children to help them learn new skills and develop emotionally and socially. She likes helping children through tough times so that they can use their new skills to become their own person.
When not working Megan enjoys spending time with her family. She likes being out-of-doors, taking walks, etc. and reading. Megan’s family includes her husband, school age son, preschool daughter, and baby on the way!
Dawn
Lead Teacher
Credentials | Dawn has been with ACCD since December 2016, having started as an Assistant Teacher then, after earning her Child Development Associate certification, became a teacher and later a Lead Teacher.
Bio | Dawn loves seeing “when the light comes on” while caring for young children. When not at ACCD she likes spending time with family.
Janel
Credentials | Janel joined the ACCD staff in September 2022. She is currently working toward a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Special Education.
Bio | Seeing children develop and learn is one reason why Janel enjoys working with young children. Another is because she learns from them! When not working Janel likes to spend quality time with her two children, ages one and four. She also enjoys music and praise dance.
Karen
Credentials | Karen started with ACCD in October 2020. She previously volunteered in a church child care center.
Bio | Karen loves seeing how happy and excited young children are when they figure things out or, just in general, how happy and excited they are about anything! When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her own preschooler and infant.
Stephen
Credentials | Stephen is a Senior at Northview High School. He is a member of the National Honor Society.
Bio | When not in school or working Stephen likes to read, participate in the Science Olympiad, and play video games.
Angela
Credentials | Angela graduated from a high school in California and has taken classes at Grand Rapids Community College.
Bio | Angela likes working at ACCD because of the children and other staff. When not at ACCD she likes gardening, hiking, and studying wildlife.
Elise
Lead Teacher
Credentials | Associate’s Degree: Child Development and Paraprofessional .
Bio | Elise always wanted to be a teacher, even as a young child. She likes to get to know children on their own level. She enjoys children for their positivity, creativity, and joy. When she’s not working Elise likes to read and play with her two cats and dog. She says she spends a lot of time at the park with her dog! She also enjoys camping.
Beth
Credentials | Beth attended Michigan State University then transferred to Grand Valley University to finish her degree in Business/Human Resources. She has several years’ experience through babysitting and learning the child care business from her mother!
Bio | According to Beth, she loves working with children because it is rewarding: “Being able to connect with kids is amazing!” In her spare time she likes to hang out with family and friends.
McKenna
Credentials | McKenna graduated from Northview High School and now attends Ferris State University, majoring in Criminal Justice. She also has a keen interest in becoming an American Sign Language interpreter.
Bio | McKenna loves working with little kids because they make everyone have smiles on their faces, even if someone is having a hard day. She likes to make sure every day is fun. When she is not working, McKenna likes to take a child she babysits for (bus man’s holiday!) fishing. She also likes to lounge by the pool, spend time with her family, and run and play with her dogs.
Leah G.
Credentials | Leah is a recent graduate of Northview High School. She now attends Grand Rapids Community College. She has experience teaching children the discipline of martial arts.
Bio | Leah says, “I love to work with kids because they are some of the funniest people ever. They make working enjoyable!” In her free time Leah can be found working out with friends or painting.
Leah B.
Lead Teacher
Credentials | Leah holds an Associate in Early Childhood Education degree and has ten years’ experience in child care, two as Lead Teacher.
Bio | Leah loves working with children, watching them grow, learn, and have fun. When not working, Leah likes to spend time with her husband and their pets, a German Shepherd and two cats. She likes walking and hiking and doing arts and crafts.
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.
Hailey
Credentials | Hailey is a student at Northview High School.
Bio | Children’s unconditional love and brutal honesty (!) are reasons Hailey likes working with kids. She enjoys knitting and reading in her spare time.
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.
Macy
Credentials | Macy is a student at Grand Rapids Community College majoring in Early Elementary Education. She graduated from Lowell High School.
Bio | Macy likes working with young children to observe how each grows in their own way and to be part of that growth process. She likes to have fun with the kids! When not working or studying Macy enjoys camping with her family. She also plays on the GRCC Women’s Softball team.
Regan (“RJ”)
Lead Teacher
Credentials | Regan earned certification in Early Childhood Education from John A. Logan College in Illinois. She is currently working toward becoming certified as a Behavioral Technician.
Bio | “Treat children the way you want to be treated and the way you wish you would have been treated when you were a kid,” is Regan’s overarching philosophy for working with little children. She enjoys kids’ innocence. Regan finds working with young children to be very fulfilling.
When not working Regan loves being outside. She likes meditation, journaling, movies, music, video games, and horses!
Dustin
Credentials | Credential info upcoming. Check back soon!
Bio | Bio information coming soon!
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.
Destiny
Credentials | Destiny is a student at Grand Rapids Community College. She is working toward certification in Early Childhood Education.
Bio | The variety of children and experiences is one of the things Destiny likes about working with young children. Another is the fact that she can be herself around them and they are not on their phones all the time! When she’s not working or studying Destiny enjoys cooking and taste testing new foods. She also likes playing with her dog.
Katrina
ACCD Office Manager
Credentials | Katrina graduated from GVSU with a BS in Psychology. She’s been with ACCD since August 2013.
Bio | Katrina likes working with young children because “every day feels like a new adventure!” In her time away from work she enjoys traveling and off-roading.
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.
Jennifer
AUMC Office Manager/Treasurer
Credentials | Jen has been with ACCD since February 2005, before that she served as secretary on the Board of Directors for a number of years.
Bio | Jen says she is proud to be part of a program that puts so much heart into serving the community by educating and caring for young children. When not at work Jen enjoys family, reading, music, spending time at the family lake house, local theatre, and travel.
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